SeaCraft Ride Vs Regulator & Contender

peterb · #1 02-16-2010, 12:07 AM

Looking at getting a bigger sled. How do you think the ride of a 27' SeaCraft CC with twin 250's and an enclosed transom/bracket, compares against a 26' Regulator and a 31' Contender?

I want to be able to use the new boat up to 100 miles offshore, weather permitting of course.

Don't be shy with your responses.

Thanks,

Peter

workinpr0gress · #2 02-16-2010, 12:14 AM

The 27 you speak of is wide isn't it?

Trayder · #3 02-16-2010, 12:16 AM

Having been on all the mentioned boats the 31 Contender would be hard to beat. Its huge compared to the others and the ride in my opinion is best, size has a bit to do with that. I saw the prices on your thread on THT and again at 43K the 31 contender would be tough to beat. There was one with 4 strokes in Florida for 46K, granted they had 3K hours on them.

peterb · #4 02-16-2010, 12:59 AM

I was riding in a friend's 31'Contender this past fall a number of times.

Very impressive ride. No problems doing 30+ Knots in seas, that I would have to stay betwen 20 and 25 Knots in (in my 23 footer).

Jason, in your opinion would the 30 foot Jupters and Intrepids offer similar rides to the Contender?

Peter

Trayder · #5 02-16-2010, 01:26 AM

I have only been on a 26 Intrepid great boat fast as heck and finished better than most but the owner moved up to a 27 Contender and never looked back as the Contender was more fishing oriented and I think that is what you are looking for, no? I have not been on a Jupiter 31 but been on a few Venture 34's (a stretched Jupiter 31 with an integrated bracket) and they too are amazing but now you are in a different class of boat.

Fr. Frank · #6 02-16-2010, 08:50 AM

I think the 31 Contender is hard to beat for ride, but I wouldn't buy any made in the last couple of years. I've never been in a 27 Regulator, can't speak to that. I would put the ride of the Intrepid right up there, though.

The 27' SeaCraft has a 9.5' beam, making it more stable at trolling speeds and at rest, but a bit slower in any sort of building sea. Not a problem, generally, unless you're fishing the SKA events occasionally. I think the SeaCraft is more family/fishing oriented, but may be showing a bias, here.

noffy48 · #7 02-16-2010, 11:49 AM

How would you guys compare the rough water ride of a seacraft 23 vs regulator 23?

76Savage · #8 02-16-2010, 12:42 PM

Last July my 60 year old back could not take the ride anymore. I purchased a Grady White 30' Marlin with F250's. I owned a 31' Bertram in the late 1970's, this Grady rides better (aks drier) than the Bertram. Round trip out of Charleston SC (65 miles offshore) 130 galons of fuel.

Just my 2 cents.

Basspond · #9 02-16-2010, 02:06 PM

I have never been on a 27 SeaCraft but I fish regularly on a Contender and although it is a little rockier on the drift it really rides great. Also, as mentioned of those three boats the Contender is much bigger. You would easily be able to fish the canyon in all three of those boats, but might be a little more comfortable in the 31.

If I ever have the $$$ to move up from my 20 I'd love to have a 23T contender.

76Red18 · #10 02-16-2010, 05:01 PM

I've never ridden on any of those on your list but I have spent some time on a Contender 25 and a 23' SeaCraft. Contender had more room of coarse but the SeaCraft is more stable. My 100 mile offshore dream boat would be an old 33' Egg Harbor with the super structure removed, a big center console and twin turbo diesels with enough ponies to let her cruise at about 40 kts. One bad azz Savage and weather wouldn't be a factor. Theres an old decrepit one at Pineland Marina I'd love to get my hands on. Keep dreamin Red