25 Seafari Project
 

Hey, all. I thought I would start my restoration thread and kick around some ideas.

First, I'm removing the add-ins that were installed at the helm and on the foward port side of the cockpit during the last restore. (Look at the pics I posted in the Photos forum and you'll know what I'm talking about) Then I'm going to take some measurements and figure out how I want to build it back.

There is a modification I'm thinking of that I want to run by the forum in general and the Seafari 25 owners in particular. I'm not sure I like the aft portion of the cockpit sides in relation to the gunwales. The rodholders are presently outboard of the cockpit sides and it looks like it will be a pain to grab a rod out of a rod holder or to crank the handle while the rod is in the holder. Also, the sloped cockpit side doesn't look particularly inviting if you're stepping off a dock onto the boat. As it's set up now, it looks like this:

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...9/IMG_2513.jpg

What I have in mind is cutting down the cockpit sides to a flat gunwale that runs roughly level back to the transom. This would be more like the transition to a flat gunwale behind the windshield in the Sceptre/Tsunami. I've doctored up the side and top view drawings from the specs section and this is roughly what I have in mind:

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...risketch-1.jpg

I'm interested in opinions, especially about possible unintended consequences. I've never had this boat in the water and I don't want to do something that's going to create a bigger problem than I'm solving.

Dave

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Looks good to me, I think the 25 was designed to be a runaround boat and not especially for fishing, thus the long side coamings. I like the drawing but don't know if there are any problems with the thought.

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Congrats on the rare find. I remember seeing that boat on Boat trader several years ago. Mine is still sitting covered with leaves. I agree the cockpit sides are a little on the unfriendly side for getting in and out of the boat however a boarding ladder/step can take care of that problem. Also you could get some SS rod holders that fit into the existing gunwale rod holders that would set the rod and reel out farther thus allowing you to crank on the reel when needed. If it were me I would not destroy the existing lines of the 25 seafari as they are such a rare boat. That said I don't think you would run into any structural problems with the mods you described.

strick

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

blue heron, i also have rod holders in the lower/outboard portion of the gunwales and they arent difficult to use as mine are angled away from the boat and not straight back, my straight back holders are on the higher portion... as for the sloped gunwhale i dont use that as a step for boarding as i step from the dock(floating dock) to the engine box then to the floor... if you where to remove the higher portion of the gunwhale to me it would seem to make the gunwhale very low and take away the feeling of security in the deep cockpit and you would have to figure out how to lower the transom to mold it back to the gunwhale (big pain in the arse) it just and worth modifying the origional lines... i feel a little better with the high gunwales with the little ones on the boat also

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

I've never considered boarding to be an issue in over 30 years of doing so. You can just make out the teak step on the outer gunwale in this pic.
[image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...Picture569.jpg[/image]
The idea is to step over the sloped gun and on to the top step of a boarding ladder although everyone seems to step on it anyway. When my Gramps was chartering the boat, people stepped on the top so much that it wore through the bolster material. Gramps and I recovered the bolsters when I was about 13 or 14. After that I always told people to step over. I will be getting some pics and dimentions of the factory boarding ladder in a few weeks and I think you will want to go that route.

My views on modifying the lines are the same as Stricks in regards to keeping it original. A few things that I see as potential problems off the top of my head are repositioning your bilge vents... The forward deck drains down both sides. Having not seen the boat since last fall, I don't quite remember how far back water runs before going overboard but you may be inviting water into the boat doing this mod. Also, I use my Seafari primarily for cruising, camping etc.. The camper top snaps in around the high gunwale and keeps the boat dry when its raining. If you wanted to have that option, I cant see how you would keep the water travelling along the gunwale from coming in the cockpit. These pics show what I'm talking about
[image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...Picture500.jpg[/image]
[image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...Picture493.jpg[/image]

I should have the boat in the water in a couple weeks so I will be working on the boarding ladder project as previously requested(sry its taken so long Gillie) so if there's anything you would like me to look into, let me know.

Brandon

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

seafari 25, are you scupper drains in the transom because i dont see them in the side like mine... if you look closely at the pic below my post, on the light blue stripe almost directly below my shore power connection you can just see the scupper hole that uses a recessed "bowl" in the floor to drain through

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Nuthinfancy,

Mine go out the sides as well, you can see them in my 3rd pic above if you look closely.

Looking at yours closely now...I'd be interested to see some pics of how yours looks from the inside and feedback on how it drains when your bow is up.

Brandon

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Hey guys,
Thanks for th insight on those scuppers. Never noticed that point on the 25. Just a curiosity, but do they (scuppers) drain to their opposite sides?

Blue Heron, regarding the reeling in place, I too, would leave the gunwales alone and use a left-handed retrieve on starboard :D or if not consider a an out-rodder with vertical and horizontal positions which would place your reel crank 5+ inches above any impedance. You can make 'em yourself for a 20 bucks of alum pipe or stainless tubing and 20 minutes of prep and welding.

Gunwales may be tall to protect against the potential rolling of a 25 deg. dead-rise at the transom. Rogue wave could make it wet inside if height was cut down, but hey, that's just a paranoid thought and I tend to I worry too much...Great find!

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

sorry no pics of inside... im in florida(school) and boat is in virginia... i honestly think the scuppers where put in the sides because the designer knew that the boat will roll quite a bit at rest... there are square recessed "bowls" in the floor that the brass thru hull, drain plug type sleeve taps into... in heavy seas i put the rubber T-handle type drain plugs in the scupper holes on the inside because when the boat rocks and rolls they flood the deck making it slick... there isnt usually any water in the floor when running because it rocks and rolls it way out before the bow gets up, but when i use the washdown i just direct the water into the scupper bowls... it is kind of odd to put scuppers midship...

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

It is interesting that your scuppers are midship. I would think that your floor would have to taper from transom towards the bowls whereas mine tapers slightly to the transom.

I was interested in how it drains with the bow up because of a situation I got into last summer. I had 6 adults in the boat, the plugs were in, we were cruising a narrow channel on an overcast day. I had the rear camper top off. Within seconds it seemed, we had a storm cloud over us which dropped about 5 gallons of rain on us in the time it took the 4 ladies to run to the cabin(seconds). Some of the water followed them and dropped into the stepdown. At the same time I was popping the bow up and told my buddy to pull the plugs. The rain continued the same for at least 5 minutes or so before we got through in zero visibility conditions. Upon pulling the plugs, the water took no time to drain and continued to do so for our entire voyage.

So I guess my question is, under those conditions, would yours drain?

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Thanks for the comments on the coaming mod. The consensus is obviously to leave them as is. I'm going to postpone that decision while I concentrate on the helm and windshield restoration.

I got the add-in removed from the helm last weekend and plan to do the port side this weekend. I made a mock up windshield frame and it didn't work out as well as I had hoped. I've realized I'm going to need measurements for an original windshield.
Dave

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

in a stormy situation the water will just drain in the bildge and pump out from there... that was one of ideas i was debating on when i redo the transom for the repower... sitting still they work great.

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Can any of you Seafari 25 owners help me with windshield dimensions? If you could give me dimensions A thru G on the following sketch, I would be indebted.
Thanks,
Dave

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...Windshield.jpg

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

I'll try and get you the measurements this weekend....

strick

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Geez Dave you're not wasting any time! Strick will definitely beat me to it. Post some pics of your progress.

Thanks for the feedback Nuthinfancy...didn't want to take over Daves thread but you certainly have an interesting setup.

Gillie I assume your question was answered...

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Thanks, strick.

And I'll post some pics this evening or tomorrow. I got the inserts removed and there wasn't much damage as a result of the install. Mostly screw holes that will have to be filled.

Dave

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

A = 108 3/4"
B = 33 1/2"
C = 86 7/8 "
D = 36 1/2"
E = 37 3/8"
F = 33 7/8"
G = 33 3/4"

The window is rather complex in its construction. The starboard front windshield is beveled so it locks into the port front windshield. I cant post pictures right now so maybe one of the other fellas could post some close ups of it's construction. The company that made the original seacraft windshields is still in business and they can duplicate it for you however be prepared to spend a good chunk of dough to get it made.

strick

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Thanks, strick, that was fast. I would like to talk to the company that made the original windshields and at least get a price. Do you have a company name and location?

My first choice would be to get a windshield made like the original, but if it's over $1,000, I'm going to look into making one myself. I would use a wood frame, probably cypress, and finish it with epoxy and clear awlgrip. I would glaze it with laminated safety glass. I want to have some brightwork on the boat, and a wood windshield frame would be a good fit, I think. I also need to rebuild the cabin door and frame, and was thinking of the same approach; epoxy and Awlgrip clear over cypress.

But that's still a ways down the road. Right now, I want to build a mockup windshield frame to get a sense of proportion. I want to set up the helm and passenger seat with a raised deck at a height where you are looking over the windshield when standing and through the windshield when sitting. Having the correct dimensions is a huge help, so thanks again, strick.
Dave

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

blue heron, when you get to the point to redo your cabin door keep us posted with pics of the process.... mine is tired of taking the beating of the seas and doesnt want to stay together anymore... i was thinking of something along the lines of wooden frame with smoke plexi. "window" and seacraft etched into the plexi or lexan... i also plan to get rid of my origional galley passanger seat (hard to find) if you or strick want it we can work something out...

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Good luck getting the cabin door frame off. I tried a few years ago when I took all the teak out to the shop to refinish. I had all the screws out of the cabin door frame but she wasn't coming out easily. I gave up because I thought I would do more damage than good.

Could be the Potters Putty on that :D

[image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...erb/ladder.jpg[/image]

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

I would guess that windshield quote will be over 3k.

Let us know.

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Terry is right your looking at about $3500 for a new windshield of that size. I have forgot the name of the company that makes them but if you do a search you may find it. There was someone that used them to make a windshield for their sceptre.



strick.

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

American Marine Products out of Florida, check out there website and give them a call. I bought all new rubber gaskets and components for a 23 Sceptre windshield. They are the original manufacturers of these windshields.

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

I did a little more this weekend. Finished removing the inserts and slapped together a mockup windshield frame based on strick's dimensions. The frame geometry looks much better than my first efforts. Thanks again, strick. Here are a couple pics after the work.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...9/IMG_2514.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...9/IMG_2519.jpg

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

great start... now its really starting to look like a 25 seafari with that huge windshield... just know that the entire front windshield doesnt open and there is a crossmember that is about 10-12 inches from the bottom of the front panals, and only the top portion opens... looking good though!

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Understood. I believe the fixed glazing in the bottom of the front panels keeps the frame from racking from side to side in a heavy sea. I intend to duplicate that whether I make one or have it made by someone else. At this point, I just want a feel for the overall size and geometry.
Dave

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Hey Dave (blue_heron)
Which project comes first the Bonefisher or the SeaCraft?
Whata toss-up... :eek:
Good luck with both.

See ya, Ken

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Mock-up looks real nice, BH. I think it will look outstanding in a golden cypress or even a rich mahogany. Look forward to seeing the results :cool:

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Well, I think the bonefisher will take more time, but less money, and the Seafari will take more money, but less time. So it depends on whether I have more time first, or more money. And hopefully I'll finish both before the wife runs out of patience. Frankly, I can't believe it's lasted this long.
Dave

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Still thinking about geometry and ergonomics as I plan the build back of the helm area. Can anyone tell me the height from the deck to the top of the seat cushion at the helm?

I'm also looking for pedestal type helm seats. Can anyone recommend a seat that's a good compromise between quality and price? I was looking at this one, but haven't seen one up close.

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...9/WiseSeat.jpg

Price is $229 each, and it includes the pedestal. Anyone have experience with Wise products?
Dave

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

both of my helm seats are mounted on boxes(see seafari25's pics on page 1) which makes for more storage and ability to have tackle drawers in the backside of the captians chair box... the captian seat box is exact same size as the passenger side galley seat box... and i just mounted the swivel and slider from pedestal seat, the boxes add alot more stability than the single leg ped. seat plus storage.... sorry dont have the specs...

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

My a$$ prefers Garelick seating. It's little bit more $ than Wise but more ergonomic. I tried Wise, B&M, and some Springfield stuff and kept going back to Garelick. I dumped my pedestal mounted roto-molded seats because I could never get comfortable in them, especially on humid days. I, too, made some boxes, and went to a folding style seat which I find infinitely more comfortable that the roto molded ones. They can also be used on pedestals

If you go with pedestals, I suggest that you get adjustable height stanchions. That way you can adjust them for sitting back or for leaning if you drive standing like I usually do looking for signs of fish.

My bases are at 18" putting my seat at 22". That works for me. I'm 5'10". Here's what I did for my little Seafari, there's a 100 qt cooler that will handle 35" fishes under port seat, and extra gas tanks or tackle under starboard, & two rod hollers on the top of each seat back for solo trolling or extra rod storage. nothing fancy but functional for my needs.

http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/i...tarch001-1.jpg

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

I'm thinking mine are roughly 3.5' or so. My captain pedestal is adjustable. You may be able to get an idea looking at my big pic on this post. Looks like about 5" from the top of the seat bottom to the top of the gunwale. Sorry, you're moving a little quicker than I can get measurements but I'm hoping to see the boat next weekend.

Windshield mock up looks good

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Dave:
Have you tried Shea's Glass in Gville. They may have the glass & aluminum sections for your windshield.

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

try this link http://www.rivermarinesupply.com/xca...ng_page_1.html ///I just purchased a pair from River Marine for my boat (springfield commodore series)....quality is ok..and they are comfortable...not high end but work for my application..then I cut pedistals down and mounted them on top of small storage boxes that I found on ebay. He shipped me two boxes minus all the openings and crap.and beefed up mounting area for pedistal application..was cheaper than making my own...but a little too small for your application!!!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Fiber...ssoriesQ5fGear
Get Gillie to make you some custom storage boxes..or send your dimensions...I still love his design!!!!!!
Your progress looks great.keep pics coming!!!
-FRED

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Thanks, guys, for the ideas on the seats. I haven't had time to digest it all, yet. I will be building a storage box under the seats on both sides, but haven't decided the overall height. The seats may sit right on top of the box, or on a pedestal.

Casey, thanks for suggesting Shea's Glass. I called down there Friday afternoon, but they don't have the aluminum extrusions for this application. Got a price on laminated glasss, though, $12.50/sf.

I siphoned about 40 gallons of old gas out of the tanks this week. It smells a tad like varnish, but it's not all gummed up and there was no water in the tanks. I plan on removing the tanks this afternoon for a thorough cleaning. Both tanks need new sending units.
Dave

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Well, I did the bilge rat thing today. I pulled the fuel tanks this afternoon, and found a small can of worms. The sole the fuel tanks sit on was squooshy and when you stepped on it, water bubbled up. Not good. So I tore it out and found it had been removed during the last redo and pourable foam was placed beneath. When they tabbed the sole back in place, they didn't do such a good job making it watertight. On the up side, this made it easier to remove. The tabbing came off pretty easily. I didn't grab the camera until I had the foam out, and was preparing to clean up the bilge. Here's the tank compartment before and after cleanup:

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...9/IMG_2523.jpg

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...9/IMG_2526.jpg

Here's the foam that came out:

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...9/IMG_2525.jpg

And the fuel tanks with the fresh water tank sitting on top:

http://i655.photobucket.com/albums/u...9/IMG_2527.jpg

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

I think that's how they were built at the factory. I experienced the same scenario when I removed my tanks....rotton to the max sole and foam floating around. It was a real mess. The only difference I see is your tanks were coated green? Both my tanks were corroded badly so the kids and I took them to the scrap yard and they got a few bucks to throw in their piggy bank :D

strick

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

those look like the origional tanks i had the same problem when i replaced mine... ended up rebuilding the entire tank bed and glassing in new tabs and bulkheads along with the stringers... mine was a PITA trying to do through the tank access hole.

Re: 25 Seafari Project
 

Time to get this post back in action :D
Here are some windshield pics Dave
[image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/CIMG2906.jpg[/image] [image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/CIMG2903.jpg[/image] [image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/CIMG2902.jpg[/image] [image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/CIMG2901.jpg[/image] [image]http://http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/CIMG2917.jpg[/image] [image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/CIMG2916.jpg[/image] [image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/CIMG2915.jpg[/image] [image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/CIMG2914.jpg[/image] [image]http://http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/CIMG2909.jpg[/image] [image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/CIMG2905.jpg[/image]