[fdheld34]

I would rather go Seacraft ..seabird has balsa cored hull...don't think they utilize stringers just an inner liner of sorts..
I almost bought one last month (a 1978) and did some research but found my 23' Sceptre so went with the Sceptre instead.
I would stay away from the Seabird if it has the old omc outdrive due to weak link in trim tilt and scarcity of parts. Also the one I was looking at had a 289 which seemed to be underpowered to me.
Don't know how they compare to a Seacraft ride...never been on one but heard they are a great ride.
Also the 78 I was looking at had a flat cabin...high top cabins were in the earlier models (I like the high top look personally!). lot of folks like the older model early 70's seabirds because they are easily converted to center consoles...the top cuddy cap is just screwed/bolted on so they are somewhat easily removable to make the conversion...inner liner is the same all the way for the cuddy and center consoles.

-Fred