Regulator vs. Seacraft

SnafuFishTeam · #1 06-04-2014, 08:15 AM

Ok, my best friend is in the market for a 23' boat and has decided between a 23' Seacraft or a 23' regulator. Now while I am a Seacraft guy all day, these boat look very similar and appears that the owner of Regulator was an avid Seacraft guy prior to starting regulator. Any comments on the difference in ride given the very differnt bottoms of the boat? Most likely the Seacraft would be a early 2000's as he is not interested inn the rebuild process like my 1977.

Any other pros or cons? The only negative I have with the regulator is the step up in the hull about mid ship. Just seems like a tripping hazard to me. Otherwise a great boat.

zendora · #2 06-04-2014, 10:06 AM

Fished a 26 Reg once, was impressed with the ride and build quality. Never been on a post-Potter Seacraft but I don't think a Tracker will compare to the build quality of a Regulator. The Reg will be a lot heavier, 6" wider, will have more fuel capacity and will require more power.

You'll get better feedback if you can provide some more specifics of both boats - year of the Reg, hp, hours, OB vs. I/O, if OB transom or bracket mount, etc. A Google search will also give you some existing threads on this topic.

If you had asked about an inboard Potter SeaCraft Vs. any 23, I could give you a real short (perhaps biased) answer.

Good luck,
Mike

SnafuFishTeam · #3 06-04-2014, 10:31 AM

Single outboard power and any year from the early 2000's and up on the regulator.

Beam difference is about 2", weighs about 1000lbs more and carries a bit more fuel on the regulator. I have run 25' tracker seacrafts for years and they were good boats before they moved the factory.

Any insight into why this boat has a step up in the floor? The only real thing that bothers me about the regulator.

flyingfrizzle · #4 06-04-2014, 11:29 AM

I am a big fan of Regulator and even a bigger fan of the old SeaCrafts, but talking newer boats 2000 year and up it would be hard to say. I don't normally get evolved in the seacraft vs other brand post but here it goes for what it is worth. If he was wanting something larger I would say the 26 Regulator hands down due to the seacraft 25 is just mainly a 23 with a intergraded bracket on it. The 26 is a larger boat and is what put reg on the map. That's model is what made them so popular and well known. They are very good built boats and are made near where I live here in NC. A friend of mine worked there doing paint work for them and said that in the last few years the fit and finish has fell off some and they are not building them as good as they used to. Better materials but the craftsmanship has fell off. I wouldn't mind getting one of the earlier 26 classics with out the forward seating, but talking about the 23' boats I would say there are pro's and con's to both. The Reg has a 24 deg dead rise that makes them great running in ruff water but makes them roll at rest bad. The seacraft bottom with the VDH is much better at rest. Both boats handle white water well and both have good rides but I think the seacraft is a little softer riding boat. Far as build quality I don't think you will have problems with either brand. The older 23' regs have a transom mount motor or bracket where the 24' reg is basically a 23 with a euro transom. I think you can get the seacraft either way as well in the 2000 year up boats. I don't like the step up in the regulators either but that will give you more storage space forward by having the raised deck forward. If storage is not a big deal some make them flat when they replace the decks on the older models. I know if you run twins regulator dose not like the weight of 4 strokes on the rear. It would need a floatation bracket to help with the weight. I think it all comes down to what type of boating you do and what would fit your use the best.

SnafuFishTeam · #5 06-04-2014, 01:23 PM

I complete agree with your assessment. I love the 26' as well because of the enclosed transom with a bracket!!

So the huge step up is just to get a larger fish box/ storage? In the 26 it is in front of the console which makes it much better. In the 23' it's in the middle of the console. Just seems stupid to me.....

Boatboy6 · #6 06-04-2014, 02:03 PM

I think some of the 26's had it mid console as well.

ct9amr · #7 06-06-2014, 09:23 AM

I am not sure about the older 23 regulators but the new one has an loa of 25 or 26ft.

Sullivan21 · #8 06-06-2014, 11:24 PM

I just came from my marina and a guy has a brand new 26 regulator, I have to say it is one hell of a boat, full bracket stock, that gorgeous flare in the bow. IMHO it doesn't have those sleek lines like the SCs do, I know Regs are Great and the new 23s come with a stock bracket I understand which, is probably incredible but I'll take my SC 23 all day every day. I love SeaCrafts they have soul!

Basspond · #9 06-11-2014, 04:25 PM

When it was time to upgrade from my previous two Potter hull 20 SeaCrafts I went to the 23 Regulator and I absolutely love the boat. The 23 SeaCraft is obviously another great 23 but at the time I just didn't want to get into trying to find a 23 that was restored to my standards, etc. so I went with the Regulator.

From what I understand the Regulator won't be as fast with comparable power, nor will it be quite as efficient as the SeaCraft but I do find mine to be quite stable at rest for it's deadrise and the ride is oustanding. I do also like the fact that my 23 (a 2001) holds 184 gal of fuel.

I have a single F250 and cruise between 26 and 28 knots getting 2.4 mpg loaded to run offshore.

FishStretcher · #10 06-12-2014, 11:20 AM

I read somewhere that the regulator 26 is being phased out for the 25. So resale on a modern 26 should be good for the next few years. I don't own a 23 Seacraft so can't offer a technical opinion.