1977 18sf vs 2003 20sc

[Bushwacker]

Originally Posted by dginge

I understand light engines on potter built boats are imperative, I own an 18sf with a 2stroke 150hp. It runs great but it will always be an 18 foot boat. I have a family of 4. Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the (2000's) 20sc WITHOUT COFFIN BOX made to take a larger more modern engine and still built on the exact 20 mold? It's a different cut out and transome height. Thanks

Snookerd's had experience on the 18's with a 2 stroke V-4 and V-6 and a 140 Zuke 4S, plus he had a 23 with TWIN 225's on it, so he's experienced the impact of motor weight on a boats ride and handling more than most folks. His 18 with the V-4 rode surprisingly well with 2 adults, 3 kids and a 65 lb dog!

Regarding the 20's, the Potter and SeaCraft Industry boats were actually 19'8" LOA with 20" transoms. The later Tracker models were actually a bit longer (maybe 20'6"?), had 25" transoms, and are probably a bit heavier since I believe they used the cheaper, heavier and less durable plywood to core the deck instead of balsa core. For that reason it may handle a heavy motor marginally better than the older models, but the difference would be small. A neighbor of mine had a late model 20 with a 150 2S on it; I think it may have had the coffin box on it, but his main complaint was lack of storage.

It you're looking for an extremely versatile family boat with much more usable room than a CC model, check out the really nice Seafari that was advertised on here just a couple weeks ago with a brand new 115 E-TEC on it. The E-TEC's are efficient, smooth, quiet, and smokeless just like the 4 strokes, but with much less weight and maintenance, and more mid-range punch where you need it for getting on plane!