Smitten again

[Bushwacker]

Originally Posted by brushhippie

Howdy folks, new here, been a boat weirdo for many years and owned many awesome classics and while piling through craiglist boats as I do every day I ran across this little beauty...she is a bit small for my taste really and I am not an I/O fan at all...but I have heard the 140 was economical and hard to kill, SO like I need another hole in my head or project..this will be sitting next to the Schuster in the shop for some lovin!

Welcome aboard, and where are you located BTW? Yes, that 140 I/O is a 5 mpg rig and a great riding model to boot, since most of the engine weight is forward of transom. It's actually better balanced with more weight forward than the outboard models, so it planes easily at 12 mph w/o tabs! As Gillie said, you'll be amazed at what you can do with a Seafari. Here's a few examples of trips I've made with mine: http://www.classicseacraft.com/commu...avigation+trip
http://www.classicseacraft.com/commu...hns+river+trip
Although it and the Sceptre are probably the least popular 20' models, I think it's better for diving and trolling than the CC models because of the big cockpit, with WAY more dry storage in the cabin, which has bigger bunks than the 23 Sceptre/Tsunami! Plus it's a lot drier and more comfortable than a CC for overnight trips or when the weather doesn't cooperate! Does yours still have the galley seat? I think they were standard on the I/O's, and that overboard drain on port side indicates it had one, at least at one time.

As for size, don't let that fool you. Most folks that see it at the dock or on a trailer think it's much bigger than it is. Yes, it's easily towed with a small pickup, but it rides better than many 23-24 footers! Ran mine 165 miles (1 way) to the Abaco's a half dozen times in the late 70's/early 80's with a 115 hp outboard on it. I wasn't fast with all the gear I carried, cruising at about 20 kts, but I used to hope that the wind would kick up a bit so the guys with bigger boats and motors would have to slow down so I could keep up with them! I've yet to find another 20' boat that rides as well, burns less gas, or has a full opening windshield or has as much combined cabin/cockpit room, with a full galley, head and shower!

If you want more info on the SeaCraft history, check out this great website: http://www.moeslyseacraft.com/proud-...0-seafari.html If you send me a PM with an email address, I can send you some PDF files of original brochures, including a more legible copy of the Boating magazine test of the Seafari that's in the Literature section. Denny