[Bushwacker]

The carbs on those motors are very simple and easy to overhaul. Just make sure you get a kit with ethanol-resistant floats, gaskets, etc. I'd pull the fuel tank (easy to do unless some idiot foamed in the tank) to check it for leaks and maybe replace all the fuel hoses with ethanol resistant type if that hasn't already been done.

I bought my '72 model in 1975 and it's still rock solid, although I have replaced the scupper tubes a couple of times. There is a plywood bulkhead forward of the head that has reportely had some of the tabbing come loose from the stringers on a boat that's been used hard, although mine is ok and it's seen some hard use. Bulkhead is visible thru the front hatch under the bunks, which also provides access to the thru-hulls for the head. One other potential problem area was the 4" dia. thru-transom inlet/outlet for the live well under stern seat, which tended to leak and soak the transom, but I think that was unique to the outboard models; don't think the I/O's had that feature. The condition of the outdrive would be my only other concern. A soft deck, particularly the fuel tank hatch cover is also a possibility, but that's easy to spot as well as fix. You might want to check the transom from inside around the cut-out for the outdrive for evidence of rot in that area. Might also check the bulkhead between cabin and cockpit for signs of rot at bottom; the sheetmetal screws in that area tend to loosen, so I changed mine to toggle bolts/machine screws with Loctite on them.

The Seafari 20 is the most versatile of all the SeaCraft models, is very well made, and makes a great family boat! The I/O version is very economical to run. Check out the Boating Magazine test of it in the literature section. Send me a PM with email address if you want electronic files of original factory brochures. Denny