Getting a '77 20' CC SeaCraft redone

[syxx]

Hey guys! Just found this forum and have been browsing and seen a lot of cool things! I own a 1977 20' SeaCraft center console that i use for charter fishing. I've had it for about 5 years. In fairly good shape as the original owner had it in storage for many years, all original gelcoat and such. I'm repowering as I currently have a 140hp suzuki on there that is about 10 years old and it's time. Just derigged and brought the boat up to the shop. I'm going to be putting a 250 yamaha 4 stroke on it. Having the transom raised and flushed, adding a bracket. The floors I am cutting out and making flush (no step-up in the bow) and raising them. Trying to decide how high to raise them - any suggestions? I'm thinking maybe just 3 inches or so, I'm hoping to get it to be more self-bailing as water accumulates in it pretty easily and has no way to drain out unless I pick up and run, or let it go into bilge. Putting a leaning post in with bait well, which I saw a very cool one on this forum by Nautical Designs (http://www.nauticaldesigninc.com/ima...0/IMG_0082.jpg). The console is going to be replaced as well, have not decided what I'm doing there, but definitely want something smaller as it is tough to walk around the boat with what is in there now (not sure if it's factory original). Some rod holders on the sides would be nice, and perhaps a seat up front, and small windshield preferable. Other than that, adding spray rails, and that's it so far. If anyone has some good ideas on a console, or other suggestions, i'd appreciate it! Will post some before pics following, and some as it goes along!

[syxx]

Unfortunately all my boat pics include fish with them as well! Maybe that's not a problem lol

[uncleboo]

If you're gonna hang a 250 4 stroke on a bracket, you better raise the floor about a foot. That 250 weighs about 580 lbs. I'm sure some others will give a more experienced opinion. Good luck!

[Bushwacker]

If you're gonna hang a 250 4 stroke on a bracket, you better raise the floor about a foot. That 250 weighs about 580 lbs. I'm sure some others will give a more experienced opinion. Good luck!

Let's see . . . a 40% increase in motor weight, mounted 2.5' further aft, what could go wrong there?! Nothing like a little CG shift to make for interesting performance characteristics! Max speed of about 70, min planing speed of about 30! If you just make the boat about 3' longer and move the console to the bow, it might even work!

[workinpr0gress]

Your motor choice has definitely peaked my curiosity. I think moving the tank, moving the console, a front console livewell and glassing lead up front and losing the anchor locker might be in your future. I still don't know how much you'd like that monster hanging off the bracket, just physical size alone if nothing else. That's a lot of weight manipulation to deal with in a very small 20'. IMHO it's one thing to move the weight around that's in a boat or take some out by removing things in the current configuration, or using manmade composites for rehab. Even adding weight as ballast isn't a big deal if you keep it thoughtful and respectful. The weight of the hull will increase substantially after balancing it out the way you'd like. You could have someone put math to what you want to do but you will need a way to run it, over and over and over adding, moving weight before the final product. I personally can't see a great overall result, I could see a end result of a hull that has weight in it like two fat kids on a seesaw, fun though. That said, I'm sure you're not green about what's gonna need to be done based off of your locale and occupation. Imo Islamorada has some of the best fishheads, boaties I've seen. Btw great pics.

[syxx]

Thanks for the input guys, i'll double check with the man doing the work again. He was a manager at hells bay and opened his own shop down here about a year ago. As for the motor, the 140 suzuki I have on there is roughly 420 lbs as is, mounted without a bracket direct to transom. The new yamaha 250 is 562 lbs. I'm figuring raising the transom, floors, and adding the bracket, adding another 140 lbs should be ok. With the yamahas so far as I can tell you can go with the 225, 250, or 300 v6 which are all the same block, or the 115 or 150 which are the 4 cylinder. There is a high power line of v6 that is 200, 225, or 250 hp, however they weigh 593 lbs - even more The SHO engine is lighter weight, but unfortunately only comes in 20 inch shaft. I'll go over all the specs with them before ordering!

---
Ok I've looked around on here and some other advice came to surface regarding max recommended horsepower just with insurance and safety concerns. So may just go with a 150 4 cyl yamaha. Being my 140 is 10 years old, I'm sure a new 150 will push the boat much quicker. Other option would be a 4 cyl mercury 200, which looks to be 510 lbs.

[gofastsandman]

Let's see . . . a 40% increase in motor weight, mounted 2.5' further aft, what could go wrong there?! Nothing like a little CG shift to make for interesting performance characteristics! Max speed of about 70, min planing speed of about 30! If you just make the boat about 3' longer and move the console to the bow, it might even work!

Did my Slacker bring a virus here?

Once a place gets civilized, it is no longer fit for personal habitation.

SeaCraft Island,
GFS

[McGillicuddy]

Nice fishes. Unfortunately, the only picture without a fish looks a bit disturbing for the fellow at the pointy end

Weight concern is valid, but sounds like your man has plenty of flotation knowledge. How fast do you really need to go with clients aboard?
Bushwacker put a 150 etc on a seafari w/ float-bracket and had to move a lot of things around to correct CG.
I think he touches 50mph and is usually loaded for camping. Not sure but I think the 20s were designed with a 300 lb motor in mind.
I know you didn't ask me, but a new Suzuki 140 or the etec/opti 150 is about as heavy as I'd go

Off topic, can anyone tell me why this thread so wide

[TooFly]

Nice fishes. Unfortunately, the only picture without a fish looks a bit disturbing for the fellow at the pointy end

HAHAHAHA! Thanks for "pointing" that out. LOL. Yeah, those bows sure have a sharp entry.

Off topic, can anyone tell me why this thread so wide

The files (photos) are too big. They should be resized, i.e. made smaller.

Paul

[TooFly]

I just looked again. LOL.

The dude behind the console: Yeah, that's ok. I'll just hang back here and fish... while seated.