1979 23' rebuild here goes nothing!!!
 

This is my first ever Seacraft I am newbie to say the least. I have a pretty extensive background in boats and mechanics alike. Any and all info is greatly appreciated! I plan to close the transom in and bracket the boat with a 250 two stroke. Of course the transom has to be completely replaced and a few minor spots inside the boat due to rot, other than that it seems to be a pretty sound boat over all. The boat comes with a new T-top, and crows nest, newer 78gallon fuel tank. But like most I plan to replace most bolt on items, complete re-wire&rigging and repower with a yahmaha 250 two stroke.

Welcome aboard. Good luck with your restoration. Lots of knowledge on this site.

A few more pictures:D

Good luck and keep the pics coming! I have a 23 with Yam 2 stroke and Hermco bracket. I strongly suggest more fuel capacity. I fish out of Chas SC and an offshore trolling run is ~ 160 miles round trip total boat landing to boat landing. Last trip burned 74 gals. Using the 1/3 rule my 118 was perfect. Sunshine tanks in Fla build mine and I would use them again.

Yeah I definitely thought now would be the time to change the tank if I want more fuel which I'm pretty sure I do. I'm actually checking into building a tank with my buddy tomorrow. If I step up to a 100+ gallon tank what is the overall opinion on moving the tank and or console forward? Man I would love to be able to afford a hermco bracket those are deff the way to go. Fortunately for me I have all the resources to fab and build my own off of an Armstrong a buddy of mine owns. At least that is the plan for now.

good looking boat,the t- top fits it well. Great project,,and impressive ride,Sounds like you are a hands on guy,good luck and keep the pictures coming... More fuel,or second tank,gotta get over 100 gallons.

I have a 144 gallon (factory) tank and sometimes wouldn't mind having more capacity. I would suggest doing it in at least 2 tanks. That way you have the capacity, but don't always have to carry it. It also reduces the free surface effect if you want to run light.

I would definitely recommend more fuel, and more it forward if you can. If you cannot get the fuel forward, then consider moving console forward a little.

Moving console 6" forward moves a lot of weight (console, the two guys standing behind it, and also weight of leaning post/cooler)

that's a very nice t-top :)

Joel

Ditto on the two tanks. I have a 144 gal in mine and it sticks pretty far back (came that way when I bought it). The PO did a lot of grouper fishing in the middle grounds and needed the extra gas because he had an OMC carbed 200 hp V6 looper, which never saw a gallon of gas it did not like to eat!!! If I had to re-do it I would go with two 60 gal tanks or maybe even a 60 & 40 gallon if I had a four stroke or eTec.

Beautiful boat. What are your plans for that engine? I have been looking for a 30 inch shaft like that.

there's a great debate on the classic mako site regarding fuel tanks....it details the difference between a tank manufacturer building a tank and a custom fabrication shop building a tank..... the bottom line was that the marine tank fabricators have more experience with designing for proper fuel pickup and fuel shifting in the tank. Evidentally the tanks are made to minimize fuel moving from from to back and if not designed right when getting the boat on plane fuel will move to the rear and not be picked up by the fuel sending unit......good thread and certainly an eye opener for me......

As of now my plans are to add a second tank forward of the existing one. I am going to be selling the engine that's on it and going with a 25" motor with the bracket I purchased last week. The boat will be stripped this week then off to the fiberglass guys, one of my close friends father owns a large yacht manufacturing company and the guys there do side work and I was able to work a deal I couldn't pass up to have them close in the transom with core board, and a few other minor odd and end things inside cockpit area. They will be painting the boat from the water line up and complete inside.. I am extremely excited to get the ball rolling and hopes to have her in the water for mid july!!

Tank
 

100 gallon replacement tank 24 knot cruise with 225 evinrude ocean pro carb works for me in Indian River and De Bay

I had one of those 225 carbed Ocean Pros, with a 100 gallon tank you should see a cruising range of just over 101 miles!!! :)

YES - the very strong 225 carb'd motor - absolutely. A work horse of power.

And then when you find one............a used etec 250 HO will cut your fuel use in half at all but WOT.

Best of luck with it - should be a great rig.