Jumping in with Both Feet on a 20 Seafari

[SailorChlud]

Greetings, all:

I am new to Seacraft ownership, and have been lurking on the forum for a few weeks in preparation of the receipt of a 1972 Seafari. It arrived today! The boat comes from Cape Cod, where it was last on the water about 5-6 years ago. I actually rode in it then and said to myself: "this thing might sink with me on it". The bulkheads were rotten, the door was missing, the teak sideboards had aged to a special shade of brown gross, and the electrical was a rat's nest.

In the last few years, the prior owner removed much of the interior systems: fuel, steering, electrical, motor, carpeting, etc.

Then it sat, and I rescued it. My plan is to first get the transom done, repair a 3 foot section of the keel that was compromised, fill in a bunch of holes and other cracks in the gelcoat, all with an eye to not a restoration, but a return to workmanlike condition. The emphasis will be on function, not necessarily beautification, as my budget will not allow that.

I will thank all on this forum in advance for my inevitable onslaught of questions over the next months as I rebuild this beautiful boat.

Here are a few photos of the current condition:

[SailorChlud]

Here are a few more

[Dogbomb]

Congratulations! Looks like a great project.
I am involved in a similar endeavor on the same year
and model, but on the other side of the country.
So far it's been a lot of work, but a ton of fun.
I look forward to seeing your progress, and I'll
be jealous if you get yours in the water first...
Cheers!

[SailorChlud]

Thanks, Dogbomb. Due to work constraints, I will be having a talented glass guy, who has done work on other Seacrafts, to re-do the transom, raising it to 25 inches, and other miscellaneous fiberglass work. That will give me a significant head start. It will be good to compare notes.

For instance, my bulkheads are shot. Are you replacing yours? If so, what is your plan for that - just plywood and poly? Or something more decorative?

[Dogbomb]

Originally Posted by SailorChlud

For instance, my bulkheads are shot. Are you replacing yours? If so, what is your plan for that - just plywood and poly? Or something more decorative?

Glad you got a good glass guy! That really speeds up the process.
I made new bulkheads out of 1/2" marine ply. I pressure glued a 1/4"
Poplar veneer on the front for added strength and because I really
like how the grain contrasts my new teak doors. 7 coats of varnish
later they're ready to install.

[SailorChlud]

The tone of the wood and the grain are pretty. I am thinking about either fir or mahogany plywood for the bulkheads. My wood side trim pieces were treated with a mess of stains, and look outright disgusting. I may strip them and see how they turn out, or cover them with vinyl bolster material. That will be a next summer project as "must have" systems like steering and gas tank will take priority over cosmetics for now. What diameter steering wheel did you install? and did you do hydraulic or mechanical steering?

[McGillicuddy]

Congrats on your new project, Sailor.

The fact that its already stripped will be a helpful start. Good time to reseal the cap all the way around if not already done to keep the cabin dry. Check for water seepage around the scupper blocks, too. Presumably you'll raise the transom to 25" if you're redoing it.

Nothing against Douglas fir, but mahogany or teak ply offer a timeless salty look and detail. Go with your gut there.

Your consideration to keep the motor light as possible is also wise choice. Your boat was designed with a 300 lb 110 hp Merc in mind. 115 to 140 hp will satisfy, and keep you upright. That boat will get airborne at 25 knots in anything over 2'. Nonetheless, it will land gracefully and you won't spill your drink. It's a very cabaple 20 footer.

Good luck with the project. May you board many stripers, bft or whatever your quarry. Look forward to your progress

[SailorChlud]

Appreciate the recommendations.

[SailorChlud]

Visited the Sea Hag at the fiberglass guy's shop for an update.

The job is 80% done, with gelcoat and drain plugs to install yet. Here are a couple of shots of her with the new higher transom (25 inches).

[Dogbomb]

Wow, she's looking great! I love the raised transom.
Can't wait to see the finished product!