Modified transom? 1980 SF

[Bushwacker]

I think Jerry is right - it's a 72 or older model. I've never seen a 1980 model Seafari . . . I think SeaCraft Industries started making boats in 1980, but they only built the CC models. Sometime in 73 or 74 Potter changed the top cap and inner liner, where the windshield was moved forward and raised with an extra non-opening panel added below the section that opens. The "V" of the windshield is only about 6" aft of the forward hatch on the later models vs. about 18" on my 72 model. He also reduced the size of the step down to where it's just large enough to open the cabin door, to make room for a larger gas tank. You have the older larger stepdown, which is big enough to set a 70 qt cooler in. (That's a good place to put it if you need more weight forward to improve the ride!)

I've never seen a transom like that either on a Seafari, which eliminates the aft seats, so I suspect it was redone at some point, but it looks like it was very well done. I'd check the height at the center notch. If it's 25" instead of 20", it's been redone for sure, as I believe all the Potter models had 20" transoms. The two different heights on the transom would allow you to mount a single or twins, which would want to be mounted higher than a single. That boat also had a galley seat (shown below) at one time, which is a pretty rare option on outboard Seafari's. It has the hole cut in the inner liner for the sink drain and the teak rail on the bulkhead which supports the forward shelf when open.

Welcome aboard and congratulations on a rare find - the Seafari was only built by Moesly and Potter, who only made about 700 or so! It is by far the most versatile model of all the 20' SeaCrafts! If you want more info on that model, PM me with an email address and I can send you a bunch of brochures, etc. Denny