!8' SeaCraft Modifications;Make it Better!!

[76Red18]

SeaCraft 18's are Mini Battlewagons. Alot can be done to improve their rides such moving the c.o.g. forward and limiting the power to the lighter 2 - strokes.

[Fr. Frank]

I've only been fishing on two 18' SeaCrafts. First one back in the mid 80's, had a 115 Mercury I-6 on it, with little Bennett tabs, and I think it rode in 3'-5' seas better than the 25' Mako w/twin 200 Mercs I had at the time. The Mako ran beautifully in 2'-3' at 25 mph, but above that in seas or speed it would jar your eyeteeth coming off the swell and landing. The 18' SeaCraft at the same speed in the same seas would get nearly airborne, but then with the bow tucked down it would land pretty softly in the trough.

The second time was recently taking a couple of trips on an 18' with a 175 hp Merc XRi. It would run almost 60 mph in the river, but without tabs and that bigger motor, it just didn't seem to trim the bow down far enough to cut into the swell out in the Gulf. So it pounded more than the one with the 115.

My vote for a great mod for the 18' is trim tabs.

[Snookerd]

76Red-The Tracker 18's and the Potter 18's are not as stern heavy with the heavier motors than the CSY/SeaCraft Industries 80's era 18's because they carry less glass. I stand by your set-up for power and weight at or below 390 lbs of motor. After having my 23SF, it is just so economical to own the 18SF! Cheaper, reliable 2 stroke power with ok fuel burn and outboards that are $2000 used (see Strick's 130 Yam on his 20SF). Towing is a breeze, ect., ect.. And....with the Birdsall leaning posts, my 18SF had the same room in the stern as my 23SF! My 18SF came with tabs, but they had been removed.

[Tashmoo2]

I am rebuilding an 18ft 1986 Seacraft. not sure what era but it appears heavy in the stern. I replaced the transom with 2 sheets of 3/4 marine plywood and am currently rebuilding the stringers after removing all the foam.

The rear bait well is gone and the entire deck will be replaced with Nidacore.

The fuel tank is in a fiberglass coffin and I've been debating about leaving it out to take weight out of boat rather then raise the deck. I think raising the deck 2" leaves very little inside freeboard.

Questions for 18 ft owners.

I failed to locate the fuel tank and console relative to the transom. How far forward of the transom or how far aft of the front casting platform should both be located. I can guess if necessary but thought someone would have a suggestion to balance boat better

[Snookerd]

Tashmoo-You have the SeaCraft Industries 18SF. Heavier, but built extremely well. Sounds like your keeping it light. Someone needs to step up and help you measure the console distance and fuel tank distance. What is your power?

[uncleboo]

Tashmoo, My 75 SF 18 is all original and I'll gladly get my measurements for you this afternoon. Mine is original, so, if anyone knows of any differences in placement of the console between the 75 and 86, please chime in.

[76Red18]

On my 76 , the measurement on the floor from the inside of the transom is 57" to the tank coffin and 72" to the flange of the console. I don't think my console is in the factory placement from looking at other 18's.

[uncleboo]

My console measures 30-1/2" wide x 44" long not including the flange. It measures 58-1/2" to the back of the cockpit. The front of the console is 30" from the back of the casting platform. Forgot to measure the gas tank coffin. Will tomorrow and get back to you.

[76Red18]

My dropped edge Bennets get me on plane at around 12 mph. What I really want to try is a Merc Rev 4 prop. My original Viper was worthless. Running an Apollo 3 blade stainless 15 1/4 x 17 with a lower than stock 2.25 gear on the old 150 Ocean Pro. Only gets me about 40 mph @ 5600 but is better for the offshore load. As Big stated "Low and Slow"

[bmajvi]

I loved my '75 18SF, and miss it still I went with a Birdsall leaning post & a brand new Zuke DF140 (back in '02), and while it weighed in at 410 lbs, it was/is a very sweet combo. Moved the batteries under the console front seat and tried to keep as much weight forward as possible when underway. Went with a big bimini instead of a t-top, 'cause I liked running early morning/evening/at night with "the top down," but in the middle of the day enjoyed a lot of shade. I tested a few wheels and propped for best mid range performance to optimize manuevering in dicey sea conditions rather than hole shot or WOT/top end. Kind of like skiing moguls, steering around those big blue-green bumps! I checked several times and after a full day's running, idling, trolling, cruise & bursts of WOT (42+) she averaged out around 5mpg for the day - still makes me smile! I agree that trim tabs would be a good addition, as quartering seas can make for a wet ride, and would help keeping the bow in the water.