89 Scepter Version 2.1
 

I haven't been as active on here as I was in the past, life has gotten way too busy. Many of you helped and encouraged me when I was rebuilding my Scepter and I wanted to post a couple of pictures of the boat in it's natural state, on the water. These were taken over in Tarpon Springs on a beach many of you know very well. Enjoy... and thanks for the help.

http://www.deep-blue-sea.org/seacraf...aftTarpon1.jpg

http://www.deep-blue-sea.org/seacraf...aftTarpon2.jpg

Re: 89 Scepter Version 2.1
 

Looks sweet.Love the hard top.

Re: 89 Scepter Version 2.1
 

Looks good John!

What HP Suzuki are you running, and what prop?

Re: 89 Scepter Version 2.1
 

250 Suzuki, 3 blade 16x20.

What is everyone else running for props?

I looked at the 300hp, but it required the dts controls, and that added a lot to the bottom line, and it seems like many people where having reliability issues with those controls.

She likes to cruise at about 4k, burning 11.3 gph, doing about 28-30 mph with 4 guys, 80 pounds of ice, and 45 gals in the live well.

With a light load, and 2 guys, I can almost hit 3 mpg.

Re: 89 Scepter Version 2.1
 

I have a 250 Suzuki on my Scepter and run a 16x18.5.
Ran offshore yesterday 110 gal fuel 2 people ice&gear
29.5 mph 10.5 gph 4k rpm in a 3to4 head sea.
Wanted a 300 but got a great deal on the 250.
Plenty of power and great fuel economy.Very happy with it.

Re: 89 Scepter Version 2.1
 

Is yours on a bracket, or hung off the transom?

Re: 89 Scepter Version 2.1
 

Transom,just had it recored and raised to 30inch with some modifications

Re: 89 Scepter Version 2.1
 

Whoaaa. i lovethe look of your boat (for some reason)

http://i224.photobucket.com/albums/d...1/000_0078.jpg

Re: 89 Scepter Version 2.1
 

Nice ride. I wish my hull was that clean.
I think you win the biggest top on a scepter award. I like the way it sticks forward a bit to block the sun. Here in FL on the east coast, we are always running back into the sun and I wish mine extended forward about a foot further. Looks like your set up for salmon and lake trout, maybe walleye?

Re: 89 Scepter Version 2.1
 

Yup, fish lake michigan mainly for salmon and trout. Walleye trip this weekend. I was about 2 shakes from selling the top off it when I bought it this spring. The more I use it the more I like it. takes a little more fuel to pull it 550 miles one way to fish, but I will live with that.
The top was made in clearwater fl. if I remember right.

Re: 89 Scepter Version 2.1
 

So was mine!...
http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/e...ryDays1996.jpg

Re: 89 Scepter Version 2.1
 

When my rag top wears out Im going with a hard top.

One question for you hardtop guys.Can you open your windshield with those pipes in the way?

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...8/100_0948.jpg

Re: 89 Scepter Version 2.1
 

Unfortately no. Mine opens only about 2/3 of the way. You can open and access the fore deck, but you can't ride with it open though. That is the only drawback.

Re: 89 Scepter Version 2.1
 

John,the hardtop looks great.How do you like the outriggers mounted up there?any pros or cons?.
When I restored my Tsunami I went with a soft top and an arch thinking it would be less costly as I had a buddy make the canvas work.
After I added up the cost of both I could have had a hardtop done for the same cost.

Floorboy,
The boat looks great,and glad you decided to keep the top.Did you get the steering issue fixed?
I still can't believe the deal you got on that boat,with all that stuff,and perfect condition.
You should win the award for the most exhaustive search for a seacraft. John R.(BIG EASY)

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y7/...nami/002-1.jpg

Re: 89 Scepter Version 2.1
 

I like the outriggers where they are located. They are the taco grand slams that have the adjustments from underneath. Once you get the verticle angle set, you just leave it there. Then you can swing them in an out as needed.

I have never opened the windows on my boat since I had it. I think they are probably stuck shut, and I would be afraid to push on them. We get a lot of breeze through there cruising at 32 knots. I guess on hot days it would be nice to open up the front.

One of the main attractions the boat had for me was the top. Being Irish blonde, and light skinned, I need protection from the sun down here in FL that the center consoles just don't provide.

The only downside is if you are bent down getting something out of the storage locker behind the seats, you can smack your head pretty good on the bottom rod holders. It is nice being able to put 12 rods up high and dry out of harms way.

As for access to the front, when I anchor, I work the anchor from the back. I have the anchor line in the locker behind the seat, and just run the line to the front around the cleat. It is much safer, and we use an anchor ball instead of a windlass. It's faster, and on many boats with a windlass, you end up having to go to the front to secure the anchor.

Over the years, we have lost a couple of fish that ran to the front, but we have a trained crew where one member works his way to the front, and we pass the pole forward.

Re: 89 Scepter Version 2.1
 

I cant seem to take my eyes off your top....looks great!!! :D :D

John123. havent talked to you in a while, hope Lake O is treating you well. Im glad i kept it too. Im gonna limp it through the rest of the year with the steering. I am gonna covert it to hydraulic this winter, I think that should do it.