BLASPHEMY?
 

OK...been gone a while...haven't posted since we finished Noah's boat SEA++ SC20...

We are itching to build again...I've wanted a Donzi 16 or 18 Classic for a while but at the same time still have this love affair with SeaCrafts...so I been thinking...would it be blasphemy to take a scrap yard throw away Seafari and convert her to a fire breathing ski boat?

Heres what I've been thinking about...

Taking a 70's Seafari, preferably an inboard and gutting her and putting in a cockpit and for deck similar to this...
http://i1021.photobucket.com/albums/...5/DSC03186.jpg

While I'm at it install a fresh 350 stroker and a Bravo Drive...

Would it be sacrilegious? We have some really fun water here when I dont want to fish and lots of lakes nearby...

Discuss...

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

You mean like a Scamp on steriods? Call it a "Gramp?"

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

Heck no, I would even find one that was not in a bone yard.

In Street Rodding we use to say.
Anyone can restore...It takes a real man to chop one up ! ;)

Go for it and post a lot of pictures.

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

That would be TOO cool! :cool:

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

Isn't that what a seavette is/was?

Either way, do it.

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

Considering the Seafari because they are very inexpensive on the market...everyone wants a CC so they are higher priced...

I know the SEAVETTE was 23...really looking to build a 20...

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

All I really need is a 20 hull to start with...I can fabricate everything except the upholstery...I'll let a pro do that...

BTW anyone know of a donor hull?

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

BLASPHEMY? In a word, YES! I'm obviously a bit biased, but I've yet to find another 20' boat that combines the ride, efficient space utilization, comfortable bug-proof cabin, dry storage, clever hatch design and galley seat, opening windshield, and overall versatility of the Seafari! That big roomy cockpit is great for diving and offshore trolling. If all you want to do is fish, then yes, the cc may be a better choice, but it's nowhere near as versatile.

Sentimentally, I'd vote for modifying a CC, because Moesly and Potter only built the Seafari for about 10 years, and only about 2000 of them at that. Potter, SeaCraft Industries and Tracker built the CC's by the thousands up till just a few years ago. If you look hard enough, you can find a beat-up cc cheap. No Bones even got one for free in the last year or so!

A Sceptre 20 would be an easier conversion and it has a slightly bigger cockpit than the Seafari, although they are even more rare than the Seafari. The Seavette was based on the 23 Sceptre. I believe Potter created it by just adding another cap on top of the Sceptre cap, with a strip of teak trim covering up the joint. You could do the same thing with a Sceptre 20.

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

Oh boy... Hope Spidercrab don't see this pic - seems just last summer someone posted a Donzi just for educational purposes and Spidey let 'im have it:D :D...now you wanna cut up a SeaCraft to make a donzi look-alike...Katie, Bar the door!!! But hey, it's your time and money...

I wonder if the Beals kid in Maine might be persuaded to sell the Scampi he found on the side of the road. Probably a lot less work and money.

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

Scamp woulnt work...too small...need a hull big enough for 4-5 seated and handle a V8 IO...

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

I've often pondered the thought of my 18 cc as an 18' "Raceboat" conversion. 2.5 Offshore Merc powered :D

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

You've got my vote!!
I love a one-of-kind on everything. :cool:

If I see a cheap-o you will be the first to know!!

See ya, Ken

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

DOnzi Sweet 16 has a sick ride . . . has more of a V than the seacraft. 2.5L 200hp Merc (just a different cowling)

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/...905_Medium.jpg

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

go for it!!!!

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

I like it. I would keep the lines closer to a scaled down Seavette than a Donzi. Then you get a sweet ride while honoring the Seacraft heritage.
Dave

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

I was thinking the same thing...I dont want to "dis" the Seacraft...I want to make something Potter would have done...

If anyone sees a CC or any 20 thats availble in ANY CONDITION...let me know...All I really need is a HULL, OB or IO dont matter...

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

I found a 20' CC here in my home county about 6 months ago and it hasn't moved since then. I'll see if it's for sale and let you know. I think it's original. Hopefully it'll work out since it's so close!

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

Hey Denny, I think you are in the minority on this one... :D :D :D

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

Yea, I'm not surprised, just like the Seafari model itself is in the minority! However I have to believe it was one of Carl's favorite models, as he made a couple of long trips in one he bought long after he sold the company to Potter!

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

I was at the town dump last week and there was a pretty cool little glastron carlson there.
My mind started racing, but I had the willpower to drive away. :)

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

There's a 20' SF in Inglis Florida that hasn't moved an inch in over 10 years.

Re: BLASPHEMY?
 

Actually they used the liner of a sceptre and the top cap of a center console and added the insert.