" holy grail " boat finds

[Fr. Frank]

I had one of those deals in front of me a few years ago, up in Alabama: original, like new condition 1968 19' bowrider with the original 185hp 283ci OMC V8 "stringer-drive" sterndrive. According to Carl, it was the only one they ever built with that power.

It still had the original seats and bow cushions in very good condition, gel coat was shiny, metalwork was still pristine. It was covered in a barn on a trailer, parked between a Model A Ford, and a 1940's Massey tractor. The property owner had died, and after nearly 10 years in the courts, the property was sold at auction, and the new owner didn't want the boat. He put it on Craigslist for $1000. I just could not come up with the money fast enough.

[cdavisdb]

Its do-able, with a little luck and some diligent searching. My 25 was just under 40 years old when I bought it, everything on the surface was either original or sure looked original, and mostly in very good shape. Hull gelcoat shined up like new, topside needed a paint job, but no crazing, just old gelcoat. Transom, engine, drive, fuel tanks, etc had been replaced about 10 years before, but very little used. Once found, it took me two years to talk the owner into selling for a reasonable (still high) price, that I could afford. Of course there were some hidden structural problems that I had to fix later, but overall, a very unmolested example.

[bgreene]

Originally Posted by cdavisdb

Its do-able, with a little luck and some diligent searching. My 25 was just under 40 years old when I bought it, everything on the surface was either original or sure looked original, and mostly in very good shape. Hull gelcoat shined up like new, topside needed a paint job, but no crazing, just old gelcoat. Transom, engine, drive, fuel tanks, etc had been replaced about 10 years before, but very little used. Once found, it took me two years to talk the owner into selling for a reasonable (still high) price, that I could afford. Of course there were some hidden structural problems that I had to fix later, but overall, a very unmolested example.

Your 25 is reasonably rare - please share how it rides. The understanding being the 25' just does not pound in tight 2' -4' chop, and can actually be ran comfortably across it at speed

[cdavisdb]

Ride: by far the best of any boat in its size class that I have been in. Normal 2-4 close together chop, it runs right through it at 20 knots with me sitting down, hull stays in the water. If I wanted to be truly comfortable in those conditions, I'd probably slow down to 18-19 knots. I once ran straight into a very very short 2-3, a bigger wave coming into very shallow water and getting steep and tight, that was pretty bone jarring at 18 knots or so. At 5 ft wind chop in the Gulf stream, it was time to slow down to 18 knots, boat mostly stayed in the water. I've run 20+ knots into a confused but not real short 4-6 and it was doable standing up, the boat went airborne every now and then. I could have run a long distance that day if I slowed down to 17-18 knots to keep the hull in the water. Never been in anything that required slowing down below 17 knots, except when my wife wanted to not bounce at all.

Quartering away from waves above 3 ft requires attention. The boat can slam its bow into the side of a wave, rock your teeth and try to steer by the bow. Attention to steering solves this issue.

Otherwise, the boat stays in perfect control in any sea; instills great confidence that it will do whatever you ask it to.

[whistler]

I am pretty sure I bought the boat mentioned by the OP. I have always wanted a 23 Seacraft Scepter and finally found a nice one I could afford. Had to drive 9 hrs each way!
The boat is solid, and runs well! It just needs elbow grease and some updates! I am sure I will have a ton of questions once I dig into it.

I also have a Wellcraft V20 and the difference in ride is amazing. The Wellcraft will be for sale soon!

Mike

[77SceptreOB]

Very nice. Looks very original, including the seats. We had a 200 hp on ours for 11 years. The 200 hp was fine.

That trailer is beautiful! Did it come with the boat or did you buy it new?

[kmoose]

Didn't come with the trailer. I originally saw that boat hanging several years ago. A friend of mine sent me the link and I was inches away from buying it but I already have my Tsunami and didn't see the worth in making the modifications I require and have already done. If I would of bought it I more than likely would have popped the cap off it and swapped it out leaving the hull to go towards a possible SeaVette style conversion.

Glad I came to my senses as the boat is a cherry and should be enjoyed by someone who wants one as it is. I have a feeling the new owner will be unloading his V21 shortly.

[cdavisdb]

Good side by side shot. Think about how the two hulls would feel coming down into a wave. Its pretty easy to see why the Seacraft rides better.

The trailer is an Owens, a very very good brand. You got lucky. It is probably the same trailer I have. If you ever need anything for it, Owens is extremely nice about helping you, even if you are a long way away.

[whistler]

The boat was bought new from the factory in '79 and has been hanging on a lift under a roof since then. The original owners took very good care of her through the years and it shows. The boat had a cosmetic makeover and re-power in the early 2000s. I picked it up from the original owners (very nice couple) who are now in their 80s and were no longer using it.
It did not have a trailer and I picked up a new trailer from Owens. Definitely nice guys to deal with, and they nailed the fit!
The boat does not feel underpowered with the Mercury 200 EFI and jumps on plane nicely, but could definitely use some more hp on the top end. I saw a max of 39mph on the GPS. Cruises well at 30mph around 4200rpm.
The Mercury 200 EFI is loud, thirsty, and smoky; but a reliable workhorse. I will service it and run it!
Its hard to compare the 23 Seacraft to my 20 Wellcraft, because 3 feet is a mile in boat size terms. The ride is night and day, but the Wellcraft holds its own - you just have to slow down. I suspect the Wellcraft drafts a lot less as well.

[ssscotty]

Really nice! Great find!