advice on 20 or 23

[douglasbeasley]

I have been looking for a 23 cc but lately have been considering a 20. I live in Beaufort, SC and will be doing fishing in the rivers and bays here and some short ocean trips (less than 20 miles) as well as general family boating island hopping etc. What do you think ? Would be particularly interested in members comments from this area (charleston to savanah).
Thanks

[Old'sCool]

The 23' is a much bigger boat. You're welcome to check this one out in Chas.

[ocuyler]

Although not a resident, I have spent time on 3 different boats both offshore and inshore from Fripp/Hunting islands down to Wassaw Sound, including up river to Savannah and all points in between.

I first did HHI to Savannah in aa 11' Whaler. A little rough and slow, but doable. I came back with a new 16' Whaler Dauntless with a 115 4 stroke. I found that to be a great boat for inside and tubing the girls around. I took that little boat outside at Port Royal Sound up to Fripp and found it a little rough, but had a great time.

Finally, I joined fellow CSC mambers Vezo I and Vezo II in Tommy's SeaCraft 18CC with a 150 2 stroke. We chummed in Port Royal Sound on an incoming tide for Cobia. We went outside a little in some fairly rough stuff and I found the 18 to be a very capable boat and fine for the 3 of us and a ton of gear, mostly beer and ice...

I have since bought a 20CC and have had it out in Lake Ontario in very steep 3's and 4's with the occasional back breaker. If the water is read properly, the 20 will handle far more than you and especially your family will be willing to endure.

Finally, I also own a 23CC with a 200 2 stroke. I sea trialed that boat in the same Lake Ontario steep wake, only 4's to 5's with the occasional 6, but not quite as steep. The 23 handled those conditions easily. I was most impressed with her head sea capability where she pushes into the wave instead of popping up like most others. The 20 does the same, but to a lesser extent.

All things considered, I would choose a 20 with plenty of power (140 to 175). A case could be made for a CC or a Seafari. Either would be nice, easier to handle and trailer and definitely better on fuel.

My humble opinion...

[Ikan Besar]

Although it only sounds like 20' or 23', they are VERY different boats as has already been pointed out. You'd do well to do a handful of day long trips in each. After that, I suspect you'll know which is more suited to your needs. For any of the rest of us, it's just a guess as to what YOU really want.

[Blue197320]

ive got a 20 and i love it. its great. i dont think u can ask for more performance in a boat that size. i am slowly searching for a 23 that is in need of some work. not because the 20 is too small but i guess im greedy and want 2 seacrafts.

[ocuyler]

but i guess im greedy and want 2 seacrafts.

Two Boat Theory...

[htillman]

To to sea trail each. Then decide.