Thanks for all the responses,
Far as the motor outboard/bracket idea, I have spent some time thinking that one threw. I really would like to keep it an I/O for the obvious reasons but cost, ease of use, space gain, and the fact that I just don't like an I/O keeps me thinking of trying the bracket. I do have a 400 four bolt main standard bore block sitting around but it would cost me 10k to build it the way I would want it plus that is my motor for my 69 short bed Chevy. I also have thought about an 383 stroker EFI mercruiser with an bravo 3 but then again im looking over 10k easily. If I could find a donor boat for 5k or so with a newer MPI 350 or something like that before the bracket gets built I may still go this direction. I am considering this as an option:
http://eastnc.craigslist.org/bod/4556443191.html
Terry, - "They'd be happier with a Cat 3208 amidships with a surface drive"
I would love to do one with a set up like this and after seeing BigFluke's 25' in Hawaii with the surface drive it makes one cool looking set up that would work well but I don't even know what it would cost to do something this. Im sure it would be the cats Meow, but far out of budget.
http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/...ps5323dd0c.jpg
seafari25 & cdavisdb
I have been checking out post on your rigs and like the idea of a nice top to keep the bugs and sun out. The full tops are defiantly cool for camping and I will be studying more on how I want to put something together for sun shade. I have some wide range of ideas, from copying your tops to full pilot house top that will mess my CG up. I would like to go with some type of hard top but know the weight will kill me.
Flexpat,- "I know it's probably some sort of mortal offence to ask - but has anyone ever converted a 25 Seafari into a 25 Savage"
I have sketched up a hard top/pilot house idea that will be cool but the purest up here will slap us silly for modifying this rare bird too much from original...
http://i1291.photobucket.com/albums/...ps7ce52369.jpg
Bushwacker,
I will be defiantly going with the shortest set back possible to help with the GC & weight issues. I would like to go with some 2.5 merc twins or a single v-rod but don't know how much setback I can cut out while still being able to tilt the motors out of the water while clearing the hood. I hate to change the looks of the curved transom but thought about doing a small cut out/ well to clear the power head when tilted forward to help keep the motors inward while still keeping the added room in the rear plus the wall to keep the water out. On the coring, Coosa is what I am wanting to use but I am having a hard time finding it at a fair price. Shipping is killing me on it and some suppliers need me to get like 6-8 sheets to get a good price on it or to order at all.
GFS, "You are a sick Redneck of the highest order"
You could call me that but my old lady has used a bit of choice wording towards me a little differently for picking up another project, She is actually supportive believe it or not. Im not sure why but she is.
I will be printing coupons for the showing of the nautical history of SeaCraft hulls as soon as I can manage to get the grass mowed from under all the examples and get the ropes up around them. If the museum doesn't work out I may start a rental facility...
To all the others: Sit back, strap in, hold on and let the journey begin!