I'm at the tip of the iceberg

[ledslinger]

Hi all,
I bought a 79 23'cc and I'm getting ready to address all the issues that are common to all the Seacrafts.
I've read a lot of transom, floor, scupper and fuel tank posts and feel like i have done a few already! Major kudos for all the progressive posts !!!

I haven't seen any posts about weight distribution vs attitude to the waterline except to move as much weight forward as possible. Has anyone floated an empty hull and noted the waterline?

I will be keeping the boat moored in freshwater (Lake Erie) for the majority of the time and as of this writing my thoughts are to keep the Armstrong bracket and a single 225 Mercury and add a new fuel tank around 100 gal along with the usual transom,deck and cap recore.
Thanks in advance, Mike

[ledslinger]

Progress---I got the motors are off and the dismantling begins--2 sheets of 3/4 marineply and glass are coming.

I guess in my previous post i was looking for any info about the approximate center of gravity of a 23' cc. My boat originally was a jackshafted diesel and converted to a bracketed twin outboard. The scumline on the hull looks as though it squatted in the stern at rest. Id like to get closer to the intended weight distribution.

Thanks Mike

[McGillicuddy]

Welcome aboard ledslinger.
I had a 23 seavette with twins and it too suffered the stern squat syndrome. Check out the photo galleries - specifically Diego Torians 23. Shows waterline relative to boot stripe in water and on trailer. Looks really well balanced with a fairly light but capable single engine...The '73 Brochure shows a 23 Sceptre - that is how I'd rather have a 23 sit; wet ride - maybe... but trim tabs are a wonderful thing.

Good luck going forward, and get some pre-op pics up.

P.S. I just picked up a 21 just north of Toledo, with Meinke Marina stickers all over it... sound familiar?

[ledslinger]

Thanks McGillicuddy, The brocure shows a good view of how it floats when it is new. Maybe floating the boat before it is completed might be in order.

I should be able to get more disassembled during the next week. I'll read how to post pics---i've taken some as i go for reference.

Congrats on the 21 from Meineke Marina, I have only fished around Toledo a couple times, 60 miles from me. About 1/2 way between lie the Bass islands and numerous shoals and reefs where most of my fishing was done in my friends 23 Seacraft.

Thanks Mike

[bridgeman]

A single 225 with a floatation bracket will most likely be pretty level, I doubt mine squats more than 4" and I'm running twins. I have to plug the splashwell drains because they're under about an inch but I don't think there is a 23 out there with twins that sets high enough to go without them. I plan on running the old merc's until one goes and then enclosing the transome and adding a bracket as I also run my boat on Erie. First boat I've owned with a notched transome and it gets a little hairy trolling in a following sea. Never really had a problem but I don't like it when the waves start to build and stack up.

[Old'sCool]

Heres my '73 23' w/aluminum bracket, 250 Yam 2S, 2 batteries, oil tank, couch and wife in back w/prob 60 gals. fuel.

[castalot]

I have twins 130hp Johnson loopers sits good no water with just me at the transom 200+lbs but I also have a 25" transom for twins and I would need a 30" single I might have a picture somewhere

[ledslinger]

Bridgeman, I've seen your boat in what looked like, to me, a used car lot by Lake Rd and Rt 11. We went back the next week to see if it was for sale and it was gone. That HAD to be your boat!---I fish west of Cleveland in a 27' inboard but it isnt so bad til it turns northeast. My 23 has an enclosed transom and a bracket already but i cant see getting it going this year. Thanks for the help, Mike

[ledslinger]

Reelescape1---If mine sits like yours ---i'll be extremely happy!

Castalot---Id love to have two 130s ---I dont think its in the cards

Thanks Mike

[Snookerd]

Mike-Great to see the boat is getting the attention it deserves! I am excited for you and a bit envious. I will keep looking for the prop locks. I ended up getting the twin of my old 18SF afew days later after the sale. I'm looking forward to following your progress.........