Hey everyone! If you have any tips or ideas for this project, please comment down below! Don’t forget my FGCI DISCOUNT CODE: PFB10 for 10% off your order! Thank you all for your support! 🛥️🤙🌊
Man this is going to be quite the project! Will be following your progress and chiming in if I can help. Going to be very interesting seeing that hull as a pilot house style boat. There are a few of these boats running around up here in the mid-Atlantic area. My buddy had a 78 that he had for several years and it was restored by a guy up in New Jersey. He loved it. I think the fuel tanks were epoxy coated aluminum from Sea Craft. Hope your going to make accommodations for the “boss” to go camping too. You could make the left cabin area extend out under a footrest for the passenger side seating area. Person could place legs into this area and still maybe get sleeping area down below for 1 person.
That’s a good idea! With time and with the help of all you guys in the comments, I can make this boat perfect. Sleeping accommodations are gonna be tricky. 🛥️🌊🤙
Awesome Boat, It looks like it will be a great project. I have seen out on the reef too, though you building your own pilot house you could probably get a better air conditioning system one that is both inside and outside. Maybe look into doing a small RV mini split AC system. They have them available. You could also almost get one that runs off 12v and be able to use a battery bank overnight instead of a generator to power it.
Funny you mention that, I had a battery company reach out and i gave them the idea to run an ac off their batteries and they were in on the idea! I gotta check out the mini split systems for sure they might be more efficient. Thanks for the tip 🌊🤙🛥️
Love the project! If you are going to be doing so much glass work, consider a side dive door and putting the a/c on the roof, keep the rear deck as clear as possible.
Thats a fantastic idea. Idk where I would start with a side dive door so I’ll have to do some research but a roof ac makes a ton of sense. I’ve seen them on the c dorys. Only thing is I’d like some solar power as well. Thanks for the tips! 🛥️🌊🤙
That is awesome!! Can’t wait to see the progress. I am restoring a 1999 Legacy SeaEra and the thought of enclosing it came across my mind also. Love your videos. Keep up the good work. 🚤
I have a 1970 Sea Craft 20 foot with cuddy cab and LOVE it. got it for Free this year, from a friend who need room at his house (do to him having to many boats) Needed to do a lil bit of work on it. my Cuddy looks bigger??? can't wait to see your updates on the rebuild of yours. mine has a 1983 Evinrude 115hp with hydraulic trim. it hits 33 mph. 2 ppl on board. could use a bigger OB with more HP, But it works. thank you for your Time, And your video. I subbed and TU
Richard thank you so much for commenting! I’m glad you love your Seacraft! Everyone that’s had one loves them! I’m excited to get started on that build. I’ll probably start tearing the transom down after thanksgiving and now that the weather has settled down here is in south Florida. Those are pretty good numbers with that 115 tbh. A 150 would probably put that up into the mid 40s. Which is where I’m fine being at for a top end! Thank you so much for your support I appreciate you! 🛥️🌊🤙
Way to go man. Sounds like some great ideas. Just a thought, tables in our boat just seems to collect stuff on top. We removed ours and use some folding wood tables we got at Walmart for $10 bucks. Working on opening the sides for storage. Guess you could say like putting kitchen cabinets all around. Good luck my friend and hope you can make your dream come true.
Thank you so much for that! I’m all for keeping it simple so I think that might be the way to go tbh. Something easily removable and modular. At least in the beginning. Wood tables can be folded and put away too. Thanks so much for the tips and kind words! 🌊🤙🛥️
That's a great project boat. I like the idea of the enclosed cabin. Maybe some sort of fold down bed setup would work. Good luck on your build. I just subscribed to your channel and look forward to the build. You have some good ideas.
Thanks so much for the support! I think keeping it simple is the best option. Some type of fold down bed or even inflatable would work and probably be more comfortable. I have some time to think about it and get ideas from everyone. Thanks again for the tips! 🛥️🌊🤙
Nice project. That looks like originally was a stern drive boat. Sea drives came out in the mid 80’s. It will be better with the bracket. I have a 73 Septere that was in a fire l turned it into a center console it’s a great boat but have not used it in long time.l recently built a pilot house on much bigger boat (44’) we built the fwd and sides out of coosa and glass worked out great. The fwd windows l built a rabbit and glued them in place,side windows were alluminum framed and sliding also worked well. In terms of your a/c battery bank Would work with a small Honda generator much smaller and lighter than a marine type and remove when not in use a floating platform for the generator can work too ,less noise and vibration. Good luck!
Thanks John! The boat definitely had stern drives but I believe it was converted to them later on. As you state, stern drives came out in the 80s. This makes sense because the transom is painted so someone did some type of modification. That’s a great idea for the pilot house windows. I’ll be exploring all those options. After a few emails and messages after this video came out, I’m considering a forward leaning windshield as well. Thanks for the tips! 🌊🤙🛥️
Since you are already going to be making a pilot house with new front windows, have you thought of moving the windows forward to increase the interior size of the pilot house. By doing this, you will have more room for sleeping without reducing the size of the open area in the stern.
Yes, I’ve thought of making the front windshield raking forward rather than backwards. I’ve got a couple designs drawn out on paper and I’ll be showing them on the next video! 🤙🌊🛥️
Congrats on your purchase bro🙏 can’t wait to watch your upcoming videos , as a subscriber i will always give my support by liking and commenting because you’re positive 🇱🇨
Great! It looks like the next few videos are going to be full of information. Good luck on this project. Can't wait to see the end results. BTW, Where's the Mrs.? I haven't seen her in quite some time.
If you're replacing the foredeck anyway, please for the love of god, give yourself 12" more headroom in the cabin. Cut 3" from the deck-hull joint, Raise it up a foot, then put the new fore-deck/cabin top in. You can even have port lights in the rise, for better light and airflow. The single biggest drawback to cuddy cabins is the headroom. And I know you're a tall dude. You having the necessary headroom in bed is a huge quality of life improvement...
That’s a great tip Elle! I won’t be using the cabin to sleep though. It’ll be for storage and for the toilet. I’ll make a shower around the toilet as well! I’m gonna make an area in the pilot house I can sleep on. Like a bench that ties in with the cabinets on the opposite side to make a big sleeping space if that makes sense! Thanks for the support Elle! 🛥️🌊🤙
I was thinking you'd have to open one of the windshield panels to access the anchor but if you're prarie dogging out of a hatch, a sloped chain locker with steps going up would be really comfortable to pop up with lots of access to see ahead. A hydraulic platform would be cool to transform the walking surface in the head into a privacy wall. Waterproof the whole space to work as a shower. A 15' remote pendant from the helm would give you solo options to control the boat from the anchor hatch or the aft opening while tying up to the dock. Don't forget the pilot house roof as a possible place to mount an AC. Think about screening for privacy since you'd be sleeping at dock level. An 8' beam is going to be sporty on space for a kitchenette on starboard plus sleeping two on port. Think about provisioning a flexible closeout at the back of the pilot house: a flat wall for fishing, a fast back to sheet water off during storage, bikini top, and a cabin extension with queen air mattress for comfortably sleeping 3. The rod holders in the rail can double as tent post foundations. Make yourself a scale model of the floorplan, any furniture you're considering, and how much space you and your partner need to comfortably sleep.
Thanks for the great info! I love the idea of a sloped chain locker. I just don’t have a ton of anchor locker space. I’ll figure something out for sure. I also thought the area with the toilet would make a great shower space as well. Make some curtains that can wrap around and you can stand and have shower in the cabin and keep everything dry. Kinda like the Cutwater 24 shower system. The roof is a great place for an ac and it saves space in the cabin from having to put an ac. And I won’t have to build a space for it. I’m definitely going to draw everything out to size and see how I’m going lay everything out. And with everyone’s help in the comments, I can build something awesome! Thanks for the comment and tips! 🛥️🤙🌊
Having an osprey pilot house, the next thing I'm going to do is install a forward leaning windshield, the struggle is real with sea spray and a back leaning windshield.
Hey mate, I have a Huntsman 24ft flybridge, and my enclosed cab setup is very similar to what you’re describing for your boat. Huntsman boats are Australian-made but very similar to Bertrams. I can send you some videos of mine for a bit of inspiration.
First video of yours, that I have seen. I am a boat mechanic, and you are not really going against the grain here. you are just following your dream. All boat owners should do that. I have a few questions. What are you replacing the transom with? It should be strong. Are you redoing all the wiring? Are you doing a moisture test on the stringers? (Even the foam soaks up water!) Adwises few I have. ( I got Yoda'ed!) Overkill on the wire gauge. You'd never want them to small. ((FIRE)) Allways have an extra bilgepump!! (Mounted an extra in my Windy and it has it own battery!) Consider a bigger center window that opens, and stairs that folds away. It will make your life easier when docking. A folding sunbed in the back, and a Bimini top with the pilot house would look great. Look to campers and caravans for idears in the kitchen and toilet area. Looking forward to the next video.
Hey brother thank you so much for the comment. It’s great to get advice from people like yourself who have extensive knowledge in the marine industry. The transom I’ll be replacing with coosa and a poured transom. My channel is partners with FGCI and they provide the materials for the build. I’ve done two transoms this way and they’ve come out amazing. I’ll be rewiring the entire boat. I did this to my Grady and another Grady as well. I’ll definitely be doing overkill on the wire gauges! These stringers are foam filled so I’ll have to make some inspection holes to see if they’re dry or not. If they’re not, I’ll dig them out and repour some two part floatation foam. Extra bilge pumps are a must! I’ll be making another video with my ideas for the rest of the build so I can get more valuable input like yours. Bimini too that folds up would be amazing for the Rear deck area! I think it’ll be a sweet build! 🤙🛥️🌊
He bro eso te va a quedar bello! Échale amor y trabajo y te lo devolverá, en lo que yo te pueda ayudar ahi estare, solo dimelo que ese bote pronto lo echaremos al mar! En el mar nos vemos Andreciro!
Have you considered using lithium batteries using an Inverter or a DC operated AC unit? They have made a lot of headway on those units and I think for that space it may work for you.
Yes! I’m actually talking to a company now that is supplying me the batteries to make this exact thing happen! It’s been be pretty cool! No generator required so nice and quiet!
Call “Stealth 1 Charging” they have a charger that uses your outboards alternator to charge the lithium batteries. I had excellent service on my installation for my trolling motor install. The owner went over everything I needed to do for almost an hour. It’s worked perfectly I’ve barely had to plug my boat in to charge the batteries.
Great project man really looking forward to following along .I like the idea of sone sort of poly windows safer easier to shape and install personally I have shattered windows in rough seas heck of a mess to clean up.there is a company called Steele products that has every seal rub rail insert trim none to man and will even extrude custom products for you they are great people to deal with.
Always great to hear from you Dave! I think poly windows is the way to go. At least for the front windshield. I’d like something I can slide open for the side windows. I’ll check out Steele products right now! Thanks so much for the tips!🛥️🤙🌊
love the pilot house but I'm in Washington state and we have this stuff in the air. It's call COLD. You probably haven't experinced it! Following! I'd love to build a pilot house on my grady but it's too nice. Need a project boat.
OMC sea drives... us mechanics called them sea dogs..we put many meals on the table working on those things, complicated hyd hoses everywhere, saltwater tore em' up! Junk
hi am 77 retired old sailor from UK.POOLE. done lots with glass and ply boats and yacht's. the plan you have is a bit risky because of windage in beam rolling swell ,if combined will flip the craft over, risky conversion.
funny looking boats from the factory but not to many 23's out there that will ride as well. A more current boat the Albemarle 24 with sterndrive:( is a comparable ride. Great project good luck
Depends. Let’s do some math. 200 Suzuki will cost 19k installed let’s say. Assuming the hull is good. No rot etc. a new 20ft boat today will cost you 80k. I think it’s worth it to get out on the water. How’s your project coming along?🤙🌊🛥️
@perfectfitboating its coming I bought it originally with a 2007 175hp optimax, for $3,500 it didn't occur to me to open the cowling off the motor, got home and looked at engine just to find out the guy had deleted the direct injection, well to make the story short the engine has a dead cylinder now and I'm on the hunt for a used one, still debating if I want to repower with new but I know a new engine will be better for the long run
@perfectfitboating I did sell my first boat which I bought for $3600, regelcoat the whole outside and interior, sold it for $7,200 I know thats unbelievable but yea, so far I'm on the plus side 😆
@duartepaintinghandymanservices ugh sorry to hear that. I gotta tell you it’s worth it having a new motor. Peace of mind. Starts every time. 200hp will sip fuel and run that boat hard!
It's funny how some boats get internet reputations of being good or bad. If you talk to 90% of the people that say they're good or bad, they've never rode on them.
Go buy easy off oven cleaner, yes easy off lol. Spray lots of it let it sit on the bottom paint for 1 day and use a nice pressure washer and bottom paint will come right off. Then you can sand Thank me later😊
G'day frm Australia been watching your vids for a while now but never commented on have a couple of thoughts for you 1 is see if you can get curved one piece windscreen for the front rather than the 3 if the guy can build a curved pilot front would look so much better be a stand out frm crowd a one off and give so much better visibility but I know money could be an issue but pay once cry once 2 is a Drum anchor winch rather than a windlass as they can be a lot quicker in dropping and retrieving than a windlass rode is also kept neater on the drum than just piling on the floor for that there is a very reputable company in Australia who builds and sells in the USA as well, the gentleman who owns it is a Texan born American who lives and works in Australia the company is called Lone Star marine maybe you could reach out to them or him personally for sponsorship he did install some winches on Marcianos boat from Wicked Tuna... cheers from Australia 🇦🇺
Thanks for the info Ken! I like that idea of a round windshield. I also like the idea of a forward leaning windshield. Either way, I want it done right. I’ve looked at those drum anchor systems and they’re much better than windlasses. They’re just extremely costly. Most windlasses have issues tbh. I’ll check them out for sure! Thanks so much for watching and for commenting! I look forward to hearing from you in the future! You give great advice! 🌊🤙🛥️
ook at defiance boats , like their layout better than Parker , c- hawk also has some nice layouts as well as judge and seiger , most depends on where you are putting the head mainly
I don't know man.... The gentleman said the guy was generous in selling him the book for $1,000...... From where I'm sitting it looks to me like he got ripped off, different folks different strokes. He may be proficient in the boats where I'm not and I see it as a ripboff
I will never ever understand how people can spend money on cars and boats and the like and then destroy them , I am an odd duck I guess because every thing I buy I take extreme care of
You have no business touching that boat. A potter Seacraft should be restored by a person that knows what they are doing and will respect the hull. Not some guy that just does things fast and cheap.
Hey everyone! If you have any tips or ideas for this project, please comment down below! Don’t forget my FGCI DISCOUNT CODE: PFB10 for 10% off your order! Thank you all for your support! 🛥️🤙🌊
Excellent pick up. Sea Craft is to notch! I'm tuned in...
Thank you brother! I appreciate your support! 🛥️🤙🌊
23 SeaCraft one of the best riding small hulls ever built no question about it
Yes! Can’t wait to see how she rides when it’s all done! 🛥️🌊🤙
Awesome Bro! Can't wait to see the progress! Hope you are doing great! Peace from the Keys!
Thank you my brother! Always love hearing from you! Hope you’re doing well also!🛥️🌊🤙
Man this is going to be quite the project! Will be following your progress and chiming in if I can help. Going to be very interesting seeing that hull as a pilot house style boat.
There are a few of these boats running around up here in the mid-Atlantic area. My buddy had a 78 that he had for several years and it was restored by a guy up in New Jersey. He loved it. I think the fuel tanks were epoxy coated aluminum from Sea Craft.
Hope your going to make accommodations for the “boss” to go camping too. You could make the left cabin area extend out under a footrest for the passenger side seating area. Person could place legs into this area and still maybe get sleeping area down below for 1 person.
That’s a good idea! With time and with the help of all you guys in the comments, I can make this boat perfect. Sleeping accommodations are gonna be tricky. 🛥️🌊🤙
Ok! I’m excited about this saga! 🎉
Me too! Thanks for the support!!🤙🌊🛥️
Awesome project!! Looking forward to see what you do!
Thank you for watching buddy I appreciate you! 🌊🤙🛥️
Very ambitious project and lm envious of the plans you have for it. Can't wait for an update. Good luck and keep boating!
@@stevekucharek7299 thanks Steve! Appreciate you watching! 🛥️🌊🤙
Damn! That is one ambitious project you have undertaken. I suspect you will do a sterling job - looking forward to seeing your progress.
Thanks Frank! I’m gonna do my best! 🤙🛥️🌊
Awesome 👌 can't wait to see her come together!
You and me both! It’s gonna be a fun build! 🌊🤙🛥️
👍🏼 Can't wait to see it on the water
Thank you Roland! Neither can I! 🤙🌊🛥️
Awesome Boat, It looks like it will be a great project. I have seen out on the reef too, though you building your own pilot house you could probably get a better air conditioning system one that is both inside and outside. Maybe look into doing a small RV mini split AC system. They have them available. You could also almost get one that runs off 12v and be able to use a battery bank overnight instead of a generator to power it.
Funny you mention that, I had a battery company reach out and i gave them the idea to run an ac off their batteries and they were in on the idea! I gotta check out the mini split systems for sure they might be more efficient. Thanks for the tip 🌊🤙🛥️
@@perfectfitboating Given the volume of space you are trying to cool. it won't take a massive size air conditioner to keep it cool.
Bravo! ❤. Can't wait to see her on the water. Blessings.
Big hugs my brother! Thanks for your continuous support! 🛥️🤙🌊
would love to watch part two, great job
It’s coming! This week i start ripping her up so I should have a video next week! 🛥️🌊🤙
Following along! Congrats on the new project.
Thanks Steve! I appreciate the support! 🛥️🤙🌊
Cool project, looking forward to seeing more!
Thanks so much! I appreciate you watching! 🤙🌊🛥️
My friend sounds like it's gonna be a great boat when you finish with it my friend and a great hull
Thanks Pedro! I appreciate the support! 🛥️🌊🤙
Thanks for sharing and taking us along
And Thank you for watching! 🌊🤙🛥️
Love the project! If you are going to be doing so much glass work, consider a side dive door and putting the a/c on the roof, keep the rear deck as clear as possible.
Thats a fantastic idea. Idk where I would start with a side dive door so I’ll have to do some research but a roof ac makes a ton of sense. I’ve seen them on the c dorys. Only thing is I’d like some solar power as well. Thanks for the tips! 🛥️🌊🤙
This is the perfect 🤩 new project boat can’t wait to see what you do with it. Tis the season ❤. Love your excitement cheers 🥂
Thanks steva! ❤
Awesome an old Sea craft and basically I can’t wait to see it
Thanks Robert! And thanks for the support! 🛥️🤙🌊
That is awesome!! Can’t wait to see the progress. I am restoring a 1999 Legacy SeaEra and the thought of enclosing it came across my mind also. Love your videos. Keep up the good work. 🚤
Thanks Chris! Happy to hear you’re taking on a project as well! Goodluck! 🛥️🤙🌊
Great choice of boat for the transformation!! This will be a fantastic build, can’t wait to watch it. Keep up the great work on your channel!
Thank you so much for the kind words and the support! I’m excited to start! 🛥️🤙🌊
Sea craft ✅
Soothing wash ✅
Restoration ✅
Awesome !
Thank you brother! 🛥️🤙🌊
@@perfectfitboating💪💪, hooked on this series now , FGCI have everything under the sun for this restos 🙌🙌
@YourBoatHere they absolutely do! And it’s affordable!
I am putting hard top on my Spectre. I suggest you consider doing the same. Full enclosure express style. You can still enjoy your a/c!
She is beautiful, and I know you will make this a perfect boat.
Thank you brother! Thanks for the support! I’m gonna do my best with this one! 🛥️🌊🤙
I can not wait to see how this boat turns out!
Thank you brother! I can’t wait either. Long road ahead! 🛥️🌊🤙
Look at you finding exactly what you were looking for !! LOVE that the trailer is "Overbuilt" but PLEASE tell me you can convert it to bunks.
Yes! It worked out perfectly! Can’t wait to tear into this thing!🛥️🤙🌊
Edit: gonna see if that’s a possibility with the trailer!
Pretty cool, that guy's boat was from Newbern NC, that's only 20 minutes from me, I have some buddy's with boats there.
That’s right! Super cool build! 🤙🌊🛥️
Looks great!
Thank you buddy! Can’t wait for you to start working on your Seacraft! 🌊🤙🛥️
This video rocks! Can't wait to see the next one. I can offer a helping hand as well. Cheers!
Youre too kind my brother I appreciate you! Gonna do my best to make this boat bad ass! 🤙🌊🛥️
I have a 1970 Sea Craft 20 foot with cuddy cab and LOVE it. got it for Free this year, from a friend who need room at his house (do to him having to many boats) Needed to do a lil bit of work on it. my Cuddy looks bigger??? can't wait to see your updates on the rebuild of yours. mine has a 1983 Evinrude 115hp with hydraulic trim. it hits 33 mph. 2 ppl on board. could use a bigger OB with more HP, But it works. thank you for your Time, And your video. I subbed and TU
Richard thank you so much for commenting! I’m glad you love your Seacraft! Everyone that’s had one loves them! I’m excited to get started on that build. I’ll probably start tearing the transom down after thanksgiving and now that the weather has settled down here is in south Florida. Those are pretty good numbers with that 115 tbh. A 150 would probably put that up into the mid 40s. Which is where I’m fine being at for a top end! Thank you so much for your support I appreciate you! 🛥️🌊🤙
Way to go man. Sounds like some great ideas. Just a thought, tables in our boat just seems to collect stuff on top. We removed ours and use some folding wood tables we got at Walmart for $10 bucks. Working on opening the sides for storage. Guess you could say like putting kitchen cabinets all around. Good luck my friend and hope you can make your dream come true.
Thank you so much for that! I’m all for keeping it simple so I think that might be the way to go tbh. Something easily removable and modular. At least in the beginning. Wood tables can be folded and put away too. Thanks so much for the tips and kind words! 🌊🤙🛥️
That's a great project boat. I like the idea of the enclosed cabin. Maybe some sort of fold down bed setup would work. Good luck on your build. I just subscribed to your channel and look forward to the build. You have some good ideas.
Thanks so much for the support! I think keeping it simple is the best option. Some type of fold down bed or even inflatable would work and probably be more comfortable. I have some time to think about it and get ideas from everyone. Thanks again for the tips! 🛥️🌊🤙
Nice project. That looks like originally was a stern drive boat. Sea drives came out in the mid 80’s. It will be better with the bracket.
I have a 73 Septere that was in a fire l turned it into a center console it’s a great boat but have not used it in long time.l recently built a pilot house on much bigger boat (44’) we built the fwd and sides out of coosa and glass worked out great. The fwd windows l built a rabbit and glued them in place,side windows were alluminum framed and sliding also worked well. In terms of your a/c battery bank
Would work with a small Honda generator much smaller and lighter than a marine type and remove when not in use a floating platform for the generator can work too ,less noise and vibration. Good luck!
Thanks John! The boat definitely had stern drives but I believe it was converted to them later on. As you state, stern drives came out in the 80s. This makes sense because the transom is painted so someone did some type of modification.
That’s a great idea for the pilot house windows. I’ll be exploring all those options. After a few emails and messages after this video came out, I’m considering a forward leaning windshield as well. Thanks for the tips! 🌊🤙🛥️
Great project u make me want to do the same thing dam man !
Thank you my brother! And you can do it! I’m a novice at this stuff. I’m just not scared to screw up and start again! Let’s go! 🌊🛥️🤙
Radical. I like it.
Thanks Brian! 🌊🤙🛥️
I love this type of videos, keep up the great work ❤
Thank you bro! 🤙🌊🛥️
Good luck, and nothing on the water runs like a seacraft.
Thanks Miguel! I’m curious to see how it runs! I’ve only been on one 23 center console and I can’t wait to get this one out on the water!🛥️🤙🌊
Since you are already going to be making a pilot house with new front windows, have you thought of moving the windows forward to increase the interior size of the pilot house. By doing this, you will have more room for sleeping without reducing the size of the open area in the stern.
Yes, I’ve thought of making the front windshield raking forward rather than backwards. I’ve got a couple designs drawn out on paper and I’ll be showing them on the next video! 🤙🌊🛥️
Definitely going to be a fun series!
A very itchy one! 🤣 but fun nonetheless! Thanks for commenting 🌊🤙🛥️
Congrats on your purchase bro🙏 can’t wait to watch your upcoming videos , as a subscriber i will always give my support by liking and commenting because you’re positive 🇱🇨
Thank you rowlince! I appreciate all your support my brother! 🌊🛥️🤙
@ 🙏🙏🙏🙌🙌
Great! It looks like the next few videos are going to be full of information. Good luck on this project. Can't wait to see the end results. BTW, Where's the Mrs.? I haven't seen her in quite some time.
@@SalvatoreFeudi thanks for the continued support Salvatore! I appreciate you watching and commenting. Just the Mr. From here on out my friend. 🤙🌊🛥️
following, sounds like a fun build!
Thank you so much! I think it will be!
If you're replacing the foredeck anyway, please for the love of god, give yourself 12" more headroom in the cabin. Cut 3" from the deck-hull joint, Raise it up a foot, then put the new fore-deck/cabin top in. You can even have port lights in the rise, for better light and airflow.
The single biggest drawback to cuddy cabins is the headroom. And I know you're a tall dude. You having the necessary headroom in bed is a huge quality of life improvement...
That’s a great tip Elle! I won’t be using the cabin to sleep though. It’ll be for storage and for the toilet. I’ll make a shower around the toilet as well!
I’m gonna make an area in the pilot house I can sleep on. Like a bench that ties in with the cabinets on the opposite side to make a big sleeping space if that makes sense! Thanks for the support Elle! 🛥️🌊🤙
I was thinking you'd have to open one of the windshield panels to access the anchor but if you're prarie dogging out of a hatch, a sloped chain locker with steps going up would be really comfortable to pop up with lots of access to see ahead. A hydraulic platform would be cool to transform the walking surface in the head into a privacy wall. Waterproof the whole space to work as a shower.
A 15' remote pendant from the helm would give you solo options to control the boat from the anchor hatch or the aft opening while tying up to the dock.
Don't forget the pilot house roof as a possible place to mount an AC. Think about screening for privacy since you'd be sleeping at dock level. An 8' beam is going to be sporty on space for a kitchenette on starboard plus sleeping two on port. Think about provisioning a flexible closeout at the back of the pilot house: a flat wall for fishing, a fast back to sheet water off during storage, bikini top, and a cabin extension with queen air mattress for comfortably sleeping 3. The rod holders in the rail can double as tent post foundations.
Make yourself a scale model of the floorplan, any furniture you're considering, and how much space you and your partner need to comfortably sleep.
Thanks for the great info! I love the idea of a sloped chain locker. I just don’t have a ton of anchor locker space. I’ll figure something out for sure. I also thought the area with the toilet would make a great shower space as well. Make some curtains that can wrap around and you can stand and have shower in the cabin and keep everything dry. Kinda like the Cutwater 24 shower system. The roof is a great place for an ac and it saves space in the cabin from having to put an ac. And I won’t have to build a space for it. I’m definitely going to draw everything out to size and see how I’m going lay everything out. And with everyone’s help in the comments, I can build something awesome! Thanks for the comment and tips! 🛥️🤙🌊
@perfectfitboating only potential issue with a roof and AC on it is roll stability. Might need some keel ballast
Having an osprey pilot house, the next thing I'm going to do is install a forward leaning windshield, the struggle is real with sea spray and a back leaning windshield.
Good idea. I’ve drawn up ideas for a forward leaning windshield. I’ll show them on the next video! 🤙🛥️🌊
Hey mate, I have a Huntsman 24ft flybridge, and my enclosed cab setup is very similar to what you’re describing for your boat. Huntsman boats are Australian-made but very similar to Bertrams. I can send you some videos of mine for a bit of inspiration.
That’s awesome! I’d really appreciate that! Sounds like a bad ass boat! Send em over!🛥️🌊🤙
First video of yours, that I have seen.
I am a boat mechanic, and you are not really going against the grain here. you are just following your dream. All boat owners should do that.
I have a few questions.
What are you replacing the transom with? It should be strong.
Are you redoing all the wiring?
Are you doing a moisture test on the stringers? (Even the foam soaks up water!)
Adwises few I have. ( I got Yoda'ed!)
Overkill on the wire gauge. You'd never want them to small. ((FIRE))
Allways have an extra bilgepump!! (Mounted an extra in my Windy and it has it own battery!)
Consider a bigger center window that opens, and stairs that folds away. It will make your life easier when docking.
A folding sunbed in the back, and a Bimini top with the pilot house would look great.
Look to campers and caravans for idears in the kitchen and toilet area.
Looking forward to the next video.
Hey brother thank you so much for the comment. It’s great to get advice from people like yourself who have extensive knowledge in the marine industry.
The transom I’ll be replacing with coosa and a poured transom. My channel is partners with FGCI and they provide the materials for the build. I’ve done two transoms this way and they’ve come out amazing.
I’ll be rewiring the entire boat. I did this to my Grady and another Grady as well. I’ll definitely be doing overkill on the wire gauges!
These stringers are foam filled so I’ll have to make some inspection holes to see if they’re dry or not. If they’re not, I’ll dig them out and repour some two part floatation foam.
Extra bilge pumps are a must!
I’ll be making another video with my ideas for the rest of the build so I can get more valuable input like yours.
Bimini too that folds up would be amazing for the Rear deck area!
I think it’ll be a sweet build! 🤙🛥️🌊
He bro eso te va a quedar bello!
Échale amor y trabajo y te lo devolverá, en lo que yo te pueda ayudar ahi estare, solo dimelo que ese bote pronto lo echaremos al mar!
En el mar nos vemos Andreciro!
Gracias mi bro! Y gracias siempre por el apoyo! Un abrazo bro! 🛥️🤙🌊
Have you considered using lithium batteries using an Inverter or a DC operated AC unit? They have made a lot of headway on those units and I think for that space it may work for you.
Yes! I’m actually talking to a company now that is supplying me the batteries to make this exact thing happen! It’s been be pretty cool! No generator required so nice and quiet!
Call “Stealth 1 Charging” they have a charger that uses your outboards alternator to charge the lithium batteries. I had excellent service on my installation for my trolling motor install. The owner went over everything I needed to do for almost an hour. It’s worked perfectly I’ve barely had to plug my boat in to charge the batteries.
That’s awesome info. I know everyone installs a dc to dc charger to do that so I’m gonna definitely check that out!
Do a reverse rake windshield!
Im really considering this. I’ve asked a couple buddies to help me with it!🤙🌊🛥️
Great project man really looking forward to following along .I like the idea of sone sort of poly windows safer easier to shape and install personally I have shattered windows in rough seas heck of a mess to clean up.there is a company called Steele products that has every seal rub rail insert trim none to man and will even extrude custom products for you they are great people to deal with.
Always great to hear from you Dave! I think poly windows is the way to go. At least for the front windshield. I’d like something I can slide open for the side windows. I’ll check out Steele products right now! Thanks so much for the tips!🛥️🤙🌊
love the pilot house but I'm in Washington state and we have this stuff in the air. It's call COLD. You probably haven't experinced it! Following! I'd love to build a pilot house on my grady but it's too nice. Need a project boat.
Same! I love these style boats. And I make sure to stay CLEAR of the cold. Youre right, I haven’t and don’t want to experience it lol🤙🌊🛥️
OMC sea drives... us mechanics called them sea dogs..we put many meals on the table working on those things, complicated hyd hoses everywhere, saltwater tore em' up! Junk
Sounds like a nightmare! 🤙🌊🛥️
hi am 77 retired old sailor from UK.POOLE. done lots with glass and ply boats and yacht's. the plan you have is a bit risky because of windage in beam rolling swell ,if combined will flip the craft over, risky conversion.
Thanks for the advice! 🤙🌊🛥️
Shoot after the pressure washing it looks done slap a 9.9 on there and lets go fishing!🤪
lol I wish it was that simple. Long road ahead but worth it. 🌊🤙🛥️
@ for sure but you got this 👍
funny looking boats from the factory but not to many 23's out there that will ride as well. A more current boat the Albemarle 24 with sterndrive:( is a comparable ride. Great project good luck
Youre right about that! A face only a mother could love lol.
I’ve heard about the comparison of the albermale multiple times! Both great boats!🛥️🌊🤙
So you think is worth putting a new motor on a 1979 20' mako?
Depends. Let’s do some math. 200 Suzuki will cost 19k installed let’s say. Assuming the hull is good. No rot etc. a new 20ft boat today will cost you 80k. I think it’s worth it to get out on the water. How’s your project coming along?🤙🌊🛥️
@perfectfitboating its coming I bought it originally with a 2007 175hp optimax, for $3,500 it didn't occur to me to open the cowling off the motor, got home and looked at engine just to find out the guy had deleted the direct injection, well to make the story short the engine has a dead cylinder now and I'm on the hunt for a used one, still debating if I want to repower with new but I know a new engine will be better for the long run
@perfectfitboating I did sell my first boat which I bought for $3600, regelcoat the whole outside and interior, sold it for $7,200 I know thats unbelievable but yea, so far I'm on the plus side 😆
@duartepaintinghandymanservices ugh sorry to hear that. I gotta tell you it’s worth it having a new motor. Peace of mind. Starts every time. 200hp will sip fuel and run that boat hard!
@perfectfitboating yea that's what I though, something less to worry about
It's funny how some boats get internet reputations of being good or bad. If you talk to 90% of the people that say they're good or bad, they've never rode on them.
Go buy easy off oven cleaner, yes easy off lol. Spray lots of it let it sit on the bottom paint for 1 day and use a nice pressure washer and bottom paint will come right off. Then you can sand Thank me later😊
Oh man that’s an amazing tip! Gonna try this weekend! Thank you 🤙🛥️🌊
@perfectfitboating just did it on a 26ft wellcraft . Hope it works out for you
I could use the windshield
I was gonna put it up for sale on market place. Write me an email and make me an offer. It’s in great shape
Any idea what you want for it? We can make a video removing it for some great content!?!
$200.00
G'day frm Australia been watching your vids for a while now but never commented on have a couple of thoughts for you 1 is see if you can get curved one piece windscreen for the front rather than the 3 if the guy can build a curved pilot front would look so much better be a stand out frm crowd a one off and give so much better visibility but I know money could be an issue but pay once cry once 2 is a Drum anchor winch rather than a windlass as they can be a lot quicker in dropping and retrieving than a windlass rode is also kept neater on the drum than just piling on the floor for that there is a very reputable company in Australia who builds and sells in the USA as well, the gentleman who owns it is a Texan born American who lives and works in Australia the company is called Lone Star marine maybe you could reach out to them or him personally for sponsorship he did install some winches on Marcianos boat from Wicked Tuna... cheers from Australia 🇦🇺
Thanks for the info Ken! I like that idea of a round windshield. I also like the idea of a forward leaning windshield. Either way, I want it done right. I’ve looked at those drum anchor systems and they’re much better than windlasses. They’re just extremely costly. Most windlasses have issues tbh. I’ll check them out for sure! Thanks so much for watching and for commenting! I look forward to hearing from you in the future! You give great advice! 🌊🤙🛥️
👍👍👍
🛥️🤙🌊
am I seeing a hint at a pilot house?
You most certainly are!🛥️🤙🌊
ook at defiance boats , like their layout better than Parker , c- hawk also has some nice layouts as well as judge and seiger , most depends on where you are putting the head mainly
Sir , can I hire you? 🙏🏽
Haha hire a pro im definitely not that! Still learning! 🤙🛥️🌊
Pressure washers change your attitude about a number of things. Very theraputic...
This is very true! Extremely satisfying and relaxing! 🌊🤙🛥️
Ook
I don't know man.... The gentleman said the guy was generous in selling him the book for $1,000...... From where I'm sitting it looks to me like he got ripped off, different folks different strokes. He may be proficient in the boats where I'm not and I see it as a ripboff
I will never ever understand how people can spend money on cars and boats and the like and then destroy them , I am an odd duck I guess because every thing I buy I take extreme care of
I hear that. Sometimes health and financial issues come in to play. This boat is definitely neglected but not destroyed or Gerry rigged. 🌊🛥️🤙
You have no business touching that boat. A potter Seacraft should be restored by a person that knows what they are doing and will respect the hull. Not some guy that just does things fast and cheap.
I didn’t know the boat came with a guardian. How noble of you. I should’ve asked for your blessing first. 🙏