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Hi guys,
I am new to the forum and have been researching seacraft 18. I currently own 1981 17 mako with 115 optimax. I had this boat for 15 years (re powered once) and it has treated me good. I keep it in my garage and it has been a great boat.
I am looking for boat which will fit in my garage and has a much better ride then 17 mako. I primarily fish out on the ocean in south florida drifting live baits. On calm days I will ran 10-15 miles looking for dolphin.
These are my questions:
1. Which years are good for this boat and which years should I stay away from?
2. Is 115 good power choice or it needs 150?
3. How shallow can the boat run since I like to got to the keys and Flamingo?
4. What kind of numbers can I expect with 115?
5. How does it run in 3 foot chop?
Thank you,
Fishfullthinking
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Welcome to the SeaCraft world!!
1. Any year is good. Older models might have more transom/floor core rot issues. Mines a 76 and has some soft spots but still takes anything I give it. I think the newer models have a different deck layout than mine.
2. A 115 would be fine unless your seriously overloaded. Mine's seriously overloaded and I don't think I would want less than my 150.
3. Pretty shallow. I need 2' to plane. Fully trimmed and full tabs I'll bump bottom in 15". Running my trolling motor with the main motor tilted, I don't have to get out and push until it gets about 10"
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4. Not sure on the numbers for a 115 but I get 40 mph @ 5400 with a low pitched 15 x 15 prop that I use for offshore. Cruise is about 27 @ 3800. Engine is carbureted, so mpg sucks anyway you look at it.
5. Set the throttle and let her eat!! 20 straight into them, cruise of faster at any other angle. Stable on a drift. Regardless of your transom height, a full splash board is a good idea in any sea.
Trim tabs will make a huge difference in any condition. I can plane @ 12mph; great to be able to do in the 3 - 4' + near shore conditions that I regularly troll in the spring and fall. GET ONE!!