23' I/O Jack Shaft 1983- Should I restore or sell

[johnfhennessey]

Hi,

I have a 1983 23' CC I/O with a jack shaft. The boat is in great shape, it has always been trailered and was owned by a boat yard owner. I bought it last summer and used it quite a bit. The engine ran great, but the outdrive now hasa a lot of corrosion as I did not use any zinc tabs (stupid but I did not know any better). Anyway, everyone I speak to says that the hull is in excellent shape and I should consider restoring (expensive). Any suggestions, do I sell it and buy new boat, or spend a fortune to repower, redo the decks and pretty it up?

Thanks,

John

[ocuyler]

John,

Clearly, this is a site that promotes and sadisticly embraces the restoration of SeaCrafts. So, we're pretty biased. You have a terrific boat that would cost over US $60,000 to replace. The mid-ships V-8 and jackshaft are a rare plus.

You comment that the motor ran great, so why would you replace it? You can simply replace the outdrive and be sure that your zincs and grounding systems is properly configured.

If the hull/boat is in great shape, some serious elbow grease and perhaps replacement of some accessories and you're good. I don't see that as a "small fortune".

You already own a great boat. Pencil out a rolling renovation budget and consider doing it over time. Or spend 60 grand... [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[Scott]

I agree with Otto ....except you cant get the jackshaft config in a New 23 SeaCraft. Thats 60K for an outboard...If you wanted new your looking at something like an Albemarle 24 but thats pushing (edit) yachtworld is showing new for 66 to 69.5K

Its a keeper if you want that configuration

[ScottM]

John,
Keep it!! If your engine runs great and the boat is in good shape, just replace the outdrive with either a new one or a rebuilt unit.

Are you in the Boston area? If so, I'd love to see your boat some time.