How to interpret an ad for a Sceptre

joshm · #1 05-10-2008, 12:01 AM

Hi everyone!

I've been reading through this site and learning a lot about these boats. We're in the market for our first boat and these classic Seacraft's look like just what we've been looking for. I found a 20' Sceptre locally for a very good price. Tomorrow I plan on contacting the seller to get info about the year, condition, etc. Apparently it is running (with good compression on the outboard), but the ad stated that the fuel tank needed to be cleaned. How would you all interpret that? Is it possible that this boat just sat for a while or do you think that something else is likely wrong if the engine still has good compression numbers? I know it is kind of difficult to diagnose this from little details over the web, but I know you all are experts .

Would you say the bottom line is to get it surveyed before purchase to know exactly what I would be getting into? For example, there is another nice 20' Sceptre here but it has a blown powerhead. At least I'd know that I was getting into a serious engine problem before hand and I was somewhat concerned about getting into something that supposedly had a dirty fuel tank (E10 isn't that common around here either) and it turns out that I'd need to repower.

Thanks for any input you guys might have!

Bushwacker · #2 05-10-2008, 12:40 AM

Josh, if the boat sat unused for very long w/o Stabil or equivalent in the fuel, there may be a lot of gum, varnish, stale gas and/or condensate (water) in the tank. Modern fuels start to deteriorate after about 30 days if some preservative isn't used! Unlike most modern boats, the tank on any Scepter or Seafari can be easily removed (once it's empty!) thru the deck hatch, unless some dummy replaced the tank and foamed it in! You can pull the hatch by pulling 4 screws and cutting thru the silicone sealant to make sure it hasn't been foamed in.

The transom and balsa core decks are suspect in any older boat if any holes drilled into those areas were not properly sealed, but my '72 is all original and still solid in all those areas, so age alone is not the only indicator. It's fairly easy to check for obvious structural problems - look for transom flexing when you step on the motor's cavitation plate, check for cracks in transom around the motor cutout and in the deck, and stomp on the deck to look for soft spots. If boat is in nice shape and they're asking a lot for it, it may be worth having it surveyed.

joshm · #3 05-10-2008, 12:48 AM

bushwacker:

Thanks so much for the reply back. I'm hoping it is just an issue of water separation like you were saying. Also, I've seen some other sites for other brands where it is a major hassle to get the tank out. I'm glad to hear it isn't so for these SeaCrafts. Selling price is probably just a little more than what the survey would run me, so to be honest I'll prrobably go see it and look for something obvious in the deck or transom.

Let me ask you another silly question since I have your attention (

) and you are practically local to me: How are these boats for South Florida? They seem pretty ideal since they can be perfectly happy going offshore but also do not draft a huge amount of water for those days when you don't feel like going out to the bluewater. Does that sound about right? Thanks!

McGillicuddy · #4 05-10-2008, 01:04 AM

Greetings Josh, Out here in CA there are "fuel polishers." They basically pump out your fuel, filter it and return it to you for a couple of bucks a gal. Probabaly a minimum fee if not much fuel in there. These same groups will so chemically clean or treat your tank. I'd say a dirty fuel tank problem caused by inactivity is small potatoes if the boat and power are solid... Go for it! McGill

Bushwacker · #5 05-10-2008, 02:01 AM

Quote:

How are these boats for South Florida? They seem pretty ideal since they can be perfectly happy going offshore but also do not draft a huge amount of water for those days when you don't feel like going out to the bluewater. Does that sound about right? Thanks!

SeaCraft founder/inventor/designer Carl Moesly was born and raised in South Florida, so you'll have a hard time finding any boat MORE suited to this area! I've taken mine to the Abaco's 6 times and believe the Seafari is the most versatile of all models - easily trailered on a single axle trailer, but can run with most 23-24 footers offshore. Check out "The Amazing Mr. Moesly" article in the literature section as well as www.moeslyseacraft.com for more background on why they're such good Florida (or anywhere else for that matter!) boats!

joshm · #6 05-10-2008, 02:14 AM

Thanks guys!

McGillicuddy:
I'm going to look for a fuel polishing service is it all works out. I found these guys but it seems like they want to sell you something instead of polishing the tank.

bushwacker: That's what I was hoping to hear. I've had my eye on this Seafari as I'd rather have the cuddy for the boss, but have only located one and I haven't heard back from the owner yet, but it would be my first choice.

It's encouraging to hear you've made the run to The Bahamas in your boat. It says a lot that these hulls can handle a passage that I've always heard should be done by boats quite a few feet larger than yours!

McGillicuddy · #7 05-10-2008, 02:32 AM

I know of a Seafari in Jacksonville Beach, Swapped e-mails w/ him in March/April. I have a sister in JAX so I thought I'd save a seafari and store it on her lot. May still have it... I think he wants 5-6K

joshm · #8 05-10-2008, 02:56 AM

McGillicuddy:

I will let you know within a few days. I'm giving the seller a little while to respond to my emails. OTOH, how much usable space is in that cuddy? Is it enough for one adult to at least be able to get out of the sun, and if so, is it better than having a bimini top on the boat?

McGillicuddy · #9 05-10-2008, 10:24 AM

The cuddy is about as big as you will find on a 20 foot boat. Fully 6'-6" bunks. Sleep 2 very comfortably. I would say a Bimini serves a different purpose. Tough to fish from inside the cuddy

I'm not in FL heat so Bimini is less important to me. I'm looking for a convertible or fishing top to cover cockpit and break the cold wind out west...better for fishing IMO

Bushwacker · #10 05-10-2008, 11:29 AM

Quote:

. . is it better than having a bimini top on the boat?

As you may have figured out by now, the key to enjoying a boat with the family in the hot south Florida sun is SHADE!
The only thing better than a bimini top is a bimini + a sun top, basically an aft mounted bimini that attaches to the forward top. The aft top is not often used underway, as it's too much "sail area" to adequately support if it's windy. Here are some examples:

[image]
The preceding 2 photos are over 30 years old, when we were using navy tops, which attach to top of windshield. Next photo is recent, showing current bimini and sun tops.