SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

Looking at getting a bigger sled. How do you think the ride of a 27' SeaCraft CC with twin 250's and an enclosed transom/bracket, compares against a 26' Regulator and a 31' Contender?

I want to be able to use the new boat up to 100 miles offshore, weather permitting of course.

Don't be shy with your responses.

Thanks,

Peter

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

The 27 you speak of is wide isn't it?

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

Having been on all the mentioned boats the 31 Contender would be hard to beat. Its huge compared to the others and the ride in my opinion is best, size has a bit to do with that. I saw the prices on your thread on THT and again at 43K the 31 contender would be tough to beat. There was one with 4 strokes in Florida for 46K, granted they had 3K hours on them.

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

I was riding in a friend's 31'Contender this past fall a number of times.

Very impressive ride. No problems doing 30+ Knots in seas, that I would have to stay betwen 20 and 25 Knots in (in my 23 footer).

Jason, in your opinion would the 30 foot Jupters and Intrepids offer similar rides to the Contender?

Peter

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

I have only been on a 26 Intrepid great boat fast as heck and finished better than most but the owner moved up to a 27 Contender and never looked back as the Contender was more fishing oriented and I think that is what you are looking for, no? I have not been on a Jupiter 31 but been on a few Venture 34's (a stretched Jupiter 31 with an integrated bracket) and they too are amazing but now you are in a different class of boat.

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

I think the 31 Contender is hard to beat for ride, but I wouldn't buy any made in the last couple of years. I've never been in a 27 Regulator, can't speak to that. I would put the ride of the Intrepid right up there, though.

The 27' SeaCraft has a 9.5' beam, making it more stable at trolling speeds and at rest, but a bit slower in any sort of building sea. Not a problem, generally, unless you're fishing the SKA events occasionally. I think the SeaCraft is more family/fishing oriented, but may be showing a bias, here.

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

How would you guys compare the rough water ride of a seacraft 23 vs regulator 23?

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

Last July my 60 year old back could not take the ride anymore. I purchased a Grady White 30' Marlin with F250's. I owned a 31' Bertram in the late 1970's, this Grady rides better (aks drier) than the Bertram. Round trip out of Charleston SC (65 miles offshore) 130 galons of fuel.

Just my 2 cents.

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

I have never been on a 27 SeaCraft but I fish regularly on a Contender and although it is a little rockier on the drift it really rides great. Also, as mentioned of those three boats the Contender is much bigger. You would easily be able to fish the canyon in all three of those boats, but might be a little more comfortable in the 31.

If I ever have the $$$ to move up from my 20 I'd love to have a 23T contender.

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

I've never ridden on any of those on your list but I have spent some time on a Contender 25 and a 23' SeaCraft. Contender had more room of coarse but the SeaCraft is more stable. My 100 mile offshore dream boat would be an old 33' Egg Harbor with the super structure removed, a big center console and twin turbo diesels with enough ponies to let her cruise at about 40 kts. One bad azz Savage and weather wouldn't be a factor. Theres an old decrepit one at Pineland Marina I'd love to get my hands on. Keep dreamin Red :(

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

Peter, As you well know, it is a buyer's market out there. Although all are good boats without question, I would find it hard to pass up the contender. My friend has a 33t, which is a little bit bigger than the one on your short list, but it rides extremely well and it is very stable at rest. Pretty boat too.... However, I have never been on a 31. As long as the engines are new and in good condition, I would lean towards the contender. Then, I will sell my tracker-made 23 and buy your potter-made. It has been ten years since I have owned a Potter-hull....

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

[QUOTE]
Looking at getting a bigger sled. How do you think the ride of a 27' SeaCraft CC with twin 250's and an enclosed transom/bracket, compares against a 26' Regulator and a 31' Contender?








Shy? Hmmm.

Peter I have an intransigent older brother who is looking to do the same. His Mako is bothering his back. I tried , believe me I tried. Seems this time around he is asking for advice. :eek:

This gives me an idea for a summer Cape gathering. Millway marine! Camp on Sandy Neck. I can still point you to the Steamahs and Quahogs at low tide. Razor clams too. Careful please.

Ocean Master is the only choice I would consider for a lifetime boat in a 31. Dry, soft, and strong. 400k mi on some and still going!

Mark has a nice interpretation of the VDH, and it`s really heavy and steep. Newer ones are prettier and hi tech, but they don`t advertise a lot and are not on many lips.

Cheers ,
GFS

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

Have you considered fountain? I've seen a number of 31's for sale on THT for a good price. There are a few posts about some nastey looking cracks forming in contender transoms.

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

I have never been a personal fan of how the Fountains look (who knows maybe I am being short sighted).

The one possibly negative thing about the 31' Contender is that there seems to be a fair amount of wasted room in front of the console. I probably spend 90% of my time behind the console. If I did not have two kids in/approaching college I would have already pulled the trigger on a big bad ass center console. Unfortunately, I don't have that luxury. Stay tuned, more will be revealed.
Who knows, maybe I will end up using the SeaCraft for another season of offshore fun.

Thanks for the input.

Peter

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

I just had the conversation this evening about the 20' and 23' Seacrafts. They are about the best in all the boats in that size range. Now for the big boys. I have fished on lots of 27'-36' center consoles. The Contender by far exceeds most all of them with Yellowfin coming in second. Now a Hydra Sport will just plain beat you no matter what the size.
Like some others have said, you can find some good deals on Contenders, alot have been fished hard, but they are still going strong..

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

Peter if your interested in a 31 contender a friend of mine has one near asbury for sale. It is the "super console" model with 2 250 ox66 yamahas. I have only been on it once but it is a nice rig.

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

I may be interested. If he has any spec's & pricing, it would be great if he could email it to me

Thanks

Peter

peter_boyle@hotmail.com

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

Peter I will give him that email address and you guys can take it from there. What are your plans for your 23? He or I may be interested. Thanks again

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

Peter, What about the Albin 26's? Stretched Seacraft 23, inboard diesel, and keeps you in the family! There's even one in Fla with a jackshafted Volvo. Good luck, Steve

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

I looked at one in the Keys with the diesel motor under the console and a Volvo duoprop. Sweet! Just over $100K, but Sweet!

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

I saw this on craigslist
http://miami.craigslist.org/pbc/boa/1600277774.html
1980 25' SeaVee/Diesel - $27500 (Jupiter)

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

Perhaps a little smaller than your thinking, but yeah, the Albin sounds nice...
http://www.albinmarine.com/Press/Alb...d%20Steady.pdf :cool:

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

In that same class, how about this 25 whitewater in RI? This one looks sweet. LINK

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

Fr.Frank, I think that's the one I was thinking about. It's currently listed at $79.9K with a triple axle trailer, Steve

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

I am surprised that no one spoke up for the 27' SeaCraft.

Is there anything about their ride that i should know?

It does a very wide beam (9 ft, 10 in, I believe)

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

Peter I think that's just because there aren't too many around? The one in Sea Bright is the only one I have seen on the water locally. You'd have to think the ride would be pretty good though right? I mean, it is a SeaCraft ;)

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

Calling "KernelTugBoat", please chime in. Or shall it be Dr. WAVE CRUSHER!

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

There was, and I think still is, a 27 with twin outboards for sale in Harwich, Ma on the Cape....maybe it's on yachtworld.com.

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

Guy's

Tough for me to comment on the ride of my 27 vs the Contender or Regulator. I like the look of all 3, and they probably have a decent ride, but I have never been on either of them.. I can tell you my 27 is Amazing in just about any sea condition. It is night and day in a following sea compared to when it was a straight inboard. That huge DPH drive makes a world of difference keeping it on track. The ride is different from my Dad's 23, with the conventional I/O setup (His boat is more nimble is the best way I can describe it, and maybe a little dryer in heavy wind because he can get his bow up higher) Mine cuts into the water more because of the weight of the hull and the 1700lb D6 centered under the Pilot House, but it never pounds, and the COG is just about perfect. (I was out in November last year, and the smallest boat around me was a 42 Duffy and I felt "reasonably" safe !!)It was a little wet before I added the spray rails and then I added the transom livewell for a little extra weight out back. I have fished with 23 Owners in some nasty stuff last year and they were amazed and thankfull we were in the 27. I left the tuna grounds in some 4-6 foot chop and put the screws to her for about a 25 Knot cruise which was very comfortable and dry and effortless for the D6 to keep the RPMS steady. On good days I run about 28-30 Knots at Cruise burning 10-12 GPH . This year I am removing the front step and will probably take another 300-400 lbs of the front, but mainly to keep the kids in the boat. The boat is very stable on the drift and while trolling. keep in mind my bottom was modified when it was converted to an inboard, so for better or worse, my boat would be a little different to a factory 27. (I have a 2' flat in the rear the extends up in a "V" shape about 6' forward). Thats all I can tell you, I would not trade it for a Contender or Regulator, but most of us on this site have that problem as well. If anyone is on the Cape this summer, let me know I would be happy to take you fishing.

Dan

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

:cool:Hi, I am still around, #1 You have to go on a ride before you can make any comment about a 27", BEEN THERE --DONE IT--. You have to ride to compare.I fell asleep on the ride when it was gas powered and what a different boat when the diesel was installed. I could not sleep because it was not boring do to the way it rode. It was like a big block was being throttle up and off you go, and I been in rough seas and the 27" is unbelievable. Puts a lot of bigger boats to shame in rough seas.

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

i'm in RI i'll happily go to the cape and take you up on that fishing offer on that georgous machine :D

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

Guys,

Thanks for all of the input. My remaining question is does anyone have some real time (that they can share)on a 27' with twin outboards (on a bracket)?

I did go for a ride last fall on the boat in question. The ride was on a pretty calm river. It was very nice (much larger than my 23 & the bow never had to climb on to get onto plane).

Just hard to judge a ride in those conditions. I would have liked to take it in a little snot and try her out in head, side and following seas.

Any additional input would be greatly appreciated.

Peter

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

You could slap the twin 200's on your current 23 and be up and running in the 26 Bigshripin posted for short $$

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

You're 100% right Jason. That seems like a great potential deal.

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

Hey Peter, you may want to check out this thread on THT before you consider a Contender.

http://www.thehulltruth.com/boating-...must-suck.html

Jerry

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

not only that but the folks at Millway Marine, where that 26 Regulator is listed, know a great deal about SeaCrafts and maybe able to help in the swap and selling of your 23.

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

I don't think that thread would matter much anyway since the warranty does not transfer from owner to owner correct? THT makes my head hurt.

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

They are all nice and have their major differences... The larger Ventures are nice also.

But for me, If I was in the market for another boat It would hands down an Ocean Master...

Chris :D

Re: SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender
 

Well guys, just to to show you that I am getting more serious about this by the day I posted the attached "maybe for sale" add on another website.

web page

If I decide to change the probably to a definately I will definately list her in the for sale section of this great web site.

Peter