I'm no expert but I really like this boat. Project point taken. That's why I asked of your location. Has a lot to do with Seafari availability. I've only seen 2 Seafaris and 4 total SeaCrafts for sale in CA over the last 3 years. I bought the first Seafari I saw.
People like them cause they're rugged, well-built and boast a unique hull design known as variable dead-rise, designed by one Carl Moesly in the 1960's for the sole purpose of racing stock motors across the gulf stream from Miami to the Bahamas at breakneck speed. Those designs were brought to the recreational boating world in the SeaCraft, and they are recognized the world over for their nice ride in all conditions and superior performance in difficult conditions. Hardcore and commercial fishermen choose them because they like to fish when and where the fish are, not necessarily when its sunny and 75 on a calm day in a cozy bay. Although that's fine, too. Read the brochures in the literature sections and visit
www.moeslyseacraft.com
I don't know much about Force motors but I've heard it said here that any motor properly cared for can be a good motor. I don't think you can compare it to any new motor. The tech is just so much more efficient now.
The anti-cavitation plate is the little wing-like ledges that jut out from the lower motor housing just above the propeller. The scuppers are two 1" tubes in the back corners of the deck that allow water to drain out the bottom of the boat as it moves.
The mallet is just to tap on the transom (the back of the boat) to note different sounds (resonance) that might indicate a soft spot - kind of like rapping on a wall to find a stud.
You can just float it for 20 mins and that will likely give you something to go on as far as water entry goes.
Good luck. Read the posts. Do searches on the forum relative to the Seafari. Lot's info available there. Oh yeah, I'm pretty sure someone on this site would argue that the '73 is the best vintage.
