Ride of a 20SF

Seacraft84 · #1 01-08-2010, 11:59 AM

Has anyone rode in both the older 20SF, and the older 20SF with the reverse chine. I know some of the early 80s have the reverse chine and did not know if it rode better than say the 70s models without the reverse chine.

Fr. Frank · #2 01-08-2010, 02:22 PM

I've ridden in both extensively. The model with the added lifting chine on the bow pops on plane just a bit faster, but has a slightly harsher/rougher entry in a moderate to heavy chop. Once on plane in a light to moderate chop, the ride is the same.

mnwnvc · #3 01-08-2010, 03:15 PM

Fr. Frank- Do you know what year the design change occurred?

Michael

Seacraft84 · #4 01-08-2010, 04:57 PM

Thanks Fr. Frank.
So in your opinion does the hull without the reverse chine ride alittle better.
Do you know if they have about the same degree in the V at the front.

Fr. Frank · #5 01-10-2010, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Fr. Frank- Do you know what year the design change occurred?
Michael

I think the 1st year with was '74. I had a '73 23' CC without the chine. I also had a '74 Tsunami that had it.

Fr. Frank · #6 01-10-2010, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Thanks Fr. Frank.
So in your opinion does the hull without the reverse chine ride alittle better.
Do you know if they have about the same degree in the V at the front.

Yes, I prefer the hull w/o the chine. I think they have the same degree of V, but I don't know that.

Seacraft84 · #7 01-10-2010, 03:42 PM

Thanks Fr.Frank. I maybe getting ready to trade a cuddy GW i own now for a 83' 20SF. Then may buy a 72' hull that needs some work. Was just wondering which one to keep.

Fr. Frank · #8 01-11-2010, 10:44 AM

While I like Grady's for their strength, sea-keeping ability and fishability, I would rather have either SeaCraft. As for the difference in the chine's on an '83 vs. a '72, I wouldn't choose a boat on just that basis. For instance, the '72 hull came only with a 20" transom, which is absolutely minimal with today's heavier motors; figure on redoing and raising the transom. If however, the very best possible ride is your goal, regardless of other modifications of repairs that may be necessary, then go for the '72 eventually. It may be, however, that you come to like the newer hull just fine. In that case, you're golden!

Seacraft84 · #9 01-11-2010, 10:55 AM

Either one I keep will have a make over this coming up winter. Enclosed transom, new raised floor, bracket, etc.. I had an 1984 23' Seacraft a couple years ago and redid it. It was documented on here under "1984 23 Floor Porject". Had to sell it due to the time (new wife, new baby.. ). Wish I had it back. I ended up raising the floor 3" to accomadate a 4-stroke later on. Want to get back to a Seacraft but with gas probably going back up this year and everything I want to stay with the 20SF this time around. Plus when I do a 23' agian it will have twins..
And the Grady is a good boat, just not for me.
Thanks for the feed back..

workinpr0gress · #10 01-11-2010, 11:41 AM

Definitely do the SeaCraft, you'll be part of a fraternity of people in "The Know" rather than being in the community college of Grady White. GW's are well made quality boats but don't really seem to perform with the top of the heap like their price tag the last thirty years warrants. Personally I think of GW like a fishing version of a SeaRay and if I never saw either again I'd be ok. They seem to do a lot of things well but none great. That being said the 19 to 22 tournament bowrider, especially bracketed is my favorite Grady. It doesn't matter which SC hull you go with it will perform much better than the Grady.