How bad is this?

[kenm]

My first post! Been lurking here as I am looking for a Seacraft, at last I need help with something I cannot find. I am considering buying a 1979 23' center console. It has been rebuilt, is solid, but the Gel coat on the floor was not restored correctly. Is this coating a big problem? Should I stay away from this boat?

[NoBones]

First off welcome to CSC kenm,
If you are referring to the splatter coat, there is nothing
wrong with this method. This is the way I did the deck on my 20SF. It is great for non skid and it hides alot of sins.
If the gelcoat is pealing off and cracking the area was not sanded and prepared properly. It is just alot of grinding
to take out the damaged areas and re-do. If the rest of the boat is solid and you can get at a good price, Do-it.

See ya, Ken

[Trayder]

I am 99% sure that boat was re-stored by Don Herman of Hermco the Moderator of the Repairs sections if so he may have more info for you.

Do you have more pictures of the boat and by chance does it have a Contender console?

As for it not being done "correctly" perhaps for aesthetics but for function it fine

welcome aboard

[eggsuckindog]

THe splatter coat was not standard so it was redone, if Hermco did it should have been correctly, that would be a huge plus if in fact he did the work-find out.

[kenm]

Thanks guys, makes me feel better. Work was done by a local marine mechanic, looks and feels very solid. Any chance the hull is worth around 10k? Is this a contender console?

[Capt Chuck]

It's had some mods but it is a SeaCraft Console

[joey]

I like the splatter coat,no need for a shammy!

[Trayder]

Joey has got a good point easy maintence

I took alook at the other pictures you had on you photo site

The only thing that concerns me (since there are two V6 200hp Mercs on the transom) is how the old splashwell was taken out. That well added some structure and stiffness to the boat so make sure plenty was put back. Thoroughly look at the transom area under the deck, stringers, and how things are tied together.

that is not a Contender console, as chuck points out it is a SeaCraft console.

It is a nice boat, if you pass please share the info with us.

tx
J

[JohnB]

It looks to me as if the transom height was raised 5" or so, compared to most of the boats I have seen. My guess is they had to, because 2 of those motors are close to 900 pounds, and would bury the back end of that boat with the stock transom height. It should have knee braces to the bottom of the hull, and tied very strongly to the floor. Have you sea trialed it? how was the balance, and where was the floor compared to the water line at rest. Looking at the rabud scuppers, my guess is the floor is below the waterline when standing still. I would put it in the water, and throw a couple of 5 gal buckets on the deck and see if it drains ok. Does it drain overboard? or into the bilge?

[kenm]

Yes the transom was raised, and gusset brackets were added for the additional weight. He said the floor is right at the waterline at rest, and it does drain overboard. I have an agreement and will seatrial soon. Any other suggestions at the seatrial? Looking forward to crossing over from whaler to Seacraft!