SeaCraft 20' questions

Rlbol · #1 03-21-2009, 11:11 PM

So first of want to say what a great site this is!!
I have been reading and reading post here and now have a few questions.
I am pretty sure I am looking for a 70's to early 80's 20 foot. My question is what are the differences? I have seen what looks like a few different CC as well as a walk around. I have also read about some different models on here as well. So what are the differences? I am mostly looking for a boat fish inshore as well as closer offshore on nice days but also have fun with the family in the intercostal as well as bringing it down to the keys on some weekends. I live in palm beach florida and have noticed a lot of people from this area, I am hoping to also spend some time at peanut island on the weekends with the kids. from the looks of the 23' they seems to be much larger ad deeper gunnels and V then i will need. It seems like it would be a bit of a hand full fishing in smaller canals. Is this correct thinking? Any suggestions and ideas would be greatly appreciated!! Also if any one knows of a decent hull or complete boat at a reasonable price that would be great!

Caymanboy · #2 03-22-2009, 07:04 AM

I'ma newbie compared to most on this site and I'm sure more will chime in with much more in depth views. You are correct, the 23' is a bigger fish, different animal, I have 20' cc 1970, just got done on the restore, if you go to the repairs section you can see the redo by caymanboy or look at Stricks redo, he is the master, anyhoo, there is a difference in the CC models, one is a sf the other is a ma, the main differnce I belive is freeboard, once you get past certain years they are no longer potter hulls, which then they loose the classic desination. When buying one, make sure the transom and deck are sound, the older ones the decks didn't drain with 2 people in the boat, check the ft laud craigs list, there a couple there. good luck, you'll love the boat, I love mine!!!

Fr. Frank · #3 03-22-2009, 04:06 PM

There are four different 20' models.

The 20' Superfisherman center-console, often called just the SF.
The 20' Master Angler center console, also called the MA.
The 20' Sceptre dual-console, and
the 20' Seafari cuddy cabin model.

Of them all, the 20' Seafari is by far the most versatile and balanced layout.

The MA and SF differ in their liner and cap, but the hull is the same. Dixon, aka "Egg Suckin Dog" has a MA. Ken, aka "No Bones" has a SF. Other than that, the guys who have one'll have to tell you more. [img]/forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Blue197320 · #4 03-22-2009, 04:42 PM

ive got a 73 20 sf and it is just about the perfect boat for me. i use it for fishing inshore and offshore.. you just have to pick your days. i use to go out to the sandbars and hang out too. ive got a t-top on it and it is just a great boat for me.

Quote:

Of them all, the 20' Seafari is by far the most versatile and balanced layout.

i wonder why you would think that???

Rlbol · #5 03-22-2009, 04:45 PM

thanks for the replies
So I understand the differences in the cuddy and the dual console, but what are the differences in the SF and MA?

GroveGuy · #6 03-22-2009, 06:01 PM

Check out this page on the main site which shows examples of the different 20' layouts:

http://www.classicseacraft.com/20Footers.htm

I concur that the Seacraft 20 is an incredibly versatile boat. I can take the kids to splash at the sandbar, fish the shallows of Florida Bay, and go trolling offshore in this boat all in the same day. Equally impressive is that you don't need as much horsepower (and fuel) to push these hulls as you might think, many folks around here are quite satisfied with 90 to 130HP.

Michael Vezzosi · #7 03-22-2009, 07:03 PM

Not sure if you can pick up the raised portion of the cap, roughly three inches above the rub rail. Not a whole lot of difference really. Hope this helps. Part II.

fdheld34 · #8 03-22-2009, 08:03 PM

I am being pulled towards a 23'

But... have to say nothing like the versatility of a 20'
-Fred

Michael Vezzosi · #9 03-22-2009, 09:32 PM

I've pondered the same thing until three weeks ago. Went and looked at a very nice one on Georgia coast. I've fished Miles Offshore's inboard 23 but that was my only experience with a 23.

This boat out of the water and on its trailer was a bit overwhelming. To scale its almost identical to a 20, but it is a LOT more boat. Twins, fuel system and consumption, bracket, boat storage, vehicle to trailer, trailer brakes, maintenance/replacement, well and pump systems, electronics, t-top, and general boat maintenance was not just tinkering anymore. Really made me appreciate my 20.

As a trailer guy, with garage kept boats, this simply cannot be a one man launch/retrieval boat. Honestly, I don't have the friends, means, or interest to fish offshore anymore. For those who do, I'm certain this would be the next boat for me.

McGillicuddy · #10 03-22-2009, 11:10 PM

Seafari 20 or Sceptre 20 would likely serve you well with family. Cuddy cabins are nice for sleeping, changing, porta potti, or getting out of the weather. May be a couple in your neighborhood CL. Fish hard, tow skiers and run on snotty days at will. As one of the guys on the site is prone to state its not a small craft - its a SeaCraft. Maybe fdheld34 might sell you his Seafari since he's looking to go bigger. It looks really nice, fresh every thing...
Good luck - great boats.