Purchase " box seats "

abl1111 · #1 04-19-2003, 12:14 PM

Chris,

Yup - doing the 'ole switch'aroo... I bought the boat from Fla. via a friend of a friend.

It's a 1975 23' Tsunami. I wanted the cuddy version of the 23'. The only negative for this model is the very limited access to the bow ( I have a 20' Grady overnighter that gives me great access and a lot of storage ). However, the Grady is a 'pounder' and ready for a new outboard, so I reasoned that now is the time to upgrade. It was between a Seacraft and a 25 Bertram "moppie". This Seacraft came up first.

My Seacraft has (2) 140HP i/o's - mid 1980's w/ older generation alpha drives. The transom has to be re-done no matter what ( from the inside ) and (1) motor has a blown timing chain, the other runs.

I've reviewed all the options. An i/o is NOT my dream scenario; and re-installing (2) new i/o's is the easier project, but seems like twice the headache down the road.

A single o/b seems like it would always be run @ high RPM's - two outboards is the ultimate I think. Believe me, if $ were not an issue, I would go w/ (2) HPDI, or (2) 4 stroke outboards. That's also twice the headache... Not to mention the motors are very $$$, the bracket is very $$$... So.....

(1) big, new i/o w/ a bullet-proof bravo 2 drive is where I'm headed. I'm very meticulous so I know the motor and drive will be well cared for.

As for doing the work. I've taken on projects like this before ( re-doing sailboats, re-building engines ) - but this is a big undertaking. A little at a time. No doubt there are going to be days where I want to sink the damn @#$%^& thing. That's the beauty of fading memory; in a year from now, when I'm fishing - it will all be a distant, fading memory of blood, sweat and tears.. and of course, fiberglass dust...

ocuyler · #2 04-22-2003, 12:54 AM

abl,

They call it "romance". Finster, myself and probably Trayder about now might call it bummer. It's very time consuming. Probably more from the day dream perspective. After 3 months of intense renovation, I'm taking a break to mow the lawn for the first time in, oh let's see, SEVEN AND A HALF FREAKING MONTHS!

Try to consider your wife's perspective. That'll slow you down.

Otto

Finster · #3 04-22-2003, 09:44 AM

I always say ya got to do what ya gotta do. My only problem is the boat is starting to take a front seat to work. [img]images/icons/shocked.gif[/img] And my wife cracks me up with comments like "aren't you getting a little carried away" [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] ......typical.

abl1111 · #4 04-22-2003, 02:11 PM

Romance ? Yes. Definitely. But, it also comes down to dollars and " sense " too.

How else can I obtain a very good boat within my financial means ? As we all know, these boats have a great pedigree. They are classic because like old corvettes and Rita Hayworth, they have stood the test of time - and come out on top. They are worth the effort.

How many websites are there for " Classic Bayliner ", or so many other poorly designed, poorly manufactured boats out there. I say brothers and sister's; can I get an " Amen " ?

I have a hell of a lot of work to do. I'll do it and I'll bitch and moan about it. If I had the $, I would buy one done already, or have someone do it for me. So, I'm sticking to 'Plan B' - do it myself. Unless of course you guys want to do the 'Amish thing ', and collectively help me build 'my barn' ?

Goot Day...

- Alan

Billybob · #5 04-22-2003, 03:09 PM

Prediction - When you guys are done, you're gonna really enjoy running that boat, more than if you just bought it.And, you're gonna really enjoy the compliments you receive, more than if you just bought it.
The weird thing is that all these hours of dust in your eyes, itchin all over, working on a boat while everyone else is fishing will fade into an overall pleasant memory that part of you will actually miss.It's very weird - or maybe just I am.
I guess we'll see.....
Bill

Finster · #6 04-22-2003, 11:30 PM

I agree with you guys. It's diffinatly worth while in the end.
I got the transom ground out today, thanks to a friends help, and that is not an easy job, rotten or not!
Of coarse were not friends anymore, but what the hell, another task another friend. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]
(he's still bitch'n about his itchy arms [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img] )

bobfish21 · #7 04-23-2003, 12:17 AM

Alan,good to hear things are starting to happen with your project.Do yourself a favor though-forget the bravo 2.Its not the right power train for this boat,as itwas designed for very heavy family cruiser type boats.Stay with the bravo 1-its bullet proof and race tested,or if money permits,consider the bravo 3 duoprop-know aguy in montauk with this drive and the 5 litre efi,he's happy with it(a little on the slow side,however).A good guy to talk to is Gene at burnetts in bayshore(repair yard,not the marina).He's repowered Eric Ramsey's(real estate broker on li)23 cc i/o several times.He's currently running a bravo 3 with a 350 mag mpi,and it seems to be the best set up he's tried.If you want to save some $ you can go my route(260hp efi w/alfa gen2) Ishould be in the water in a week or to and i'd be glad to give you a test ride.good luck'
bobfish21