Not a Seacraft, but a new project

[BA17]

Been thinking about making the jump for a while and finally found one that hopefully will be a good project. 1988 25' Contender. Now I need ideas and input.
















Started taking some of the scaffolding off of it today.

BA

[wattaway2]

Buddy has one down in the keys nice boat with a single 250 Yamaha on it . For the life of me I can't reason why anyone would tie up the gunnels with the arch like that on a CC might as well have a cabin if you can't fight a fish all the way around the boat

[dave s]

Looks familiar!
You got the desired flat cap model compared to my high cap; it's like comparing the 20SF to the MA.
Great all around boat; can fish solo or carry a lot of gear/crew to the Bahamas.

I would definitely replace the fuel tank; stock tank is about 185 gallons and larger than the opening! And add some drainage to the fuel compartment, and consider a big single motor, at least 250 but 300 even better.
The deck plates cores are balsa and rot around the screw holes.
These hulls are bow light and helps to have less weight aft or more power to get them up on top and bow down; they seem to come alive above 30 mph.
Either way they ride better with weight up front and some more tab.
I see you have the large console; split door would be nice.

Glad to see you removed the radar arch and bow rail.

What are your plans for the rebuild?

[Old'sCool]

I love those!!

[DonV]

Dang Brian, looks like your "new bote" is being attacked from the rear by seven bumble bee looking jet skis!!

[Capt Chuck]

Good Going Brian

I think you have the knowledge to get the hull ship shape.
The only drawback I have with this model is the deck channels between hatches and plates. These are a nightmare and like to trap bait parts (bally beaks), shrimp heads, scales, mono & wire snip offs, blood etc . Hard to keep clean a free of debris which leave a nice morning smell.
I would think about some alternative configuration if possible.

Good Luck with the re-furb

Chuck

[BA17]

Thanks guys. I'm not sure exactly what we are going to do with it yet. I was kind of hoping that the hotrod style of clear coating the rust and patina would take over the boat world and I could just update motors, electronics, steering and then shoot the entire thing with clear coat to preserve the "antique" look. Would make life much easier! First off we will be replacing the fuel tank and then will re-evaluate from there. I like the oversize console, but the profile of the boat is just killed by that thing. I'm thinking of taking the console out and cutting it down so its not so long??? We could probably take nearly a foot out of it and it still be big enough to hold everything. Any thoughts?
Thanks,
BA

[dave s]

You have to remove the console anyway to remove the front deck plate, so it would be a good time to shorten the console and then set it back on the same front edge.
It'll give you more room aft and help with the weight distribution.

Usually the front deck plate is easier to remove and that rear plate is a bear to lift up; I'd only lift that rear plate if you have to, because of water getting into the fishboxes and hatches. You can squeeze surgical tubing up under the lip, keeping water and junk out.

[flyingfrizzle]

Glad you saw this before I did, I have always wanted a flat cap 25'. Might roll a little more than your 23' but with the extra footage you will have more deck room and span a little more water for sure. You hear a lot of positives from those who own these contenders/seavee style 25' hulls. Cant wait to see the rebuild, post some pics once you get going. Just curious did you find that local here in eastern NC or some where else? Any-how Nice Score...

[Ed]

BA17-

Nice looking Contender.

I was reading your plans for the console refit and had a thought. Any interest in swapping consoles with me? I have a 1986 Seacraft 27 with a factory console that is too short for me. I am currently looking for a taller console similar to yours.

Depending on where you live, it may not make sense but it is a thought to consider.

Either way - good luck with the rebuild.

Ed