20 and 23 dilema

Blue197320 · #1 09-10-2007, 09:21 PM

hello everyone
well i have sort of a dilema. my 20 sf is giving me engine trouble and my dad and i are tired of having mechanics "try" to fix it. so we are possibly looking to repower again. now on to the confusion. i found a 73 23' cc local by me that the owner might be interested in selling. he said it needs a little tlc which i expect. heres the hard part. my 20 is a great lil boat.. but it does need a few things. like a new engine,it will need the casting deck and all hatches re-cored probably within a year, and i think most of the deck forward of the console is in jeopardy due to one VERY soft spot in the corner by the fishbox. for anyone that has owned a 20 then a 23 do u regret getting rid of the 20 over the 23? this 23 has a 200 merc and t-top and has a small soft spot behind console that i know of as of now. i just cant seem to decide to finsih off my 20 with the t-top and new power and re-do the floor sections and the casting deck or do i let her go and get the 23??? i would like the most honest opinion from u guys that have fished in both boats. its so difficult after looking at the 20ft galleries and seeing the little boats in action. especially bryan A's. yet also hearing about how great the ride of the 23 is from everyone that has one. thanks so much guys!!
by the way im going to try to keep both of them ... it would be the greatest.

Bryan A. · #2 09-10-2007, 09:37 PM

Get em' both.

I moved on to bigger and better boats (although never a 23). and I decided to keep the 20SF. She hasn't been in the water in 3 years but I never regret the decision to keep her. I sold my Whitewater, bought a Parker 2530 and Plan on having that and the 20 in the water next year. When it comes down to it how much could you sell your 20 for? If you have a place to store it I say keep it. They aren't making any more.

I didn't realize my pictures were that good.

eggsuckindog · #3 09-11-2007, 02:25 AM

I have had both, the 23 is much bigger and owned your neighborhood, isn't a better for down there. Now it is much bigger and heavier to trailer although not that bad,depends on how far to the ramp, a little harder to load and un load. Sounds like the 20 needs more stuff, I would say move up as it will open the ocean up considerably.

Blue197320 · #4 09-13-2007, 08:29 PM

yea bryan ur action shots of that lil boat are great. they inspire me.
anyway i went to look at the 23. man its huge compared to a 20. ive never been next to one before except when i was too young to remember. its actually a 79 and does need some work. the floor on starboard side aft is soft and transom sounds good from hitting it but one spot u can hear water in it. front deck is a little soft on each side of the hatch. motor looks to be in good shape for a 92 merc 200. we didnt start it because it was getting late. trailer is in ok shape. gonna have to swap trailers if i get this boat. i know its hard with no pics but after seeing that one on ebay for $7,700 what would be a good offer for this based on the info i have given? keep in mind it hasnt been used since '05. it has a t-top and lean post and outriggers. has bennett trim tabs on it also and teleflex hydraulic steering thats smooth as can be. ok enough rambling about it. let me know as best as possible. thank u guys.

Ryan · #5 09-13-2007, 09:38 PM

Blue, I have been in this predicament. The difference between the two is that the 23 is a bigger boat with more capability. It will also need more money to get her where she needs to be. My opinion is my 20 was a nice little boat for up to 3 passengers. my 23 mako is good for 6-7 people for an all day outing. As far as pricing goes there arent many bargains out there on any sc so I would consider really what you are willing to spend because; man do projects get expensive-my2cents

Blue197320 · #6 09-15-2007, 09:51 PM

in the next week or two im gonna go see it again and do a compression test on the motor and inspect it a little bit more.
i do have a question for the 23 owners who have taken theirs apart. ive looked at the 23 galleries and i cant figure out how the floor is done in them. can i take a router with a plunge bit and cut through the wood down to the bottom layer of glass and get all that rotten wood out? so im asking does this boat have a liner in it with wood on top? like the 20SF has. ive got an offer in mind but am a little fearful he might not take it but all i can do is try right? i think its fair based on what ive seen and found out about the boat. thanks guys! wish me luck on this one.

Bryan A. · #7 09-16-2007, 11:12 AM

With old boats I always start with half the asking price, within reason. The worst that can happen is he says no. You can always go up from there, if he want s to get rid of it he might let it go. You can always walk away and ride the 20SF off into the sunset. Good luck and stick to your guns.