1977 18sf vs 2003 20sc

[Bushwacker]

Originally Posted by dginge

I understand light engines on potter built boats are imperative, I own an 18sf with a 2stroke 150hp. It runs great but it will always be an 18 foot boat. I have a family of 4. Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the (2000's) 20sc WITHOUT COFFIN BOX made to take a larger more modern engine and still built on the exact 20 mold? It's a different cut out and transome height. Thanks

Snookerd's had experience on the 18's with a 2 stroke V-4 and V-6 and a 140 Zuke 4S, plus he had a 23 with TWIN 225's on it, so he's experienced the impact of motor weight on a boats ride and handling more than most folks. His 18 with the V-4 rode surprisingly well with 2 adults, 3 kids and a 65 lb dog!

Regarding the 20's, the Potter and SeaCraft Industry boats were actually 19'8" LOA with 20" transoms. The later Tracker models were actually a bit longer (maybe 20'6"?), had 25" transoms, and are probably a bit heavier since I believe they used the cheaper, heavier and less durable plywood to core the deck instead of balsa core. For that reason it may handle a heavy motor marginally better than the older models, but the difference would be small. A neighbor of mine had a late model 20 with a 150 2S on it; I think it may have had the coffin box on it, but his main complaint was lack of storage.

It you're looking for an extremely versatile family boat with much more usable room than a CC model, check out the really nice Seafari that was advertised on here just a couple weeks ago with a brand new 115 E-TEC on it. The E-TEC's are efficient, smooth, quiet, and smokeless just like the 4 strokes, but with much less weight and maintenance, and more mid-range punch where you need it for getting on plane!

[gofastsandman]

Originally Posted by dginge

I understand light engines on potter built boats are imperative, I own an 18sf with a 2stroke 150hp. It runs great but it will always be an 18 foot boat. I have a family of 4. Correct me if I'm wrong but aren't the (2000's) 20sc WITHOUT COFFIN BOX made to take a larger more modern engine and still built on the exact 20 mold? It's a different cut out and transome height. Thanks

My `89 Slacker is 20'4". 25 " transom. The deck design was raised sometime in the 80`s.
No coffin box.

Anyone know the year?

I can walk my skinny ass in the corner and water comes in. 96 150 rude at 365 lbs.
Even with that light motah on her transom, she porpoised when I got her. New prop design and raising the pig solved that. No tabs. Batts under console and console moved forward 2 "s

My 20 is rated for 235 hp per cg plate. That brings you over 60 and chine walking lessons commence. Even with huge 12 x 24 tabs. Ask Bones.

Why do you think you need that much powah? Bushwhhhackah sees 50 light with his e tec 150.
JUMPS outtah the hole.

Minimum plane speed is the most under rated performance parameter evah.

If you are planning on four or more very often, you might want to consider a 23.
Three on my 20 just gives me a human trim tab.

CG is your focus. You can embrace it.

A local neck who is unknown to CSC put a straight shaft 351 in a 20. Pocket drive. A sea snail passed him on plane out the cut.

Somehow marketing has us all believing max hp and weight have no bearing.
Cheers,
GFS

[Snookerd]

Originally Posted by Bushwacker

Snookerd's had experience on the 18's with a 2 stroke V-4 and V-6 and a 140 Zuke 4S, plus he had a 23 with TWIN 225's on it, so he's experienced the impact of motor weight on a boats

That twin 225 set-up was insane! That boat looked cool, but was worthless with 900 lb of motors, 30 ' setback no flotation bracket, and another 5 inches with a CMC jack plate. I learned my lesson!

[gofastsandman]

Originally Posted by Snookerd

That twin 225 set-up was insane! That boat looked cool, but was worthless with 900 lb of motors, 30 ' setback no flotation bracket, and another 5 inches with a CMC jack plate. I learned my lesson!

She looked like a Sixties A F/X gasser at 60 ft. down the track whilst sitting on the hook.

My thoughts are rarely aligned with yours...???
You are not alone.

[dginge]

I bought the 20sc. I can admit that they do not ride alike at all. However, I wouldn't say that the 18 rides better. In fact, the 20 rides more on top of the water. The 18 rides deeper and heavier to me. The weight of the engine causes no harm to that boat. It does have a fin & turned 5800 rpm at 48mph. Glad I did it

[dginge]

Furthermore after spending more time on the boat. I had heard it all wrong. The fit and finish on this 2003 is exellent. It seems to be built actually very well. hardware is nice and still looks clean. Deck and cap are nice and strong. It handles a 150 4 stroke with zero issues. I'd do it over 10 times. TKS for all the advise.

[Ryan]

Glad to hear you're happy. A friend has a 2004 20 that's held up very well and seems built pretty well.