SeaCraft 23' WA

[Andy5597]

What is the general opinion of a 1988 23' WA, with Mercury 200 OB

[gss036]

That is really an opened ended question. My consensus is that it is a good combination. I have a 1989 23WA and ran a 200 hp Mercury until last year and replaced it with a 225 Honda. The Mercury had a ring come loose/broke and did major damage to the hole and head.

[Andy5597]

Gary, thanks , but what can be said about the boat, I realize its "not" a real seacraft classic, but is it a good frame, any issues to become aware of. My real love is a sceptre/tsunami. I was just about to buy one, when the survey failed.

[gss036]

I've used mine since I bought it new in 1989 and the only thing replaced has been the fuel tank which developed a leak at the rear of the tank early last spring. I also replaced the bilge pump. Other than that it has been an excellent boat. I can't find anything to fault the boat. It has given me excellent service and is structurally very sound. Mine was made for twin engines and have been running a single engine since new. It handles the extra weight of the Honda well. It is a little lower in the back, but then again I carry 2 1000CC batteries in the rear side holes and have 40#'s of lead cannon balls and 2 Scotty electric down-riggers also on the stern. The scuppers keep the deck dry, a little water gets into the recessed drain along the deck, but never comes onto the deck. Really don't know what else to tell you. It is a great boat.

[jongolds]

Looks aside I think I'd prefer it to the cuddy cabin setup on my Tsunami. No bow access can be a real pain.

[CaptLloyd]

I own a '88 23WA, and love the walkaround layout with the great Seacraft ride! I looked at Sceptres , but getting to the bow is a PITA.

I bought mine last year, it was in sub-par condition, and I knew I would turn it into a project at some point. I did the neccasary work to make it safe and usable, and I used it about 20 times before the 200 Merc blew up in August. I thought I was doing everything right to make that motor last, new impellor, new thermostats, rebuilt carbs, new switch boxes, oil injection was disabled and I premixed, etc, but #1 cylinder siezed and damaged the crank and block.

Now it's a project. I sold the motor for parts, and plan to repower with Suzuki 250 4 stroke. I felt the 200 hp was alittle weak, but it sure knew how to suck gas. The transom needs replacing, so it will be enclosed, and add a Hermco bracket. The fuel tank hadn't failed, but I pulled it and found several spots of bad corrosion due to the foam. It was just a matter of time, so I had a new one made. While I have the fuel tank out, I found some loose tabbing on the port side stringer, I'll address this before installing the new tank.

Remember, you are looking at a 20+ year old boat. If the fuel tank is original, it will need replacing soon (which is a seriuos PITA on these boats, I had to cut out the motor well to get mine out). Unless it has been trailered it whole life (like Gary's), the transom is probably suspect. Tracker's wiring isn't something to brag about, and some of the hardware is sub-par.

I don't want to sound negative and scare you away from the 23WA, but these are things I've learned over the last year. I like mine, I knew I was buying a project, and that was refected in what I paid for it. Once the project is done, I'm planning on having a safe, reliable boat my family will enjoy for many years

Get a survey and Good Luck!

Lloyd