Info on sea crafts

[1977chris]

I'm looking to purchase a 1989 seacraft 20. Don't much about these boats. Ran across one and love the way it looks. How do these boats ride. The one I am looking at has an Armstrong bracket on the back. What are some of the thinks I should be looking for be for I purchase. Does this year boat have wood stringers? Thanks Chris

[Bushwacker]

They're one of the best riding 20' boats ever made, until someone screws up the CG by hanging a heavy 4-stroke motor 30" further aft on a bracket! That can be corrected by moving console, batteries and gas tank forward. If it tends to porpoise a lot, it's still stern heavy!

All SeaCrafts except the original Moesly 21 have fiberglass stringers. Go here to learn all about SeaCraft boats!

[Terry England]

1977Chris,
A.) I think Denny's SeaFari was made two years before you were (1975)!
B.) Sometimes at that age they have loose screws, like their owners!

[1977chris]

Thanks for the info. Porpoising would be a problem. Make for a rough ride. I haven't taking it for a ride yet. It only has a Yamaha 115 on it. I was going to switch it out with a 150. If you set the motor a little lower on the bracket would that help with the porpoising?

[TomParis]

a 150 4 stroke would be pretty heavy, or did you mean a 150 2 stroke?

[Bushwacker]

Originally Posted by 1977chris

Thanks for the info. Porpoising would be a problem. Make for a rough ride. I haven't taking it for a ride yet. It only has a Yamaha 115 on it. I was going to switch it out with a 150. If you set the motor a little lower on the bracket would that help with the porpoising?

No, motor height will not affect porpoising very much. Need to correct CG to fix that, although more stern lift will help. (trim tabs, 4B prop and an AV plate fin) The Armstrong bracket also doesn't have as much flotation as a Hermco, so check to see if it'll self bail at the dock with scupper plugs out.

I think the 115 is a bit lighter than a 150 so that helps some but I suspect it would be better balanced with an even lighter 2-stroke.

[1977chris]

I was thinking 4stroke. But I could go with a 2 stroke. I haven't test drove it. I was thinking that 115 would be to small for that boat

[McGillicuddy]

20' seacraft is a great little boat. Smooth ride is perhaps its greatest attribute. '89 was a Tracker boat. gofastsandman might be able to offer insight on that era. typical concerns are the scupper tubes/ supports leaking, the gap between the cap and gunwales leaking, and the floors or transom getting soft due to water intrusion.

115 yamaha 2 stroke is good. yammie 4 stroke is a little heavy but workable.
When you employ a bracket you will usually end up raising the motor. rule of thumb is an inch per foot of setback.

If the bracket is not a flotation version I would probably shy away from the 150...

Check out bushwackers bracket treatise here:

http://www.classicseacraft.com/commu...ad.php?t=19779

Good luck! and welcome aboard.

[1977chris]

[McGillicuddy]

Looks pretty dialed in. Go for a ride see how you like it. I wouldn' change anything. Adjust your fore and aft balance if necessary, and enjoy 38 mph & great economy. I'd jump on it if the price is right. Good luck.