How to interpret an ad for a Sceptre

joshm · #1 05-10-2008, 12:48 AM

bushwacker:

Thanks so much for the reply back. I'm hoping it is just an issue of water separation like you were saying. Also, I've seen some other sites for other brands where it is a major hassle to get the tank out. I'm glad to hear it isn't so for these SeaCrafts. Selling price is probably just a little more than what the survey would run me, so to be honest I'll prrobably go see it and look for something obvious in the deck or transom.

Let me ask you another silly question since I have your attention (

) and you are practically local to me: How are these boats for South Florida? They seem pretty ideal since they can be perfectly happy going offshore but also do not draft a huge amount of water for those days when you don't feel like going out to the bluewater. Does that sound about right? Thanks!

Bushwacker · #2 05-10-2008, 02:01 AM

Quote:

How are these boats for South Florida? They seem pretty ideal since they can be perfectly happy going offshore but also do not draft a huge amount of water for those days when you don't feel like going out to the bluewater. Does that sound about right? Thanks!

SeaCraft founder/inventor/designer Carl Moesly was born and raised in South Florida, so you'll have a hard time finding any boat MORE suited to this area! I've taken mine to the Abaco's 6 times and believe the Seafari is the most versatile of all models - easily trailered on a single axle trailer, but can run with most 23-24 footers offshore. Check out "The Amazing Mr. Moesly" article in the literature section as well as www.moeslyseacraft.com for more background on why they're such good Florida (or anywhere else for that matter!) boats!

joshm · #3 05-10-2008, 02:14 AM

Thanks guys!

McGillicuddy:
I'm going to look for a fuel polishing service is it all works out. I found these guys but it seems like they want to sell you something instead of polishing the tank.

bushwacker: That's what I was hoping to hear. I've had my eye on this Seafari as I'd rather have the cuddy for the boss, but have only located one and I haven't heard back from the owner yet, but it would be my first choice.

It's encouraging to hear you've made the run to The Bahamas in your boat. It says a lot that these hulls can handle a passage that I've always heard should be done by boats quite a few feet larger than yours!

McGillicuddy · #4 05-10-2008, 02:32 AM

I know of a Seafari in Jacksonville Beach, Swapped e-mails w/ him in March/April. I have a sister in JAX so I thought I'd save a seafari and store it on her lot. May still have it... I think he wants 5-6K

joshm · #5 05-10-2008, 02:56 AM

McGillicuddy:

I will let you know within a few days. I'm giving the seller a little while to respond to my emails. OTOH, how much usable space is in that cuddy? Is it enough for one adult to at least be able to get out of the sun, and if so, is it better than having a bimini top on the boat?

McGillicuddy · #6 05-10-2008, 10:24 AM

The cuddy is about as big as you will find on a 20 foot boat. Fully 6'-6" bunks. Sleep 2 very comfortably. I would say a Bimini serves a different purpose. Tough to fish from inside the cuddy

I'm not in FL heat so Bimini is less important to me. I'm looking for a convertible or fishing top to cover cockpit and break the cold wind out west...better for fishing IMO

joshm · #7 05-10-2008, 01:22 PM

McGillicuddy:

Ok, so that sounds fine. I was worried about getting in there and finding my 6' self in a 5'8" bunk or something

. Aside from the sun, I think it is much more alluring to my better half to have the option of going to lie down for a few minutes, taking a nap, or just getting out of the heat. Whether or not it is used for overnighting or at all for that matter it becomes a much easier sell.

bushwacker:

That is exactly the kind of setup that I would be looking for. Basically when you want shade you really want shade from the sun (as you well know). I have to say that it says a lot about a boat/hull design that when you look at it 30 years apart in pictures you still think it looks great! From what I've noticed there are plenty of boats from the 70's that look positively outdated when you look at them now. I don't think any of the SeaCrafts (or Mako's too, for that matter) really look outdated. Plus it's pretty crazy the features that they came with (I was reading through the documentation on this site) for that time... they sound like any current boat and must have been way ahead of the times back then.

Bushwacker · #8 05-10-2008, 11:29 AM

Quote:

. . is it better than having a bimini top on the boat?

As you may have figured out by now, the key to enjoying a boat with the family in the hot south Florida sun is SHADE!
The only thing better than a bimini top is a bimini + a sun top, basically an aft mounted bimini that attaches to the forward top. The aft top is not often used underway, as it's too much "sail area" to adequately support if it's windy. Here are some examples:

[image]
The preceding 2 photos are over 30 years old, when we were using navy tops, which attach to top of windshield. Next photo is recent, showing current bimini and sun tops.