Need some advise...

jimthesailor · #1 07-16-2011, 04:28 PM

I'm looking at a 1987 SF20 Seacraft, seems to be in real good shape with little use. It was repowered 3 years ago with a new in crate 1999 Johnson 2 stroke 225HP. I know this sound odd but I know the mechanic who instaled it and it was old inventory. anyway it has only 50 hrs. Been stored in a high and dry. no trailer. Has a bimini top. What is a fair price, $10,000?

BigLew · #2 07-16-2011, 06:16 PM

I know you may not want to hear this, but the brochure for the '82 20 footers state a MAX HP of 175. 225 HP is nearly 30% higher. Plus, it is on a Tracker hull.

There are plenty of other 20' available for a whole lot less. Many have a trailer included.

Just my thoughts. Good luck.

Another thought might be to buy it and swap the engine with a 23' owner who wants to up his power. I'm not sure the numbers would work though.

gofastsandman · #3 07-16-2011, 07:42 PM

Quote:

I'm looking at a 1987 SF20 Seacraft, seems to be in real good shape with little use. It was repowered 3 years ago with a new in crate 1999 Johnson 2 stroke 225HP. I know this sound odd but I know the mechanic who instaled it and it was old inventory. anyway it has only 50 hrs. Been stored in a high and dry. no trailer. Has a bimini top. What is a fair price, $10,000?

25" transom? My `89 20sf is rated for 235. My old light 150 is enough weight. Just an important consideration. They don`t need steroids to perform.

Cheers,
GFS

Fr. Frank · #4 07-16-2011, 08:34 PM

Quote:

I know you may not want to hear this, but the brochure for the '82 20 footers state a MAX HP of 175. 225 HP is nearly 30% higher. Plus, it is on a Tracker hull.

The stated maximum HP of 175 is a manufacturer's recommended max HP. USCG maximum HP ratings are by US Code based upon a vessel's LOA (length-over-all), which includes propulsion machinery, and also only applies to vessels of 20'0" or shorter LOA.

Therefore the 20' SeaCraft (19'8" hull), which averages 21'8" LOA with sterndrive or outboard attached, has has no legal maximum HP except in a straight inboard configuration, in which case it is 265 hp.

Tracker/Mako SeaCraft hulls, which were lengthened at some point to 20'4", would have no maximum in any event.

None of that means that putting a 500 lb motor on the back is either smart or foolish.

eggsuckindog · #5 07-16-2011, 11:54 PM

I think 10K is too much also

jimthesailor · #6 07-17-2011, 10:24 AM

The price seemed a bit high to me too. the seller is firm, (I offered 9k ) but is holding out for 10k.
We've looked for a Seacraft in good condition, and most of what we've found in FL are beat-up, high hours on motors, have bottom paint, and weathered. This one has been stored in a hi and dry, 50 hrs on the motor, no bottom paint and used very little. I'm figuring that is worth something. What I cant quantify is what the difference of the older hulls and the tracker hulls is???? i've had older hulls of other boats restored and there is a ton of money tied up in restorations. Are the tracker hulls junk, poor finishing, or opinions?

gofastsandman · #7 07-17-2011, 10:54 AM

I went through exactly what you are seeing. Older restored $ or needing resto $. I was suspect of the layup until I cut out the in deck livewell. I was very pleased with the glass work. The riggers can`t use a template and Tracker cheapened some hardware. `87 was their first year and are heavier than my `89. I had to recore all the hatches because riggers are not trained /allowed to seal screws in wood.

Keep offering your bid every week. Electronics? Pull out the end of day drain thru hull. That will tell you a lot.

Ride on mine if you wan`t.

Cheers,
GFS

Cheers,
GFS

Snookerd · #8 07-17-2011, 07:56 PM

an 87 may not be a Tracker. My family has an 87 18 and it is not a Tracker. Tracker boats are solid but pre Tracker boats are overbuilt (well built and slightly heavier because of the additional glass and heavier coring in the boat). My 88 Tracker is noticeably better with additional weight in the stern vs. the other 18SF my family owns.

Fr. Frank · #9 07-17-2011, 11:36 PM

Whether it's a Tracker or not is a non-issue. As many on this site have learned, the Tracker boats, while not as heavy as, for instance, SeaCraft Industries, or CSY, were still very well built boats.

TUGBOAT · #10 07-18-2011, 10:53 AM

$10,000 Way too much now, But great to hear that SeaCrafts are Holding There$$ Today, I pass one up here on the East coast that is for Sale. I Know where it is when I pass it. I'll stop next time If its Still there. Had a Cranked Up / Modified Mariner 200 on Mine & it was a Screamer! Glad it was HEAVY. My Merc 150 Pushes it for what I need. Give or take Year / Model bout 70#'s More for the 225. Check That Transom!