Another 23 Seacraft restore
 

Just picked up this 23 Seacraft.
Powder coated T Top
Transom already done and looks good
Stainless Marine bracket
Only thing I really need to do is take the floor out from the forward fishbox to the transom bulkhead. Will raise it about 3 inches. Debating going back with twins or single.
Console will just need some prep and paint. It's a really nice one too.
Will remove the bottom paint and prep the outside hull for probably ice blue
Even has a drop down t top rod holder system.
Got lucky and the gas tank is good to go. Looks like it was replaced at some time.

Stern pic

Why? This a 23' not a 20'. Your existing floor should drain perfectly unless your scuppers are screwed up. I can't tell by the pictures but move them to drain out the transom and maintain existing height of the floor. You won't like lower gunwales.

They currently run out the bottom and will run them out the stern.
We just like raising the floors on these Older Seacrafts.
I've had the ole wet feet from years ago.

Looking at the bottom paint "water line" there must have been some really heavy outboards on there. I have never had an issue with my 23'er and water on the floor. I'm with Up Chuck, that's a really big expense for not too much in return. However I guess if you hang two large four strokes on the bracket it may cause a problem. If it was my money I would look at a single 250 - 300hp, you will be very happy with the performance. Good luck.

It had twin 225 Merc EFI's.
Most likely going with a single.
The floor is coming out anyway and may just raise it a couple inches.
Not sure how it sat with the Mercs and some people really exaggerate the bottom paint lines.
We might even remove the bracket and install a Bobs 12" hydraulic Jackplate.
Will most likely move the tank forward some also.

I agree with don. That's a brutal static waterline. Swap out the stainless bracket for a hermco! Then your floor will need not be raised like chuck says.

Parrott.
Been thinking about a Bob plate set up on my 23. But you wont be able to tllt it much with only 12 inch set back. I doubt it would be out of the water. What if you ran aground at speed (with the engine down) and the outboard came up? Would it contact/do damage to the full transom and engine?

One of those new 300 Burps would do a lot to fix that squat and give you all the ponies you would ever use once you get past the last marker.

We put a 14" Bobs on the 19. It clears fine. Will have to check on the 23.

[QUOTE=parrott;231812]It had twin 225 Merc EFI's.
Most likely going with a single.QUOTE]

Throw that 200 sukie on the 23' off of the 19' hull and then get a lighter motor for the 19'.

225 Evinrude 42 MPH Handles Great light tank

[QUOTE=flyingfrizzle;232157]It will work.
It came off of a 23.

Hi Parrott, a single 200 on a 23, is not enough power especially with a heavy load. I run a Merc 225 on my 71 20' Seacraft with a 25" transom and it is perfect when I'm carrying a very heavy load. If you are going to run a single motor go with at least a 250hp but 300hp would be better. Good luck with whatever you decided on as a 23 will be my next project boat with a closed transom and twin 225hp or 250hp Merc Opti's.

Curious, what numbers you getting with that 225 Mercury. I just mounted one on my 74 - 20'. Worried about weight but most of mine is forward so not too worried. Also how low dose it sit in the back.

I think the sukie 200 would make due just fine on the 23' just not a speed demon. Jay, you sound like me- want to go fast.... twin 225's would fly on a 23'. Im building two "go fast" 200 2.5 mercurys for my next seacraft project. Target is 500hp+ for the pair after mods. They will be on bigger hull then a 23' tho

Ended up selling this 23 to a guy.
Brett will still be doing the restore.
Taking the 160 gallon tank to The Gore brothers in Wilmington to have it cut down to 110 gallons.
Will start on the tank bed and getting ready for putting the new floor back down.

Seacraft 71
 

Hi Flyingfrizzle, I rebuilt the deck and installed new stringers and bulkheads below deck. I also raised the transom to 25", moved the console back 17" and install a 90 gal. tank below deck. The boat is a little low in the transom but rides great at all speeds. The boat will top out in the low 60's with a full tank, 2 people, and all our fishing gear and coolers. I like the speed when needed but also like the torque that the 3 liter motors provide. I carry 900 to 1000 lbs. of saltwater once a month to do partial water changes in my reef tank so the bigger motor really helps in these situations. I think the 225 is the ideal motor for this boat, it just needs to be set up correctly. I looking for a new 225 Opti to install before this upcoming summer as my 225 is getting a little old.

I ran mine for the first time yesterday and fast is an understatement. I loved it, the torque is amazing! Mine is a little low but not much. My original deck still self bails. Mine has much more weight forward than the sf model tho. The older efi and carb 3 liters are still light compared to most motors. The new optis are light in comparison but still a good bit heavier than the later 90's 3 liters.

We got the whole interior cut out and cleaned up, ready to start tank bed and floor. Decided to Farrow blast the bottom paint. Bottom is in excellent condition. Fix a few small chips, sand and high build ready for finish prime.
Should be moving along faster now.

looks like you got it goin on...keep us updated with picts,nothin like a fully restored 23....I started mine from the keel up, working that way thru the decks,,got a lot done in the last week...good to see this stuff

Got the plywood cut and fit for the tank bed and floor.
Ended up raising the floor 2" per the new owner. He picked up a brand new 250 Suzuki fly by wire his week.
Finishing up some grinding on the interior to glass and fair the floor to the inner liner.