Cost of SeaCraft Seafari Total Restoration

[SeaCraft Seafari Searcher]

Hi all,

I am looking to get my hands on a 25' Seafari sometime in the near future.

I am trying to determine how much I need to save up to have a professional full restoration. I grew up on a 20' Seafari and have an irrational attachment to the boat.

I've seen Metan and other shops advertise SeaCraft restoration services. What should I expect for a full restoration with an outboard conversion (making the boat comparable to brand new)? I have absolutely no skills in restoration and don't have the time to dedicate to such a project, so I'd prefer just to pay the money.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Bigshrimpin]

There was a restored one for sale near you on CL a while back.

[dirtwheelsfl]

Originally Posted by Bigshrimpin

There was a restored one for sale near you on CL a while back.

Fairly certain that one is sitting behind ?Billfish Boatworks? in fort pierce right now. Not sure what its doing there but it looks like its just being stored. It was the real nice one with the bracket ready for outboards.

[SeaCraft Seafari Searcher]

I have seen some real nice ones pop up on here from time to time. I'm hoping to snag one that doesn't need a lot of work, but want to be realistic. I expect I'd have to spend some decent amount of money to make a 25' show room floor ready.

[cdavisdb]

Mine will be for sale, fall of next year. Its Bahama trip capable right now; I'm planning a 3 week Bahama trip for this summer. However, its cosmetically challenged and the engine, while still perfect compression, is getting long in the tooth(drive still under warranty) It could stand a refirb. What a restore costs will depend a lot on what is needed/done. I haven't a clue.

[strick]

To answer your question figure anywhere from 30k to 60K depending on what you wanted/needed to be done and the condition of the boat you bought and who you have do it...this is a rough estimate on my part...I would be very careful in who you select to do the work as well... It's really hard to answer this type of question as there are so many variables you mentioned outboards...single or twins? there goes another 20k if twins... the list goes on and on

strick

[SeaCraft Seafari Searcher]

Are there any well known shops that people trust to do the job right?

[erebus]

The previous owner of my 1979 23 Seacraft Sceptre got a quote from Metan for a full restoration in 2012.

Quote, if I recall was around $80K NOT including a new motor.
The boat was in pretty good shape at the time. Had a bracket already and the floors and transom were already done.

Previous owner figured he'd be into it for about $100-110K when all was said and done.
He re-powered it with an Etec instead and ran it for a few years as it was.
He sold it to me about three years ago and bought himself a nice 26' Regulator for $80K.
I did the transom and some misc stuff and have been running it ever since.

In my experience Metan does beautiful high quality work, but they'll want all the money for it.

I have the paperwork and quote and can scan it and post it if anybody's interested in what $80K gets you at Metan.

[strick]

Originally Posted by SeaCraft Seafari Searcher

Are there any well known shops that people trust to do the job right?

There are shops in florida that do great work...do your research. Otherwise buy Conners boat and save thousands of $$..the 25 is a lot different then the 20 you remember as far as how it handles.

strick

[SeaCraft Seafari Searcher]

I've noticed a lot of discussion about issues with the 25's balance, especially when trying to bracket an outboard. Maybe a 20' would be a better idea.

I would love to see the quote Metan gave on your Sceptre. That would be really helpful.