20 seacraft vs 25 hydrasport in rough stuff(hint: not a shocker to this crowd)

2182 · #1 07-22-2013, 10:05 PM

I sold my first seacraft about four years ago because I needed a bigger boat. I bought a 25 hydrasport with twins because I was sick of fishing offshore on other people's schedules. Since then, a few of my friends have bought high 20s low 30s expresses, and like to fish weekdays, so that need is no longer.

I bought a 77 master angler instead of a 27 contender (cash versus credit).

Anyways, I was out this Saturday in some Nasty stuff. 20 knot wind, an easy 4' at 4 seconds or so. Basically not something you should be out in. But it was a tournament that my wife won lady angler in last year, and I was determined to get her a shot at a repeat.

I can honestly say my bracketed 20' seacraft handled it better than my bracketed 25 hydrasport would have.

I cannot be happier with my decision to downsize.

Oh yeah, and I burned about 12 gallons of fuel versus 60.

RUSTYNTABATHA · #2 07-23-2013, 06:57 AM

do you have any pics of your MA ?? And i would be very interested in more info on your set up and performance numbers ... I am thinking about going to a bracket but reading the pros and cons i am still very much torn on the decision.. LOL

2182 · #3 07-23-2013, 11:48 AM

I bought it off a hull truth ad, but the resto was documented on here. I think his screen name on here is 1984 seacraft. His screen name on hull truth is parrott. Guys name is brett, he did a great job on it.

I have made a few changes and additions since I bought it, but he did all the heavy lifting.

I was leery of it as well, but she rides great. I had it loaded heavy in stern Saturday, 30 gallon livewell under lean post and 80# of ice in a fish bag leaned against transom. Full 65 quart yeti in front of console. Once I moved the fish bag to the bow it rode like a dream. Doesn't hurt that boat has giant lencos, 16x13 or something.

2182 · #4 07-23-2013, 12:12 PM

Another one. This is a NON FILLED Armstrong single bracket too.

Not telling you anything you don't know I'm sure, but the bracket works best if you are hanging a lot of weight (like a 531 pound yamaha four stroke 150 if memory serves).

If you're keeping that 115 I wouldn't bother. Great motor by the way, I had one on a 17 aqua sport, it screamed.

Not to derail my own thread, but I wonder how much weight I could hang on my boat. Deck has been raised 5", it self bails like a champ. As is its fuel efficient as heck, but its no speed demon.