New Member

Strider · #1 12-07-2003, 08:46 PM

Hey Guys and Gals,

New Member here. My name is Ken Moors. I've been eavesdropping on this site for months and it is one of the best if not the best. My current boat situation is a 1982 21 foot Chris Craft Scorpion that I completely rebuilt. (new deck,transom,stringers,bulkheads,fuel tank wiring,steering, motor,bracket,paint etc etc.) I am planning on moving up to the mid twenty range and this is what brings me to my first question for you all. My impression is that the 23 seacraft will compete with just about any mid twenty vessel in terms of comfort in a reasonable sea (3 foot or so) That's about the max I like to fish on purpose nowadays. I also hear it is better on fuel then say a 24 degree deadrise blackfin, and will run real well with a single outboard of 225 HP or so. Is all this is true? Any other comments or thoughts about your experiences when you all went through this same process? Great site and big thanks.

TUGBOAT · #2 12-07-2003, 09:19 PM

Welcome to the site Strider ! 23' will compete & win over most other mid 20's class !
And Ya even GOT a "THEORY" Already !!!!! Beer ?
Scream'n Reels'
"TUG" [img]images/icons/cool.gif[/img]

[ December 07, 2003, 08:20 PM: Message edited by: Capt. Brad ]

Strider · #3 12-07-2003, 10:23 PM

GUINESS!

ScottM · #4 12-08-2003, 09:48 AM

Strider,
Welcome to the site! Regarding the 24' Blackfin, although I have no real world experience on one, I do know they are heavier (and deeper) than the 23' SC and are better suited to big block gas or diesel inboards. I've never seen one with an OB, but I don't think a single V6 would do a good job pushing that hull. Go with the SC, you won't regret it. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Oh yeah, the 23 SC (CC or cuddy) moves very well with a single 225 OB - 25-28 knots cruise, 36-38 knots WOT.

Dave Hirshberg · #5 12-08-2003, 05:05 PM

Welcome Strider,
Your 21 is a great boat too. Probably one of the best hull designs under 22ft. I don't think you could stuff the bow on that boat if you had to. My family was Chris Craft dealer in the 80s and early 90's so I've had a lot of experience on the 21's. To this day I think its the most dry 21 footer ever built. You won't be dissappointed with a 23 SeaCraft. The ride quality is better and a lot less hatch banging (the only other thing I can remember from my 2 21 ChrisCrafts)

Strider · #6 12-08-2003, 05:52 PM

Thanks "that 70's". You're absolutely right. I think the older scorpion (pre euro design) are some of the nicest looking small boats around. I go in and out of Hatteras Inlet and am always amazed at how dry that boat is, I grew up on a 28 Bertram and although it was a GREAT boat it would ship green water in a heart beat.

abl1111 · #7 12-08-2003, 10:10 PM

Strider ,

Welcome. Guiness - my favorite too. My buddy has the boat you have. I know that hull design is great. Cuts through the 'snot' very well !

His boat had a lot of manufacturing shortcomings though. I think during some of those mid to late 80's years, Chris' quality was heading to the toilet. Unfortunate, but it happens. Like Mako. I'm sure if you re-did it, you fixed her up right.

As for the SeaCraft's - it's tough to get an unbiased point of view here. A lot of SeaCraft-aholics here. I'm in the middle of a complete resto, so I guess I'm one too. My opinion: for the $, you probably can't find a better riding, better built boat. Great designed boats are few and far between. Great designed boats that are built well - even fewer. A 23' will handle just about anything that you would 'want' to be out in.

Be careful w/ your purchase. There is a lot of crap out there. And, to re-do one of these right is, just like your Chris - A LOT OF WORK.

Good luck and welcome...

Alan