[JAL]

I have a 23' sitting in the yard for future resto (unless I should be so lucky to find a 23' SC project hull for low bucks... unlikely).

SeaBirds were good boats during their time, built in Hialeah (sp) Florida. Mostly see 23' boats, but they built a 21 and a 27. I think they went out of business somewhere in the early 80's, same deal as a bunch of smaller builders because of the economy. Supposively OMC bought the 21 foot mold and made test boats for engine testing. There is a small site on the net for SeaBirds, and a someone had some neat "test boat" photos.

The 23 footer is a stringerless hull, relying on a balsa core and inner liner for strength. Deep V (24° deadrise), very wide bow flair. Some feel this was inivative for late 60's early 70's boats, mixed feelings on my part. I would only guess the 27 used the same construction process...

I believe all SeaBirds were I/O. If you see one hanging outboards, would have been a conversion at some point. I know mine had the OMC drive, but not sure of the engine make (long gone).