1978 Seacraft 20MA newbie

[RUSTYNTABATHA]

the best job on cutting the cap is done by the guys that make the conch boats.... they have done a few ... but the sole reason I searched for my MA was the taller gunwhales .... great project .. good luck !!

[Ironmanangler]

Originally Posted by RUSTYNTABATHA

the best job on cutting the cap is done by the guys that make the conch boats.... they have done a few ... but the sole reason I searched for my MA was the taller gunwhales .... great project .. good luck !!

Thanks for the info. I know some of the guys that do work for conch boats. I'll ask them for some guidance. I'm also thinking of using a conch console or just cutting the original console to make some space.

[RUSTYNTABATHA]

I have tried on a couple occasions to get a console from someone like them... but I guess I'm going to have to build on as they never get back with me too price one... the R and R guys build incredible boats !!.. and that have built a couple really cool seacrafts !

[cdavisdb]

Reinforce Bushwacker on steering by the bow. I don't think these boats are likely to steer by the bow under almost any conditions. In my old Seafari 20(150 hp merc on the transom), we dived with 6 tanks in the well between the bunks, a huge amt of weight forward, and the boat liked it, tended to stay in the water going fairly fast into steep chop.. It would punch through chop that would hammer your kidneys otherwise. No bow steering tendency at all.

Just an observation: 200 hp seems like way more power than you need. My 150 merc was plenty for 3 divers, 10 tanks, 150 lb ice, 52 gallons of fuel, etc etc, 25 knots cruise in flat water. The boat was designed for more like 100.

[Franksanzo]

I wouldn't go any lower on the height of cap because or you'll get pryed off the boat in rough seas. my 21' has the cap with liner which has no room for "toe kick" yours has wider gunwale tops also nicer to walk on .close transom move console up to floor storage compartment with batt in front . Flip engine splash well so floor is extended to walk on keep live well under lean to or you could buy mine done and save the headache 😊good luck with the build

[Ironmanangler]

Originally Posted by Franksanzo

I wouldn't go any lower on the height of cap because or you'll get pryed off the boat in rough seas. my 21' has the cap with liner which has no room for "toe kick" yours has wider gunwale tops also nicer to walk on .close transom move console up to floor storage compartment with batt in front . Flip engine splash well so floor is extended to walk on keep live well under lean to or you could buy mine done and save the headache 😊good luck with the build

I can't trim the cap more then it already is and wouldn't even if I could. I'm not happy the previous owner cut them but I'll live with it.

Yours is very nice but I'm going to stick with the experience of a rebuild.

[Ironmanangler]

Anyone know why the 20MA has a drain whole through the hull for the front compartment? My first guess is that someone had used it as a bait well. I would assume the storage compartment would drain into the hull but this one has the hole right through the hull

[Vezo, Part II]

My 1979 MA has the thru hull fitting/drain. Quite certain it is factory and with a screen fitting would work well as a baitwell. Hope this helps.

Vezo, Part II

[uncleboo]

Originally Posted by Ironmanangler

Anyone know why the 20MA has a drain whole through the hull for the front compartment? My first guess is that someone had used it as a bait well. I would assume the storage compartment would drain into the hull but this one has the hole right through the hull

Overboard drain. That, I believe, is a fishbox. That's my story and I'm sticking to it! I'm in the process of replacing/filling mine. Trying to find a fitting which is gonna have to be for a 2-1/4" thickness. Read some posts about there not being any reinforcement between the fishbox and the hull, but, mine does, plywood. If I can't find a fitting, I'm filling it.

[FishStretcher]

I think the consensus around here is that you will be happier with an Etec 115. I have a Yamaha F100 I4. That's tail heavy. You want a 200. I run with tanks ahead of console, batteries in console and lifting prop and fin. That's about right for trim. The boats are light and efficient, and not beamy. I would seriously consider a different outboard. The handling of the boat is only legendary if you rig it correctly. If not, then it won't be.

I know this seems harsh, but guys like bushwacker and others have tried it all. They really do know what they are talking about plus they have written eloquently about it, which is s very valuable resource here.