20' Seafari: The Resurrection

[Dogbomb]

Finally got around to replacing the scupper inserts, and boy I'm glad
I did! They looked OK but both were severely corroded towards the center.
This is the port side; the starboard side was worse.
Amazingly, the wood blocks are intact, with no soft spots that I
can detect. The new inserts were a press fit, and I'm happy with
the result. I guess I'll know if I was successful when I get her in the water...

[SailorChlud]

Good move replacing those. I am hoping to get to them on my boat...about August!

[Dogbomb]

I couldn't have asked for a nicer to day to get the Seafari wet.
Decided to make the drive out to Lake Elsinore instead of the big Pacific,
because I figured the tow fees when I broke down would be cheaper...

I'm happy to report that no salvage operation was necessary, and we
enjoyed a perfect day on the glass smooth water.

A fuel injected 4 stroke is magic; touch the key and it starts.
Every time! Whisper quiet idle, no smoke, no shakes.
I'm so used to big carbed two strokes it felt like cheating.

We did 31 miles total and 4 1/2 hours on the water.
The fuel gauge hardly moved, and I'm guessing only a few liquid dinosaurs
gave their lives for my day of fun. I'll report on mileage next time I fill up.
The bilge stayed bone dry, and the scuppers didn't weep one drop.

I suspect she's under-propped. The hole shot is really strong, but
WOT only saw 5,200 RPMs at 41 mph on GPS.
The sweet spot for cruising seemed to be 4,100 RPMs, which yielded
29.5 mph. This was with me, two mutts, 1/2 a tank and minimal gear.
I don't know where the AV plate sat in the wake because I didn't trust
the dog to drive while I took a peek.

The hydraulic steering worked perfectly, my wiring didn't catch on fire
and the stereo sounded great. I really like the layout of this boat,
and I think she's a keeper. I couldn't get a feel for how she'll handle
rough water because all I could find in the way of bumps was my own wake.

I still have a ton of work to do. The cabin is bare fiberglass. She needs
a Bimini top, trim tabs, a depth sounder, the cabin door installed, etc etc.
Is any boat ever actually finished?

I'm happy to be a classic SeaCraft owner, and I can't wait for our
next adventure!

[FLexpat]

Before you spend too much time chasing props make sure your AV (cav) plate is high enough up - in your pics it looked to me like it was about even with the keel and I suspect it should be up about an inch or 1-1/2. If you checked it and it runs just barely above the water then ignore this post...

[DonV]

I don't know for sure, however the white dog looked up to the part of driver!! Ditto on above post!

[Capt.Nate]

Looks great! If you like it in smooth water you'll like it in chop too.

I like that prop on the hatch. Need to get me one of those.

[flyingfrizzle]

Love the nose shot. She shows here lines well

[SailorChlud]

I'm super jealous! Congratulations!

[Dogbomb]

Originally Posted by DonV

I don't know for sure, however the white dog looked up to the part of driver!! Ditto on above post!

He had one too many beers to safely operate a motor vessel.
Plus, no thumbs...

[McGillicuddy]

Originally Posted by Dogbomb

I couldn't have asked for a nicer to day to get the Seafari wet.
The bilge stayed bone dry, and the scuppers didn't weep one drop.

I suspect she's under-propped. The hole shot is really strong, but
WOT only saw 5,200 RPMs at 41 mph on GPS.
The sweet spot for cruising seemed to be 4,100 RPMs, which yielded
29.5 mph. This was with me, two mutts, 1/2 a tank and minimal gear.
I don't know where the AV plate sat in the wake because I didn't trust
the dog to drive while I took a peek...
!

Dogbomb,
She looks great. Glad the scuppers are sound. Your brass tube photo looked scary.

At 5200 rpm WOT, I'd suggest you are over-propped. Likely too much pitch and perhaps too much cup. Also as FLexpat noted motor may be mounted too low also affecting rpm. Definitely want that plate at least 1.5" above keel. May need more elevation with that prop. Suzuki wants 5600-6200 rpm WOT with your river camping load, leaning toward the high end of the range. Don't recall what prop you have, but at a glance I sense you ride a little high on the bow.

Congrats on the first splash!