seacraft 18 questions

[fishfullthinking]

Hi guys,

I am new to the forum and have been researching seacraft 18. I currently own 1981 17 mako with 115 optimax. I had this boat for 15 years (re powered once) and it has treated me good. I keep it in my garage and it has been a great boat.

I am looking for boat which will fit in my garage and has a much better ride then 17 mako. I primarily fish out on the ocean in south florida drifting live baits. On calm days I will ran 10-15 miles looking for dolphin.

These are my questions:

1. Which years are good for this boat and which years should I stay away from?

2. Is 115 good power choice or it needs 150?

3. How shallow can the boat run since I like to got to the keys and Flamingo?

4. What kind of numbers can I expect with 115?

5. How does it run in 3 foot chop?

Thank you,
Fishfullthinking