Please teach me something

Scott1115 · #1 10-02-2015, 05:21 PM

I'm truly interested in learning something here, not looking to start a controversy. Both the Reg 23 and the Seacraft 23 (forget about Potter built vs Tracker) are both known for their great ride. The Reg has a 24* deadrise at transom and an 8'3" beam and is a heavy boat relative to others in its size category. The Seacraft, on the other hand, as a 20* variable deadrise hull and has an 8' beam and is a lighter hull.

With vastly different deadrises and weights how are both renowned for their great ride? What makes two different designs each account for a great following due to their rides?

Please educate me.

Old'sCool · #2 10-02-2015, 06:24 PM

The 24 deg boats will rock a lot more at rest when influenced by waves. If tabbed down too much into "confused" waves they may dig or wander too much. At speed this can be a negative. All boats are trade-offs, the variable deadrise is a compromise in that it rides nice but will be passed by a 24@ boat in the right conditions. It takes more HP to push a 24@ hull. Those are few points and I'm sure others will chime in. Ride all you can in all conditions you can.

Scott1115 · #3 10-02-2015, 08:09 PM

Thanks for the replay - love the name

Terry England · #4 10-02-2015, 08:58 PM

Scott, I've been running these boats since the mid-70's and I'm still trying to figure out how they do what they so well. It seems like as the variable deadrise "panels" change angle at the reversed strake they break the adhesion from the water that the continuous deadrise hulls have. Seacrafts seem to want to get up and dance across the surface rather than plowing a slot where ever they are pointed. The entry at the bow on the center panels is as deep as any 24 degree hull, then the Seacrafts seem to "manipulate" the water better as things go aft. While boat builders in the early 60's were trying to figure out how to style the fins on the gunnels, Carl Moesly was taking his aeronautical experiences he learned flying and applied it to hydrodynamics. His boats dominated the 500 mile Miami to Nassau races for a decade with the little Seacraft outboards. And nobodys built a boat with prettier hull lines - ever. Regulator will eventually go the way of Alim, Hiliner, Sea Bird, Aztec, Aquasport and Islander, but there will always be SeaCrafts at the ramp - with fish in the coolers.

jonbrush · #5 10-02-2015, 09:28 PM

I know this has been discussed here but I am new-ish member. This thread reminds me of a question I've been meaning to ask. Is the "Sailfish" design a knockoff of the Seacraft VDR hull? Has anyone driven one?

http://sailfishboats.com/index.php/sailfish-difference/

"Our exclusive, patented, Variable Degree Stepped (VDS) Hull provides the smoothest ride of any fishing boat on the market. Its unique design actually features three distinct running surfaces; the first, with a deep deadrise that cuts through the water and two others that provide for lift and stability. "

Jon Brush
76 Sceptre 23/225 Optimax

Terry England · #6 10-02-2015, 09:44 PM

Yes Jon. Sailfish, Helms, Seawolf, Sarasota Skiffs and 17 others have copied Carl's Moesly's patented VDH design once the patents ran out. If you were a boat builder, why would you copy a "Euro-Design, Micro-wave Melted Cheese" Bayliner?

Scott1115 · #7 10-02-2015, 11:24 PM

Thank you Terry.

cdavisdb · #8 10-03-2015, 07:35 AM

Terry has a point, its a bit puzzling why the Seacraft is so good. One factor he mentions, but probably deserves more emphasis, is the bow and how it relates to the rest of the hull. Look at pics of the bow, especially the Moesley 21 bow. Its super deep and sharp, way more than 24 degrees. My 25 is even sharper and rides into a headsea even better than a 23, not sure about the 21. Mine carries its extreme deadrise all the way to the transom, while other Seacraft hulls flatten out aft to about 20 degrees. Mine comes down from airborne much softer than others, but also rolls more. Moesley hit a great compromise with the sharp bow and flatter stern sections, rides great and is stable at rest.

Islandtrader · #9 10-03-2015, 08:57 AM

Ok I will chime in. The thing that I always notice when I get back into my boat after being off the water for long time is (and my first time experience in a Seacraft) is the way the hull cuts thru normal chop big or small. You hear whats happening, but you don't feel a thing. Not a big deal per se' however I just never have had that ride in other manufactures boats...go figure

jonbrush · #10 10-03-2015, 09:15 AM

Thanks, Terry. Funny that they claim their design is "unique, patented". 😂
Jon