Repowering older hulls

[Elmo]

On the topic of repowering older hulls, anyone got any opinions or insight on 21 -23 ft walkarounds that would be good candidates for repowering? I understand that Gradys, Mako's and the better names/makes in boats should be considered, but does anyone feel more strongly about certain years and models that might be better suited for this. For example, late 80's Grady Seaferer, early 80's Whaler Revenge, early 90's Parker 21, etc.... Thanks

[BigBo]

Speaking from experience, look at the transoms very good on early to late '80's Grady Whites. Specifically the ones with motorwell cutouts in the transom. They were prone to water intrusion and transom rot. Not so much the case with full transom bracketed outboard models (which is what I ended up getting) or I/O models. Two other areas to look at on those are the deck inspection plates. Make sure the deck isn't soft surrounding them. Mine wasn't soft, but I removed the inspection plates and epoxied the cutouts like the factory should have done anyways. And check out where the cabin bulkhead meets the deck. Make sure that isn't starting to rot.
Beyond these points, there's not much else major in regards to structural issues. The 22' Seafarer and 24' Offshore are essentially the same hull. The 24' gains only 7"-10" (depending on model) of deck space. The rest is in the cabin. To me it was wasted space, so I went for the 22' Seafarer. The 23' Gulfstream is not really a trailerable boat without permits because of its 9'3" beam width. Very nice boat though. From what I understand, the '80's version of these needed twin outboards to track and handle well.
Good luck with your search.

[Sluggoslinger]

Make sure to check that the boat isn't waterlogged. My 22' Mako is pretty bad and it has a major effect on performance. Check out www.Classicmako.com and you'll find everything you could ever want about mako's.

[rhodyflyguy]

add to your list older steigercrafts, sea crafts, aqua sports, wellcrafts

[JohnR]

Yes - if you look around you can find good deals on 70s-80s Seacraft Tsunamis and Scepters and Walkarounds - solid cuddy cabin boats. One of the guys on the site has an old Performer in the classifieds that you could get a deal on. The Perfromer used the same hull as the old Formulas (same company I think) and is even used today (like the Seacrafts) in many hulls...

Check out ClassicMako.com and ClassicSeaCraft.com - even if you don't run one of those boats there is a wealth of knowledge on those sites...

[fishsmith]

Elmo, what motor do plan to repower with?

[Elmo]

Sorry I have not had computer access for a week or so. Thanks for all the feedback, I have added the additional makes to my list and am checking out the various websites. I am leaning toward repowering with a 4 stroke, 175-200 either yami or suzuki. I know a few guys from this site that own the yami's and I really like the fuel economy, reduction in noice, and not having to deal with the oil as I do currently with my Nissan 2 stroke. I don't have any experience with the etech's or newer 2 strokes so I will be looking into these as well. Thanks