SeaCraft 25'

[RDRjr]

I'm in the process of purchasing a new, non-current (2003) 25' and while I've read about the problems that Captin C has had w/ his particular hull, I wanted hear other comments on the 25'. It seems like a great boat to me - ride, fihability etc. Any one else have direct experience with this model?

[bj]

I purchased a new 21 2003 this past summer. It was built in Miami. I feel the quality, fit and finish is very good. Personally I think I would rather have one from the Miami plant than buy one from the NC plant since it was just cranked up. I have looked at some 2004 models that and I believe the quality on the 2003 to be better. I do think this is probably a short term thing until they get all employees trained and with more experience. The 2003 25' you are looking at should have been made in Miami. Before I bought mine I looked at every used Seacraft I ran across and they all seemed to be holding up very well. These were the recent models from 1997 and on. I also have not heard of any major hull problems other than the 25' that everyone knows about. Good luck you will love a Seacraft.

[RDRjr]

Thanks BJ. I actually traded a 2002 SeaCraft 21' to upgrade to the 25'. I loved my 21', but wanted a bit more boat to go offshore. I think the SeaCrafts are beautiful, great-riding, fishing machines.

The only problem I ever had w/ my 21' was with the in-deck live well - the door started to bow this winter (ice heave?) and the pump for that well crapped out on me last summer.

I haven't seen a lot of the 25's around, so I'm wondering why. I fish out of Sea Bright, NJ and up around Block Island too. I know about the limited dealerships in my area. Did SeaCraft limit the output of 25's from the factory? I think they match up pretty well with the Reg's and Contenders, especially price-wise.

[bj]

I don't think that production is moving along all that fast at the new plant. I say that because there is a new SC dealer in N.C. and all they had in stock about 30 days ago was a 20'. They were waiting on the other sizes. I too like the lines of the 25' and especially like the leaning post livewell. What engine did you have on your 21' and what kind of speed did you get? I have a 200 Merc EFI and the best top end has been 45 mph. I like the engine except the gas mileage. I have not had any problems with it at all. Good luck if you get that 25.

[RDRjr]

I had the Merc 150 Opti on my 21', which seemd like a pretty decent engine. I think it would top out at around 40 mph. The new 25' has the twin Honda 130 four-strokes, which I had wide open and up to about 43mph w/ two guys and half a tank of fuel. I had heard that some people thought that the 25 would be underpowered w/ those engines, but I don't think so. I mean, the boat wil, cruise in the low 30's, which seems plenty adequate. I'm not looking for an off-shore racer, right? And, these Honda's have great low-end tourque.

[bj]

Have you actually bought the boat yet or are you still pondering? I think you will like those Hondas. Before I decided to get the 21 I was thinking of getting a 20 and many of these were rigged with the 130 Honda, so I read alot of opinions on them and everything I heard was good. You will probably not burn much more fuel than I do with the 21.

[pair of jacks]

I also have a 21 (a 2000) that I love, but also had my livewell pump die last fall after just 3 seasons- I'm out of Brick NJ and yes, there is a severe shortage of dealers here- I had to go to Wildwood to buy this boat

[Ynot]

Mad hen.......listen guy I have a 2001 25' SC If you want the truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth give me a call.........973-722-3214[*]the truth the whole truth[list]