VDH Hull on Sailfish Boats

[Fr. Frank]

I just stopped by the Tampa Boat Show, and saw that Sailfish Boats, made in Cairo GA, are producung SeaCraft hull clones. While I won't be giving up my Seafari, let me say that these are the best clones into which I have ever had the pleasure of peering into the bilge. The clones are 21', 23' & 26'. The 21 comes in 3 models, including a WA. The 23, ditto, while the 26 is available only as a CC.
Interestingly enough, the 23 tournament boat costs $98K with twin 4stroke Yam 250's, whereas the 26 similarly rigged with the same motors is only $90K. Construction techniques and materials appear excellent.
See them here: Sailfish Boats

[84 Master Angler]

Call me a traitor, but I sold my 84 20 foot MA and moved into a Sailfish 236 - F225 four stroker, shorelander trailer and all electronics for under 45k.

I/my family have also owned an early 70's 23 SeaCraft with twin 165 merc in/out brd and a 84 23 with a 225 outboard and (blasphemy) I personally like this boat better. It has a 9 1/2 foot beam, is DRY and very fishy [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] Hope I can still be a memeber here - [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

[Capt Chuck]

I personally like this boat better. It has a 9 1/2 foot beam, is DRY and very fishy Hope I can still be a memeber here -

Well, since you no longer own one, without a doubt you still must have that magnetic passion for the 70's SeaCraft. If not,then why on earth are you still surfing the forum of "ClassicSeaCraft.Com" [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

[NoBones]

From my cold dead hands will anyone get the keys to my
Classic SeaCrafts!!!!!!! [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]

[NoBones]

OH YEAH---

TRAITOR [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]

[strick]

They are nice boats however they just dont have the classic lines of a seacraft. I'll stay with the old boats [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

strick

[Capt Chuck]

Your right on Strick!

BTW: Don't compare the VD on the Sailfish to SeaCraft's VDH. It is NOT the same. The Sailfish is missing a lifting strake

SAILFISH


SEACRAFT

[Ikan Besar]

I/my family have also owned an early 70's 23 SeaCraft with twin 165 merc in/out brd and a 84 23 with a 225 outboard and (blasphemy) I personally like this boat better. It has a 9 1/2 foot beam, is DRY and very fishy [img]/images/graemlins/smile.gif[/img] Hope I can still be a memeber here - [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

If you've owned both the older 23' SeaCraft and the 23' Sailfish and like the Sailfish better, that certainly says something for the Sailfish [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[RS]

Your right on Strick!

BTW: Don't compare the VD on the Sailfish to SeaCraft's VDH. It is NOT the same. The Sailfish is missing a lifting strake

SAILFISH


SEACRAFT

I'm pretty sure that itty bitty strake at the bow area doesn't add any lift, just deflects a bit of water.

Frankly, I'm surprised that more makers don't use the VDH hull design, it's the key to a great ride

[84 Master Angler]

Don't get me wrong, I do love the old SeaCrafts, and learned a lot from many on this board - which is why I still lurk around. And Dear Capt, I hardly think those that own a classic pre-80's Seacraft are the only ones who frequent this site. [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

But all I see is that another manufactuer took an unbeatable hull design, stretched it and made it an unbelievably dry boat. I had my dad on it yesterday - and he owned the other SeaCrafts I mentioned, and all he said was wow, nice boat and great ride (he owns a regulator now). My only quasi-complaint about the boat is that the console is too HUGE, but with built in tackle storage, walk in console with marine head and decent access to electronics in the console I gues I can't complain. The enclosed transom with built in bait well and a small transom door are also hard to beat. So the boat takes care of my fishing needs an has enough creature comforts to satisfy my wife. If I had 50k to re-do a SeaCraft or the 38 K for the Sailfish, boat alone, it would be a tough decision.

Strick - I hear ya - But I can't do what you do to fiberglass. Your boat is truly a gem.