1988 seacraft rebuild

[No grave but the Seacraft]

Tonight I was able to drill and mount the engine. It is sitting about 1.5" above the mount with room to go 1 hole up if need be. And just as my brother predicted the tongue weight was a bit too light. I hate it when he's right. Rather than starting with the moving the axles rearward I removed the jack, which needed replacing anyways, and moved the winch post forward about 5 inches. It helped significantly so don't let anyone tell you 5 inches isn't enough. Doing so added about 80lbs to the tongue. Next, I plan to extend the tongue about 2 feet and add a swivel jack and double spare tire carrier. In the fading light you can really start to see the blue coming through in the paint.

[jbass03]

looks great! when are you going to splash it?

[No grave but the Seacraft]

Should be launching next week. The trailer tongue got modified today along with the final motor placement. Since it was raining yesterday I spent some time bolting on the rod holders, cleats, pie plates, doors and hatches. All that's left to get it running is rigging the motor, wiring and connecting the steering. At some point next week I will also roll on the non skid but that is secondary to getting it on the water.

[Kwaugh5p]

Nice looking build

[strick]

Record time too! Less then a year nice job

Strick

[JohnC]

Looks great ��
I'm getting a bracket soon and wonderingif i can get away with 26" setback. I would love to know how much setback is the bracket and how much space between the transom and cowling with the motor tilted up.

[No grave but the Seacraft]

Today I drove the boat down to the marina I purchased the engine from. Everything checked out and the warranty paperwork was filed. When I got home I installed the throttle and shift cables and fired it up. It idled great on the hose and I can't wait to launch it this Friday. It's been a year since I started this project and I guess that's fast but I really hoped it would have been sooner. The weather has been awful. To answer your question about the bracket, it is a 28" set back and there is roughly 6" between the cowling and the transom with the motor tilted up. I'll try and get some pics when she's in the water.

[JohnC]

Thanks for the info, sounds like I'm safe at 26 inch setback.
I've started and stopped for several years now so 1 year to me seems like light speed!
Congratulations on a beautiful boat. Hope you start enjoying her soon.

[uncleboo]

Great job! I'm anxious to see your numbers. I've been thinking about the DF140 fly by wire for my new project 20sf.

[No grave but the Seacraft]

So I splashed the boat yesterday and started the engine break in procedure. I still need to add the nonskid, bolt on a few hatches the leaning post and rubrail but overall I couldn't be happier with the way she turned out. The motor is sitting 1.5" above the mounting bracket and I will be adding trim tabs in the near future. I wound up with a 14x21 prop. My cruise speed was 24kts at 4500 rpm and could stay on plane around 13kts. Trim tabs should improve the planing speed. I haven't tried to open it up all the way yet but I will update you when I do.