Project Ideas

[mrobertson]

First - i am no stranger to seacraft restos. I've done 2 now, so i know what it costs and the work involved. I'm looking to hear from others about things i haven't thought about.

Goal = Restored 23 CC with twins on a floatation bracket. Level deck bow to stern with under-deck storage.

First - review this build thread :

http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-...r-r-conch.html

That is very simliar to what i would want to do. I am thinking of removing the liner on a 23cc. Construct a stringer grid and have the deck resting on it. Core the hull sides for strength. Finally, modify the cap for proper toe kick.

I like the fact that the 23 Seacraft is a "big" little boat. Outfitted properly and with the proper weather window, it is perfectly canyon capable. Easily trailered with a 1500 series truck, affordable to run. Essentially, i'd like to have a 25 SeaVee or Contender with twins. The level deck makes the boat much more functional for offshore fishing. However, like many i just can't afford that kind of $$$$$. SeaVee's are next to impossible to find and i like the freeboard in the stern of the Seacraft better.


Thoughts??


-Mike

[mrobertson]

I think in the end i would look towards maybe twin 135 optis, twin 130 etecs, twin 140 zukes, or possibly 115's.

How would i accurately guesstimate height of the deck so that the boat is self bailing?


Also - i already have one with a notched transom and a 250 4 stroke yamaha, so i know what the boat can do with a big single. At what point is the project just not worth it and you should just start with a different foundation (hull) to accomplish my goal?

[Old'sCool]

IMHO, and I own/fish/tow a 23' Seacraft CC.....the 1500 is marginal, the unlevel deck is ok and not worth losing storage to change, Hermo big bracket with big single is fine especially with today's power choices. I guess it depends on what you want to spend your $$$ on.

[mrobertson]

Yours must weigh a whole lot more than mine does. We tow all day long with a 2004 Chevy 1500 4x4 tow capacity 9500 lbs.

As far as storage goes........if you look in that thread i posted and what they are doing with that boat, it has WAY more storage under the deck than the bow storage box does on a standard 23 CC.

[Blackfin26]

I'm debating a similar idea...Turning a Sceptre into a Savage with a hermco and twin small block etec 150-200's. Or...move up to a 26 Regulator. I'd be interested in hearing from those that have twins and a hermco or floatation bracket.
I know a few people have twin etecs on here. Possibly get some specifics on deck height and how the hull handles the weight with 3 or 4 big guys on board, etc...

[mrobertson]

Originally Posted by Blackfin26

Or...move up to a 26 Regulator.

I'd love to do the same except for a few reasons :

1. Cost - Regulators are expensive
2. To move a 26 you need twin 250's - HUGE difference in cost of 150's and 250's
3. Weight - Tow rig capacity must increase
4. Fuel mileage - you are going to be down into the 1 - 1.5 mpg range


Don't get me wrong, if i could afford it id buy one today. Regulator makes a beast of a boat
and i'd love to have one.

Saturday we covered 190 miles on 63 gallons of fuel with my 23 seacraft to and from the Washington Canyon. Thats about as affordable as you can make it. BendLure on CSC has a newer 23 with 150 etecs on the notched transom. He made the same trip on 80 gallons of fuel and can cruise faster than me by 3-4 knts......still not bad. You get into that 1.5 mpg range and you are burning well over 100 gallons of fuel @ $3.50 on a good day.

[Blackfin26]

Yes the Reg 26 is a lot heavier and changes the trailer game. I was thinking of repowering one with the small block 200 etecs and using a shorter bracket (planned to notch the transom cap a bit to allow full tilt up) to reduce overall length. I'm thinking 1.5 to almost 2 mpg with that set up. Those etecs are similar to the hpdi 200's that everyone likes with these hulls. The only way I could afford it would be to find a reg hull that needs an overhaul
Does anyone on here have a 23 with a Hermco and twin outboards?

[DonV]

My brother just bought a 29' SeaVee with the CC and cabin in front (had to make the women happy) with twin 225s. Sweet boat with one issue, the gunnels toward the stern are not high enough, you get used to it, but 4" to 5" higher gunnels would be really nice!! Thing rides like a dream!

[mrobertson]

Originally Posted by DonV

Sweet boat with one issue, the gunnels toward the stern are not high enough, you get used to it, but 4" to 5" higher gunnels would be really nice!! Thing rides like a dream!

That's the south florida style, the low gunnels in the back make for easier releases.

[parrott]

Removing liner and level deck are great ideas. My last 23' I raised the floor 4" and it selfbailed with a single 225 ox66 on a swim platform bracket. My last 20' MA I raised the floor 5" and it selfbailed with a 150 4stroke on a bracket. No swim platform.
That being said my next 23' I will raise the floor close to 6" to ensure it will selfbail easier then my last 23' did.