SeaCraft 20 Question Need Help!

[cdavisdb]

You are right. I did some quick numbers on wieghts and leverage and the I/0 has a better cg, even a 4 cylinder 1/0 vs a 6 outboard.

[Normagain]

Makes a huge difference where the batteries are, especially AGMs!

[jdandme]

I am kind of leaning towards the Sceptre. I got a lot of feedback on the Safari but think the Sceptre will have more room to fish and a day boat is fine too as a run about.

Thanks Jim

[Sceptre20]

It took me about two seconds to decide to sell the 20' Sceptre that I owned when a found a Seafari.The Sceptre was nice but the Seafari offers so much more.

[Bushwacker]

Jim,

A good friend of mine was also planning to buy a Sceptre 20 back in 1976. Then he went to the Miami Boat Show saw both the Sceptre and Seafari 20 side-by-side with the transoms up against an elevated walkway. Distance from bulkhead to transom is 10' on the Seafari and 10'6" on the Sceptre, so he was surprised to see how little difference there was in cockpit space. He ended up ordering a new Seafari! Although it was a little more expensive, he said the additional dry storage on the Seafari with nearly the same cockpit space made it a much better family boat, so the decision was a no-brainer for him. His planned use was the same as yours, just fishing and a day boat. I don't think he ever did any cruising or camping that it's also well suited for.

The one advantage of the Sceptre is easier bow access, which might be a big deal if this is your first boat, but it's not a show stopper in my mind. The key is to simply have permanently mounted bow lines running back to the cockpit, so they're readily available when you come into a dock. It also helps to have an anchor chocked on deck with a deck pipe leading to the anchor locker so you can get an anchor down quickly. A bimini top that's braced off the windshield so it makes a rigid handhold is a big help if you want to walk around the cabin to get on front deck, which is quicker than going through the cabin and front hatch. It also helps to have some breast cleats mounted amidships adjacent to the helm, so you can secure a dock line by just reaching over the side windshield to the cleat.

Although both models were only built by Potter and Moesly and are relatively rare compared to the thousands of CC's that were also built by SeaCraft Industries and Tracker, the production numbers show that they only made 263 Sceptres and 741 Seafari 20's, so your odds of finding a Seafari are about twice as high as finding a Sceptre! Most folks seem to want a CC model however, so either one is typically cheaper in the used boat market than a CC model. Good luck with your search. Either one makes for a very versatile family boat! Denny

[Islandtrader]

If you are looking for a naked 20' Sceptre that is in good shape and on a trailer with no motor I know where one is hiding...

[jdandme]

How much and where? I/O or outboard? Thanks

[jdandme]

Which model 20 do you think rides better, and why? I have a suspicion that it is the Safari because of the weight up forward of the cabin.

Thanks,

Jim

[Bushwacker]

Originally Posted by jdandme

Which model 20 do you think rides better, and why? I have a suspicion that it is the Safari because of the weight up forward of the cabin.

Thanks,

Jim

The Seafari should have a slight edge in ride quality due to more forward CG. It will also feel a little more solid because of the added torsional stiffness provided by the cap and bulkhead. I've had guys with CC's say my boat feels more solid than theirs punching through waves.

[fdheld34]

Jim,

Having owned both the 20' Sceptre and the 20' Seafari...I would say go for the Seafari, especially with family.
The 20' Sceptre was great for myself and a buddy and the bow access was nice for anchoring but I missed the cabin to escape from the sun or rain....especially the rain!
The Seafari was a great solid ride..I was also more confident in the Seafari due to the higher windshield and that cabin up front....but I do like those sleek lines of the mini sceptres though....
Good luck with your decision...

One more thing....don't forget about the nice 20' Overnighter (sleek lines and a cabin) as well !!!

-Fred