seacraft versus mako
 

I'm looking to buy a center console in the 23 ft range. I know everyone here will say the 23 seacraft is the best. I have been out in one(Chatham to the Vineyard on a sloppy day)it was very nice. the thing is, used seacrafts cost much more than makos. I've found a few 22 and 23 footers that are in nice shape in the 5k-7k range. I know they don't ride as nice but it seems you get a lot of boat for a lot less money. I see alot of people from here in the classic mako site so I figure alot of people have both. does anyone want to give me some pros and cons or should I save up another 10k to get a seacraft

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

Tommy
Due to previous posts of this nature, I am forced to moderate this thread carefully. In the past severe problems have arised from such questions. If it starts to get out of hand, I will Delete it!

May I suggest you ask this question on THT not the Classic SeaCraft or Classic Mako siteshttp://floridasportsman.com/art/scold.gif

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

Most fish can't tell the difference.

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

Exactly!!! Besides we all know what happens to a fish when it sits in the sun!

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

Tommy,

I agree with Capt. Chuck. I don't think this is the place to debate these hulls because it's a SC site and we're here for a reason.

I will, however, tell you from experience that the best boat is the one under you at the moment. They are both terrific boats and you'll be lucky to own either.

Like anything else you really love, you should buy the best and most boat for the budget you have. Not all of us can afford to renovate a SC 23 to it's fullest for 30 something But most of us can afford to get a quality hull under us and enjoy life.

Best of luck with your search and choice.

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

Besides the fact today both SeaCraft and Mako are owned by the same parent and they are both made of fiberglass they are very different boats. It is very hard to compare a 23 Mako and a 23 SeaCraft with out more specifics.

Mako made many different 23 foot hulls over the past 35 years ( I do not know the names but the 231 232 23??? and so on), where as SeaCraft only made one, and still only makes one.

I do not know if any manufacturers out there that are a derivative of a Mako hull. If you search through this site you will see the SeaCraft Variable dead rise hull is one of the most copied designs afloat including:

Sailfish
SeaStrike
Silverhawk/Topaz
Albin 26
Nauset 18
Palm Beach
Key Largo
Quonset 25
and many others...

Mako made tens of thousands of hulls from 15-3O plus feet. SeaCraft just over 5 thousand. supply vs. demand is a great contributor to the higher prices SeaCraft hulls demand. Of that 5000 less than 1/2 were 23's

I think discussing quality of the two hulls is a moot point due to the fact they are both pretty darn good. The boats we are restoring, Mako or SeaCraft are sometimes approaching their 30-40th birthday.

Structurally both are pretty darn good. Both will have wood and will likely need tending to in areas such as the transoms, and decks, but only the Mako used wood in the majority of their stringers. Giving SeaCraft a slight edge, as the SeaCraft's major stringers are fiberglass boxes.

As Otto states the best boat is the one beneath your feet

What ever you choose good luck

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

Tommy - I believe there are two different 23 mako hulls. One has a very shallow deadrise and the other a deeper V (very similar to the older formula). The deeper v 23 is better suited for your area. Both are good boats, but neither compare to ride of the 23 seacraft.

http://images.traderonline.com/EMedi...0056942E11.jpg
http://images.traderonline.com/img/6...80369136_1.jpg

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

I agree with Bigshrimpin, and can add only that the gunnel's on the 23's and 25's that I've been on are extemely low, which I don't care for in the least.
I could live with that design if the trade off was ride quailty, but unfortunatly it's not.

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

Both good boats But a SEACRAFT is a SEACRAFT and a Mako is just a Mako. I found a real good deal on a rough but working 23 that i could fish and rebuild a little at a time as my budget allows. There are deals out there ya just gotta find them before any of these guy's do. GOOD LUCK.

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

I have a 1973 SF20 that I absolutly love, a friend of mine has a 17 mako. Both boats from the 70's. I love the ride of SEACRAFT. but that little 17 is a very stable boat while drifting through boulders and casting eels at night with three guys on board. The seacraft rolls a little bit more. I guess it depends on how you are using the boat. But I guess if your looking at 23 feet, you are looking to do alittle more than chucking eels at night. Both good boats in my opinion.

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

I guess I was just looking for approval. This is a great web site that has inspired me a great deal.

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

Tommy
What are your plans for this boat ?? as it sounds like you want the SeaCraft ... but might need to save a little for one?

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

You already have a 20 seafari. Right?

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

I like to go out the cut in chatham. I'd like to take it to the islands once in a while but, mostly fishing. I'd like to be able to go out with 4 people comfortably. I have found a 23 sceptre for around 7k but I really want the center console.

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

yes, but the seafari is more of a cocktail crusier, I want to make a fishing weapon

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

Tommy
Both SC boats will give you that "comfortable ride" and then some. The Sceptre will give you more protection. Protection that would be nice in the early spring and fall up in your part of the "woods". The CC is nice too.

If your willing to travel, the southern states seems to have a bigger market of boats.

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

Hmmm, Talked with a Buddie of mine Yesterday that may be selling His "Converted" ~~~~ Sceptre to Center console ! The mold was Popped off a 23' CC for the front. Saw the work being done - Not the finished project. He's working at the Mia. boat show soooo it'll be when He gets away.?? ~ $$ ~ ?? I do know that the transom was closed & I think he's got a Merc on it ? 250 ? All I know now.
Tug
Also a 20' sefari for sale juz' gotta get info & pics for it too.
They will both be listed on the For Sale side when available ! :cool:

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

Tommy, seeing that you are doing your own work you could kill two birds with one stone. Get the tsunami /Scepter, lopp off the windshield, put a skinny center console in and build a Savage. A less $$ SC center colsole but with a small cuddy for the kids... That is what I would do (and would be what I do next) ...

http://www.theboatzone.com/images/re...e/MVC-007F.JPG

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

JohnR and Scott have great Ideas.

I really like the savage conversion idea. A Sceptre for 7K is a great way to start and with this site we will be able to tell you where to get the rest of the parts for the conversion as well.

New Console T-top, etc.

Oh my we may have created a MONSTER!!!

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

Should we plan on seeing your 23 CC for sale soon?

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

There was a 23 SeaCraft CC going through a face lift that was converted to a "Semi Savage". He had a deck put in above the casting platform. It ran from gunwale to gunwale and followed the shape of the existing cap. The boat ended up in MD and was a work of art. Unfortunately I have no pictures as this was pre-classicseacraft...I dont think Digital cameras were even hot at that point !! Was a long project ...the console was even sent to Florida to get fit for a T-top

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

With your permission, Capt. Chuck - I'll be direct. SeaCraft is the better boat. I suggest you send your $7,000 to Rear Admiral Trayder and we will collectively choose the right boat for you. Please add the $25 service fee...

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

Dunno. As I bought the boat before being laid off for ten months and finally working at 60% of previous pay, it might be worth finishing her, running a season, and flipping to a lower cost cuddy/Savage. The other possibility is that if I go into business fully for myself I may need to flip it and go with a tin boat or a 'yak for a few years :eek: (or take more trips in yours and Blizzards ;)

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

You're always welcome ;)

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

Tommy-

I own a 1991 Mako 231. It is a solid, well built boat. It has 19 degrees of deadrise at the transom...where as the older versions had somewhere around 14 degrees. If you're seriously considering one...go with one from the late 1980's to early 1990's.

In my opinion, the Seacraft has the following advantages: better ride in the chop, higher resale value, thicker hull lamination and superior stringer construction. It also has a more attractive shear line.

To the Mako's credit...it is very dry and more stable while at drift. Plus, as you mentioned...they can be had for somewhat less money (depending on the condition of the hull)

In the end, there is no perfect hull....each one is a compromise.My suggestion is to go with what you can afford and then fish it like crazy.

Re: seacraft versus mako
 

Any time, John. It would be an honor.