1973 Seacraft 23' Potter Built

1bayouboy · #1 05-02-2008, 03:24 PM

I/Os get a bad rap most of the time, especially on forums like THT. I have a boat with the same package except a Bravo 1 instead of a Bravo 3. Having that much weight that low in the hull makes it pretty stable. It gets good fuel economy. The engine is fully fresh water cooled meaning raw water enters the exhaust as the exhaust exits the elbow so the manifolds will last a long time having nothing in them but coolant. You have to do the maintenance on I/Os. I remove my drive every year and check the alignment. Change oil and gear lube. Keep the Gimbal Bearing and coupler greased (the coupler is a reach literally). He's already got the Smartcraft gauges and those things are cool....all kinds of engine info, fuel burn, etc. I went offshore yesterday and the gauge said I used 70.8 gallons....I put 70 gallons in the boat when I refilled. I think the package can last 1000s of hours if you maintain it right.

Things to note....replacing the seawater pump could be an engine lift...it will be on my boat this winter. But if you can do that kind of thing yourself you can save a lot of $$ plus have a great understanding of the mechanical side of your boat. I'm also with FrFrank on the two motors for offshore thought so I have a 4S kicker.

Entourage · #2 05-02-2008, 07:43 PM

My buddy has a 24 privateer with 350 mercruiser carburated and a bravo2 outdrive. The motor has 8500 hours on it. Looking to rebuild it this year though.

1bayouboy · #3 05-03-2008, 10:45 AM

Just remember the weaskest links are the ginbal bearing and the bellows. Keeping the engine/drive aligned, not running it with the drive trimmed up, and keep the bearing greased (fitting on the port side of transom assembly) keeps the bearing safe. I'm not sure about the bellows.....my package is three years old and I'm thinking that a replacement every 5 years would be good preventive maintenance.

bassriver · #4 05-03-2008, 07:11 PM

JLIMB, thanks for the interest, apologize I didnt get back to you sooner, and thanks to 1bayou for all his input, and I have to agree with his comments regarding the stability with the I/O - the boat is very stable, we had a 25 c-hawk before with armstrong bracket with twin outboards and it was not as nearly as stable as the Seacraft. As for maintenance, we have kept up with it and the engine has returned the favor, so I have no doubt it can last well beyond another 1000 hours. We should be taking the cover off her this week, and my partner Chip would be more than happy to show her to you (I may or may not be able to get down to the Cape) at your convenience. We are taking all reasonable offers as well so there is room to move. Send me your number via email to sclark0716@yahoo.com, and we can talk. Thanks for interest, and look forward to speaking with you.

bassriver · #5 05-28-2008, 10:32 AM

Reduced to $24,900 - offers encouraged!

Brian Rice · #6 05-28-2008, 12:27 PM

Hey guys the boat was in great shape other than a few things that I didn't have done to it do to the fact that I got a new boat so this boat sat for a bit.

All I can say is that I was very leary of getting an IO boat but after i repowered it the boat changed my mind dramatically. Even though I have a "sick" Contender I still miss my old Sea Craft.

Islandtrader · #7 05-30-2008, 09:35 AM

Quote:

I went offshore yesterday and the gauge said I used 70.8 gallons....I put 70 gallons in the boat when I refilled.

This is the power I am looking to put in my 21....what kind of gph at cruise do you burn? and at what is normal cruise?

Clambaron · #8 05-02-2008, 10:13 PM

Thanks for all the information. My last boat had a 200HP Honda and while I loved the engine's performance the maintenance costs were climbing. I'm sure ethanol played a part in the higher costs.I've had so many friends tell me to stay away from I/O's yet I like the fact that more weight is lower in the hull and has to improve the ride. Thanks again.