1976 20' SF Questions?
 

I've been reading this forum and admiring the boats on here for a while and I am finaly looking at getting my first boat and I may have found her.

I've been looking at a 76 20' SF that was recently redone and powered by a 95 200hp Evinrude vindicator. I was wondering if this big of an engine will kill the draft since I was hoping to still do some deeper flat fishing with this in Tampa Bay. Another big question is does anyone know a rough weight of a rig like this on a dual axel trailer will weight? Also does anyone have any opinions on this boat as an offshore/inshore boat?

Thank you
Kyle

Re: 1976 20' SF Questions?
 

A) these really aren't skinny water boats, regardless of engine
B) the hull is roughly 1,650#, add fuel/engine/trailer weight to that figure
C) "offshore".....all depends on how far that is from your launch site. Keep in mind that it is a 19'6" boat. That being said, my '71 20' had wahoo, sailfish, cobia, dolphin, tunny, and countless other species come over the gunnels in the past six months.

Re: 1976 20' SF Questions?
 

My Brother lives in Saftey Harbor . . . and I've done a little fishing inside the Tampa Bay. I think the boat is a good fit for the area . . . You won't be able to float across some of the real shallow flats at low tide (way inside the bay), but you can fish the oyster bars and lots of other spots. The SF will be great for windy days and the chop under the bridges.

As far as offshore boats go . . . This is a very very capable boat for it's size. The previous owner of my 20 would fish for Albacore and Bluefin tuna 70miles out of SF bay.

Re: 1976 20' SF Questions?
 

Although I have a 23 footer now, I fished in Tampa Bay and offshore from Tarpon Springs in a 1978 20ft. Potter Built CC with a 175 for approx twenty years. The truth is if it is too rough for a 20 SF you probably dont want to be out there in a 23. It is a wonderful boat as it is quite versatile. My 23 sea craft is simply not the best shallow water boat, but I try anyway some times. Good luck.

Re: 1976 20' SF Questions?
 

You will be surprised, I have a 20 MA -200 Merc and was up in Mobley Bay today at low, not the best but it will go pretty shallow about 12" to float. As far as offshore as stated if its too rough for a 20 just wait until another day, we live here. Actually poled it a little, with the wind of course LOL

Shrimp'in, the real shallow flats up there go dry don't they LOL

Re: 1976 20' SF Questions?
 

i have a 73 20 sf and have a dual axel trailer. it was set up wrong at the trailer shop so it is a little too tongue heavy but havent changed it yet because the truck will always pull it out with that weight. as far as offshore stuff goes on a good 2-4 day its not bad. never feels unsafe. i just slow down a little bit and have had no problems.

Re: 1976 20' SF Questions?
 

FWIW, that's not the issue with too much tongue weight. You're more likely to loss of control, especially while going down hill with too much tongue weight.

Re: 1976 20' SF Questions?
 

it probably has about 400-500 pounds tongue weight right now. i have maybe 5 inches i can push the winch back before its at the end of its mount. then i need to make longer bunks. i dont want any transom sag issues.

Re: 1976 20' SF Questions?
 

Balance it by moving the whole axle assy forward on the frame. It's pretty easy.

Re: 1976 20' SF Questions?
 

I have a 73 20 an rebuilt it some years ago. I use it commercially and it serves its purpose. I built it very light to use in shallow water as well as put extreme amounts of weight in it. The problem i came across with a heavy motor for the boat was that it squatted in the water. When in shallow water after years of use the wear on the bottom of the v was bad. I ran a piece of Keel Guard down the lenght of it. Worked great.

Re: 1976 20' SF Questions?
 

i looked at my trailer to see if i can move the axel forward. it turns out i need longer bunks because the axel is right at the point on the I beams where it bends to go towards the tongue. :mad: