What to look for?

[saltflyer]

I am looking at purchasing a fixer-upper1978 SeaCraft 18CC- is there anything specific that would make the boat a definite "don't touch" I don't want to have to rip the deck up but I do anticipate re-gelcoating the entire boat and cosmetic repairs. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Ikan Besar]

It's very likely that it will need a new transom and possibly a new tank if both of those are still original. That, and be aware that the original floor level is right at sea level. I had a 1977 18' and doubt the '78 version bails any better (or at all as was my case). If you are comfortable with those aspects of the boat and it has a clean title from the seller, it's a neat little boat.

If you get it, I would suggest re-plumbing the forward drain hole (in the fish box) back to a macerator or pump in the bilge as it is below waterline when you are anywhere close enough to open the drain to let the water out.

[saltflyer]

Thanks for the valuable info. How difficult is it to replace the tank?

[Ikan Besar]

replacing the tank in an 18' isn't all that big a deal really: remove the console which is screwed to the floor and then unscrew the hatch over the tank. I had the tank in my 18' replaced due to both age and capacity. I replaced the original tank with a 50 gallon tank rather than the little one that came in it....which I nearly ran dry on a number of occasions.

[saltflyer]

That's all good info. Thanks again.