I'm a little late to the party here but I gotta chime in. I'm on my 3rd SeaCraft and its a 1998 25 with 150 Johnson FICHTS. With all the un-flattering stories circulating about Tracker SeaCrafts I should have avoided it like the plague. But It was in spectacular condition, and I've always wanted an all black SeaCraft. The only things that I found that were poorly done were the bilge gel-coat was flaking off in multiple places and the bulkhead forward of the center console had inadequate fiberglass tabbing to the hull. ( I knew to look for it because I had seen the same spot on other 25's.) I used the problem motors and broken tabbing to negotiate a great price, bought it, and fixed it. I repainted the motor cowlings and ordered a set of 2001 Johnson 150 decals to update the look of the old teal green FICHT logos. I can tell you that is was far easier than re-doing the previous two Scepters I had owned and a lot less money. Two re-manufactured ignition modules and some light interior fiberglass work and I was in business. The facts are that some early 25's had transom issues (mine was fine), the 25 is not a stretched 23, its dry, carries 175gallons of fuel,it gets 1.7 kmpg with twins,will plane and run 20+ knots on one 150hp motor with full fuel( a few trial's and motor errors is how I learned this) and it's the best riding 25 I have ever owned. Oh! and it has a head for the wife...Big Plus! The 23 classic I had was the best riding 23 ever made IMO and if I had a place to put her I'd buy her back tomorrow. That being said, I'm personally not afraid of 25's. Great boat and great ride with all the things you would want in a 23 but couldn't get. And by the way, My 150 FICHT's purr like kittens. DFI oil and fresh plugs and they are no problem at all. And with the price of new motors these days I think I'll run em till they pop!
Those that know me know I'm not a Johnny come lately beating on the classics. Classic SeaCrafts are and will continue to be the benchmark for other boat makers to emulate. I just have to avoid this site as much as possible or I'll get the disease again and buy another boat. Always thinking about the next color to paint... Flag Blue? or maybe Garnet and tan? Endless imagination and no time to do anything about it.
Tight Lines!
Dave