Splash!
I couldn't have asked for a nicer to day to get the Seafari wet.
Decided to make the drive out to Lake Elsinore instead of the big Pacific,
because I figured the tow fees when I broke down would be cheaper...
I'm happy to report that no salvage operation was necessary, and we
enjoyed a perfect day on the glass smooth water.
A fuel injected 4 stroke is magic; touch the key and it starts.
Every time! Whisper quiet idle, no smoke, no shakes.
I'm so used to big carbed two strokes it felt like cheating.
We did 31 miles total and 4 1/2 hours on the water.
The fuel gauge hardly moved, and I'm guessing only a few liquid dinosaurs
gave their lives for my day of fun. I'll report on mileage next time I fill up.
The bilge stayed bone dry, and the scuppers didn't weep one drop.
I suspect she's under-propped. The hole shot is really strong, but
WOT only saw 5,200 RPMs at 41 mph on GPS.
The sweet spot for cruising seemed to be 4,100 RPMs, which yielded
29.5 mph. This was with me, two mutts, 1/2 a tank and minimal gear.
I don't know where the AV plate sat in the wake because I didn't trust
the dog to drive while I took a peek.
The hydraulic steering worked perfectly, my wiring didn't catch on fire
and the stereo sounded great. I really like the layout of this boat,
and I think she's a keeper. I couldn't get a feel for how she'll handle
rough water because all I could find in the way of bumps was my own wake.
I still have a ton of work to do. The cabin is bare fiberglass. She needs
a Bimini top, trim tabs, a depth sounder, the cabin door installed, etc etc.
Is any boat ever actually finished?
I'm happy to be a classic SeaCraft owner, and I can't wait for our
next adventure!
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