1973 Seafari Project

[dionbally]

Hi,
I'm a newbie, and just picked up a 73 Seafari on Cape Cod. First, the hull appears in good shape, 2-3 coats of blue paint over a blue-grey gelcoat.The deck is good, except for the companionway floor, it's soft. The transom seems OK, by banging it with a hammer test. The motor is a 1983 200 HP Merc (I know, 175 HP MAX), its not fully rigged and does not start, but turns over and has 125 psi compression in each cylinder. The gas tank is in the process of being removed.I do have the galley seat. I plan on stripping the hull in the Spring. Any thoughts, comments would be appreciated.

[Bigshrimpin]

Congrats on the SeaFari!! You'll love it!

The motor is fantastic too. 125psi is very good for that motor. You'll have all winter to clean it up too . . . rebuild the carbs, swap out the trigger and stator, and replace the wiring, bleeder lines, hoses, replace the fuel pump gaskets and diaphragm (unless it's been done).

as far as starting the motor . . . You need to do a few things first. Inspect the wiring!! especially the wires from the stator and trigger to the switch boxes. The yellow wires on the stator rot out first and usually rot out close to where the wires come out of the stator. Next inspect the bleeder lines . . . especially where they meet the check valves. Next inspect the wiring harnesses from the swtichboxes to the ignition coils and make sure the ignition coils are in good shape and grounded. Personally . . . I'd go through the entire fuel system (fuel pump, inline filter, clean carbs, new hoses) and then try to start it off a 6 gallon tank with fresh fuel.
when you choke the motor you should hear the click of the enrichener solenoid opening. That drains fuel from the top carb bowl down to the bottom two carbs. Once the fuel system is clean up . . . make sure you have spark on all 6 plugs. I just pull them out and turn over the motor. If you have spark on 3 of the 6 (one side) it's a switch box. The real beauty of that motor is that it's so simple to work on and very efficient too.

If you need any parts I have TONS of blackmax parts . . . just no spare 9 amp stators.

[dionbally]

Bigshrimpin,
Thanks for the advice, I have a book with the wiring diagrams, and will need it. A few wires disconnected here and there. Just figured out I have all the bits and pieces for the trim&tilt.

[Bushwacker]

Congratulations - the Seafari's a really versatile boat, and this one looks to be in good shape! I've had mine since 1975! If you'll send me a PM with your e-mail, I'll send you some brochure files I have. Let me know if you don't want the galley seat! I've been planning to build one! Denny

[dionbally]

Bushwacker,
PM sent

[Bigshrimpin]

This is what my coils looked like when I first bought my v225.



Here's the wiring to the switchboxes . . . you can see the trigger wires are shot. Make sure you go through everything before you even turn the key. You can end up toasting certain components if there is a short. Also you don't need the spark advance/idle stabilizer modules . . . Throw them away. They are responsible for more merc deaths than oil injection (plastic worm gears on the crank) on the later merc v6's.

[Bigshrimpin]

Also that 83 200 is only 360lbs and puts out over 200hp. It was the first year they put fingerports in the 2.4L. You'll be 50+ mph easy with the right prop and motor height. Go through that motor this winter and you won't be sorry!! I burn 9gph @ 33/34mph with my 200 in perfect conditions. Check the gear oil for water . . . pressure test the lower unit (and put in a new water pump) before you run it.

[Bigshrimpin]

I also have 3 sets of Hydraulic Lines in Mint condition for that single ram Trim and tilt . . . if yours are in rough shape. Also if you want . . . I have a Three ram style trim setup . . . that bolts up the that motor . . . instead of the old single ram trim/tilt with the external pump.

[dionbally]

Bigshrimpin,
Thanks for all the advice and info,alll of it great!!. I will check out the switchbox wiring this weekend. Heres a question, there is a black module with wires coming out of it right above the carbs. I think it has something to do with the oil injection system (which I have no oil tank, and from what I have heard , don't want one)what is that thing?

[rhody98]

Way to go, another Seafari on Narr. Bay (I'm assuming seeing Middletown). I'll be looking for ya coming out of the east. I just picked one up this Fall, I'll be launching from the North Kingstown side. Good luck with the project.