SeaCraft 20' questions
 

So first of want to say what a great site this is!!
I have been reading and reading post here and now have a few questions.
I am pretty sure I am looking for a 70's to early 80's 20 foot. My question is what are the differences? I have seen what looks like a few different CC as well as a walk around. I have also read about some different models on here as well. So what are the differences? I am mostly looking for a boat fish inshore as well as closer offshore on nice days but also have fun with the family in the intercostal as well as bringing it down to the keys on some weekends. I live in palm beach florida and have noticed a lot of people from this area, I am hoping to also spend some time at peanut island on the weekends with the kids. from the looks of the 23' they seems to be much larger ad deeper gunnels and V then i will need. It seems like it would be a bit of a hand full fishing in smaller canals. Is this correct thinking? Any suggestions and ideas would be greatly appreciated!! Also if any one knows of a decent hull or complete boat at a reasonable price that would be great!

Re: SeaCraft 20' questions
 

I'ma newbie compared to most on this site and I'm sure more will chime in with much more in depth views. You are correct, the 23' is a bigger fish, different animal, I have 20' cc 1970, just got done on the restore, if you go to the repairs section you can see the redo by caymanboy or look at Stricks redo, he is the master, anyhoo, there is a difference in the CC models, one is a sf the other is a ma, the main differnce I belive is freeboard, once you get past certain years they are no longer potter hulls, which then they loose the classic desination. When buying one, make sure the transom and deck are sound, the older ones the decks didn't drain with 2 people in the boat, check the ft laud craigs list, there a couple there. good luck, you'll love the boat, I love mine!!!

Re: SeaCraft 20' questions
 

There are four different 20' models.

The 20' Superfisherman center-console, often called just the SF.
The 20' Master Angler center console, also called the MA.
The 20' Sceptre dual-console, and
the 20' Seafari cuddy cabin model.

Of them all, the 20' Seafari is by far the most versatile and balanced layout. :D:D:D:D

The MA and SF differ in their liner and cap, but the hull is the same. Dixon, aka "Egg Suckin Dog" has a MA. Ken, aka "No Bones" has a SF. Other than that, the guys who have one'll have to tell you more. [img]/forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Re: SeaCraft 20' questions
 

ive got a 73 20 sf and it is just about the perfect boat for me. i use it for fishing inshore and offshore.. you just have to pick your days. i use to go out to the sandbars and hang out too. ive got a t-top on it and it is just a great boat for me.
i wonder why you would think that??? :eek: ;)

Re: SeaCraft 20' questions
 

thanks for the replies
So I understand the differences in the cuddy and the dual console, but what are the differences in the SF and MA?

Re: SeaCraft 20' questions
 

Check out this page on the main site which shows examples of the different 20' layouts:

http://www.classicseacraft.com/20Footers.htm

I concur that the Seacraft 20 is an incredibly versatile boat. I can take the kids to splash at the sandbar, fish the shallows of Florida Bay, and go trolling offshore in this boat all in the same day. Equally impressive is that you don't need as much horsepower (and fuel) to push these hulls as you might think, many folks around here are quite satisfied with 90 to 130HP.

Re: SeaCraft 20' questions
 

Not sure if you can pick up the raised portion of the cap, roughly three inches above the rub rail. Not a whole lot of difference really. Hope this helps. Part II.

Re: SeaCraft 20' questions
 

I am being pulled towards a 23' :o
But... have to say nothing like the versatility of a 20'
-Fred

Re: SeaCraft 20' questions
 

I've pondered the same thing until three weeks ago. Went and looked at a very nice one on Georgia coast. I've fished Miles Offshore's inboard 23 but that was my only experience with a 23.

This boat out of the water and on its trailer was a bit overwhelming. To scale its almost identical to a 20, but it is a LOT more boat. Twins, fuel system and consumption, bracket, boat storage, vehicle to trailer, trailer brakes, maintenance/replacement, well and pump systems, electronics, t-top, and general boat maintenance was not just tinkering anymore. Really made me appreciate my 20.

As a trailer guy, with garage kept boats, this simply cannot be a one man launch/retrieval boat. Honestly, I don't have the friends, means, or interest to fish offshore anymore. For those who do, I'm certain this would be the next boat for me.

Re: SeaCraft 20' questions
 

Seafari 20 or Sceptre 20 would likely serve you well with family. Cuddy cabins are nice for sleeping, changing, porta potti, or getting out of the weather. May be a couple in your neighborhood CL. Fish hard, tow skiers and run on snotty days at will. As one of the guys on the site is prone to state its not a small craft - its a SeaCraft. Maybe fdheld34 might sell you his Seafari since he's looking to go bigger. It looks really nice, fresh every thing...
Good luck - great boats.

Re: SeaCraft 20' questions
 

Hey Gillie...yes I am in the market to go bigger :o....put mine on market ..and see what happens....should really piss the wife off now ;)....but if it doesnt sell?!??!!
-Fred

Re: SeaCraft 20' questions
 

I have seen a few Seafari 20 and Sceptre 20 for sale on CL but I am really looking for center console. so correct me if i am wrong, the Sf and the MA differences is the gunnel height? For the 1970's years does any one know the HP ratings and what works best with the hull?

SeaCraft 20' questions
 

Just my 2 cents. I have a '75 20' SF. When I bought it it was basically a shell. Blown 200 Johnson, no controls or Binnacle. Wiring all pulled out, no CC shelving, NASTY looking....Severly faded gel coat, a mess inside. I ran all new wiring to a seasense fuse box. Installed new teleflex gauges, Put a used OMC top mount binnacle. New steering helm cable, Fishfinder, GPS, Bimini with rear braces,teak swim ladder, Made new cushions. New stereo system ( 4 speakers and 1 10" subwoofer) LED lighting for the front. But to get to the point I put a 95 115 Evinrude and it really rides nice. 37-38 MPH WOT. Cruise nicely at 21-22. Good hole shot, So you don't really need alot of motor if your Bay/Near Offshore. I fish out of the Galveston Bay complex and it can whip up quickly with 20 MPH southeast winds, but I have been very satisfied with the sea worthiness. Never a worry so far.. the 115 is about 300 lbs and as mentioned on this board the 20' SF was designed for around a 300lb motor due to the offerings in the 60s-70's.
It does not squat abnormally and the scuppers when open only fill when your standing on the corners at the stern, you move a bit forward and your draining.
Anyway my 2 cents. I have about 4500 in the boat so far, doing most of the grunt work myself. Its been alot of sore muscles, but when I'm out there.....PRICELESS !!

"Navy" Dave Elias
1975 20 CC SF
1995115 Evinrude http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o.../elenita13.jpg
http://i358.photobucket.com/albums/o...ita_Kemah2.jpg

Re: SeaCraft 20' questions
 

Here is a pic of my Master Angler that you can maybe see the difference with the pic above
http://www.forumpictureprocessor.com...100_0028_8.jpg

the cap has 4" above the rub rail and wide gunnels which is the biggest difference - next it has a baitwell built into the port rear stern compartment thats plenty big - top all the way to the stringer - the SF has a small hatch storage area there. This model was brought out in '75 as livebait became so popular, best option on an SF is a baitwell under a leaning post I believe. I am a live baiter, so that was huge for me, the wide gunnels are a huge item for Susan - she loves the fact you can just sit anywhere which we do just drift around alot, and with the T Top you can walk around. They also come in quite handy mid-ship back that makes other issues quite comfortable. ;)
After looking at the pic's, thought I would mention it has a recessed bow rail also. Although I'm too old and fat to get in over the bow from the beach anyway.

I have been all the 20's and for me this was the best by far, we considered the Seafari for the cabin which is quite large but no bow access. The SF may go shallower but I can trim up and idle in 18" with 416# pounds of motor, maybe a little less with the baitwell full but not much.

The original 20's we rigged at our shop all had inline 150 Merc's and I would say on the east coast of Fla with the inlets that should be the minimum HP up to 200 - NO 4 strokes as weight is an issue.

ask anything else you have questions on

Re: SeaCraft 20' questions
 

My 20SF is used for several types of fishing/diving.
The removeable tower is used for looking for bug holes
in the keys to chasing Manta Rays with Cobia on them.
I also drift fish Sebastian Inlet for Snook.
The big thing with selecting the right boat is what
do you want it to do for you. Obviously one boat
(ugh humm) will not serve all of your needs..
Just try to narrow down what you do the most of
and go from there...
BTW, every man should have minimum of 2 boats... :eek:
Just be careful you could end up like the rest of
us with to many in the collection..

Good luck, Ken

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y27...athering19.jpg

Re: SeaCraft 20' questions
 

Thanks for all the great info!!
OK so I hope i have this correct now, You can identify the MA and SF by the bow rail. On the MA it is recessed and the SF is high above the gunnels?

I am going to look at what I believe is an MA, has recessed bow rail. it has no motor and appears to be unmodified. owner says it had an 20" 150 merc.
I was going to put an XR2 merc i have off another boat which is also 20"
If I measure from the bottom of the transom up to the mounting holes does any one know what that measurement should be to make sure no one has changed the transom?

What should I look for other then soft spots in the deck and transoms? where are other trouble spots?

What would be a reasonable price for an 1977 MA with trailer?

Re: SeaCraft 20' questions
 

Nope - a MA will have 4" of deck above the RUB RAIL and a baitwell in the port aft corner plus wide gunnels - bow rails can be changed, although I have never seen an SF with a recessed one ;)

Transom should measure appox 20" from the deep vee to the top if its a 20 - I just measured mine

what kind of trailer and its value on the used market, leaves you with hull value - hull value depending on condition 1500 to 4000 (with T Top), lots of varience here as to condition so hard to tell.

Re: SeaCraft 20' questions
 

that is a sweet boat you have there :) :cool: