1988 seacraft rebuild

[Kwaugh5p]

Nice looking build

[strick]

Record time too! Less then a year nice job

Strick

[JohnC]

Looks great ��
I'm getting a bracket soon and wonderingif i can get away with 26" setback. I would love to know how much setback is the bracket and how much space between the transom and cowling with the motor tilted up.

[No grave but the Seacraft]

Today I drove the boat down to the marina I purchased the engine from. Everything checked out and the warranty paperwork was filed. When I got home I installed the throttle and shift cables and fired it up. It idled great on the hose and I can't wait to launch it this Friday. It's been a year since I started this project and I guess that's fast but I really hoped it would have been sooner. The weather has been awful. To answer your question about the bracket, it is a 28" set back and there is roughly 6" between the cowling and the transom with the motor tilted up. I'll try and get some pics when she's in the water.

[JohnC]

Thanks for the info, sounds like I'm safe at 26 inch setback.
I've started and stopped for several years now so 1 year to me seems like light speed!
Congratulations on a beautiful boat. Hope you start enjoying her soon.

[uncleboo]

Great job! I'm anxious to see your numbers. I've been thinking about the DF140 fly by wire for my new project 20sf.

[No grave but the Seacraft]

So I splashed the boat yesterday and started the engine break in procedure. I still need to add the nonskid, bolt on a few hatches the leaning post and rubrail but overall I couldn't be happier with the way she turned out. The motor is sitting 1.5" above the mounting bracket and I will be adding trim tabs in the near future. I wound up with a 14x21 prop. My cruise speed was 24kts at 4500 rpm and could stay on plane around 13kts. Trim tabs should improve the planing speed. I haven't tried to open it up all the way yet but I will update you when I do.

[No grave but the Seacraft]

So I fully broke her in this week. With two people, full tank of gas and loaded down with ice I saw 33 kts at 6200rpms. I may toy around with a different prop to see if I can get those numbers up. Before starting this project I've heard nothing but good things about how well these boats handled and I must say it has been spot on. Going fast will keep you dry and the bow just eats it up. I couldn't be happier with it.

[bmajvi]

Cool! Congratulations on getting her buttoned up and in the water. Back in '02 (dang, that's nearly 20 years ago!) I put one of the original model DF140's on my 18' and I dug up my notes on performance for your reference: "43.8 mph by GPS in flat water/no wind, with a S/S 14x20 Suzuki prop," with 25 gallons of gas two adults and a dog IIRC. At the time another member here strongly recommended I try a14x22 aluminum prop, but I never got around to it. Enjoy the boat!

[strick]

You should be able to get a little better. Low 40’s easily possible.

Strick