It's Time

RalphD · #1 11-15-2004, 02:00 PM

Well the house is basically done (never done I know) and I'm thinking about taking the plunge next year. But I need a plan and have some starting questions for the experts.

A little info first. My boat is a 1979 23' cc inboard. I purchased her 12 years ago and she is in very serviceable and safe condition but certainly not perfect. When I got her I replaced the engine with a rebuilt block, rebuilt the transmission, replaced the fuel tanks, and did some general cosmetic work including refinishing the top side and console. I didn't pay alot so she owes me nothing.

My problem is the cosmetic work I did years ago needs to be redone and after reading this site I want to do it right this time. I want to tear her completely down and start over with a full restoration.

The biggest question I have for now is, should I convert to an outboard with a bracket? It seems there would be many advantages including less weight, better fuel consumption/more range, less draft, space inside console, no exhaust below water line, more room for fuel, and no shaft log to leak. I think it would make the boat much more adaptable to my current situation (back bay, inlet, limited offshore). Has anybody done this and are they happy with their decision?

Second, can I get the names of some reputable fiberglass companies in S Jersey. I can handle the cosmetic stuff but, if I go with the bracket, I will have to have the transom replaced. It's moist but sound although I wouldn't want to go the bracket route without having it done. Also, I have a 1/2 tunnel. Should this be filled in if I go with an outboard bracket?

Again, I'm trying to formulate a plan here so your opiniions and comments will be greatly appreciated.

ScottM · #2 11-15-2004, 02:14 PM

Ralph,
You're right, the house is NEVER done. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img] You may have already answered your own question by stating where/how you fish. Sounds like you're a perfect candidate for an outboard, but the work you need to do to get there is going to be long and labor-intensive.

You raise a good question about the tunnel. I would think this would create a lot of "dirty" water around the lower unit of an OB, causing cavitation. Filling that tunnel in would be major reconstruction.

FELLOW-SHIP · #3 11-15-2004, 03:37 PM

Ha Ralph;

I usually am very positive trying to encourage everyone who wants to convert a 23 SeaCraft I/O to a Outboard. To me it just makes a lot of sense but with a prop pocket inboard I would keep it as is. I really like inboards and Love prop pocketed inboard boats. To convert one to a Outboard could be a major undertaking and cost lots of $$$. It probably would be cheaper to convert to a diesel inboard then to convert to a Outboard. That is a very rare boat you have there and I would never ever let that one go.
P.S. Don’t let Otto know about it here on this board he buys everything that is really special and I’m sure he would love to give you a offer on it or swap out with Ya.
FellowShip [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Finster · #4 11-15-2004, 04:40 PM

Ralph, don't even think about reconfiguring an inboard, that would be a travisty. If it where an i/o then yes that would be the first thing I'd do. The SC 23 inboards are probibly the most desired boat out of the SeaCraft line.

If your stuck on having ob's I have a half restored '72 SC SF 23 with a new closed transom and hermco braket I may be willing to trade. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] The boat was original with twin i/o's.

ocuyler · #5 11-15-2004, 05:10 PM

I agree with the above both that it is not practical to convert an inboard to and outboard. That is a special hull I don't think it draws that much more water that you can't do the inshore thing with it.

I also agree that should you decide to sell or trade to get to a outboard, I'm your guy. An inboard is the last configuration I need to complete my collection.

Your PLAN should consider renovating her the way she is and making whatever modifications you can to keep compromise to a minimum. Alternatively, selling/trading for a 20' or 23' outboard that may or may not need a renovation. A 20' might be a nice boat for what you're doing.

Finster · #6 11-15-2004, 06:49 PM

Hey Dear Abby, what's the deal?? You can't be serious.

Mark · #7 11-15-2004, 06:52 PM

yeah Finny, I'd have to agree: converting an inboard to an outboard simply can't be done [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

But, so you don't lose any money, I'll give you exactly what you paid for that hull of yours [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Ryan · #8 11-15-2004, 08:29 PM

Finster did you decide to pass n that 20 sc down here in Miami? Im interested to know what kind of condition it was in

Finster · #9 11-15-2004, 09:06 PM

No I didn't. As it turned out the bottom was blistered and there for useless to me. I was hoping for a clean engine swap and get it in the water. The last thing I was looking for was another boat to work on.
The seller Seabrook is a great guy and prefectly understood my concern and wasn't aware of the problem, or I should say wasn't trying to pawn if off knowingly.

I owe a big thanks to Capt.Brad for going out of his way to look at it for me. I was real close to buying it unseen.

Ryan · #10 11-15-2004, 09:20 PM

cool, i was wondering because im tryin to sell my 20 around the same figure but his boat looks in the pictures to be pretty nice. Did Capt Brad say anything about the deck or transom?