Topaz 24'
 

I checked out the new Topaz 24' ( A/K/A Silver Hawk 24' / SeaCRaft 23'+1') at the New York show. It was impressive, a first class build and seemed to be an upgrade from the Silver Hawk. The below decks inspection again revealed a neat well done job, again first class. The fit and finsh on this boat was excellent and the TTOP was superior to that of the Regulator. The rep said they will continue to offer the boat IO (with a diesel option soon?)...sounded like a Volvo package. Only a rumor of a straight inboard diesel set up...This boat is constructed the way SeaCraft should be building...

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Hey Jeff

They need to put a jackshaft in that boat to get rid of the motor box.

See the upper left corner ...that looks close to the leaning post...worse that the splash wells on the old 23 outboards

http://www.topazboats.com/JpgFiles/2...fishboxpop.jpg


I understand that they are not bashful on the price either !!

Who's top was on the Topaz ?? Tower Power ?? sure does look like it

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Yeah, the room between the engine box and leaning post is tight. It can be a real problem when you've got 3-4 guys on board and you're trying to move around working a fish.

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Scott, I think the T-top is a C&C Welding out of Seaville NJ. He was doing all the work for Topaz. but these things change like the wind. You have a pic of the T-top?

Re: Topaz 24'
 

You NJ, NY and FL guys get all good boat shows. The Baltimore Show was good like 15 years ago, but is crap now. The best builders we see are Parker, Grady and Whaler. No Contenders, no Regulators, no Topaz, etc. [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]

I either need to move north....or really far south. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Don ...nothing more than what I saw on the site

http://www.topazboats.com/JpgFiles/2...latformpop.jpg

http://www.topazboats.com/JpgFiles/2...unning2pop.jpg

I know that Silverhawk was using Tower Power Tops and leaning posts ... and they look identical to what’s on this boat ... the give away is the second pipe around the windscreen area ... But C & C could be using that too
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...00350Small.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v3...00348Small.jpg

That TP set up was something like 8-9K (aftermarket)between the hard top the riggers and the leaning post !!!! [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

Re: Topaz 24'
 

The Topaz at the New York Show was 85K rigged the way it was..Great looking T-Top too.

Re: Topaz 24'
 

capt tim so if a new 23 seacraft knockoff goes for 80k I guess 18000 for the real thing isnt so bad now is it [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Re: Topaz 24'
 

small world we live in...isn't it.

Re: Topaz 24'
 

FYI: The Topaz rep said it was the South Jersey Tower Power shop, same as the Silver Hawk. He also mentioned that a Jack Shaft diesel would be the next model...IF they pursue it. I'm sure the AC show (Feb. 2-6)will have a better showing...also the new Luhrs 28' a very impressive express for the same dollars as a fully rigged Reg. 26' is worth a look.

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Hi, new to the forum. No I dont own a Seacraft, but they sure are great boats.

Here's a link to the bulider currently producing the "original" Topaz.

http://www.biminimarine.com/

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Dorado… Welcome to the site... Nice looking boat you have there

Jeff ...

I think the biggest word in there is IF... A friend of mine has spent a bit of time pursuing that boat ...he wants a jackshaft boat ( I forget what he told me about getting the bracketed o/b version back in the lineup)... However it sounds as if Topaz will devote more time to the larger boats in the line ... He too was at the NY show and didn’t get the feeling that the jackshaft would happen any time soon. Silverhawk never went Straight I/B nor the Jackshaft ...so I'm thinking they, Topaz, do not want to get into messing around with bilge configuration at this time. Right now he is focusing in on the Albemarle 24 CC with teh Jackshaft ... Those guys know how to build a Jackshafted boat.

I hope this is wrong but FYI He also said the Topaz (or at least that boat) would not be in AC !!! [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img] Which makes no sense to me being its neighbor!! That’s why he ended up going into the NY show.

IMHO They have to get rid of that I/O configuration …. That motor box kills that cockpit !!! the older Potter Outboards have more room behind the leaning post !!! All I can think of is being on a fish as he turns and leaves you on the wrong side of the cockpit ...not fish friendly

I think it would help the line if they got the O/B back in there

Re: Topaz 24'
 

I'm positive they built at least one Straight I/B, there were pictures up on the site for sometime.

http://forum.classicseacraft.com/sho...BB1&Number=201

The pictures are no longer available, unless John R has a copy in his ever growing stash of Seacraft Porn... [img]/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img]

Re: Topaz 24'
 

When I was involved with Silverhawk, I did engineer and build two straight inboard boats. These were the only two. Both were gas power, one with a 6.2/320 and the second with a 5.7/300. I may still have some pix if someone was interested.

Mike.

Re: Topaz 24'
 

oops ...my bad [img]/images/graemlins/blush.gif[/img] Guess I wasn’t paying attention that day [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

MP ... that seems like a lot of change to the hull design for just two boats ?!?
I would think Engine mounting , gas tank re-location, I'm assuming a pocket for the wheel, rudder mounting etc etc.. would cause some challenges??

Were they prototypes?? What happened ??? That must have been a great riding hull!!!

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Yeh,
I think I remember the mint green one, It
had the same tunnel as the 23 Seacraft.

Rodney

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Heres a small pic.
http://www.nauticexpo.it/soc/jersey/...%26Affiche%3D1

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Scott,

I guess you could call them prototypes. They were finished and rigged to the same standards as any others I built. The first one (light green) was a little heavier than normal because the stringers were reworked from standard I/O layout, but thats why the larger motor.

You need to understand we were a tiny semi-custom opperation. I had a total of five guys building these boats start to finish. The boats were all built to order, either to a specific dealers specs or to customer wants/needs. We had two dealers interested in trying a jackshaft or inboard configuration. The re-engineering is nearly the same for both. I started with the idea of a jackshaft first. the problem was the shaft. I wanted to keep the motor under the console, not under the seat area. No one (merc, volvo, etc) could supply us with a long enough shaft so we would have had to have it custom built. We decided to do the inboard. I built an insert for the tunnel in the hull. It was almost two inches deeper than Seacraft I had for a guide and about 10 inches longer total. I moved the console on the Silverhawk back about 7" and reworked the console door and deck area. The motor sits 12"-16" further forward from the transom than in a Seacraft because I wanted a larger cockpit. The shaft angle was figured at 8* and actually worked out to around 7*-7.5*. The boats ran great. The Silverhawks were considerably heavier than the Seacraft but obviously a little longer too. The average deadrise at the stern is slightly less as a result of lengthening the hull and the Silverhawk has more flat at the outer chine. I never spent enough time on both boats on the same day to say if one was better/faster but if I had to guess I would imagine a Seacraft inboard with identical power to be slightly faster and the Silverhawk to ride slightly better. They had some tunnel rumble that could have beeen helped with a 4 blade prop instead of the three. If I had built more, I would have changed the tunnel shape slightly to improve water flow but nothing major. I understand the beef some people have with the motor box, but believe me, the gas I/O model was the best combo for all around speed, ride, handeling, and fuel economy. Yes, the outboarads are faster and the diesels got fantastic fuel economy but the gas I/O was a sweet running package. Thats why we built what ever someone asked for. (Did you ever see the pod drive?!)

You are right about it being a huge investment of time and effort for two boats. It was still easier than building an entire new deck and interior liner mold for the cuddy/express model of which I only ever built one. The problems revolved around being under funded and not having the resorces for proper advertising, boat shows, etc. The owners I worked for (and the dealers I worked with) were great people but in the end I guess they got an offer they couldn't refuse.

Mike.

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Mike …Thank you for the great reply! … Those boat were, and I see no reason why they will not continue to be head turners …. Just a great looking boat (well I guess we are all somewhat biased here)

Are those boats (I/B) still in the area??

Its too bad they gave up the line …and I hope Topaz does them the justice they deserve …I feel that is the boat for someone looking for a “23 SeaCraft”. I would think that Topaz would rather go the direction of Jackshaft or I/B. I’m personally not a fan of the I/O as mentioned above with the motor box and stern drive (some bad memories of a 25 Bertram that my grandfather had, and sank at the dock ) BUT these newer composite drives with duo props and jackshafts, that fly on the water and give you maneuverability...That does sound good.. It would be neat to see what a boat would do with that configuration. I can only imagine that would be a kick a$$ boat with a single diesel ...that weight up forward and down low ... What a ride!! not to mention Classic looking Cant imagine what a Jackshafted Diesel would go for !!!! I’m sure that’s a big factor.

I’m sure all of us would enjoy pictures if you’ve got them …. Like Rich said above …LOL [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]


Rod ...Where do you find these sites ?? That picture looks like a Manasquan Inlet shot!!

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Mike,
How many of the cuddy model did you make? Bill's Outboard here in Hingham MA still has a black one for sale. I believe they've had it since Sept '03 when it was unveiled at the Boston in-water boat show! [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

You're right, the gas I/O is a tough combo to beat, but that engine box sure is a hindrance. Obviously this isn't an issue with Silverhawks specifically, but all I/O boats in general. My buddy has a '97 with the 300hp MerCruiser Mag MPI and Bravo III drive. Boy is that a nice running boat. [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Scott(s)

I only ever completed one cuddy model. There was a deck and set of small parts finished when I left last year. I never understood what the deal was with Bill's and that boat. It was one of the prettiest boats on the water if I do say so myself. Shifting some more weight forward could only help the ride. I had intended to develope optional interior modules for seating, livewells, etc., but never got the chance. What a shame. You can not imagine the amount of work that went into that one boat!

There are still a few pictures of the cuddy and inboard here: http://chaos.caile.org/~mwitte/

The site is a little slow/glitchy but I did just view it. I have lots of film pics around here somewhere but no scanner. I have some in electronic files but not sure how to post them.

Mike.

Re: Topaz 24'
 

that's some nice boat porn...

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Mike,

Beautiful boats! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Send the pics to me and I'll post them for you.

gw204@hotmail.com

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Some other pics from Mike

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...awk/003_03.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...awk/001_01.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...awk/002_02.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...awk/004_04.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...awk/005_05.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...awk/020_20.jpg

Re: Topaz 24'
 

And some more....

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...k/P1000310.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...k/P1000307.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...k/P1000306.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...k/P1000303.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...k/P1000302.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...k/P1000299.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...k/P1000298.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...k/P1000295.jpg

"How about a 70 mph fishing boat with a hardtop. These motors are Merc Hp racing units set at about 275 - 280 hp each. The boat would fly on the T-top. Very scarry!"

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...k/P1000292.jpg

Keep 'em coming Mike!!!!! [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img]

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Mike,
The cuddy model is a pretty boat, I'm surprised no one ever bought it.

In the pix that Brian posted for you, what's up with the white Silverhawk on the trailer that has the "growth" on the transom sprouting an I/O?

The other white one with the twin Merc racing motors must have been pretty sick. [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img] Finster needs a set of those on the Vette. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Yeah boy! I just got my chair damp. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Scott: The Topaz rep was very vague about any IB set-up...and I think he just didn't want to say no to me as I disclosed my IB rig, but he did discuss the diesel set up, but just the IO package. He also mentioned a "new" 28/29 footer and that this project would be the focus and not the 24', which kinda makes you wonder why they bought it...It makes no sense to not bring the 24' to AC if you were at all serious, as they are just down the street. I'm not an IO fan, but I believe that from what I've heard, its the best handling/riding set up.

Re: Topaz 24'
 

The boat with the twin Merc. Racing motors!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holy Shnikies......where is that boat now?

What about the molds for the engine pod, very nice.

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Just wanted to jump in and let you guys know that i own a Silverhawk 24 and its a great boat.Mine is one of the first that was done with a bracket with twin outboards.I have added and observation tower and have redone the powdercoating. And added built in ladders in structure to get up and down from the tower.Also added a Birdsall Tacklemaster rocket launcher which is sweet.Here are a few pictures that i think my cousin Capt Chuck has already had up on site.If anyone has any questions i will be glad to jump in..

Re: Topaz 24'
 

I was sure the pod boat would raise a few eyebrows! We had a very nice gentleman ask us to engineer and build an unusual design idea he had and put up the money to do it. Bob Seidelmann designed and built the molds and I put it all together. It was a completely modular and bolt on affair using a standard hull. Stringers in the hull and box were in line but did not run through the transom. I had huge aluminum angle brackets made up that bolted through the stringers inside both hull and box and then through bolted clamping the transom and box face together. Oh, and 50 half inch stainless bolts too! Air intake and all mechanicals were ducted in from the main hull near the top of the box. Seperate bilge pumps in both areas. The box was built with seperate hull and deck molds and a large power opperated top hatch heavily gasgeted with over center latches to cinch it down. It was watertight. The boat ran fantastic! It was bizzare how smooth and quiet it was. Almost seemed like an electric motor. The water was all that you heard or felt. I had the boat off Manasquan one fall day after a storm in long period 5'-6' rollers and it was one of the best rides of my life! With the trailing fins on the pod it would turn quick enough to throw you out of the boat if you were not ready. It would plane instantly with NO bow rise and only lost 2-3 knots from a standard boat. Power was a 5.7 / 300. The molds were still at the shop in Berlin last I knew but were owned by the owner of the boat, not Topaz. The boat was displayed at the A.C. show the year I finished it. I'm afraid it was too different for people to take it seriously.

AS for the yellow twin hp o/b, I built that boat for Rich Coty, / Coty Marine in North Jersey (a Merc HP dealer). It was a hoot but he had ongoing problems with the motors. They were set at around 275 hp and he had toasted at least one powerhead and one gearcase that I was aware of. Notice the holes he had me bore in the K-Planes for scupper drains! We mounted two 1,000,000 kp remote spots on the t-top for him. He told me he was so busy that the only time he would get to run the boat was at night and his eyes were not very good at night! Last I knew it was just sitting in his yard.

Mike.

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Mpwitte - I remember getting on the cuddy Silverhawk at the Boston Boat Show. That boat is one of my all time favorites . . . absolutely beautiful.

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Hey Mike,

Would you happen to have any wiring schematics for the Silverhawk in any type of CAD format, preferably AutoCAD? I have been working on a full detailed wiring schematic for the SeaCraft 23 that could be used as a basic "this is how to rewire your boat". If you had any schematics to share you sure would save me and a few others a lot of time.

Please let me know.

Thanks,

Rich

seacraft(nospam)@snetsol.com

of course you have to remove the "(nospam)" [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Re: Topaz 24'
 

mpwhitte,
That sure is a nice boat!!! I wonder what that boat would look like with twin verados on it?
Did they ever build one without the casting platform in the front?

Re: Topaz 24'
 

I wish I could get my wiring to look like that. I like how you made the engine bracket for the merc's contour the step's in the hull. Is that a aluminum or fiberglass bracket

strick

Re: Topaz 24'
 

I hand drew (?) a complete wiring diagram for the boat at one time because the dealers were asking for it. It never made it to digital. I may have a copy around that I will look for, but it will take a while. Most of my stuff is in boxes as I move it from my garage to the new shop. You may try contacting Ship Shops on Cape Cod or Brennen in Brick, NJ and see if they ever got a copy.

All of the Silverhawks built had the raised bow platform. We talked about making a mold insert to remove it but never did. Because of the amount of flair and taper, you would gain very little actual space and the sides would lean out too much or the gunwales would be massive wide.

The O/B bracket was glass that we molded in color to match the hull. A huge amount of labor to build but they sure did look nice. The first few o/b's used an aluminum bracket but none since then.

The twin o/b boats had weight and scupper issues if common sence was not used. Everyone thinks they need huge motors today. The boat ran fine with a large single or with twin 135's and was about perfect with 150's. One New England based boat some of you may know of ran 600 - 650 hours / year with 135 mercs and 140 suzies if I remember right. Twin 200 hpdi's were ok because they were built on the smaller blocks. The hot rod ss200's were cool because they were very light. I built one with twin 225 fitch's and it was just too much weight although it was fun when they ran right! Twin Verados just wouldn't work without a larger bracket chamber.

By the way, thanks to all for the kind words on these boats. They were my life for six years and it was hard to walk away but thats business sometimes. On to bigger and better things!

Mike.

Re: Topaz 24'
 

Jeff ... My friend seemed to get some vague comments from them at the show also ... I guess almost different from discussion he had had with them earlier ....28 CC with the SeaCraft shape would be sweet !!!

You heading to the AC show ??

Jigolo ... Capt Chuck did post them ..and That Birdsall post does look awesome !!! Great looking boat ..and welcome to CSC!!

Mike ...That pod boat I remember!!! Wasn't to sure what to make of it however !!! Thanks for the pictures ...
All those boats just look good!!

I like where you have the sending unit on the tank ... How was that working out ??

Finny ...the Vette needs a "POD" [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Topaz 24'
 

I know I don't have a SeaCraft now but after my 18' SeaCraft was sunk by the Marina personnal Capt Chuck and I ran into this Silverhawk down in Miami and just had to snatch it up [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img] I have been very happy with the boat and how she performs. It appears I'll have to stay here on the SeaCraft site since Silverhawk has not gone "CLassic" yet. Real Nice site you all have created. [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

Here's a shot coming back from the Bahamas. The second one was taken at the house. I'll get the hang of this picture posting yet, Thanks hommie (chuck).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...o/e55481ad.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v2...o/3c51627d.jpg