Newbee with 1969 20' SF

McGillicuddy · #1 05-03-2011, 07:02 PM

Angles of photos make it tough to judge the position, but at first glance the console seems a bit aft. I'm not sure its a Seacraft console... At any rate with either of the mentioned motors you'll probably want to slide it forward some and use aft lockers for lightweight storage... looks like the transom has already been raised, too.

Caymanboy · #2 05-03-2011, 07:38 PM

Sliding stuff forward not as easy as it seems, there are molded stops in the deck for the tank and console. Looks like an original 69' console. Still a good looking boat!

McGillicuddy · #3 05-03-2011, 08:16 PM

I defer on all points to Caymanboy, as he is quite correct.

Caymanboy, the console appears more forward on your Coral Reefer - was that standard for your year model or did you modify its position?

Caymanboy · #4 05-04-2011, 06:55 AM

My apologies! But so happens I have a 69' and a 70', soooo, somewheres in there they moved it forward, I didn't do it, I have seen other 69's where it is pretty far aft, so far it's tough to get between seat and engine. I put the tank under the deck in my 70', slid it as far foward as I needed, between that and moving the batteries under the console took care of the weight issue, although, w/o raising the deck, put two (or one healthy person!) in the back and the water still comes in the holes, she does self bail at rest though.

mentalfloss · #5 05-04-2011, 03:15 PM

Again, Thanks.
Sea++'s boat is SWEET! Now I'm psyched.
The guy that restored my boat did not raise the floor. I will let you know how it rides after we hang the motor.

mentalfloss · #6 05-25-2011, 08:53 PM

Good news: I bought a half tower and a 150 Suzuki 4 stroke.
Bad news; When we mounted the Suzuki, it thru bolts sunk right into the fiberglass on the transom. And that was with an aluminum plate as a backer. The shop says that the guy that rebuilt the transom used only one piece of plywood. They suggest rebuilding the transom. Damn!

I am thinking about going with a full transom with a bracket.

I am sure that someone has lived through this before! Any suggestions?

Bushwacker · #7 05-26-2011, 12:10 AM

Quote:

. . . I am thinking about going with a full transom with a bracket.

I am sure that someone has lived through this before! Any suggestions?

You picked a heavy motor, so you'll need a bracket with maximum flotation, like a Hermco, to keep it self bailing at rest. Was talking to Don Herman last week and he's considering making the flotation tank even wider to handle the heavy 4-strokes. Suggest you contact Don to see if he can fix you up with one of those! Also consider rebuilding that transom with a composite core to reduce weight back there.