New 20 Open Fisherman

[ocuyler]

I just could not resist the opportunity to pick up this 1970 20' Open Fisherman with a 1980 Evinrude 85 HP and 1957 Johnson 5-1/2 HP kicker.



She was in a local marina on consignment listed as a "Seacrest". The floors and transom are solid, the motor runs as well as one could expect and she rides like a dream. Initial sea trials (that ended with several small mouth bass in the box) on the St. Lawrence River indicate a economy cruising speed of 20 - 23 MPH, a fast cruise at 26 MPH and a WOT of 32 MPH. There is no tach, just a gas guage.



The owner was the original owner, who bought it in Florida and brought it up to his summer cottage on the river. It has never seen salt water.



The final price with sales tax was $2,400 and we motored away to the cottage, 15 miles down river. The heavy confused chop was nothing for the 20's hull.



A little elbow grease and she'll look like new... Back to the Four Boat Theory. Will it ever end? Life is good...

[catman115]

Otto....way to go on that one !!! What a find, what a find... Looks great

Do you still have your Whaler ?

[rockdoc]

That is one sweet looking 20' Seacraft, and the '57 Johnson is just TOO COOL! $2400.00?........... I want one too!!

rockdoc

[Rich]

Man you have found some of the best deals! that boat looks great. Congrats FBT!!

[ocuyler]

Do you still have your Whaler ?

I sold the 1963 13' Sport this spring. Also sold the Moesly to RocDoc and a couple of others to get under the 4 boat mark. I promptly acquired a new Triumph 195 center console (150 Yamaha 4s & t-top)and this little beauty. The Triumph is no comparison to the ride of the SC20, despite it costing more than 10 times more.

So - let's review: 1989 SC 23CC, 1970 SC 20CC, 1970 SC 20 Seafari, 2006 Triumph 195CC. That's the current FOUR BOAT THEORY...

[ocuyler]

As Capt. Chuck so aptly put it today "You Suck!" Here's some more images:

The kicker is a 1957 Johnson 5-1/2 with original steel tank stored up in the fish box.



The original teak hatches were replaced with painted plywood some years ago. The scuppers are in the floor, but exit through the transom. And yes, your feet can get wet.



The helm seat/ deck box appears aftermarket.

[Michael Vezzosi]

Hey Otto, how are ya? Nice steal, uh, I mean, find! That thing has vintage written all over it. I stole my second Whaler last weekend. Another 15 which will be refurbed like the 82. I hope I didn't catch that Four Boat Theory while fishing with you and Part I last spring. I'm currently at 3.5 and holding!

BTW, we both appreciate the T-shirts as much as the time we had that we had actually fishing.

I'm taking the Jersey Skiff to Lake Norman (Charlotte) Sept. 8-9, then off to Cape Cod for Stripers until Oct. 3rd. Part I will not be in attendance at ACBS show and I need a rider! He will however be dragging it up to Jersey Shore Sept. 23 and 24 to join 35 other skiffs. Gonna be around? Good luck with the new ride. Part II.

[rockdoc]

Back to the Four Boat Theory. Will it ever end?

I seriously doubt it. I'm at three; the Seafari, the lovely Bowrider, and the 18' Maritime Skiff, along with three canoes and two kayaks....... currently looking to add an aluminum jon boat for the ponds and largemouth bass. That "SeaCrest" for $2400? In a heartbeat!

rockdoc

[ScottM]

Nice score Otto. I had a feeling that 85hp 'Rude would give you some decent performance.

[ocuyler]

Scott - Thanks. You were right about the 85. It's plenty with limited top end. 32 MPH will work with a crap prop...

Capt. Chuck - This image is from the brochure that came with the boat. Did they sell them without seats? Mine has a 1980 build tag on it. What's up with that?