'89 23 CC to sell or make a project?

ocuyler · #1 08-06-2002, 07:37 PM

I recently bought a 23 CC w/ Yamaha 200. I brought it up to Lake Ontario where I sea trialed it for the first time. There was good news and bad news.

The boat ran perfect and was AMAZING on Lake Ontario's famous tight choppy 3's and 4's. I couldn't believe it didn't need trim tabs! I felt good about my investment,but...

I also own a perfect 1992 Sea Ray 22 CC w/ 200 HP Merc Offshore. I just finished it this spring and really love it. But I hate to sell it to start on the SeaCraft. There's really no comparison between the 2 hulls, especially in big water.

Anyone willing to help me with this decision?

John R · #2 08-07-2002, 03:02 PM

Otto - I agree, the Sea Ray is the far better hull. I already had the Sea Ray so give me the Seacraft and you keep the Sea Ray. What we'll do is, I'll test the Seacraft for 3 years and you the Sea Ray and then we'll get together over a beer and compare notes, how's that - And I don't mind going to NY to pick it up? No? Well, it was worth a shot [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] .

Actually if you could give me some info on the SC, like where you were able to find it and how many hoops you had to jump thru to get it, price & condition... I'm trying to learn what I can so I'm prepared when I pull the trigger this winter...

Thanks,

John

ocuyler · #3 08-07-2002, 03:10 PM

John,

Thanks for the reply. Actually, it was my impression that the SeCraft was the better hull. The Sea Ray has a tendancy to chine walk and has a harder keeping the bow on top of every thing. I guess they're just different.

I got lucky with the 23 in that I sorta ran into it in Stuart and liked it before I knew what it was. Actually, it was this web site that gave the information and pricing guidelines to go buy it.

Regards,

Otto
[email protected]

John R · #4 08-07-2002, 04:58 PM

Otto - I was being evil when I said the Sea Ray was the nicer ride. The Seacraft is probably better in 3 footers than the Sea Ray in ones. No real comparison between the two hulls as they serve two entirely different functions.

It really depends on what you want out of the boats as to which one to keep. Sounds like you have some serious time & heart poured in the SeaRay. Are you ready for another project? Is the SC in good condition or will it need a year of refit? If you're fishing, there is no contest. The Searay is probably faster if that's what you want...

As far as boats go, the SC holds value much better, certainly in the northeast region.

capesams · #5 08-08-2002, 07:58 PM

OTTO:
SELL the sc, keep the sr. you already have a nice new boat and now with johns money you'll be that much richer......think of all that gas money you could have an new fishin gear as well. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

ocuyler · #6 08-17-2002, 12:18 AM

John,

Thanks for your oppinion. I'll prbably wait until late fall to decide what to keep and what to sell. My estimate of time to "recondition" it is 150 hours max. It doesn't need paint or motor work, just a thourough once over. I get anal about wiring and can't stop until all electronics are on and perfect, but it would be sweet.

In fact, I'm expanding the shop at my business to accomodate this boat and trailer with the door down and the heat on! It's a long winter on Lake Ontario.

Bottom line, I guess is that when I first sea trialed the SC, It sort of flowed over the water where the Sea Ray was definiately feeling every little thing. Nothing fazed it in 4'ers. It sound stupid, but I felt like part of the boat. Is that how all SeaCrafts are?

Otto