Another 25 Seafari goes under the knife

[Blue_Heron]

Originally Posted by 77SceptreOB

Dave,

Nice gauge package selection and layout. All the good ones including a Vacuum gauge....good job. I love gauges!

Good luck on your upcoming shake-down cruise.

P.S. Now put that custom built Teak louvered cabin door on!!

Jim

Thanks, Jim. Not sure yet when I'll get to the cabin door. Right now I'm only thinking about the stuff that has to happen before the launch; wiring, switches, control cable, running lights, registration numbers, etc.

Once I've run her, I'll sit down and make up a list of stuff that still needs to be done to complete the project. There will be other wood trim, and I need to find a local source of African Teak or another species that looks good along side it.

Dave

[Islandtrader]

How's the windshield coming...lol

[Blue_Heron]

Originally Posted by Islandtrader

How's the windshield coming...lol

Not even on the radar yet. I see you're making some progress on yours.
Dave

[abl1111]

HOLY SHEET ! I was searching for some info on basic mold-making and came to this thread. I had never read any of it before.

It took an hour or so, but I just went thru 30 or so pages of your project.

It's mind blowing !

All the thought and planning ! And then... the execution of it all !

Congratulations - you have truly built a masterpiece.

I hope you enjoy the hell out of her...

[Blue_Heron]

Originally Posted by abl1111

It's mind blowing !

Yes. After a year and a half of this, I think my mind may be blown.

Thanks for the kind words. Gotta get her done and go fishin'.

Dave

[SBD]

Don't feel bad, I just crossed the 2 year mark!!! Thank god I am almost done.

[SBD]

Hahaha! I am shooting for April, so hopefully I never get there.

[Blue_Heron]

One year, seven months, and five days after starting work, she went back in the water yesterday. The launch was a success with only a couple bugs to work out. I was too preoccupied to take pics, but I had friends along who helped with documentation. We got lots of video, but it takes forever to upload. Stills are a lot quicker, so I'll post what I've got so far.

Final preparations at the house before departing.



We launched at Fanning Springs on the Suwanee River, the closest ramp to home.



The boat at the top of the right hand ramp in this video is my buddy Greg who came along to assist if we had any problems. He also served as camera boat while Erich shot some video.



Cruise is a comfortable 33 mph at about 3300 rpm.



And when you give her a little more throttle, she'll get up and move.



I'm very happy with performance so far. I've got to finish getting her rigged for fishing and take her out in the Gulf to see how she handles the chop.

The 350 Mag MPI seems to be just right on power. I was able to keep her on plane down to about 14 mph, and touched 43 mph without opening her all the way up. Won't know WOT speed until I get through the first 10 hours of the break in period.

I'm glad I raised the helm deck, at least so far. I'll have to see how comfortable it is when trolling or on the hook in bumpy water. But running in smooth water or just floating along enjoying the river it's at a good height.



I've stilll got a lot to do, but yesterday was a great day on the water and I'm glad the trial run went well.

Dave

[77SceptreOB]

Congrats on the first launch! Job well done... Are you planning on putting the windshield back on?

[seafari25]

Congrats on the splash Dave

She looks good in the water. The black trim is sharp.

I'm really impressed with your numbers so far. Is that pushing 315hp? Seems like a good match for the 25. Minimum planing speed, although already impressive, should be a bit better after your tab extensions. I'm also sure that they will be way more responsive from the top. I only touch the button for a split second. They are super sensitive with the plates.

In my experience, (going only 30 mph max) with a crew in the boat, you will need the tab extensions. At that speed, when someone moves a foot, one way or the other, she will lay on her side. You will want the tabs to be sensitive (and to keep your hand pretty close to the switch) I don't know what happens at 43...

With the raised floor, I think you will feel safer at the helm once you get the windshield in. When I stand on a cooler, I still feel like I'm cradled like a baby.

I'll be sad to see this thread end so take your time finishing her eh
Brandon