Noob questions

[jorgeinmiami]

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[Max_Florida]

The only way I could buy a boat right now is if I can get it into the water for under $2000.

How much more expensive are I/Os to maintain/repair than OBs? I'm assuming a lot more?

What are the chances that boat will get into the water with less than $500 in repairs? I just feel like if they are asking $1500 it will need some serious work.

[eggsuckindog]

In your budget I would stay away from "old" I\O's - honest, as you mentioned you are kinda handy. Your first choice on a motor should be a Johnson or Rude - carbed. Pretty easy to learn on, parts are kinda cheap and they are pretty simple engines to keep running. The electronics modules on my Merc are driveing me crazy - like chasing ghosts.

A 20 tows easy, a V6 can do it - a 23 is another animal and for 2 divers a 20 is fine - your in Fla, if the weather is crappy go tomorrow.

[jorgeinmiami]

I could take a look at it tommorow if you have interest.

Call the guy see if it's kinda of what you might want.

There were a lot of them on craigs list not to long ago and a member here sold his after he got it really nice and I think it was for sale again. It.s featured in the Seacraft Gallery under Botapeje's 20 Seafari and it was at my house for a while and it was nice

PM me if you want

[Max_Florida]

I really appreciate the offer, but I don't think I'm going to be ready to buy a boat until the fall. Right now I don't have anywhere to work on it, nor do I have the cash to afford to fix it up.

I'm just trying to research and learn at this point, so when the time comes I can make a decent decision.

In regards to the Seafari, from what I understand it is a fairly rare boat, and a lot of the ones I've seen are I/Os. They did come with OBs but not until the later years right?

How much would it cost to convert an I/O to an OB?

Is this feasible on my budget or should I just try to find an OB?

How much would a new bracket for an OB set up cost?

What is the average cost for redoing a transom on its own?

I've been reading through the threads here, and there is a HUGE wealth of knowledge but I haven't came across many posts that list cost. Just trying to get an idea.

I really appreciate all of your guys input!

[McGillicuddy]

People don't often post expenses because they've heard - or already know - how costly divorce can be

Regarding the Seafari, there were plenty of early outboards made. Bushwacker's and mine were both '72s... I think the mix was pretty even except in '71 and '72, see chart:
http://classicseacraft.com/brochures...production.pdf

If you want an OB get an OB. You can find a decent old merc or evinrude 115 for around a grand all day long in FL.
I think you could easily find a decent running Seafari in the 3k range. If you did the transom yourself you could probably do it around $600 of materials.

If you found just a neglected hull you could likely get it for under a grand on an old trailer.

Quality flotation brackets ain't cheap, probably 2k or better; maybe as much as neglected running Seafari itself. If you go for a bracket make sure it is a flotation bracket as you'll be moving the center of gravity way back, and that will prove significant. For your target price I'd stick to older 2 stroke motors in the 115 hp range that will weigh in @ 290 to 330 lbs and hang them on the transom. That's kind of the target motor weight on the older 20s. That being said I would suggest you find one with a 25" transom or plan on raising it. I'd probably ditch the bracket idea unless I planned on repowering with a 400 lb + late model motor.

The 1970s 20' hulls are pretty weight sensitive because they have a narrow beam 7'6" and vertical thru hull scuppers that let water in if they have too much weight aft. Of course if you're diving you'll get wet feet anyway.

Good luck in your search. I personally prefer cuddy cabins for the camping element and shelter from the storm but ccs are great dive boats too.

As far as budget goes, if you have a target in mind... plan on doubling it before you're happy

[BigLew]

As far as budget goes, if you have a target in mind... plan on doubling it before you're happy.

Say Amen, Brother! At the lower end.

[Max_Florida]

If the Seafari is as bulletproof as it sounds(and I'm sure it is) I plan on keeping this boat for a long while and making it my baby. I don't doubt that I'll end up spending a lot more than the wife would like on it! But for the time being, my goal is just to get a reliable boat.

I am definitely starting to get a better grasp on what I should be looking for when it comes time to buy.

Now I need to start learning about outboard engines, hah!

I'm assuming that all of the older 2 strokes are fairly similar in design? I'm thinking about getting the repair manual for a johnson 115 and starting to get familiar with it. If I end up getting a different type of engine will that have been a waste of time?