20'cc versus 23'cc

[jerryjc]

I presently own an 18' Wellcraft cc which is up for sale. I would like to purchase an older Seacraft but I am not sure if the 20'cc would ride much differant than what I have now. I am looking for a much smoother and drier ride. the boat would mainly be used on Barnegat Bay in N.J. which can get pretty rough at times. I have not had the opportunity to ride in either the 20'cc or the 23'cc so I can't compare them. There is a wealth of knowledge on this site and any information you could share would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your help.
Jerry

[Ikan Besar]

The 20' and 23' are two very different boats. Although it sounds like only 3' of difference on paper, the 23' is a much much larger boat than the 20'.

Smooth ride? yeah, either one will give you a good ride for their length. A "dry" ride? - is there such a thing in boats this small?! (I've been soaked in both models on the right day).

[RS]

A 20' seacraft would be big upgrade in ride quality from a 20' wellcraft. Going from an 18W to a 20S will be like going to heaven. Going to a 23S would be even better.

[joey]

There is no doubt that the ride between a Wellcraft and a SeaCraft is night and day.I ran a 21 50 miles offshore a bunch and never gave it a second thought,very soft ride!Dry,now that is a little different story.Lets face it we are talking about little boats.In a sea they are going to be wet.Spray rails do help,but there just isn't enough waterline to be called "dry".Now,I grew up running big sport boats,so my definition of "dry" may be different than others.However,in my opinion there isn't a better center console hull around than a SeaCraft,I'm having my 3rd one redone now.

[Briguy]

Jerry,

I lived on LBI for 18 years and had a 20' Robalo and then a 23 SC. Without a doubt you need the 23'. It will keep you dry, safe and above all confident! Barnegat inlet can be bad and that afternoon wind that always seems to kick up can knock your teeth out. Good luck with your decision.

[ocuyler]

Absolutely, no doubt - go with a 23' for all the reasons stated above.

[NoBones]

Do like the rest of us. Collect them all!! [img]/images/graemlins/shocked.gif[/img]
Every man should have at least 2 boats [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]
See ya, Ken

[peterb]

I spend three to four weeks each year fishing on my 23' out of Highbar Harbor (by Barnegat Light).

I had a 20 Hydra-Sport before I got my 23 SeaCraft. I would take the 23 SeaCraft for many different reasons (especailly if you want to boat around the Inlet or run out to places like Barnegat Ridge).

The only two knocks I have on my 23 are 1) it is a gas guzzler and 2) I hit bottom several times this summer in the bay in places that i wuld not have hit bottom on my 20. (For those of you who are not familiar with Barnegat bay there are very very tricky spots).

[jfm]

I've owned both. Without a doubt...go with the 23.

[ocuyler]

Having given this some more thought, I agree that you should consider owning both the 20' and the 23'.