Upgrade Help Needed 20 Sea Craft to 23 Sea Craft

[GradySailfish]

Hi guys, anyway I must say that after finishing my 20 Master Angler I got the Sea Craft bug and I want to upgrade. The 20 is an awesome boat and I sold my bigger boat because it was getting no use as the SC was getting all the use. Anyway, now I kinda regret it because I want something a bit larger under me for when the weather kicks up and gets cold and I'm thinking 23 might just do the trick.

So my question is, just how big of an improvement is there between the 20 and the 23. I have never ridden on a 23 and hope to bum a ride from someone on LI (any takers...I'll chip in for gas/bait/beer)

I'd of course be looking for a project so I can close the transom, hang a bracket with a single 225 or 250 or buy a 23 inboard and drop a small 230 hp diesel in her.

Thanks in advance
-Alex

[FELLOW-SHIP]

Ha Grady

I have had several guys on my 23 CC that also bum trips on lots of different kinds of boats. Most of these guys tell me that my boat rides better than all 25-26’ they have been on and one guy said it rides like a 28’. The bottom of the 23 is set up for Big Water although the insides of the boat is still just 23’ I find that 3 guys fit good and # 4 starts getting crowded. The other thing is that 23’ will start coming out of the water in 3-5 footers because you can run it at higher RPM / Speeds.



FellowShip

………………………

Just for the Grins

Official Antique Classic SeaCraft Owner

[riprunner]

I really can't speak for the outboard version but the inboard boat rides and feels like a much larger boat than a 20. In fact it rides and feels much larger than most other 23 foot boats. If you are ever on the Cape, You are more than welcome to come for a ride.

[NoBones]

Alex, If you think the 20 rides great a 23 will blow
you away.....
There are a bunch of 23 project boats out there right
now CHEAP!!!!
Here is one example on ebay right now..
I think this boat belongs to a CSC member eBay
See ya, Ken

[strick]

Alex-

Having owned both I can tell you It's a whole different beast... You will not be disappointed with a 23cc. Your boat will elegantly blow by other boats in the same size range when it's snotty.. They are an aggressive and stylish fishing machine. If you go far off shore get some curtains if you get the cc. Another option is the sceptre...there is a lot of cockpit space in these boats. DONT SELL YOUR 20 a man needs two boats!

strick

[SteveH]

I have owned both as well. It certainly is a different beast. the 1978 20ft MA angler my dad and I had handled the rough water extremely well. We went 40 miles offshore on days we really should not have. I do recall one day in the early 80's going offshore (approx. 25 miles) in our 20 footer and two other boats were with us. Our friend had his 23 seacraft with twin 115 mercs. It got real sloppy on the way in, and our friend with the 23 s/c had to keep powering down so our boat and another friend in a 21 mako could keep up in the rough water. Needless to say, It made an impression on me. I now own a 23 s/c. The 20 is a fantastic vessel, but there certainly is a difference in bigger waves. The only problem is that one may need a bigger truck to pull it around. It is about twice the weight.. I am assuming that this is not a problem though for you since you previously owned a bigger boat. ..... good luck!

[GradySailfish]

Thanks for the replies guys. The my 20 really impressed me with her performance. I find myself going out when I really should not and going to places that I really shoulden't be. The boat, although only 20 foot, builds confidence in you. Steve, my MA is a 78. Maybe my boat is your old boat !

The 20 rides better then my 25 Grady did ! However I do really regret selling my 26 Fortier. I doubt there are any other 26 foot boats that ride like a straight inboard diesel downeaster. Hence my dilema, buy and rebuild a 23 SC and sell the 20, or wait a year or two and buy another 26 foot class downeast style boat and hang onto the 20. (I'm fortunate enough to live on a canal so dockage is not an issue)

Anyway, its not the ability to carry several people that is the issue for me. I usually fish alone or with one other guy. Roominess is not why I would upgrade, I just want a bit more boat under me when I'm in the ocean. Plus right now I don't have a T-top on the 20, hence no curtains, so fishing off Long Island in November and December....well it gets kinda cold ! lol

I'm glad to have heard from guys who owned boat. Thats the comparison I need. Next I really need to get a ride on a 23. Any local Long Islanders willing to take me for a ride ?

Nobones, that is a nice candidate for a full restoration, but its a bit far as its in Texas.

-Alex

[EVERGREEN]

Alex,

I might be able to help you out. I have a 1985 23 CC and I’m looking to trade down in size to a master angler. I had a 20 for many years and fished Long Island Sound with it. It was a fine boat for inshore and moderate weather conditions offshore. When I purchased the 23 a few years ago I found it was a totally different animal. It will easily handle anything your willing to take on. My primary interest in the 23 was to chase tuna south of Block Island; unfortunately I haven’t had much time for it. The boat is set up with twin Yamaha outboards has a t-top, curtains new electronics, and many updates. Not sure where you are located but I am in Southeastern CT, boat is on the hard now but once its in the water I would be happy to take you for a spin. If you were looking for a trade, depending on the condition of your boat I would consider a trade for your boat and cash.

[BigLew]

Sounds like the makings of a winner! A possible willing buyer and a possibly willing seller!

Good luck guys. Let us all know what happens!

[eggsuckindog]

The 23 is just a whole lot bigger, just a different world - needs at least 250 and if you find a deal on a 300 Etec that would be a serious ticket. Not that they run with less they just handle different, the hull gets up on the deeper chines quicker or something.