20 or 23 that is the question

[davidjor]

Ok, I have a question. I would like to restore an old seacraft. I can't decide to do a 20 or 23.

20 will need - floor raised 2-3 inches, transom raised to 25", gelcoat, paint etc.

23 will need new floor, new transom, gelcoat, paint etc.

seems like either option is allot of work, however the cost for both restorations seem to be close to equal except for a bit more material on the 23.

What are ya'll's thought?

by the way, this will be my first project.

[shine]

If the main purpose is offshore fishing, then definately the 23. Not much difference in total cost for a rigged 20' or 23' with single outboard power.

fixed cost for the 20 and 23 are the same (just about) for either boat: batteries, steering, fuel tank, rigging, trailer, t-top, rod holders, pumps, etc.

The only thing that is marginally different is the cost of the bigger motor for the 23. So for just about the same time and money, you can have the 23'

23' (to me) is still a "big little boat", it has the same basic systems as a skiff. Once you go to a 25'+ with twin motors, the costs jump a lot, "little big boats" are expensive

[Bigshrimpin]

If you have a good size truck to move it around . . . 23 would be my choice. Is the entire floor rotten in the 23? if not . . . just fix the soft area. There is no sense in ripping up the entire floor of a boat if only small section is rotten.

[Entourage]

Dont want this to come out the wrong way because i really look up to someone who wants to tackle a restore on one these classics. I just had a conversation with a guy trying to sell a project boat. The way these boats right are priced right now i don't understand why someone would want to restore one these boats when they can get one all ready to go with pretty decent power for the same amount of money it would cost you to restore (restore would be alot more). Resin and materials right now are at there highest price along with everything else that goes along with bringing one of these back to life. And if you are going to need to buy a new motor you will really be upside down in it. I know you probably intend to keep this boat if you are going to do this, but what if something came up and you had to sell for financial reasons? Probably would take a serious loss. To me as good as it would feel to bring a classic SC back from the dead it is a gamble right now in the market. I hope i didn't discourage you because i'm sure you have your reasons for doing this, but i would like to get some other members take on this. This is just my opinion and my opinion only.

[gofastsandman]

Originally Posted by Entourage

Dont want this to come out the wrong way because i really look up to someone who wants to tackle a restore on one these classics. I just had a conversation with a guy trying to sell a project boat. The way these boats right are priced right now i don't understand why someone would want to restore one these boats when they can get one all ready to go with pretty decent power for the same amount of money it would cost you to restore (restore would be alot more). Resin and materials right now are at there highest price along with everything else that goes along with bringing one of these back to life. And if you are going to need to buy a new motor you will really be upside down in it. I know you probably intend to keep this boat if you are going to do this, but what if something came up and you had to sell for financial reasons? Probably would take a serious loss. To me as good as it would feel to bring a classic SC back from the dead it is a gamble right now in the market. I hope i didn't discourage you because i'm sure you have your reasons for doing this, but i would like to get some other members take on this. This is just my opinion and my opinion only.

You echo many. I bought an early slacker 20 because she didn`t need everything yet...
had a dry and solid 25 " transom and a factory raised solid deck. The 20 is really a near shore boat. Yes it can and will get you home, but the 23 is really twice the offshore fighter. The old 21 is the perfect boat for here and maybe softer. I do not have proppper clearance for Google Earth.
Contact Nasa and ask for Gillie.

[Billpotter]

I echo all of the sentiments mentioned; I'm in the middle of my "last super custom" project with a 23 for my family that I am setting up to go for 40 years (pass on to my boys). With all of my inside experience, sources, accounts, exposure to super cool ideas, and super custom open checkbook projects that I planed and executed when I had my full service business- it is still a challenge:

I started with a day of team work disassembly, a "project pallet with 4k plus of resin, bedding compound, coosa, 1708, mat, etc, etc, etc. and it's been full bore one or two days a week for months. If you want to take the opportunity to built the exact boat that you want, and honestly plan to keep it for a good while (10+years), and have a boat handy rating of 6 or above (on a scale of 1-10), have at it: if you can put the time in, it'll be one of the most rewarding things you'll ever do-- Just remember;I warned you!

[martin]

Well I can tell you I am and have started two boats at one time.. It is expensive ..if you rather be fishing than itching. I would definitly look into one that is already restored. Unless you have the facilities to do one.. It is hard with the weather the way it is in fl. My boats are outside. and it is really a PIA keeping them dry enough to glass and sand. not to mention paint.. On the flip side.. if you like tinkering and restoring then go for it. Especially if you and your family want to partake in it..There is nothing more rewarding then doing something yourself...but it can take some time.. dont try and reinvent the wheel.. It can be costly.. And what ever you do Don't cut the outer skin if you re- use it...It will save you alot of time and money..Speaking from experience..LOL

[davidjor]

Thanks guys for your input. Several years ago I had a 1995 Mako 231. It was before tracker got a hold of Mako. It was a great boat. From the research I have done the 23 Seacraft is an even better boat for offshore fishing.

My reason for wanting to do the restore is simple. I really dont want a boat payment, I want something that I can say I did myself. I am not doing it to flip the boat for a profit, I want to keep the boat. I now live back in Florida, so having a boat is an absolute "MUST"

A few months ago, I bought a 27 foot Phoenix Fishbuster as a project boat. Needed Engines, wiring, plumbing etc. Way I am looking at it, that boat would cost me 15-20K to repower it, and when its done will cost 3x more money to operate. Or I can do a 23 for the same money and its much cheaper to own and operate.

So I have decided, to sell the Phoenix and spend the money on a seacraft. Just doesnt seem like the cost difference between doing a 20 and a 23 is that much difference. I may as well look for a seacraft.

[strick]

It really depends on the type of fishing you like to do. Ask yourself where you will be spending most of your time. Off shore or Inshore? The answer to this question may not be cut and dry. That is why a lot of us on this board have more then one boat. If I had to pick only one boat between the two it would be a 20 due to the versatility of the smaller hull. You just have to pick your days a little more carefully if you decide to go offshore. I must say that I have never felt as safe as I did in my 23 or my 25 for that matter. That said I use my 20's more then the bigger boats.

strick

[thehermit]

older pic...but.... The 3' difference is HUGE. I have owned both. They are both fun to run and handle great.