seacraft versus mako

toppintom · #1 02-19-2006, 11:21 AM

I'm looking to buy a center console in the 23 ft range. I know everyone here will say the 23 seacraft is the best. I have been out in one(Chatham to the Vineyard on a sloppy day)it was very nice. the thing is, used seacrafts cost much more than makos. I've found a few 22 and 23 footers that are in nice shape in the 5k-7k range. I know they don't ride as nice but it seems you get a lot of boat for a lot less money. I see alot of people from here in the classic mako site so I figure alot of people have both. does anyone want to give me some pros and cons or should I save up another 10k to get a seacraft

Capt Chuck · #2 02-19-2006, 12:33 PM

Tommy
Due to previous posts of this nature, I am forced to moderate this thread carefully. In the past severe problems have arised from such questions. If it starts to get out of hand, I will Delete it!

May I suggest you ask this question on THT not the Classic SeaCraft or Classic Mako sites

Ikan Besar · #3 02-19-2006, 01:00 PM

Most fish can't tell the difference.

Finster · #4 02-19-2006, 01:27 PM

Exactly!!! Besides we all know what happens to a fish when it sits in the sun!

ocuyler · #5 02-19-2006, 01:31 PM

Tommy,

I agree with Capt. Chuck. I don't think this is the place to debate these hulls because it's a SC site and we're here for a reason.

I will, however, tell you from experience that the best boat is the one under you at the moment. They are both terrific boats and you'll be lucky to own either.

Like anything else you really love, you should buy the best and most boat for the budget you have. Not all of us can afford to renovate a SC 23 to it's fullest for 30 something But most of us can afford to get a quality hull under us and enjoy life.

Best of luck with your search and choice.

Trayder · #6 02-19-2006, 03:31 PM

Besides the fact today both SeaCraft and Mako are owned by the same parent and they are both made of fiberglass they are very different boats. It is very hard to compare a 23 Mako and a 23 SeaCraft with out more specifics.

Mako made many different 23 foot hulls over the past 35 years ( I do not know the names but the 231 232 23??? and so on), where as SeaCraft only made one, and still only makes one.

I do not know if any manufacturers out there that are a derivative of a Mako hull. If you search through this site you will see the SeaCraft Variable dead rise hull is one of the most copied designs afloat including:

Sailfish
SeaStrike
Silverhawk/Topaz
Albin 26
Nauset 18
Palm Beach
Key Largo
Quonset 25
and many others...

Mako made tens of thousands of hulls from 15-3O plus feet. SeaCraft just over 5 thousand. supply vs. demand is a great contributor to the higher prices SeaCraft hulls demand. Of that 5000 less than 1/2 were 23's

I think discussing quality of the two hulls is a moot point due to the fact they are both pretty darn good. The boats we are restoring, Mako or SeaCraft are sometimes approaching their 30-40th birthday.

Structurally both are pretty darn good. Both will have wood and will likely need tending to in areas such as the transoms, and decks, but only the Mako used wood in the majority of their stringers. Giving SeaCraft a slight edge, as the SeaCraft's major stringers are fiberglass boxes.

As Otto states the best boat is the one beneath your feet

What ever you choose good luck

Bigshrimpin · #7 02-19-2006, 04:50 PM

Tommy - I believe there are two different 23 mako hulls. One has a very shallow deadrise and the other a deeper V (very similar to the older formula). The deeper v 23 is better suited for your area. Both are good boats, but neither compare to ride of the 23 seacraft.

Finster · #8 02-19-2006, 06:11 PM

I agree with Bigshrimpin, and can add only that the gunnel's on the 23's and 25's that I've been on are extemely low, which I don't care for in the least.
I could live with that design if the trade off was ride quailty, but unfortunatly it's not.

#9 02-19-2006, 09:20 PM

Both good boats But a SEACRAFT is a SEACRAFT and a Mako is just a Mako. I found a real good deal on a rough but working 23 that i could fish and rebuild a little at a time as my budget allows. There are deals out there ya just gotta find them before any of these guy's do. GOOD LUCK.

Bryan A. · #10 02-19-2006, 11:38 PM

I have a 1973 SF20 that I absolutly love, a friend of mine has a 17 mako. Both boats from the 70's. I love the ride of SEACRAFT. but that little 17 is a very stable boat while drifting through boulders and casting eels at night with three guys on board. The seacraft rolls a little bit more. I guess it depends on how you are using the boat. But I guess if your looking at 23 feet, you are looking to do alittle more than chucking eels at night. Both good boats in my opinion.