SF vs MA
 

This has probably been covered somewhere on this forum before, but I searched around here and THT and really couldn't find much conclusive information...

What are the major differences between a Seacraft 20SF and a 20 master angler? Which one has a more preferred layout for fishing, preferably nearshore fly fishing (false albacore, cobia, red drum in the surf, etc.)

I currently fish an Intruder built by Glen Rose in Eastern NC, but am looking to buy a second boat for my nearshore duties (I will let my friends keep the offshore boats, too deep for my pockets). I am looking for something in the 20' range, and the Seacrafts have always been something I have dreamed of owning. Other boats that I am looking into are Maycrafts, CHawks, Parker, and the JB Capefisherman.

I would really prefer to find a classic Seacraft in usable (read, not great) condition, run it as-is for a few years, and restore/repower down the road.

exact same hull just a different liner and construction.

20SF is 2pc construction
http://www.classicseacraft.com/20.htm

20MA is 3pc construction has a different liner and raised 5" deck cap.
http://www.classicseacraft.com/20MA.htm

You might also consider an 18sf . . . I had one for a while and loved it.

There is also a little different arrangement of the front storage boxes up on the front casting deck. MA has one and the SF has two. The MA I have seems to have a thicker hull Lay up. SF's are thick don't get me wrong but the MA is a little thicker due to not having the inner inner in the sides for strength like the SF. The MA has more toe room from this design. Me myself I like the look of the SF flat cap better but like a 3 pcs boat design. When I get building my cc 20' I will most likely make the sf 3 piece like the ma by cutting the liner out and making the floor higher and tying it to the hull sides. My Ma has fish boxes in the back and the sf has seating instead. The best thing about building a custom cc is you can make it just how you want it.

Love those intruders... I dont care for a flat bottom boat but if I got one it would be an intruder. You in the eastern N.C. area?

Thanks for the information, I sent you a PM about the hulls you have/have for sale :eek: I am really looking for something to get out of the inlet on not so perfect days, that is all. Farthest thing I would ever want to do is hit the further nearshore spots for reef donkeys and possibly a dolphin or two. This will mainly be my cobia and albie chaser though.

and yes, I am in Morehead City, and fish most of the surrounding area, wherever the fish are... I love my Intruder, and truly do not think I will ever get rid of her. She is a great boat, and extremely versatile. Floats in 5" of water all day, yet on nice days, has no problem running out to fish the reefs or CALO shoals. It really is a boat that I will never get rid of (unless someone offers me the right price :rolleyes:)

my 82 sf has no seats but storage instead

http://s5.postimg.org/7gev8s3r7/qqqqw.jpg

The most noticable difference when in use is the security of the added freeboard. I'm 5'11" and the gunnel hits me mid-thigh . I think the extra 5-6" inches the cap adds makes it a little dryer. Also the wider cap makes a great place to sit while fishing. The MA lacks the foredeck storage of the SF but a lot of the MA's made up for that with the optional large console. I can't see any difference in construction between the two models. The greater free board and the recessed hand rails up front add security when fishing in a slop.

Man I could of sold u a nicely redone MA just a few months ago here n morehead. Either way I preferred the MA for my type of fishin. Fish the swansboro hole, come back n bottom fish then home on 45gals of gas. 9 wahoos and around 200lbs of bottom fish in a 20ft boat. Boat rode awesome. Plus I had huge tabs.
The look of SF is more appealing.
For catchn cobia my MA worked good w the flush deck. Had plenty of room up front to fight fish then once u put it n the boat u really didnt have to worry about it flip flop n out of the boat while it tore the inside up.lol
Look up usernames "parrott" and "seacraft84" for the boats ive redone. Doing a 1967 bowrider right now. Stop by and take a look. I live downtown morehead.

Parrott. i have followed other builds of yours, and have been watching the build you have got going now on THT. I am the same guy you met down at sugarloaf a few months back. i am on a super budget right now, and more or less just putting out some feelers. i am not ready to buy a rebuilt boat at the moment... still paying on the intruder until december 2014, unless i pay off early.


Just for reference, it seems a bunch here are from/fish out of eastern NC. Here is my boat (and my ugly mug), hail me if ya see me. Despite the tornado last night, we are gonna give it a quick shot for trout this afternoon.

Nice boat man. Yeah u may have met dad at the island. Lets do some fishin sometime. If u buy one and rebuild it one day id be more than happy to show u what little I know.

The SF is nicer looking. But I wouldn't trade my extra freeboard for that line on the SF. It makes a CC a little less open on a cold day. And you are a lot less likely to fall out. But you will need a boarding ladder for the beach.