1988 Seacraft Sceptre

[Tr91mako231]

Hello Guys, I am kinda of new to this board. I am currently looking at a 1988 Seacraft Sceptre, and wanted to get some feedback. The hull is in very good shape. The deck is certainly not pristine, but in overall good shape. I have been a Mako guy for many years, but I am looking to make a move. What is your overall opinion of this ERA of Seacraft? Is it equivalent to the 70's Seacraft? Would lover your feedback.

[DonV]

Wondering what power?? O/B? What kind? Hull only?

[jongolds]

I was looking for a 23' WAC Mako when I stumbled on my 73 SeaCraft Tsunami.

From the boats that I trialed, the SeaCraft had far superior performance with less HP. The Mako's had far more amenities in the cabin (full heads, some included a shower, microwaves, convertible table/berth). Mako's had standup headroom too.

None of that stuff mattered much to me though and it all added a lot of weight and took up a lot of room.

When I found the Tsunami/Sceptre, the cabin had a berth and porta-potti for kids/stuff and a wide open deck. The open real estate in the cockpit makes the boat very adaptable. It feels roomier than a lot of 26' boats in the cockpit. It's the first thing everyone comments on. There's just an amazing amount of room for a boat in this size range.

Most people seem to be happy with a single large OB (225hp+) on these boats. The Mako's that I looked at started at twin 150hp OBs and went up from there. Even with the HP, they were not as fast or quick to plane.

I loved the Mako WAC's. I just loved the Tsunami more once I found it. If over-nighting is part of your plans, you may like the Mako better though there seem to have been some 27' SeaCrafts on here lately that might be worth looking at first.

[Tr91mako231]

I am a current Mako 231 center console owner. This boat has kind of just fallen into my lap. It's an 88 with an Evinrude Ficht/Bombadier 200 HP with 651 hours on it, and a trailer sufficient for local trailering only. Again, the hull appears to be good. The deck has no soft spots, but is a little tattered. I am a little concerned about the motor, but I am told that since it's newer than 2000, it's fine. I just don't know. He is only asking $5900.00 so it may be worth the gamble.

[kmoose]

That's a great price for the most under rated layout of the SeaCraft fleet.

[Bertram87]

I was always a Bertram guy. Had a 28 as our family boat from when I was 15 to 30. Loved the boat especially the amenities for staying overnight. That being said we had to sell when my father passed away and I couldn't afford the upkeep. Fast forward 10 years and I just bought my first 1984 SeaCraft Sceptre it was in rough shape and has a way to go with mechanics and electrical rewire, but it has to be one of the best rides I've ever been on for a 23. I would say its comparable to the 28 with smoothness. I'm powered with twin 150 Johnson OBs which are tired and gas guzzlers, so the plan is a bracket with a 300 OB. I'm sure it will solve the gas issues and free up even more space in the cockpit. As for amenities I agree it's not too luxurious, but it's better then a center console. There's lockable storage for a couple of small rods and a portable head if needed. Maybe be able to take nap when fishing for long hours. My goal though is to tear off the windshield and maybe glass about 10" up to minimize any bigger spray. Then build a small console and put a couple of seats between the console and the cabin. I have small kids and it's nerve wracking when they are behind you and your running. Plus it will give a little coverage under the top from the sun and Northeast cold nights fishing for strippers. All in all GREAT boat from trailering, cruising, drifting and fishing. Best of luck!