23' Sceptre 1987

TRS2000 · #1 04-29-2002, 05:42 PM

Looking for advice:

I have been searching for a 23' SeaCraft for the past couple of years. I would prefere an open fish. The family would like a small cabin so the
compromise is the 23 Sceptre. I found this boat in CT (see link below) and looks real clean with a new motor. Price is little high. Based on your
knowledge is this year a good year. The boat Hull Id shows SICR 87. I beleive this is prior to Tracker purchasing SeaCraft in the 1980's. Not
sure if this would be a wise choice. I am also looking at 1980 23' Tsunami in Boston, Cape Cod. I would really apreciate your thoughts.

http://jbyachtsales.com/broker/br_li...any=jbyachtsal
es&url=&boat_id=921101&align=left&units=Feet&page= broker&currency=USD&access
=Public&listing_id=55049&mls_true=

capesams · #2 04-29-2002, 06:45 PM

trs2000:

1. I'd pick the 1980 over the 87
2. I'm not a merc man [sorry scott]
3. broker's get to much $ to do nothing.
they take your $ and say have a nice
day, and oh by the way your on your
own , any problem's don't call us.
4. you should be able to find a cuddy for
alot less than 25g's.but then again I
don't know if your looking to find one
that's turn key. or you want one to
fix up.
5. any more details on the 1980
6. a few more details on how much you
you want to spend, how far you will
travel, i'm sure we'll all keep an eye
out for you, and when may you need
need this boat.........steve....PS.

WELCOME ABOARD

[ April 29, 2002, 05:51 PM: Message edited by: steve ]

TRS2000 · #3 04-29-2002, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by steve:
trs2000:

1. I'd pick the 1980 over the 87
2. I'm not a merc man [sorry scott]
3. broker's get to much $ to do nothing.
they take your $ and say have a nice
day, and oh by the way your on your
own , any problem's don't call us.
4. you should be able to find a cuddy for
alot less than 25g's.but then again I
don't know if your looking to find one
that's turn key. or you want one to
fix up.
5. any more details on the 1980
6. a few more details on how much you
you want to spend, how far you will
travel, i'm sure we'll all keep an eye
out for you, and when may you need
need this boat.........steve....PS.

WELCOME ABOARD

TRS2000 · #4 04-29-2002, 08:04 PM

Thanks Steve

The 23' Tsunami appears to be located by you. Here is the link. We have been looking at new and used boats. Not sure which way to go. I used to be a marine mechanic in the 80's and also sold SeaCraft boats on Long Island. We would like to purchase a boat by June of this year. Travel is not a problem. Getting the boat back to Long Island maybe. I apreciate your reply and your help.

http://www.yachtworld.com/listing/yw...USD&units=Feet

Quote:

Originally posted by steve:
trs2000:

1. I'd pick the 1980 over the 87
2. I'm not a merc man [sorry scott]
3. broker's get to much $ to do nothing.
they take your $ and say have a nice
day, and oh by the way your on your
own , any problem's don't call us.
4. you should be able to find a cuddy for
alot less than 25g's.but then again I
don't know if your looking to find one
that's turn key. or you want one to
fix up.
5. any more details on the 1980
6. a few more details on how much you
you want to spend, how far you will
travel, i'm sure we'll all keep an eye
out for you, and when may you need
need this boat.........steve....PS.

WELCOME ABOARD

SEAFARI · #5 04-29-2002, 10:22 PM

HI TRS2000,
I WOULD LEAN TOWARDS THE 1980 MODEL ALSO.
WHERE ON LONG ISLAND ARE YOU? I FISH OUT
OF SHINNECOCK [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

CHRIS

TRS2000 · #6 04-29-2002, 10:43 PM

We are on the Great South Bay.

What are some pro's and cons for the 1980 versus the 1987 model. Even if price were the same?

Thanks

Scott · #7 04-29-2002, 10:54 PM

TRS2000
Nice to have you on the site....enjoy.

I too would go with the 1980....Not sure and not that there is anything wrong with it but that may be flirting with the Tracker era.....Is that the standard fuel tank on Sceptre (70 gal) seems on the center consoles its 100.

Alot depends on how much you want to work on it to bring something back.....but this allows some custom changes...

Steve....I would have bought the boat if it had OARS [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

JohnB · #8 04-29-2002, 10:56 PM

TRS2000,
I have a 1988 Sceptre, (trakker built seacraft boat). I bought it 3 months ago and other than the normal things on a 15 year old boat (wiring, pluming, etc), it seems to be pretty solid.
From what I have seen, it is epoxy core??? construction with wood only in the transom area.
I believe the older boats had wood in the stringers, etc.
Here is the question, everyone is saying stay away from the 87, and go for the 80. Why is
everyone saying stay awaw from the '87? I won't be offended but if there is a structural,
performance, or safety issue with the '87 could someone enlighten me?
If it is just style, opinion, or nostolgia, that is fine. I looked at about 15 different boats
before I decided on the style, and specific boat. My requirements where offshore fishing
with my family and friends, along with general boating, shrimping, diving, and scalloping.
Thanks in advance.
Heres some shots of my SeaCraft

Scott · #9 04-29-2002, 11:14 PM

Hey John B Nice pics!!!!

As far as why 80 over 87 ... Personally, for me I would say its the price ... The nice thing about the 87 is you are getting a new motor....but the difference in price you could repower the 1980 with whatever you want. Now as for the condition of the 80 over the 87 .... thats something TRS2000 needs to decide....like Steve says Turn key or project boat

As for the stringers.....When I was fortunate enough to talk Bill Potter he informed me that the stringers were foam cored fiberglass with the foam only acting as a mold....with the working load bearing on the fiberglass.

Trayder · #10 04-29-2002, 11:22 PM

JohnB-

That really is a fine looking boat. The only reason I would stay away from the 1987 boat TRS2000 is looking at is because of the Opti-Max. I have no problems with Mercs, I actually think You(JohnB) have a fine engine, the Carb'd and EFI's are great if maintained well, as with all outboards, but the Optimax's of 1999-2001 scare the $hit out of me. The price on that 87 seems a bit high particularly with the Optimax.

John you hit the nail on the head with the issues of an older boat. I think people shy away from the Tracker built boats because of their bad rep. In reality the bad rep cam from the shotty hardware and plumbing that they were outfitted with. After 15 years all of that would have(hopefully) been repalced. The hull design is the same and the construction similar. Wether it be a Potter built or a Tracker built, they both had wood transoms and all fiberglass stringers. Some will argue that the Tracker built boats are inferior but I do not think so. I have conversed with a few marine surveyors and the fundamental structural integrity of a Tracker built SeaCraft is equally as good as the rest. It was the hardware they were originally outfitted with that did not hold up.

Again JohnB that is a fine looking vessel!