Narrowing the search: pros/cons 18SF vs 20SF

[76Red18]

The 18's are great for 2 anglers, 3 and its crowded. A 20 would give you more room for sure. I'd take my 18 cc through any conditions a 20 cc would handle and be happy to lead . Father Frank has the family boat. A 20' Seafari would be perfect.

[Reddfin]

Thanks for the response. I have plenty of respect for the sea. I understand that things get bad unexpectedly. Ive been through some nasty seas on the old Mako 171. I have fished some 5-7 days that turned uglier as we went along (young, tough, and dumb). Even a couple Bahama crossings that were pretty tense. It wasnt quite 12-15ft seas but plenty nasty and rough to lose sight of other boats in the trough. When its bad its bad. It doesnt matter much if you are floating on 18ft or 20ft of fiberglass.
With the family, a 20 makes a lot of sense. We get some elbow room. I know the kids wont be with me every time. There social life is only going to get busier. I agree 3-4ppl is pretty cozy for sure on the 18. I will consider the 20. I really wanted to go with the 18 to keep the fuel bill as low as possible in the boat and the Tacoma truck. I have seen many 20's with a bracket. I guess there will be plenty of room if I find one like that.
I know the 18's dont get bracketed much but the 20's do. I better do some more reading on the bracketed 20's.

My expereince with the Seacraft 18 is limited but the couple times I was on it were memorable. Got to love it when your 18 rides as good, if not better than many 20's.

There are many pros to cuddy cabins when the family is onboard but I want to stay with a center console. As long as we have some shade, drinks, food, and tunes we are happy.
Catching fish doesnt hurt either.

I appreciate your opinions so keep them coming. Even if they are dissenting, fire away. Lets just keep the boat from going any bigger. 20ft is the max.

Tony

[McGillicuddy]

Another vote for the 20'.
The bare hull weight difference is only a couple of hundred lbs so it shouldn't be a big difference for the little Toyota.

That being said you will be at the upper limit of safely towing with that truck.

The weight capacity of the 20 is about 320 lbs more than that of the 18. That's a lot of beer, gas or gear, or a dude and his petite gal

I like a closed transom (and I'll probably hear it for this) but due to its narrow transom beam at waterline, I don't think the Seacraft 20 is the best candidate for a bracket. 25" transom and same shaft would be my choice.

[Greno]

i have wife, two kids and an 18. we are ok for now, but i will eventually upsize.

[workinpr0gress]

I would go with a 20 because of it's availability and since the boats are so similar in weight.