Help me build my dream SF20!

[pjzabo]

Hello SeaCraft faithful I have been away for awhile after selling my 1976 SF18 that I restored. I went bigger buying a 2005 McKee Craft 24 Freedom with twin F150s. But I never got over the Potter I restored. I fish the western Long Island Sound in NY which is awful choppy brown water. That 18 ate the chop better than the very good McKee which was more comfortable, safer (freeboard) and could take more folks but I want to go back to classic SeaCraft for the ride, performance, easier trailing, simplicity/purity of boating.

I am going to trailer this boat more, as I hate my local waters and want to spend 4 months in cape cod and 1-2 months in FLorida as I head towards retirement. So the SF20 is my target.

If I look at all the specs:

Hull 1600
Outboard 1508 includes people gear and motor
Max HP 175

The lightest power option seems the ETEC 150 at 433 (25") The Merc 175 is 475. I want to build the fastest SF20 there ever was. SO help me with power and prop suggestions.

I definitely want to go raised transom and 25" shaft motor but want to hear thoughts on closed transom versus 25" open and leaving stock floor height versus raising floor. A lot of folks raise the floor but I feel these boats have little freeboard so I am not a fan of that. Also if open 25" transom do you jack plate or not and what is the best scupper solution?

As I want to trailer the boat more also wondering if the 20 needs a 2 axle trailer if it is being towed a lot or if a single axle suffices. In any case I assume if a 2018 F150 Eco boost 3.5 is towing it, brakes are not a concern.

I want a clean pure build. No t top, bimini, clean console no frills. The search commences for a donor hull and I also would appreciate any reccos on shops that do great restoration work at fair prices.

Thanks for any advice and look forward to being back in a SeaCraft!