What am I missing???

[quonie]

I can appreciate the hull design and Seacraft's seaworhty ability. I can appreciate restoring a classic boat.
I just feel that the boats built,let's say 1960's and 1970's
with all that wood core everywhere were not designed to last. Sooner or later the core is going to rot. So why buy and old classic 23' and tear it down and replace wood with another wood core? The same problem will eventually occur. No - Yes ?? Why not replace the wood with synthetic materials? The exterior is glass. What am I missing?

[peterb]

Quonie,

What do you mean by core? Do you mean the deck? If so, there are people on this site I believe who have used special materials, in place of, tradtional plywood. Also,
if you mean the stringers, they are not made out of wood.

[peterb]

As a matter of fact, here is an old CSCS link about a deck replacement

web page

[quonie]

Thanks Peter. What I mean are the decks and mostly the transom. Most boats built in this era have wood in the transom which failed badly. Are you sure the stringers aren't wood. I thought I saw a project on this site and the boat had wood stringers. I just feel that laying out $20,000 to rehab a 60's or 70's and some 80's is alot $.
I'd would want a finished product that would last me to the end of my days.

[LEVERETTE5]

Looking for info on a 19 foot 1969 seacraft CC.My nephew is looking at a 19 foot 1969 seacraft that is in the boat trader.I do not see were there were any 19 foot boats built.Would this be a 18 foot boat?Any one have one or any info on this year and size? Thanks Keith

[LEVERETTE5]

any one no were I can find replacement hull vents for my 1973 CC? Thanks Keith

[lost2a6]

Nothing wrong with wood if properly sealed. The problem is people installing what ever and not properly sealing the fasteners. My dad has a 1969 Formula with the original wood core transom and is solid as a rock. Even a lot of times the boat manufacture doesn't properly seal things.

[quonie]

That's exactly my point, wood is not fool proof and has a high probability of failure. There are many variables, properly sealed,proper installations and wear and tear from operating. Isn't there superior materials to substitute marine grade plywood? I could see using wood for wood in a restoration where the wood is visible and provides esthetic value but not when it is incapsulated with glass and gelcoat. Help.

[RS]

Nothing is foolproof and wood is often far less expensive and easier to obtain than many composites.

[peterb]

Quonie,

A couple of quick points.

First, I believe that many people here may agree with you that there are some new materials that may be better than traditional plywood (I would be interested in a response from some of the professional boat builders who are CSC members).

Second, do you own an old SeaCraft and/or have you ever ridden in one? FYI, I have a 1978 23 footer that probably does need a deck replacement. I have a good friend who has a new 23 foot (all fiberglass/composite) center console. My old war horse does circles around this new boat in the water. Put the 2 boats in any kind of water conditions and I will blow him away (both in comfort and speed). Also, I love the lines in the old SeaCrafts.

I am only mentioning this because IMHO once you have had an old style SeaCraft, you don't mind dumping money into the money.