Seaworthiness of 20' SeaCraft...
 

Hello everyone! First, I want to say thanks to everyone who contributes to this amazing resource! Second, I want to gain an understanding of the seaworthiness of a 20' SeaCraft. For the sake of narrowing the breadth of the discussion we'll eliminate Captain's ability as a factor and focus on the ability of the hull. At some point we can all agree that no matter the ability of the Captain the boat shouldn't be offshore. What is the point at which a perfectly functioning 20' SeaCraft cannot safely be run offshore?

Parameters

20' Seacraft CC with 400lb outboard on a bracket
Assume all the requisite safety gear epirb, lifejackets, etc
Assume all the requisite hardware seacocks, lights, etc

Thanks!

With an enclosed transom and outboard that is in good running shape why not run offshore?

I apologize I must have miscommunicated! In my reading I have found that almost no one has anything negative to say about the hulls offshore performance. That being said no one is specific about what conditions the hull can take either. I understand that a captains ability is an overwhelming factor as far as safe operating conditions are concerned. I simply wanted to ascertain at what point do a captains abilities become irrelevant because conditions are just to harsh. Hope that clears up my question! A senior member pointed me towards some reading material so I'm going to go read that now.

Regards,

EarToTheWater

all relative
 

I thought of the plaque that JFK had, O,God, thy sea is so great and my boat is so small, today, when I came upon this Loggerhead turtle hatchling 10 miles out and no place to hide.

Ironically enough I was thinking the same thing when this dolphin came up to the boat... I stuck my phone in the water was able to freeze frame this (Life Proof Case) Grandpa had an embroidery of that quote with a man in a row boat hanging in his house till the day he died... hangs at my uncles house now.

The 20 is a " majic carpet ride". It will take you far. I find its able to handle anything I felt comfortable in and more. It's a 20' boat. You may get wet when it gets rough and you may wonder what the heck your doing out so far in this crap but pucker and grip the wheel the boat will get you back.

In seaworthy condition the boat will take more than you will.

WOW! Cool picture, very cool.

This just me. 3 to 5 it's uncomfortable and I won't go
4 to 6 no way unless your caught out there.
Why tempt the fates
And usually I want catch anything anyways and there are plenty of nice days to go out on anyways

But this is from someone that went to Bimini in a 17 checkmate. ..oh to be young and fearless again..or is it stupid

Thanks! I see some have added spray rails (worth it?), but generally when I have pucker moments I'm wearing gear or to focused to care! Most of my pucker moments involve lightning so gripping the stainless wheel may not be the best thing... considering carrying a wooden spoon to steer with:D

You trying to say I ain't got guts? :D In all seriousness your probably right as I've already been in that situation with other boats. Trying to ascertain if the 20' will get me enough fishable days, or if I should think about bigger boat.

Thanks! It was definitely a special trip!


Just the kind of info and specifics I was looking for! I'm all all about pushing the limits, but I love fishing! So if conditions are so tough a trip has the potential of being my last trip then I'm heading in! No fishing trip is worth it being my last fishing trip!