73 Seafari thoughts
 

Hi everyone, I'm in the process of looking for a first boat for myself and my girlfriend. I've been on boats since I was kid, fishing with my dad and Grandfather. They've all been center console outboards so an I/O is a little foreign to me. I found a 73 Seafari for sale that looks like its in decent shape for $1500. It has a Mercruiser motor and could use cushions and a headliner for the interior. I have yet to look at it but the seller says there are no soft spots and the outdrive has been gone through by a mechanic. What are your thoughts on this?

For $1500, if you do not take it I will...:cool:

That cabin will be more fun than you can imagine !

Hot but good in the 100% RH>rain

Oh by the way where is this 1500 treasure? If U don't want it I will likely.

Near or on the sea.

Ed

I have a '73 Seafari and I can tell you with certainty that is a fantastic boat.
Light enough to trailer anywhere, big enough to take on some nasty water,
roomy enough to fish, and that cabin is so dang useful.
Go for it. You'll be very happy.

I completely concur. Snap it up before it is gone.

I am going to pile on. If you are in the northeast (or northwest for that matter) the extra protection from the cuddy and full windshield in spring and fall can lengthen our limited seasons. The size is perfect for a couple to handle at the dock, on the water and for camping.

Thanks for the responses! I'm unable to look at it right now but I am very interested in it. I've been doing some reading on here and they sound like solid boats. I have a feeling I'll be spending a lot more time on here in the future.

Hey Dogbomb
 

Hey Tony- I think of you occasionally as well as the other day when I mentioned you getting your Seafari transported from east to west coast. Sure hope your health is holding steady for you and your family, plus getting to use your Seafari! Continued best wishes.

Nicely said Capt. Terry. Best wishes Brother.

Vezo, Part II

My folks bought a 77 seafari in 1978 from a neighbor... I grew up on it. It's in my hands now and this past weekend we had our madden voyage for the season. Great boat, great memories! Our kids love it too! My best friend growing up was in town and he got to tag along and pilot it for the first time since we were probably teenagers. He had nothing but good things to say; a nostalgic day for sure! Hoping to play hooky on Friday and camp on it with my GF on Fire Island. I love having the cabin for such adventures and keeping our stuff safe and dry... In fact, I'm racing the clock to refinish the teak door in time for the WE!

EDIT: sounds like a good deal. Here's one comp local to me FS:
https://longisland.craigslist.org/bo...607752571.html

Do you think that $3500 is reasonable for the Seafari on cL?

I would start at $2000....good luck.

I saw that listing last week and it was at $4K so it’s definitely negotiable.

Things to remember:

Very Very few people understand how versatile and generally excellent the Seafari is.

It looks a bit different from modern boats and will turn off the unknowledgeable.

Its a 45 year old boat and will probably need a fair amount of ongoing maintenance, no matter what the owner says (and he knows it)

there are certain to be unpleasant things neither you nor (maybe) the owner can see on the surface

Go low, but if the owner seems like a decent guy, not too low. Better to leave some on the table and make a friend.

SeaCraft Maintenance
 

Connor, as always your advice is sound. Yes, I would try to avoid a money pit. But I consider boat maintenance as some of the enjoyment of boat ownership. If there is something to wax, repair or improve, i prefer working on the boat to the car or home. Many of the CSC folks are pretty handy. One can learn but should be realistic of the skills, time and money required. My Seafari just turned 42- still love it!

Thanks for the good word. Love that you have had yours so long. I'll confess I'm not one of those benighted folks that think maintenance is part of the enjoyment. More power to'em and I'm glad to do what I gotta do for Bahama trips.

I think mine is 46, by far the best boat I've ever owned. Mostly original cosmeticly and not too shiny anymore, but mechanics are kept near perfect and depreciation is zero. Maintenance costs me way more than I would like, but worth every dime.

I took a look at the boat this past weekend. Since there were only a couple pictures online, I was able to get a better look at it. The trailer needs a good amount of work. It has old, small rollers that are essentially useless. The bow eye looks like it could be replaced and the motor needs cleaning up and to be put back together. The wires behind the gauges need to be cleaned up as well. I spoke with the owner and he was working on the wiring in the engine compartment (a mess) and said the mechanic was working on the motor. The biggest problem I found was on the keel. It was damaged somehow but I have no idea how extensive the damage is. It is about 6" long in just visually looking at it.

https://photos.app.goo.gl/RgW896WFTB4RvHrYA

I got a rough estimate from a fiberglass shop near me to fix the keel and bow eye for about $1500. What do you all think about the condition of the boat and the repair?

My impression of the photos is the hull does not appear to be in bad shape, with the exception of the blistering keel. However, that trailer would be my first priority to be replaced. Does your budget allow up to $3000, if you decided to go new, Aluminum, single or dual torsion axles? Nothing personal, just my impression. My brothers 18 is fine with a single axle, all three of my 20’s are on duals, but that’s also debatable.

Vezo

My 20' seafari has always been on a single axle trailer, since new. That being said, when the time comes I will replace it with a double axle trailer as it's getting old (1991) and It's now being trailered exclusively (as opposed to previously just winter storage, and only two seasonal trips to the ramps a mile away)... Now it sees weekly use and highway driving :eek: Second trailer has lasted longer than the first, so I feel I'm on borrowed time.