25 Seafari...55mph
 

Down the highway....that is :D

Now that I have your attention, I have a few questions for my fellow 25 owners about trailers.

What is the gross vehicle weight of your trailer?
Have you weighed your boat and trailer?
Do you think that a 7000# gross trailer is adequate?

I purchased a 2007 Van Eyl trailer at auction this spring. I figured the 25 weighed about 6000# so I was looking for a trailer with a 7000# gross. There was a late 80's 25' aft cabin cruiser on the trailer when I bought it so I figured it would do but realized it would need some mods to the bunks. Well she snapped one of the 4x4 bunks right off the bat. The guys replaced the 4x4s with 6x6 and beefed up the brackets and it seems fine but I was sceptical about towing it to Nova Scotia if it may be over weight. I had it hauled on a flat bed to relieve some stress(from me and the trailer). I asked him to get a weight by taring off his truck and trailer but the 2 scales he went over didn't have readouts that he could see and he was waived through both times without knowing. For the short distance I have to tow it, it will be fine but I think I still have to do some mods as I believe the trailer is a little tonge heavy.

Here are some shots...please tell me what you think
[image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/IMG_0244.jpg[/image]
[image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/IMG_0241.jpg[/image]
Some of the flat bed
[image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/IMG_0283.jpg[/image]
[image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/IMG_0279.jpg[/image]
[image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/IMG_0275.jpg[/image]
[image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/IMG_0265.jpg[/image]
Does it seem tonge heavy in this shot? :D [image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/IMG_0295.jpg[/image]
I found this in the bilge...dont know what it is but it has been there a long time. Maybe its the original base for my table for two :D
[image]http://i446.photobucket.com/albums/q...b/IMG_0299.jpg[/image]

Thanks
Brandon

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

i dont have a 25 but i will give you a quick answer
no a 7000 "gross" trailer won't be enought the trailer might be 1500 leaving you 5500 of boat
i have a 7500 gross for my 23 and it's rated for 5200 load

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

My Seafari and my old Seabird weigh very close to the same, hull only about 3000 lb. The Seafari can't be more than a few hundred lbs more than the Seabird, even fully loaded. I put the Seafari on my old aluminum Owens float-on trailer, 7000lb capacity, and it tows perfect, you hardly know its back there. No noticeable difference in the tires or how the two boats towed. I figure boat, trailer, fuel, ice, gear, etc is very close to 7000 lb. Fully loaded for a long trip might be a little bit more. Note: a steel trailer weighs a lot more and leaves less for the boat.

Connor

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

my 25 is about 52-5300 with every thing except fuel. figure 110 gal of fuel.. that is boat and trailer...

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

Owens aluminum float-on, dual axle, torsion bar suspension, manufacturer says 1500 lb.

With a steel trailer, 7000 lb is probably a little light for the boat.

Can you go to the maker of yours and find out a weight?

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

Wow some mixed thoughts here already...

Thanks gentlemen, for your replies.

Castalot
My appologies...I should have included the rest of my fellow members as well, as I welcome all opinions.
I had my trailer pegged at about 1000#. There's not much to it but I could be way off too if your trailer weighs 2300#. There was another 7000# trailer at the auction that I liked because it had forward bunks and an additional cross member but I figured I would be way over in weight, because of the extra bunks.

Connor
I did the math in my head starting with the dry weight in the specs but also added 500# for any moisture that wood and foam may have absorbed over time. Added the engine and drive weight. I removed everything from the boat, for the trip..anchors, batteries, line, tools, etc and the tank has about 20-25 gals in it, so I didnt really add too much extra for gear. I came to the conclusion of around 5500# but think the boat is heavier...Maybe I have some of those pig weights in mine :D :D (No disrespect Ken, I welcome the pig weights. The more in the bow of this boat, the better).

Nuthinfancy
Yours weighs about what I figured... maybe a little less. I like to hear that but I wonder how much of a difference a new transom makes or stringers and whatever other restoration you did. Nothing has been done to ours. It has some foam in it, at the bow, under the forward berth hatch, and some between the transom and liner. It seems pretty dry to me but who knows whats under... Sorry to hear that you are selling yours..there will be a day(at least one), where you will miss her when she's gone.

Thanks again fellas
Brandon

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

Hey Brandon,
That boat of yours looks as nice out of the water as in - well almost... :D

Who did your tow and can you pm their number to me? I need a rig pulled cross country and not sure the trailer is up to it. That flatbed looks perfect for the task...

Thanks,
Gillie

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

If I'm reading it correctly, their website says..
boat weight- 5600#
Gvw-7000#
They don't show the weight of the trailer but I guess they're saying it's 1400#

I suspect I'm a little heavy with all the gear and a lot heavy with a full tank...

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

Gillie

Absolutely! coming right up.

Brandon

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

No problem Brandon, ;) point well taken. :D
I found those pesky pig weights in the bow of the 27 Seamaster! :eek: :rolleyes:...
I'm going to hold on to them until the boat is done
(By the year 2020 at the rate I'm going [img]/forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img].)
just in case.
The original 2 tanks in the 27 held a total of 115 gallons.
My plans are to carry 200 gallons of fuel and 50 gallons of
water which will change the center of gravity.

See ya, Ken

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

When you put your trailer in the water(without the boat), does it float?

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

Ken I can hardly wait to see what transpires over at area 442...I should still be kicking around in 2020 :D

Connor, good question..I haven't had it in the water yet. The boat was put on with a forklift. It might float with those 6x6 :D

Brandon

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

The trailer does look a little maxed out but you should be Ok as long as your not towing across the country. I dont know what my trailer is rated at as there are no numbers on the trailer. I do know that it was built specifically for the boat.

strick

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

I recently weighed my '73 23' CC on aluminum trailer. I calculated the missing 1/3 tank of fuel and got 6600#. Subtract the trailer weight ~ 1100#. Thats no fishing load.

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

Hey Brandon,
I checked the decal on my aluminum Magic Tilt trailer and it's illegible. Their current model for a 25' boat looks like mine and is rated for 8200lb. load capacity. I think 6500-7000lb. is in the ballpark for the boat.
Dave

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

Thanks guys

Strick
Your boat looks like it's farther back too. If I move mine back, I will have to get the welder out as the bow just barely sits on a forward roller now. I will only have to trailer to my neighbours(few miles) to launch so I think the trailer will do for that. If I ever have to send her to the shop for anything, I guess I'll have to clean her out and empty the tank.

Reelescape
That's valuable info. I was hoping my trailer was as light as yours but I'm probably a few hundred more. Man those cc's have some weight to them too eh? I didn't know they weighed that much...

Dave
Thanks for checking that. Are you saying 6500-7000 fully loaded(gear,fuel,water,etc)? I'm getting some really mixed answers here...

The frusterating part about this is I work on scales every day but can't get a weight on this boat.. They are railroad scales mind you but some of them are combination for weiging trucks as well. I'm gonna have to tow her to work one day :D

Thanks again
Brandon

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

The trailer for my 23cc was rated for 7500 gross (boat and trailer) and it was just right. Before I bought that trailer the boat sat on a 6500 gross rated trailer and that was a bit small. I have the 20sf sitting on that trailer now. I would think you want at least a 7500# trailer for the 25.

23 on 7500 trailer

http://www.casdvm.com/photos/internet%20shots/side.JPG

strick

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

I don't think I'd worry much about the trailer on short trips to the ramp. Brakes are much more of an issue.

My old Seabird came with a miserable Rolls floaton that was rated about 5500, way way undersized. The thing was so short that the boat would hit the truck if I turned too sharp. The previous owner had it for many years, no problems, but he almost never went more than a couple of miles to the ramp. I trailed it on long trips for almost two years before it started to come apart.

Connor

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

Hey, Brandon,
I was going by memory, but when I went back to my calculations for displacement, I had figured less. This is what I figured for mine:

Displacement Calculation
3000lb. Hull
1300lb. Power Plant
75lb Batteries
660lb Fuel
260lb Water
750lb Crew
100lb Cooler Contents
100lb Fishing Gear
100lb Other Gear

6345lb Calculated Displacement

So according to my miscalculations, you should be just under 6000 for only the boat and gear. If you weigh yours, let us know. I suspect the 3000lb dry weight was a guess at best, and it could go 500lbs. either way.
Dave

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

I agree w/ BH. The 25 Seafari should weigh around 5,500# (with I/O power) on the trailer fully loaded. Add 1200# for a trailer and your at 6700#. I would think a tandum axle trailer that had 3500# axles would work fine. If like extra security, get a tandum w/ 5000# axles or a triple axle trailer w/ 3x3500#. That would certainly do the trick.

My Sceptre, has a dry hull weight of 2800#, only 200# lighter than the 25 Seafari. I have a hard top & tower that weigh 300#. With a 225 O/B I weigh out at 4500#. Add 1100# for a trailer and I'm pulling 5,600# total. I tow with a Chevy Tahoe and a 7000# rated tandum trailer w/ brakes and feel VERY comfortable towing long distances....no problem.

On the other hand, I would NOT feel to comfortable pulling mine or your boat with a Land Rover LR3. To small and not enough GVWR ...IMHO. The general rule is: "The tow vehicle should outweigh the boat and trailer being towed"

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

I'll have to get a brake controller for the rover and take her to a scale, maybe next summer. I'll definitely let you know if I do it.

From what I gather, my trailer is a little light if I want to tow it fully loaded but I'm glad I have the 1000 or so # of play by emptying her out. My longest trip will probably be to the scale :D

I really appreciate the input guys
Brandon

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

I'm affraid my old hull isn't very dry anymore :D

The rover is rated for pulling 7800#, 600# less than the Tahoe, but my reason for not wanting to tow that far with it is, she drinks high test like you wouldn't believe when towing something half the size :mad: I wont be going very fast, lets put it that way... :D

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

Brandon...still cant get enough pictures of your boat!!looking good!!

-Fred

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

Thanks Fred

Didn't get any water shots this year as she didn't get wet due to both, my lack of time for her and the fact that the boys took some time to set her up on the new trailer. I hope to dip her in the salt next year but have to do a few modifications first. I'd like to modify the intake (add a seacock and a garden hose fitting just forward of the cock) so I can flush it while in the water at my dock. also, my sink sucks from the lake. I have to add a fresh water tank and maybe use the old intake for a salt water washdown.

So many things to do, so little time

I hope the fellow you sold the Seafari to, is taking good care of her. I loved that boat. I think it looked sharp with the black bottom paint and was thinking of doing the same to mine.

Good luck with your future Seacraft projects
Brandon

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

what do you have for power do you get 55 on gps looking at a 25 seafari w/ twins george tu

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

Look at his original post...it's a joke.

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

I haven't seen any performance numbers on a 25 Seafari with twins, but the singles seem to be running low to mid 40s (mph) WOT with 260HP to 285HP 350ci/5.7l GM block I/Os. Cruise is low to mid 30s.

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

Now really, 55 is nothin. Mine has a hard time staying off 70 mph. . . . .. The truck and the seafari both have 5.7s in them. Its the same thing, isn't it?

Jokes aside, I'll bet a single big block in a 25 would top out very close to 55 mph.

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

Actually it was about 110 kilometers per hour...a little more than 55 :D

George, As Blue Heron said, there's no info for twins but you can check out Connors(cdavis) thread, "seafari 25 performance". He has posted some great performance info there on his single 5.7. Good luck with your potential purchase

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

I contacted the owner of a 25 Seafari for sale in the Jax area this past spring. He claimed a top speed of 39-40 mph with twin 140 hp Mercruisers, and a cruise of 23-25 mph at about 2 mpg, or 30 mph at 1.8 mpg, and holding plane at 16 mph with trim tabs down.
He was asking $3750 for the boat, but I couldn't swing it.

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

fr frank was that boat in ala just had one delivered to me 25 seafari with 140 merks color blue needs a lot of work will post pic maybe this weekend tu george

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

seafari25 how do you like your 25 tu george ps will be looking for info!!

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

George,

My opinion might be biased as a lot of the regard I have for our 25 is sentimental. It just also happens to be the best riding 25 footer on the water, which is bonus. You see, my grandfather purchased her new in 76, when I was about 1 year old. When I was 6, my gramps sat me in the captain chair, and taught me how to run her. I remember docking her in our slip dock in windy conditions and he would grab the throttle, before I hit the dock, throw her in reverse and make me do it again, and again, until I got it right. By the time I was 11, I was running her on my own. That's when I learned that when she shows 1/4 on the gas gauge...she's empty :D. I spent quite a few summers on her since then and have been actually keeping up the maintainance on her, for my gramps, for the last 15 or so years now. I lost a few girlfriends over her because "you love that boat more than me"...well...yAaa :D. Needless to say, I will be buried in this boat.

All the sentimental stuff aside, I've been out in some heavy conditions in Georgian Bay(lake Huron) and have always felt absolutely comfortable, with both, the ride and the fact that I would make it to my destination. She has never let me down. She still has original 327 Chev coupled to a big old Mercruiser(I believe it's a 2 drive or II drive 288hp. Never had anything done to it except change gear oil so my info is limited). She cruises at about 17mph at 2900rpm and tops at 32mph at 4200rpm. She's a tank, not very fast but a lot of power(torque)with that huge prop. I once pulled a 14000lb houseboat off the beach with her. The houseboat started to move before I reached 3000rpm. I also do a lot of camping on her and she is really comfortable for 2. I have absolutely nothing derogatory to say about the 25 Seafari.

You have got yourself a great boat there...no worries

Perhaps for a comparison to other 25' boats, I think cdavis has made some remarks about that as he had another 25' boat before his Seafari. In my mind, there is no comparison, but again I'm biased.

Brandon

Re: 25 Seafari...55mph
 

No, George. The one I looked into was in the water on the St. John's River near Fleming Island.

Old thread, but some new information. With my Owens 7000 lb bunk trailer and a 24 Seabird, I had no trailer problems and only a few tire problems in 10 years. After I switched to a 25 Seafari, same trailer, I started having tire problems, a lot. The Seafari is only a little heavier than the Seabird, but holds more gear and gas. Tire rating was above the trailer rating, so I figured to be ok. Apparently not so. I did some research and discovered that you should reduce the tire capacity rating by 10 percent for twin axles and 10 percent more for 65 mph. Put all that together and I was way under size on the tires. Went to 10,000 lb rated bias ply tires and have had no problems since.

25 seafari
 

thanks for info boat not done yet no time george

I just hauled a 25 foot Seafari 175 miles. I have an older F250 2WD turbo diesel with probably 700lbs in the bed to counterweight the heavy diesel on a long bed extra cab truck. It has 215 HP and 3.53 rear axle ratio and the E4OD trans. I wish it was a '99 with wastegated turbo and 4R100(?) trans. I am thinking I might need 4.11 rear gears for the boat ramp- I definitely need a limited slip. Truck is 8800lb GVWR, and it has a new 10,000 lb receiver and hitch. I would recommend at least this much power and truck to haul any long distance.

The trailer is rated at 6200 pounds net, 7975 gross- a galvanized bunk trailer with non working surge brakes on the front axle. Wheels and tires are 205 wide, D load rated on 14" rims, 6 bolt. I noticed that the previous owner who hauled maybe a mile each way declined fixing a spring on the trailer. I noticed this in the receipts after I got home...

I hauled on roads that were barely above freezing at 60-65MPH. I think one broken spring overloaded the front axle/tires a bit as they were warmish (110-120F) when I pulled over. So they were 90F above ambient, and steaming with snowmelt. Rear tires and truck tires weren't 70F. Bearings were new and stone cold.

I definitely need brakes (thinking disc/ electromagnetic, if that is an option), and have to address the axle loading issue. I want to investigate better tires as well. I think towing this in August would have resulted in a tire failure.

Check the weight limit on the tires. D range is what you want, but what weight limit? If you pull the boat fast and a long way, total 10,000 lbs is a good idea. I had some C rated,1870 lb capacity (total 7480 lbs) that apparently were not enough for this boat.

Owens recommends stainless hydraulic disc brakes by Deemaxx. Given who they are, that should be good advice.

I looked at the tire placement on your boat relative to hull length. Looks to be within an inch or so of mine, maybe less, should be fine if you fix the spring issues.

The electromechanical brakes like they use on RV type trailers are not an option if you're gonna dunk the trailer!

Surge brakes work pretty well if you use silicone fluid (DOT 5) in them, since it doesn't absorb moisture and rust the brake cylinders like conventional DOT 3 or DOT 4 fluid. The only disadvantage with them is they'll come on when you coast going down hill, so could be a problem if you towed in the mountains, but that's not a problem in Florida! Also, if you run disk instead drum brakes, (and you want SS disk brakes on a trailer that will be dunked!) they'll also come on when you back up, so you need a valve between the actuator and brake line to shut them off so you can back up! I use a manual valve since I normally get out of truck anyway to drop the tailgate when backing up so I can see the trailer tires, but they also make solenoid valves that tie into your backup lights to shut off the brakes when you hit reverse. I have enough trouble just keeping the lights working without one more wire to worry about!

There is another more expensive option (about $2-3K more than surge brakes), electric OVER hydraulic brakes, which uses an electric motor to power the hydraulic system. One advantage is it can apply the brakes when you're backing down the ramp. It requires a trailer brake controller mounted in the truck, which feeds current to the actuator as a function of how hard you're applying the truck brakes. These actuators also have a way to apply the trailer brakes alone, which could help stabilize a trailer that started to fishtail. There is a real good article on them in the winter issue of the BoatUS Trailering magazine: http://www.boatus.com/trailerclub/ma...ulicBrakes.asp
Denny

These are all good thoughts. I just got my first trailer with brakes 2 years ago. The lockout is unreliable, but otherwise they are ok for a 20 footer on a trailer. Iuse SS safety wire to hold the reverse lockout in place.

I have a friend who likes the electromagnet brakes for use on boat trailers, as they are potted and have fewer moving parts, he says. He owned a trailer shop for a while, for whatever that is worth.

But looking at the Redneck Trailer website, I can't find electromagnet disc brakes, so I might be chasing unicorns...

Maybe I will just convert this to surge SS disc brakes an call it good. But I swear fixing a trailer costs 10x what buying one does. Hills aren't a real problem. We have them, but brakes on hills isn't a bad thing. It isn't an issue with the 20 footer.

I will have to change brake fluid. I have Castrol GT Low Moisture Absorbency now.