82 20 foot info

[Mikem8560]

I've got my eye on a 1982 seacraft 20' the hull has a nice shine ans the boat looks good Is there anything to look for on theese boats ?
It going to need a new motor if I get it what are the boats rated for and what lengbt ? Thanks IRS a center console
btw

[Fr. Frank]

Depending on the transom height and condition, the 20' SeaCraft is theoretically USCG rated for 230 hp at the original 19'8", but most of them came placarded for 175 hp max recommended HP.

If you have an anchor roller or pulpit permanently affixed to the nose extending it beyond 20' LOA, there is no legal maximum hp.

The 20' will perform well with anything from 75 to 250 hp.
I now run a 90 hp on my 20', and used to run a Merc XR4 V6.

[jorgeinmiami]

The 20' will perform well with anything from 75 to 250 hp

So a 250 on the back end of my MA Interesting!!!

Will it handle it? Yea but raise the transom to 25 or 30 play with the scuppers etc another year out of the water

[red20]

I had a '82 that I rebuilt back in the early 90's and re-powered it with a 200HP Mariner. It was a great combo of speed and utility. The Mariner was the best non-yamaha motor I have ever owned.

[McGillicuddy]

Welcome aboard Mikem...
Floors, scuppers and transoms are the usual problem points. Assuming the scuppers are 1 inch brass tube thru hulls, draining out the bottom of the boat - they tend to separate from the hull at the flare, and allow water to seep into the wood blocks that support them. You'll notice water in the bilge after a good run or even if its sits in the water a couple of hours.
That can be spotted by noticing a stream running along the out stringers or cracked/corroded brass tubes.

Floors can be soft if they've seen too many screws, and likewise with the transom.

Regarding power, I think 115 to 150 hp is plenty, but the key thing is weight. the 20' hull was designed for 300 lbs of motor or so... I assume that holds true for the '82s but some one make correct me. Yami 130 - your golden...
Some guys are repowering with 90hp Suzukis, etecs and even optimaxes and seeing incredible economy cruising low 20s and topping out mid 30 mph.

I don't know about 250 hp, but with 360 lb 25" shaft 1983 chrome bore 2.4L Merc 200 w/225 carbs - with bait tanks, batteries and butts forward - you'll have your own "Flying Machine"

Shoot, you'll be doing skateboard tricks in 4' seas

Good luck with your new purchase should you succumb to the sickness.

[Fr. Frank]

I don't know about 250 hp, but with 360 lb 25" shaft 1983 chrome bore 2.4L Merc 200 w/225 carbs - with bait tanks, batteries and butts forward - you'll have your own "Flying Machine"

Shoot, you'll be doing skateboard tricks in 4' seas

Watch out for those kickflip 360's in 4' seas...

[Blue_Heron]

An '82 should be a Seacraft Industries hull (HIN starting with "SIC"). My '83 has scuppers that drain out the transom, and a 25" transom that will allow a little more motor. Mine is also 8" longer than the Potter SF 20 at 20'-4", but I don't know when Seacraft Industries retooled the mold. If it's the longer version, it will have the small spray strake near the forward ends of the center panels like the Potter 18s and 23s.



Check for soft spots in the deck or gunwale cap and flex in the transom. I have a 200 on mine, but I think the best power for this hull is probably a 150.
Dave