Any Watersports, ETEC-powered SeaCrafts?

[Capt Terry]

It appears most SeaCrafts are used for fishing & diving. I ordered my outboard-powered 1976 20’ Seafari for offshore trolling, snorkeling, and waterskiing. This usage continued for 24 years before moving to the SC upstate. On SC lakes we enjoy cruising, skiing, wakeboarding and footing/barefooting. Yes, it may be the only SeaCraft anywhere with a barefoot boom (and a PerfectPass speed control).
I am curious if other outboard SeaCrafts are used for watersports, particularly if they are ETEC powered and have trouble maintaining a constant watersport speed.

[CaptMick]

In the late eighties I worked for a company on Hilton Head that used an 18 SF for ski trips. They took four people out for an hour and half trip at around $85 at the time. Original power was a Johnson... not real sure of the size but I know it was bigger than the 88 special.

That hull is down the street from me and I used it after i grew up a bit as a rental waverunner chase boat and to fish for dinner from up to 10 miles off shore. Last power it had on it was a 140 Suzuki.

That 1985 hull was used commercially in the watersports industry (Ski, fish, nature tour, 6 pack ferry) until around 2011 or 12. Second owner still has it. Solid transom, deck and console. Only two paint jobs on the hull after the original gel coat. A very special boat in my life. I got an 18 SF a while back that was a 1985 in tribute. I now run a 23 SF as my family grew. I used my 18 for commercial use as well but mostly towing.

Sorry that this isn't more about towing sports but think it great that Sea Crafts that are old are still great at whatever you ask them to do.

[bzeiher]

Hey, I'm not that far from you in GA. I use my 78 20' Seacraft MA as a ski boat and fishing boat on Lake Lanier. I had to lower the pitch of the prop and seemed to solve my problems with keeping the speed constant. I'm currently running with a 185 Johnson. My current problem is slow planning speeds for smaller skiers. I can't go slow enough.

Bill

[Bushwacker]

Originally Posted by bzeiher

. . . My current problem is slow planning speeds for smaller skiers. I can't go slow enough.

Bill

Bill, all the Moesly designs will plane at about 12 mph if balanced and powered as originally designed (I/O, or OB motors of 300 lbs or less!) Although your motor is relatively light for a V-6, it still exceeds the original design weight, so you need more stern lift to compensate. A 4B prop and/or an AV plate fin (SE Sport or Doelfin} will do that and drop your min planning speed significantly.

When I repowered from a 300 lb motor on transom to 427 lb motor set back 30" bracket, my min planing speed went from 12 to about 23 mph! Switching to a 4B prop got it back down to 12 mph!