Newbie to CSC, Picked up a 1986 23
 

Hey all,

Im a new guy to the site, been a long time mako man, selling my 21 as I came across a 23 that I couldnt pass up. I have always loved all the SeaCrafts, I cant tell you how pumped I am to begin this project!

I figured Id start a project thread as she has some work to do. We thought it was a good buy, the hull is solid, the transom was doen professionally, the trailer is in very good shape. Not to mention a custom T-top, almost new console of a Sea Pro I think, all new Accon popt up lights, cleats, etc. So when we ran the numbers it worked out for us.
The boat does not look like it does in the pics below. It has been sanded and prepped for a re-paint. He also replaced the transom so I will be adding a bracket and new power. I am not certain what we are going with yet for power, either 2 150s or a single 250 OX or 300hp, not sure yet. If anyone sees a Armstorng, Hermco, DnD bracket for sale can you please let me know? We are thinking of going with a leaning post with the built in livewell (like the one in the Black Hull below)
He also has a brand new Taco rub rail with SS insert which I love. So we will probably attach the transom cap, then paint the sides and pin down the rub rail. From there we plan of getting the bracket and power. I am not sure this will all be done by Summer, we have a whaler we can get by with. Ill have her up here on Saturday and will take current pics, again you will see the newly glassed transom and the sides are totally sanded down.
For color I was thinking black with a gray boot stipe keeping the belly white. Look at the hull below I think it looks amazing! I am open for ideas, I love flag blue, sea foam, fighting lady yellow, etc, but something about black, idk? I love it.
Here is my hull that is in route to CT, cant wait to begin!

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...E79C7FBA33.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...E798E64D02.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...E794A507E4.jpg

I love the looks of the Black! You guys do some amazing work. I hope to have anything close to this!

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...E7C14F075B.jpg

I have a long way to go though to get any where near the look of that boat and countless other examples on this great site!

Dan Sully

1986 SeaCraft 23 Project
1992 Mako 211 For Sale
1982 Boston Whaler Katana

if you don't mind what did you pick that hull up for? i have one i am trying to sell and trying to get an idea what is fair for it? please pm me if you like. Very nice enjoy and welcome to the asylum!
thanks paul

If your picking up the boat in Fla. check Craigslist Fla. there are several outboard brackets for sale there,there is little in the northeast.

Good to know, thanks what am I looking at for a solid used bracket? Like $1000 or less it seems? Boat is in NC originally from FLA, but my parents will be in Florida from January to March, maybe they can pick one up down there the hull. I'm in CT so not too many around here.

Looks nice, how and where did you find it?

I have been on classicmako.com for 7 years actually bought my 1992 211 from the site 4 or 5 years back. A guy who is on this site posted it on CM last week and I grabbed it, I don't see it listed on CSC "for sale" for some reason, though I do see some items he sold ie the transom bracket and leaning post on here. Ironically I need both of those items now, figures as much :)

PM'd bro......

You gonna keep it at Marshview??

She will be right next to your cousin Bry!

Congratulations, nice looking boat!
I have an 1985 23cc. Enjoy it! I just had hermco build and install a twin bracket on mine. It is powered by a 250 ox-66 which is a great engine. You will not find used hermco brackets but what I can tell you is for the price I have never seen any bracket built as nice or solid as them. Save up the money and just bite the bullet if you want a bracket suite able as well as able to last the life of the hull! His website and pictures do not do them justice. They could possible be more solid then the hulls!!

Oh Great! Good to know and thanks for the nice words!l I have not heard a bad thing about Hermco so maybe that is the way to go, what is the difference between Hermco and say Armstrong?

Hey all the transom project is about to begin. We just need to finish off the tramson deck lid and rear hatches. Does anyone know where I can get those rear hatch covers? New or used and condition is not an issue as I can refinish. If not I'll make them.
One the transom is finished we are going to match with white of the deck and gunwales and spray that lid.
Then the big decision.....color, really want to go black but everyone is saying don't do it on a rehabbed boat as any imperfections wil stick out very bad. So idk????

Besides being all glass instead of aluminum, the bottom of the Hermco flotation tub (with most volume of any bracket) comes straight back instead of sloping up like the Armstrong. This makes it act like a big trim tab to help you climb on plane, in addition to providing more flotation. Plus you won't have to worry about peeling, bubbling paint and galvanic corrosion of the aluminum. As someone recently mentioned, why hang a big piece of aluminum on a perfectly good fiberglass boat?!

That is a great point! Interesting didn't think of that, thx

The black or dark blue really makes the lines come out, its not a show car and I doubt it will be picked over like one. If you don't do it now you will always wonder what it would look like, like they say follow your heart - just say'in

after you hit a couple docks it will have some anyway

Ditto here with same motor :)

Great product, Great service!

Agreed!!!!!!

Sounds like Hermco it is then! Thx guys

Jan 10 update
 

It's been slow going with the cold but got the new transom lid glassed in going to be finished by Tuesday all painted (well the inside white transom lid will be painted to blend)
Happy with the strength it added and overall look.
Next is paint and bracket that will be February. We have picked up a newer Merc 250 for her. A deal to good to pass locally.

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...31948B82F3.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...319901E4E5.jpg

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http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...31A196F92E.jpg

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Transom lid done
 

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...FC2661CF46.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...FC2B9B8702.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...FC309F2006.jpg

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Hi Dan, thought it would be better to respond here....

The sole level in my boat is higher (2" higher). My scuppers have flaps and they are very large. Only if I get everyone on the same side of the boat in a following sea will any water get into the cockpit. I have though about adding some "pods" of buoyancy on the outside/bottom of my bracket, but its really not a problem

I doubt you will have much problem.

sweet!

Cool, sounds good I think I'll be fine. I guess when I drop her in ill add like 600 l a to the back to see how we are looking. The boat had twin Merc 200s so I think I'll be ok with the waterline and current setup. Only using 2 stroke 250 Merc, with flotation bracket. I hope it fine.
An thx Rexgear!!! I haven't been this excited to put a boat together in my life!!!!

Pics of Console
 

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...2979D32073.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...297EA0AA06.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...298255AA82.jpg

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http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...299B4C7D63.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...29A0DCBE56.jpg

Sweet console for the hull. Sailfish did not quite get the SC hull correct but they nailed the console!!

Thanks bro I agree the console works very well with the SC IMO. I don't like getting away from stock but i admit, I love the look of it. Even the windshield.

Question on transom knees and brace
 

Hey y'all boat is coming back from paint this weekend then it's go time! The bracket is coming we have the 250 Merc, steering, Leaning Post, all Accon SS products, all new Lowrance Elite 7 and 4 series for her.
Now to some questions, are Transom knees a must when enclosing the transom as we have done?
I also see many people opt for that glass in PVC or what have you for a brace going across the transom for more support.
I have heard don't bother and you must on both these projects. My issue is I'm gonna have a heck of a time getting to the base of the stringers for the knees and the brace across. I may need to cut out an access area bigger than what is there, IDK? it's been so long since I've seen my 23 I can't remember what it looks like back there but I know those knees will be some work to get to.
If I do need to cut the floor to access that area I'd just add a Bomar style hatch or a big ole commercial grade aluminum dual handle hatch.
Let me know your thought
Oh and she is finally primed :)
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps5a9ec1b4.jpg
http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...psb8770d07.jpg

Thanks

looking good.. buying our 20 MA has gotten me excited about working on my Sceptre again... You build is looking Great !!!

Headway
 

Making some headway on the SC. Back from the paint shop. Bracket mounted, Merc hung on the bracket, running lights all tested and wires all in place, harness from the helm to the stern is in place, along with hydr.steering hoses and throttle/shift cables.

Hey all we are just about finished with the white Rubrail and SS insert. Oh man i forgot how many screws needed to be drilled out and put in!!!! OMG!!! Over 270 screws! Making the bend on the transom is a bit more work than we thought but almost there.
Have a few spots we need to finish off as we lost some drill bits and/or my arms along with my fathers and brothers are like elastic bands lol! In all I love the white RR with the SS insert, I loved it on my Mako 21 and love it on the SC 23!
Here some pics :)

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps1800add0.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...psf0dcd4f6.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps3c5e5fdc.jpg

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http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...pse0fa2457.jpg

Looks real sharp...I am holding off on bending my S/S rub rail, so can you give me any tips for the A** end bending :D Really anything will help the learning curve.

Thanks bro!! Yea I'm finishing up the transome this weekend ill PM you with some tips! Def need a heat gun and patience! The SS just sort of bends with some force. My concern right now is matching the curve of the transomr we kept, the vinyl was no problem, didnt even need heat. The corners were a bit of a pain to get flush but with the heat gun it folds right over. The SS just took some work. Ill report back when I try to match this bend with the SS today or tomorrow.

Looks great!
It is really coming out nice!
What are you doing with the transom? Just storage or did you configure it differently?
I would love to see some more pictures!

Hey all, been grinding away at this 23 every weekend, another week or 2 and she'll be wet! Finished up the bildges, gauges, engine rigging, all electronics, fuel lines, and more it was more than we thought but the end is near!
Here is some pics with the boot stripe and decal added.

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps105f4e5c.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps166d6de8.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...pse55c0023.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps952a87f8.jpg

nice looking 23 I just did the same restoration on a 72 20 I/0 center consol did you fill the transom or was it an original I/0 package

Thx bro! It was an outboard filled the transom.

Finally we got the 23 down to Clinton and got her to her home for the summer! We went out and got some good solid bass, the boat is amazing! The ride is everything everyone said and then some! Extremely please with the hull and how the project turned out!
Here some pics at the dock:

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps8b43c2d6.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps35c94a45.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps0d4289d6.jpg

Here's my Dad with a nice bass

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...psd32bc26d.jpg

Here's me with some of my stripes!

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...psebb8c86f.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...pse93608d2.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps8f36a86f.jpg

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Oh forgot pics of the leaning post we installed....

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...ps7d0c2b44.jpg

http://i582.photobucket.com/albums/s...pse23f06c6.jpg