2003 SeaCraft SC25

[Stretch]

I am shopping for a new center console boat in the 25ft. size range and the SeaCraft SC25 meets all of my criteria: can be powered with a single 250 OB, large bow platform with an optional spray hood (to get the kids out of the sun and for overnighting every now and then), head facilities inside the console, decent seating in the stern, "euro" transom configuration, no bow pulpit. On paper, the boat is pretty much ideal for the needs of my family.

I realize this is a "classic" site and the SC25 is a new boat designed by the Tracker Marine folks with no counterpart in the "classic" SeaCraft heritage. On the other hand, the members of this message forum have a wealth of SeaCraft information and you surely are tuned in to the present status of the brand. Tell me, what is the build quality of a 2003 model boat? Do I have anything to worry about in that area? This is a major purchase for me and if there is any doubt about significant quality issues, I must look elsewhere.

Thank you for your assistance.

[AlexT]

Not a lot of discussion of the 25 happens on this board, likely for all the reasons you mention. You might have better luck posting your question over at www.thehulltruth.com where you'll find a larger pool of owners some comparisons against other top-quality boats in this size including Regulator, Contender, etc.

[Trayder]

Alex-

I think Strech already posted on THT.

Stretch-

I have noticed there is not alot of talk about the SC25 on any of the online sites, I do not know why. I will give you my opinion of the SC 25 as I did consider purchasing one back in 1999. The SC25 is small in comparison to what I considered its competition, Contender 25, Regulator 26, SeaVee 25 and so on. I found the SC 25 to be very similar in size to the 23 except it has an integrated bracket. Someone once mentioned the SC 25 is actually a 23 with an integrated brack but I can not confirm this. I liked the lines of the SC 25 and the head in the console. I found it very family friendly and the fisnish to be of a quality boat builder.

Ulitmitly I did not choose the SC 25 because I was not looking for a family friendly boat and chose the Contender 25 which has a level deck, is longer LOA, and beam wise, these are things I like for long range fishing trips but I do think the SC 25 is finished nicer and would guess it is a fine ridding boat as it shares the same hull design as the 23.

[ltdan]

HI STRETCH,
IT LOOK'S LIKE YOU FOUND YOUR BOAT. I SEA TRIALED A 25' WITH A SINGLE 225 OPTI ON IT VERY RECENTLY. GREAT RIDE OF COURSE,BUT,IT WAS SLUGISH OUT OF THE HOLE WITH ONLY 2 PEOPLE ABOARD AND NO MORE THAN 40 GAL'S OF FUEL. I'LD DEFENITLY HAVE 250HP,NO LESS.THE FINISH WORK ON THE HULL IS AS GOOD AS ANY PRODUCTION BOAT OUT THERE,BUT,AND THIS IS A BIG ONE FOR ME,,, THE RIGGING STINK'S. OPEN ANY PIE COVER,HATCH,OR LOOK INTO THE BILGE AND YOU'LL SEE POOR RIGGING AT BEST. NOT A SINGLE WIRE CUT TO LENGTH,AND THEN FASTENED PROPERLY. THE WIRING AND BATTERY/SHIFT/THROTTLE CABLE'S ARE JUST KIND OF THROWN IN THE BILGE.IN THE 65K PRICE RANGE,THAT'S WHAT IT'LL TAKE FOR NEW,I EXPECTED BETTER. I WOULD'NT LET IT STOP ME FROM BUYING ONE,BECAUSE I BELIEVE THE WAY THE HULL RIDES IS WORTH THE TRADE OFF. I'M ON A MISSION TO FIND AN OLD 23' TO REBUILD TO MY OWN LIKING,BUT IF I CAN'T FIND ONE FOR THE RIGHT PRICE,,,,,TAKING INTO CONSIDERATION HOW MUCH I'LL SPEND ON HER AND WHAT SHE'LL BE WORTH TO ME WHEN SHE'S DONE,I'LL WIND UP BUYING A NEW 25'. I'LL ALSO HOPE TO WORK INTO THE DEAL SOME PROPER RIGGING AT THE FACTORY LEVEL. I'M CONFIDENT IF THAT CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED,THE 25' IS A LIFETME BOAT WITH GOOD MAINTANENCE AND UPKEEP. I JUST RAN OUT OF MICHELOB,SO I GOTTA GO [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] . GOOD LUCK,AND KNOW THIS,FOOT FOR FOOT,I DON'T THINK THERE'S A BETTER RIDING BOAT AFLOAT.
LT DAN

[Miles Offshore]

Not that I dont love my Seacraft but for that kind of money you can get a really nice big used boat in nice condition around here like a 27 Albie or 25'Carolina Classic.A lot more boat with deep "v"'s and slightly used ,fully rigged normally with riggers,electronics and possibly diesel powered. I was talking with some friends about this exact same thing last week (25 seacraft) and we all agreed that thats we(I) would do,ie- Go the used route. I dont think that the differences between the 23' and the 25'are worth the extra 20K that you would pay for the 25'er.JMO-craig

[ocuyler]

The 25 at the Ft. Lauderdale show was powered with twin 150 Mercs. Probly more like it.

Otto