New member iso 1st Sea Craft
 

I have been watching this site and others for some time now and after many years of boating / fishing etc I would like to try the Sea Craft hull for a while. I believe the 23' CC to be the best choice for me as I trailer the boat to different areas depending on the bite and prefer offshore. I have had experience with outboard and I/O power systems and am familiar with the pro's & con's of both. I am looking for advice on the boat lengths and power options for an optimum choice in my first Sea Craft. The 23' CC with a straight inboard 350 or 454 / 496 / 502 etc seems like the best bet for me. Diesels are too expensive for my taste. But I see so many people opting for the $2500.00 dollar bracket and $18K - 23K outboards that I wonder if that is the best option although I would do it on the cheap with used gear. What is the general consensus on this subject. I guess I should target the 70's - early 80's hulls. How much if any wood is in the early hulls what are the weak areas I should be looking for, other than the obvious soft spots in the floor. :D

Re: New member iso 1st Sea Craft
 

My 2 cents. If you're going more than 30 miles offshore, have a spare motor. Either rig twins, or have a kicker motor that will faithfully push you the however many miles offshore you plam on going.

I confess I am partial to outboards for boats under 30'. The new four-strokes and the Etec and Optimax motors are quiet and reliable, and very fuel efficient compared to motors of just 8-10 years ago. I personally am waiting for Mercury to truly introduce and market their diesel 2-stroke Optimax currently in testing. Rumor calls for a 90hp 3 cylinder and 175 hp 5 cylinder versions at first. These will be based upon the current mil-spec multi-fuel motors made for the military.

On the other hand, Maritime Engineering is due to release their 3 liter common rail 4 cylinder diesel outboards in 175, 225, and 300 hp versions next month. Weight is 775 lbs, and it uses the Mercruiser Bravo torpedo, props and gearset.

Re: New member iso 1st Sea Craft
 

you are right about twins. they can be invaluable in the event of simutaneous mechanical failure and inclement weather. thanks for your $00.02.

Re: New member iso 1st Sea Craft
 

Wet transoms are common in the SeaCrafts. Any probably every other make (but we don't know about other makes 'cause no one bothers to rebuild them):D. Brass scupper and drain tubes may need to be replaced (often a source of water coming in). Gunwale caps may need to be re-sealed and riveted or re connected with machine screw and nylock nuts.

You sound like you might be thrilled with a 23' Savage. I believe the Savage is fairly rare but I think a couple of guys have converted their Sceptres into Savages...Good luck.

Re: New member iso 1st Sea Craft
 

I need schooling on the models. What is the "savage" and is the Scepter always a cuddy? Is there more than one model in the CC's. Also I see alot of different lengths being advertised, 25', 24'8", 23', 21', 20' etc../ I assume some may be using model designations and others actual measurements. Is there a website that lists models and spec's of the early models?

Re: New member iso 1st Sea Craft
 

Try some of these.

27’ Center Console/Pilothouse – a project

http://www.classicseacraft.com/forum...part=all&vc=1]

http://www.classicseacraft.com/forum/showflat.php?Cat=&Number=37689&page=&view=&sb=5&o= &fpart=all&vc=1[/url]

23’ Savage

http://www.classicseacraft.com/forum...=52556&Forum=]


There might be a 27’ Savage model, too.

Another starting point

http://moeslyseacraft.com/Brochures.aspx]

http://moeslyseacraft.com/Brochures.aspx[/url]

Good luck and there is more if you look around. I'm sure others will chime in as well,

Re: New member iso 1st Sea Craft
 

http://www.classicseacraft.com/specifications.htm

The 23 straight inboards are rare, difficult to find. If you find one in good shape its a great option.

Re: New member iso 1st Sea Craft
 

Deeep Thought you are in luck ! I live 3 miles outside of Wilson. I have a '78 23 CC and you are more than welcome to come over and check it out.My name is Bill Putney and you can reach me at 252-245-4487.

Re: New member iso 1st Sea Craft
 

My nephew has a '76 20 CC that is immaculate that he would like to sell .It has been completely renovated and is in Wilmington .Custom cover , the works .

Re: New member iso 1st Sea Craft
 

Good decision on a Sea Craft. As far as choices; I guess it depends on what you want it to do - AND who you ask. I chose the inboard for fuel economy, ease of maintainence, cheaper to re-power etc.

Last fall there were 2 for sale, a diesel in Maryland and a gas in Florida. I can look to see if they are still for sale if you are interested. If you are looking for a project - there was that one on Ebay from Tx.....