First Boat - you bet your a** its gonna be a SeaCraft!
 

Hey guys,

I've been cruising ads and this forum for months now and i cant seem to develop my own opinion so I am looking for some help. My father and i are looking for a SeaCraft and we're torn between the options of buying something thats already been restored if we can find it or finding a project boat. The boats us will be out on the North Fork of LI and down the Jersey Shore. This boat will be used primarily for inshore fishing and cruising but would like it to be capable enough to make the run from Greenport LI out around Montauk for fluking and if the weather permits make run a decent run offshore in NJ. I am torn between which model suits my particular needs. Originally i thought a 20 CC would be best because we sometimes like to stalk the flats of LI for bass but i am not sure thats enough boat to make a run out to Montauk if theres a bit of slop. I then ventured into both the 23' sceptre and 23' CC, i love them boat and think this would be plenty of boat regardless but wouldn't eliminate the flats/shallow water stalking? Just this week i've found a 77' Seafari 20 thats needs a boat load of work but the price is right? Can i configure this boat in such a way that it would be able to accommodate those needs?

Whichever direction i go id like the following things:
- Protection from the elements, i.e. CC with doghouse/pilot house or getting a hardtop for the Seafari or Sceptre.
-Enclosed Transom
-One level floors
-Bracket if thats whats recommended (i was reading last night that some with the seafari dont recommend the bracket)
-dry storage
-coffin box like squidlips

Ultimately i am looking for a boat that can fish every season up here in the NE. Striped bass, fluke, tog, weakies, ablies, etc.

Look to here all and any recommendations !

Thanks much guys & gals

Kyle

You will be money ahead to find one that has already been restored. Regardless of how good the restoration, you can never sell for what you have in it unless you are a pro and can get the materials and hardware at cost.

I have $25k in my restomod not including power or electronics. No way I could even come close to recovering my investments. But when own the one you want.... you won’t care.

I think the Moose is steering you in the right direction . Down here in S Fl the cc makes a great combo BUT after fishing with my brother off Plum Isld Ma. over the years. I think I’d look long and hard at the 23 scepter. It’s awfully nice to have some were to get out of the wind and cold

Moose is right.

Another vote for a windshield.

Can't advise on hull size, I don't know your conditions, but there is not a lot of difference in draft of the 20 and 23. I dived a 20 seafari 20-40 miles offshore of west central Florida, year round, and was very happy with performance, would not have wanted a bigger boat, just saying.

What tha Moose says is pretty much spot on. You add his power and your touching $50k, my brother's rebuild was at the same number.....maybe a bit more, with trailer, original hull purchase, top, engine, etc.. http://www.classicseacraft.com/commu...=billsseacraft

However check out new boat prices and you will quickly find out $100k will maybe buy you a 23' boat as nice as Kens. Good luck.

It MAY buy you a new boat, but that boat may not see a 30th Birthday.

Very few new boats are laid up with love and understanding.
Mark Hauptner`s Ocean Masters were an exception.
Anyone heard about his health after he sold the biz?
My cel # no longer connects.

This is real easy....:)
Take a look at cSickNick's 20 Seafari and what he throws in his 20 !!!
Fishes for GIANT Tuna out of the northeast......
You be the judge..

@kmoose that boat is gorgeous man!

For the area your going to fish go with a 23. The 20 is fine for a decent day but not enough for when the afternoon breeze picks up. Have fished both a 20 and 23 cc on the south shore of LI, in the Schinnecock area. 20 great in the bay and on calm days outside. 23 ok in the bay you just can't go into 18-24" water. 23 any time any day, it will get you home every time.

@bobbert my thought with the 23 is I could sneak into some skinny water if I put a bow mounted trolling motor which I intend to do on any boat I get simply for the anchor lock feature (big into blackfishing)...this community is great keep the posts coming !

I second this. Owner of a 20' 1977 Seafari here, run almost exclusively on the Great South Bay, and the Sound on occasion. I have seen said 18-24" seas and even with the windshield, it can be a wet ride under much lesser conditions. I've never been able to not get back home under storm conditions, but I don't go out in the ocean much at all. I really would love to step up to a 23', but can't justify the change from something so familiar and manageable for what I do. I can get my 20' right up on shore to drop cargo and passengers. Personally, I really don't ever want to be without a cabin. How many people will be fishing on the boat?

BTW, Greenport is one of our favorite spots to visit! Best of luck with your decision, neighbor.

I second the desire for a windshield, as I think it is better for the passengers and driver to all be out of the wind and spray for the day in the NE, where the water temps are colder. For that reason, I would argue for the Sceptre or Seafari. But I have never ridden in a 23' Seacraft though.

turns out that i cannot have a boat longer than 22' with engine in the slip. Found an 18' tracker that needs some work but the price is right. Trying to be patient thanks everyone for the input

Then a 20' would fit if the Tracker does not work out.....

https://capecod.craigslist.org/boa/d...110855611.html

Does anyone know anything about this boat? Missed out on a real beauty over the weekend, total bummer but it wasn't meant to be.

Opening up my horizons for seafari & 23's. Ill figure out the slip when the time comes, worst case its a trailer girl for a bit.

Nothing wrong with a bracketed Seafari. 20’s are definitely sensitive to a big, modern motor being pushed back a few feet but there are ways around it. I didn’t do the work myself. I am enjoying Bushwacker’s and others knowledge and efforts.

Like others, I cant speak to the 23’s abilities. My Seafari is great for the family of four or for two guys out fishing for the day. My son and I were out 25 miles today, we have camped with it twice in the past and regularly cruise the river for dinner and beach or raft at the beach clubs with friends sometimes doing more than one of these on the same day. If you will be stuck on a trailer it’s super mobile. I have launched in five different bodies of water over here in Western NY not to mention towing it 1,300 mile when I bought it.

I love my 18 but I sure miss having a cabin to take a nap in after a day of diving. Boat sleep is the best!!

Hey SSPBill-
So glad to hear that Restless Lady is being well enjoyed with Blake and your family. Hope it is a great summer!