How does the Sceptre shed big water over the bow ?

[bgreene]

Been reading all about the excellent rough water performance with the 23' Sceptre.

I figure it's more seaworthy than the CC version, because waves over the bow likely to be deflected by the cuddy .

Anyone take any over the bow of the Sceptre, and if water made it all the way over, do the drains clear the water well ?

Does water leak into the cuddy when a wave comes over the bow ?

Like to know how these boats handle worst case conditions.........

[77SceptreOB]

I've got a 23' Sceptre and it is a very dry and seaworthy vessel. MUCH dryer than it's CC sistercraft. VERY rarely have I taken water over the bow AND winshield in the 35 years I've had the boat. If the waves go over the bow they are generally deflected to the sides by the windshield. Some water can leak through the seams and joints in the windshield though.

On the otherhand, the ride at the forward helm can be more jarring and is generally worse than on the CC that has the helm significantly more aft on the boat. BUT you definately pay for that more comfortable ride with more spray (wetter) on the CC. Spray rails seem to help this condition on the CC but it is still significantly wetter than the Scepter imho.

The raised cap near the front helm station on the Sceptre also directs the spray/water over the edge of the cap back into the ocean much better than the CC configuration.

[gofastsandman]

Most small boats have inadequate scuppers. If you look at comm. rides you will see many differences. I have always thought many small boats could benefit from Moesly`s design by crossssing the hoses.

Cheeers,
Us

When you step in the starboard, the egress is to port. Pure Genious. Acme mail order.

I am somewhat behind the curve. Ask of those of us who know more than I.

[Fr. Frank]

I've only had one occasion were I took water all the way over the windshield of my 23' Tsunami, and I took several over the top. Caught in a thunderstorm offshore 'cuz I was literally napping with a fishing rod in my hand. I took absolutely no water into the cabin, but everyone out on the deck splashed!
Steep seas of 5'-6', with a very short 3-4 second wave period, driving SW into the storm to get to Boynton Inlet. Running at displacement speed of about 6-7 mph. 90% of the water was deflected off to the sides, but a couple of bucketfuls came over the top several times. Each time, the nose seemed to bury itself at least 8"-10" below the crest of the wave. The boat tracked true, without being pushed off to either side, and I had no problem with handling.
Truly a great boat.

[aj1976]

I used to take water over the bow regularly on my sceptre. The water comes right over the windshield like a waterfall. You can see it coming. It drains out the back no problem. Mine is an 85. I also would take spray in the face regularly because the helm was right in the spray zone. I have since modified my boat. Got rid of the windshield and built a command bridge. Much much dryer. I fish in Hawaii where it is windy and rough most days so my situation may be different from others.

[bgreene]

Originally Posted by aj1976

I used to take water over the bow regularly on my sceptre. The water comes right over the windshield like a waterfall. You can see it coming. It drains out the back no problem. Mine is an 85. I also would take spray in the face regularly because the helm was right in the spray zone. I have since modified my boat. Got rid of the windshield and built a command bridge. Much much dryer. I fish in Hawaii where it is windy and rough most days so my situation may be different from others.

You sound like a guy I need to discuss this with further - with send a PM to your contact info.

[aj1976]

PM sent. I also moved my center fuel tank about 10 inches aft and this helped keep the bow up and now the spray gets thrown out and to the side much better as well. I run a Volvo 165 diesel and suspect the previous owner may have moved the tank forward just a tad to accommodate a large D battery fwd of the engine box.

[eggsuckindog]

never had any water on the deck up there - if are getting any you should have headed in sooner - per Frank LOL

[bgreene]

Originally Posted by eggsuckindog

never had any water on the deck up there - if are getting any you should have headed in sooner - per Frank LOL

Talking the real deal here - getting caught in rough seas and how this 23' handles - from guys who've been there.

[Bushwacker]

Originally Posted by bgreene

Talking the real deal here - getting caught in rough seas and how this 23' handles - from guys who've been there.

Maybe you should be looking for a rare Moesly 21! It's pretty hard to get water over a deck that's about 5' off the water!

Here's an excerpt from a recent e-mail from a good friend of mine that bought one that was on display at the 1965 Miami boat show:

". . .When I still had the original 230 cu. in. straight six Chev Mercruiser @ 150 h.p. I crossed to West End once in 8’-10’ at 2600 PM. Took 5 hrs. but NOTHING rides like that 21 – NOTHING ! – Carl’s “secret” was the patented Variable Deadrise. There was a 23 Allmand with me. Every time I looked back to check on him, either his bow was submerged or he was airborne! Like I say – NOTHING ! – Once, returning to FL with Everett I took a 20 ft. “rogue” wave when the USCG stopped us “out in the middle.” Beth was hysterical for about 10 min. or so. Every time I see the film, “The Perfect Storm” I have a flashback to that incident. I just had time to tell Beth: “HANG ON !” But, we took it. -- I could see “daylight” through the rim of the wave. It was just about to “break.” USCG guys who finally boarded my boat to look for drugs, said: “Yeah, we saw it. – That was a BIG wave!”

NEVER – not EVER did I take a wave over the bow of that boat – and I went out in ALL kinds of weather when I first came down here.

Until Craig taught me: “Bob, it’ll still be here next weekend – we’re goin’ home.” I was afraid the Gulf Stream might leave! After that, my rule was: With my eyeballs 6 ft. above sea level, if I can’t see what’s right in front of me, I don’t belong out there ! – Another “rule” was, if a wave came over the side and over the gunwale into the cockpit– we’re outa’ here !

Once I lost a STUPID diver out there in 10 -- 12 ft. seas, and went to USCG to help find him. They paid Carl Moesly and the 21 the HIGHEST compliment EVER ! – The USCG Bos’n asked me if we wanted to go in my boat or their 28 ft. boat. I could tell he was scared, but I said I lacked the proper radio equip. to commo w/their chopper. We went out, but no sign of the idiot. CG chopper found him later, hanging onto the channel marker at the L.W. Inlet."

Bob may be a little biased after running that boat for 29 years and literally wearing out about 4 engines, but he has more experience with it than anyone else I know of, including about a hundred Bahama trips. He's definitely "been there, done that"! Denny