1979 MA and 1976 Seafari

[Bushwacker]

Originally Posted by Vezo, Part II

Though a little early in the game, I need some opinions. I'm getting closer to selling the Whalers and will be ready to begin learning more about refurbing old SeaCrafts. So, the MA has a new plywood transom, unfortunately still 20", with a Johnson 175, both of 1999, and only 160 hours out of the garage. She really needs nothing but a new 72 gallon fuel tank, and a recored fuel hatch.

The 1976 SeaCraft is in need of a I/O to outboard (bracket?) conversion. I have the opportunity to buy a '13 or '14 Suzuki 175 4S, unfortunately also a 20" shaft. Am curious if I should buy a five inch extension for the Johnson and shift it to the Seafari and bracket, and buy the Zuke for the MA.

Ultimately retiring to Hernando Beach Fla, and fishing the gulf. I am excited to snag a ride in a Seafari to check out the differences in the hull. What do you all think?

Thanks in Advance.

Part II

Thanks for the emails, Denny!

A big block Zuke is almost 500 lbs wet weight, so I'd never put one on a bracket! Although it's still a bit heavy for Potter 20' hull, it's a MUCH better fit for the MA than the Seafari, especially if you can move the gas tank forward! The Johnson is only about 375 lbs and would be a much better fit for a bracketed Seafari, where you don't have a console that you can move forward to offset CG shift caused by the bracket.

You're welcome to ride in my Seafari if you can make it to Long Point! It's seen a lot of rough water but is still in good shape despite being all original. Other folks with CC models have commented that my Seafari feels a lot more solid in rough water. I suspect that's due to the increased hull stiffness created by the large cap, tall coamings, and the two 3/4" thick cabin bulkheads tieing it all together.