Who loves the 20' Sceptre
 

I've been thinking about a 20' Sceptre. I like the layout. Looks like lots of deck space and lots of storage. What can y'all say about them? How is the ride that far forward? Looking for a transporter/fishing platform and it seems to be nice. I'm still working on my 20' SF restoration, but thinking it might be nice to have both versions. I'd like to stay 20 mostly due to slip size and maneuverability. I did a search and a lot of the discussions are about the 23.

Thanks!

excellent boat, rides great, everything you would expect. as far as the forward helm location, it leaves a ton of deck space for a 20. i also liked the visibility, and the spray was minimal. wish i could have kept mine but with my daughter off to college and me wanting a more shallow water fishing platform, i needed the money to reinvest in another. you will not be disappointed with the sceptre.

Those are all the things I am hoping for! Thanks for that. I've heard the shallow water issue from a few people. I may have to adjust my fishing style a bit. There are some spots that dont have a lot of water in them. In fact, I was lucky enough to bump a big rock this weekend. lol.

I love mine. But mine is a 23. The 20 has got to be nice though

I did end up picking it up and so far it seems great.

Love mine, If you are going to do a bracket on a 20' hull this is one the best models to pick as much of the weight is forward. Ton more room than the cc and I love standing on the nose elevated cast fishing. They seem to be drier riding as you are far enough forward to miss the spray. And that's with no windshield. Tons of storage above deck and the live well/cooler section in the nose keeps weight forward when loaded. They seem to handle the heaver outboards better as well.

Attachment 17957

Love the 20 Sceptre - great layout, solid boat.

I bought mine (1975 I/O) with a v8 mercruiser in it (rides a little heavy at slower speeds, hard to believe the V8 was a factory option).

Overall it's a stable, fast + dry boat. Bennett tabs help a slow plane speed in the rough stuff. Planning to repower a little lighter...haven't found the right motor.

Be interested if anyone has put a 4.5L I/O in one.

Good to know. For now I'll be leaving it be, as it is in reasonable original condition. The motor on it is 410 lb, and with one person in a corner, the floor is still dry. 2 in a corner and its creeping up the gutter. 3 in the back and the floor is wet. I'll probably just plug them while I'm using the boat, and pull them at the dock.

I'm sure the lady will appreciate the drier ride. I notice it is a really flat riding boat. Does not plow before getting on plane. Just jumps right up and goes. So far I love it. Even though it was loved, there are some things that arent up to my standards so I'll be taking care of a few things.

How about some pics?

Love my 20' Sceptre, its definitely a classic and needs some more work.
But it gets the job done for me and my soon to be bride.
Great hull, smooth and dry. Still hops up on plane even with 4 people and my old 140 johnson.
Couldnt ask for a better first boat!:D:D

Good Looking 20' Sceptre
 

We crawled all over the Sceptre, Seafari, Seabird, Mako, and Aquasport at the Miami boat show in early '76. SeaCraft was already our preference. We liked the Sceptre, but chose the Seafari in anticipation of kids. About 2.5 years later our son rolled around in the cabin while we trolled offshore Palm Beach. Still using it 42 years later. Good luck with your handsome Sceptre!

I had one I sold a couple of years ago when I found a Seafari,I really liked the space on the Sceptre but wanted the cabin the the Seafari provided.the Sceptre offered great access to the bow as well

Yes, the Sceptre is a great platform for all kinds of watersports... I have had mine for 15 years.
For anyone considering purchasing a 20 Seacraft, please give mine a look. It's a turnkey, like new 1974 Sceptre (see For Sale Section and Gallery Section) that is a tremendous value for the money.

Happy to answer any questions... thanks for looking!
Jim
305-586-6299
jim@eagletonkathe.com

Hi Jim. I did see yours while I was shopping and I agree it is a tremendous value! The only reason I didn't contact you about it was geography and I was looking for an outboard. You have done a great job on that boat, though!