23 SEACRAFT

[HUMBLC]

IM LOOKING TO BUY A 23 SEACRAFT LATE 70S MODEL ANY FEEDBACK ON RESTORATION COST WOULD BE GREATLY APPRIECIATED.
THIS WILL BE MY FIRST BOAT PURCHASE AND COULD USE SOME HELP

[peterb]

I bought a 1978 SeaCraft 23' SF (w/twin 1998 150 hp Yamahas and a ton of electronics) last winter.

This boat was a three foot move up for me in size. I bought it becuase of all the positive press that I had been reading about these boats. I was not disapointed. The boat rides like a champ in foul weather. Simply put, I love it.

Having said thathere are some major things that a late 1970's boat could need

Deck replacement (I would guess at least $4 to $6k, if not more) Also, if stringers need to be repaired/replace it will cost more $$$$.
Transom replacement (starts at a couple of k and could can spend a lot more if you close the transom and mount a bracket on the back)
Hydraulics Steering replacement ($1k to $2k)
Gas tank replacement
Electroncis replacement
Inside/outside paint job
Motor work/repacement.

Well, hopefully, you get the picture.

FYI, the bottom line is that if a boat needs all of this stuff, than you better not pay too much money for it.

As a point of comparison I paid $14k for my boat. The engines run fine (I hope to get several more years out of these big time gas guzzlers), the electronics are ok (the wiring was replaced in 1998), and the transom and gas tank were both replaced in 1998.

I replaced the bolster cushions and leaning post seat, the hydrualics steering, and had the t top repaired.

The lower deck should be replaced. I will be looking at having this done this coming winter. Also, it could use a paint job.

I think that i paid a fair (but not great) price.

Good luck.

[HUMBLC]

thanks for the info peter and no i dont plan on paying more than about 5k for the boat its a 78 w twin 115 rudes,t-top, leaning post,and has had no work done to it structurally, or astheticly. Its going to be a long road, but i love the lines of this boat. I gotta have it! thanks again