1983 SeaCraft 18 with 175 E-Tec
 

I am looking at purchasing a 1983 18' Potter SeaCraft boat for inshore fishing.

Does anyone have specs on the SeaCraft? I am trying to figure out the draft.

Seems like a heavy engine @ 418 pounds and to much HP. What do you think?

It has a seamount full bracket with an enclosed transom

What do you think this is worth?
Do you think it will ride good with a 175?


Attachment 14965

Attachment 14966

Attachment 14967

That appears to be a beautiful boat. IMO an 18SF with a bracket and a 175 will be stern heavy and will give up all the great qualities of the smaller Seacraft. If you want to buy it be sure to sea trial the boat and be aware of the minimum planing speed, porpoising, and ride in choppy conditions. A well balanced boat will have a 13 or 14 knot planing speed, will not porpoise (even without trim tabs), and will cut into a sloppy chop.

Thanks for the info i really appreciate it. I was thinking a new 115 mercury would be a better option and it weighs 359 pounds but at the price he is asking I wont be able to switch out right away.

PM sent

She's a pretty one. I have an 18 with a 90hp 2 stroke and find that it is more than enough engine. I'm sorry to tell you but I think the 175 on a bracket is going to be way too much weight.

Mine is a '75 with a Suzuki df140 on the transom and it's more weight than I would like to have back there. DF140 is 427 lbs. dry.

Looks like a 20' to me.

Pretty boat. I have an 18 with a closed transom, an etec 150 on a bracket with 22" of set back and Bennet trim tabs. It won't plane below 3000 rpms. it will hit 50 mph lightly loaded. The trim tabs are essential to get on and off a plane. It is a fun boat but the engine weight and balance of the boat are limitations. A smaller lighter engine would be best all around but..it will fly.

My 19' with a 150 Evinrude on a bracket sits a little stern heavy, but jumps on plane immediately. I balanced it out with a 112# minnkota trolling motor and 3 batteries in the bow. I can float in about 14" of water, so not a flats boat, but not bad. It certainly takes the rough stuff better than my 20' Action Craft.

For the price hes asking, id look around, there are a few 20sout there in miami and orlando that are less money. And fwiw he says hes at 43 mph top end, somethings not right with that set up. boat looks nice though, id just make sure i saw everything else for that kind of money