23' SF Ride - Wow!!!

peterb · #1 04-29-2005, 06:04 PM

I finally got my 1978 23' SF SeaCraft (w/twin 150 HP Yamaha's) in the water today for a test run. I rode it about 15 miles off around Sandy Hook, NJ. This is the first time that I had the boat out.

For the previous 3 years I have used a 20' Sunbird center console w/175 HP Johnson. Needless to say that there is a big difference between the 2 boats. The SeaCraft maintained an increadibly level plane. Also, it rode like a much heavier boat (in that it seemed to hub the water) than it really is.I am used to bobbing all around on the Sunbird. In addition, the SeaCraft seemed to start and stop on a dime.

My lone issues are that I will have to do some deck work on the SeaCraft at some point down the road. Also, I think that the Hynautics steering has seen better days.

Still, it was alot of fun to finally enjoy the SeaCraft ride that everyone has been talking about.

Howard Hill · #2 04-29-2005, 06:56 PM

Tell us a little about your setup. Did you install a bracket? If so what type. Thanks

peterb · #3 04-29-2005, 07:47 PM

I was told that the transom was redone in 1998 to support the twin engines. Also, a new 150 gallon tak was put in that that time (and new wires as well).

The boat has alot of electronics (including a furano 1623 radar, a furano 1610CF DF/CPG, a loran, a 2nd color DF, multiple two way radios & a an af/fm setup).

Whenever I elect to replace the engines (hopefully no time soon) I will definately look at enclosing the transom and having one of those brackets put on.

If things work out the way that I want I will have the deck redone first (possibly this coming winter). We will see.

ScottM · #4 04-29-2005, 10:45 PM

Peter,
I know what you mean. When my dad bought the 23' Sceptre about 7 years ago, he had stepped up from a 20' Wellcraft center console. The first time we took the SC out at the beginning of the season we couldn't believe the difference in ride. My father, brother and I all braced ourselves for what we thought would be a hard landing off a wave and there was just a nice soft re-entry instead.

Enjoy! [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

FELLOW-SHIP · #5 05-02-2005, 09:44 AM

I have had people tell me that my 23 CC rides better then several 25 and 26’ of other manufacturers that they have owned or been on. That is for me the # 1 reason why I bought and redid my boat.
FellowShip [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

flash14 · #6 05-11-2005, 08:56 PM

we bought a 23' SC for the same reason. My friend had one and we have a 20' also. We were so envious of him because the boat is an all around animal! I have been 90 miles offshore in his shark fishing and not even thought about the boat being only 23' long. We ended up coming back in some nasty stuff and that boat rode like a champ. I am so psyched to get mine in this season. 1979 23 CC w/250 hp yamaha......I just have to paint it, assemble it, wire it, yadda yadda yadda......no biggy right?

peterb · #7 05-11-2005, 11:13 PM

Last Friday I took my brother-in-law out in the 23' SF. It was a snotty day. We were off the tip of Sandy Hook at a place called Romer Shoal. There had to be a 3 to 5 foot chop out there. The SeaCraft was amazing. Whenever we hit a trough my instincts would say get ready for a shot to the kidneys. Instead of taking a pounding the SeaCraft would land like it had shocks.

My BIL is pretty picky about boats and I expected him to give me a hard time about buying a 1978 boat that still needs some work. Instead I found out through mutual friends that he thought it was an amazing ride.

He also likes the fact that the boat has twin 150 HP Yamaha's. My only knock on the engines is that 850+pounds is alot of weight in the back (traditional tansom setup). When we anchored up to fish for bass the stern had a tendency to get spashed pretty good. I guess that's one of the reasons why people are buying the potter bracket.

FELLOW-SHIP · #8 05-12-2005, 09:15 AM

Ya Peter
You got that right seems that because of the 8’ beam and just 23’ long the flotation bracket is really the way to go. I have the 23 with one 225 with a 30” shaft and that works great but if I ever went to twins I would defiantly use his bracket. [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]
FellowShip

Briguy · #9 05-12-2005, 03:56 PM

I have wittnessed 15ft breakers near roamers shoals near the light. Wow that can be snotty. Raritan bay and Barnegat Inlet was where I grew up. As for the weight issue I have a floatation bracket and it didn't offset the 4 stroke 115's I have. No real complaint the boat sits well and I plug the scuppers. Anyhow my old 9ft 150 gal gas tank is history being replaced by a 5 1/2ft 95 gallon tank in the hopes of moving fuel forward and lifting the stern. I will let all know how it does.

PS my very good friend for over 10 years is a Whaler and Hydra Sport fanatic. Get a few beers in him and he will go on and on braging about the SeaCraft ride. [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Finster · #10 05-12-2005, 09:49 PM

Quote:

I have wittnessed 15ft breakers near roamers shoals near the light. Wow that can be snotty. Raritan bay and Barnegat Inlet was where I grew up.

Hey Briguy, I used to fish there all the time, roamers, old orchard, ect...You should see what Little Egg Inlet has turned into in the past few years. Holy crap! Changes every noreaster.
I don't know if you know the inlet or "G bouy", but it's up on Holgate now. Thats one bada** inlet if it's snotty or you don't know where your going.