seacraft scupper question

gaulois · #1 10-23-2005, 12:30 PM

Hi folks,
Well, I picked up a 1973 SeaCraft Seafari, and expected worse for the price. Having said that, the boat has a 235 ob with a (well built) transom plate to increase to 25" to accomodate the engine. So here is the weird part. When I picked the boat out, there was a bit of water in the corner of the deck where one of the scuppers were. It seemed plugged up with debris, but it turned out that the previous owner had filled it with silicon. Same with the other scupper. I went underneith the boat and noticed that the scupper holes were covered with marine-tex. I used to have a '77 23CC so I assume that it is the same scupper design.
I had a long trailering trip down from Crystal River to Miami, and racked my brain the whole time as to why anyone would fill the scuppers. Once I got it home, I went over the boat and figured out what must be the reason. The 235 is too heavy, hence the 25" conversion, and that the dynamics of the hull changed and the scuppers took on water.
I have time to think about how I will deal with this as I am away. But a few questions arise: Do you guys think that I am right about the "why"? If so, assuming that the 235 has some hours left on it, is it even safe to have an engin that size on a 20ft? The "sinkcraft" joke comes to mind, and I have a feeling that it was because idiots put oversize engines on 20fters. Is there anyway I can restore the scuppers? I want freaking scuppers, is that too much to ask?". Should I just face the fact that having a 235 on the back is going to pose more problems than it is worth, and get what I can for it, and get a 150-175? I had the carbs rebuilt, and the engine seems to work well, although I have not been in the water with the boat yes (just picked it up).
Ok, enough out of me. I promise that I will contribute more to the site, sorry about my absence.

Bigshrimpin · #2 10-24-2005, 02:02 AM

Gaulois - the 235 is light (400lbs). It's weighs quite a bit less than most 150's made today. There's a very special story hiding beneath the marinetex/silcon fix [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

oldbluesplayer · #3 10-24-2005, 12:35 PM

G -

I think you are basically onto it - I have the same boat, a 73 20' Seafari, with an '84 Johnson V-4, 115. The scuppers are a straight thru the floor tube, and if both me and my son stand in back by the transom, water will come up thru the scuppers and the floor gets a bit wet. Your 235, don't know what year, is a V-6 and is gonna be a good bit heavier, so even more the water.

Next question, is why the 235 - mine runs just over 30 (gps) WOT, and cruises nicely between 18 and 24 - from other posts I've seen here, a V-4 140 should get you upper 40's WOT - how much speed do you need - that 235 should be absolutely scary wide open !!!

Bill

warthog5 · #4 10-24-2005, 01:33 PM

The 235's were nick named "2 thirsty 5" for a reason. [img]/images/graemlins/crazy.gif[/img]

cSickNick · #5 10-24-2005, 04:12 PM

Congrats! Seafari's rule! [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

As for filling scuppers, who knows. Are there any holes leading into the bilge to pump out?

- Nick

gaulois · #6 10-25-2005, 05:19 PM

Are you sure the 235 is that light? Actually I was thinking that it could be either a weight issue or a dynamics issue.
If there is any slight change, that combined with speed can cause water to shoot up throught the scuppers. This happened with my 23CC after I had it painted. The guy slightly ground around the hull outlet. Proudly running my boat across the bay with new paint I noticed people were pointing at me. I looked back in horror to see water shooting up the starboard scupper. It was an easy remedy though. I just put a regular plug in that I could removed when not under motor.

gaulois · #7 10-26-2005, 10:13 AM

OBPlayer-
The reason I have a two thirsty five is that it came with the boat. The price was irresistable on the boat. 2700.
There seems to be nothing fundamentally wrong with the boat.
The gel coat is actually in good shape considering the age.
However having said that.... This boat is from the crystal river area. My theory is that the old man that owned the boat had a grandson that put this 235 on. I have a feeling that the hypothetical kid ran it onto oyster beds a few times.
The gelcoat underneath on the bottom along the center stringer is scraped to the fiberglass. There are also some gouges in it, not deep, but through the gelcoat.
I agree, I cant imagine that the 235 -a V6-is less heavy than V4's.
Thank you also for your info on the hp. I was considering putting anywhere from a 130 to a 175 E Tech on the back if I get a new engin. Sounds like the 130 will be fine. I do not care about speed, but rather dependability/feul econ. You think I would get 30kts out of the V4 130? Do you keep your batteries in the back compartment?

JW-Tex · #8 10-26-2005, 11:32 AM

The old 235 model horsepower was measured at the powerhead and may have been closer to 200HP at the prop. They were apparantly badged as 200, 225 and 235 depending on the year in question. This is what I was told by several people when I owned an old 235 Johnson. Based on the perfomance on my 20 foot whaler I think the motor performed more in line with 200 hp motor.

You might research the 235 on thehulltruth.com and get more factual information than I have.

gaulois · #9 10-26-2005, 11:59 AM

Thanks JW.
Im am pretty much resigned to replacing it. I am not with the boat right now. It is in Miami, and I am waiting to move down from Maine in December. When I get there I will put it in the water, and that will answer a lot of questions. What has anyone heard of the "miraculous, why own a 4 stroke" E-Techs? Are they as good as they advertise?
Im sorry if I am cynical about Corps, but.... they sound too good to be true.

Bigshrimpin · #10 10-26-2005, 12:10 PM

gaulois - check out pelican marine in FL.
4stroke 140 johnson =>$7295 /+ rigging /+ prop

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/New-0...84085433QQrdZ1