Looking at a couple of boats....Opinions?

[PeterM]

Hoping to get some educated opinions....

I am planning to look at 2 different 20 foot Seacrafts. One is a 1973 completely rebuilt hull, (new everything) with a 2001 Yamaha 115. The other is a 2003, 21 footer with a Mercury Optimax 225 engine - probably original to the boat.

Pricing and accessories aside, would you rather have a relatively new '03 or an older rebuilt boat? (To me the engine comparison is a wash. I prefer yamahas based on my experience but I'm told the Optimax is a good engine and 2 years newer)
What specific things would you look for if you were looking at either of these boats? What questions would you ask when you meet the sellers. Which boat is going to be easier to resell? Do I need to get a boat surveyor? Any recommendations for surveyors on or near Cape Cod?


Also FYI. If I get a boat with a Tee top I'm going to take it off. Those should be relatively easy to sell, right???

And to anticipate the question - I will use the boat to bass and tuna fish in the bay and offshore less than 20 miles off Cape Cod. Trailering between Pamet and Orleans most of the time.


Thanks Guys!

[Boatboy6]

The new(er) 21 is an entirely different beast than the 20, and I think is more comparable to the 23. Just something to consider

[PigSticker]

I agree, those two boats are night and day different

[cdavisdb]

11 year old engine vs 13 year old isn't much difference. How well its taken care of and how much used would be much more important. If the rebuild was done well, the 20 will give you less problems, its effectively a newer boat.

[77SceptreOB]

The newer 21' is basically a shortened 23'. It is much more stout than a Potter 20'. Needs more power too. As shown by the big power difference in your comparison. If you aren't going with a Potter 23' then the newer 21' is the next best thing, IMHO.

[CHANCE1234]

Peter, search for the post "and away we go" in the repairs forum. My boat, that you want to look at next week (Elijah) is that boat and all in there you can see the work I've done during the rehab.

[PeterM]

That's a great read. Glad you went for the 25" transom. Call you Saturday......

[pair of jacks]

I have a 2000 21 that I bought new with a 200 Opti on it. It's a great boat- very versatile- I fish shallow bays and offshore up to 25 mi. here in NJ. It's got nice high gunwales as opposed to the fairly low ones on the older 20 skiffs- that's a big plus when in the ocean. You would have to remove the t-top as I've never seen a 21 that doesn't have one. I did have some problems with my Opti as mine was in the well known "lemon" years of 2000/2001 and I've since repowered with an E-Tec. but you should be ok with a 2003 as I heard they debugged the problems. I love the 21 and have only two minor complaints about it- one, the in-deck livewell fills with rain water/washdown water and needs to be drained or it becomes a nasty mess- would have much preferred a leaning post above deck well- second, no anchor locker access from above- you have to crawl on your belly to get the anchor out from it's holder. I live with both of those pesty situations and love the boat and its versatility. I know I know it's not a "classic" but I love the lines on it- like others have said it's a mini 23. My 2 cents.

[Bigshrimpin]

Peter - They are both great boats. The 21/23 opens up a lot more turf and won't limit your fishing on marginal days.

[bj]

I have a 2003 21' since new. I also owned an older 20 before that. Like said above lot of difference between the two. More dead rise, room, and range. I hated draining and cleaning the livewl too and solved the problem by installing a smaller lid in the existing lid. I sealed the original lid so water won't leak in. An added benefit is it is now pressurized and keeps bait better. I keep the drain plugged or water will back flow and fill the well. It's a great boat and I've been very happy with it. Either boat will get you offshore so good luck with your decision.