Sceptre Inboard Ride

[BocaSeacraft]

I'm in the market for a 23' SeaCraft and it seems like all The CC's are outrageously priced these days. There are, however, a few Sceptre models available for quite a bit less. I'm coming from a 1975 SeaCraft 18, which I recently sold. Loved the boat but need a bit more space. I'm mostly interested in the inboard variety of the Sceptre. My only concern is the ride, since the helm is so far forward. Can anyone tell me, from experience, what to expect, good or bad? I have seriously considered buying a Sceptre model and making it into a Savage, in order to get the helm further aft. I'd turn the motor cover into a pseudo leaning post and install a medium-sized console. Maybe that's a crazy idea.

[Seacraftwalkaround]

I have 23’ walk around similar to Sceptre except easy access to bow. Having had 23’cc 30 years ago I like the ride better. Never need tabs except leveling a load. Also amazing fishing cockpit, better IMO than cc. Also can’t beat protection w/bimni land side curtains when running 40mph and 50degree weather. You’ll have similar w/Sceptre

[BocaSeacraft]

Originally Posted by Seacraftwalkaround

I have 23’ walk around similar to Sceptre except easy access to bow. Having had 23’cc 30 years ago I like the ride better. Never need tabs except leveling a load. Also amazing fishing cockpit, better IMO than cc. Also can’t beat protection w/bimni land side curtains when running 40mph and 50degree weather. You’ll have similar w/Sceptre

Very good points. The weight of the cabin area/windscreen keeps the bow down. Thank you for your info.

[FLexpat]

Originally Posted by BocaSeacraft

My only concern is the ride, since the helm is so far forward. Can anyone tell me, from experience, what to expect, good or bad?

With the Inboard you can run slower than an I/O or OB and still stay on plane and WOT is usually about 38-40 mph. Slower plane is a huge improvement on rough days. My experience is the fwd helm of a Sceptre lets you see better and 'feel' what the boat is doing forward - reduced maint/repairs because you don't push the boat as hard in marginal conditions - but there is usually more junk fwd (mounted and in the cabin) on a Sceptre to loosen/break.

[BocaSeacraft]

Originally Posted by FLexpat

With the Inboard you can run slower than an I/O or OB and still stay on plane and WOT is usually about 38-40 mph. Slower plane is a huge improvement on rough days. My experience is the fwd helm of a Sceptre lets you see better and 'feel' what the boat is doing forward - reduced maint/repairs because you don't push the boat as hard in marginal conditions - but there is usually more junk fwd (mounted and in the cabin) on a Sceptre to loosen/break.

More good points. I would definitely try to limit the junk forward in the cabin area. If I could hit mid to high 30's (mph) I would be happy. Cruise in the high teens to low 20's would be excellent.

[fredetzel]

Hi I run a 78 Sceptre in the middle Chesapeake bay and is pretty much unmolested. The engine is a 350 marine power transmission is newer but same gear ratio. I have trim tabs and have no issues with trim I am able to trim the boat for a comfortable ride in all but the worst sea conditions . It is a great running boat and very dry . The only drawback is speed you will not be able to keep up with the outboards I plane around 15 kts and wot around 32 kts.

[BocaSeacraft]

Originally Posted by fredetzel

Hi I run a 78 Sceptre in the middle Chesapeake bay and is pretty much unmolested. The engine is a 350 marine power transmission is newer but same gear ratio. I have trim tabs and have no issues with trim I am able to trim the boat for a comfortable ride in all but the worst sea conditions . It is a great running boat and very dry . The only drawback is speed you will not be able to keep up with the outboards I plane around 15 kts and wot around 32 kts.

Speed isn't the most important thing to me. I'd rather be comfortable than be getting knocked around. So far, sounds like the Sceptre configuration is a winner. Thanks for your info.

[fredetzel]

My normal cruise is at 3000 rpm ( just before the 4barl carb opens up) and 23 - 24 kts.

[BocaSeacraft]

Originally Posted by fredetzel

My normal cruise is at 3000 rpm ( just before the 4barl carb opens up) and 23 - 24 kts.

Thanks for the info. What size prop are you running?

[fredetzel]

16x17 with cup