Sportcraft 272 - The Hull Truth

martignetti · 02-13-2006, 01:18 PM

Does anyone have any experience or knowledge of late model Sportcraft's ? Looking at a 2001 27 footer, and would like some feedback on ride and quality.

Thanks !

jmardo · 02-13-2006, 06:39 PM

My last boat was a 2001 sportcraft 261. I think the difference between what I had and what you are looking at is a full hard enclosure if I remember right.

As far as quality goes, I had a lot of trouble with my Mercruiser, but you can't blame that on Sportcraft.

Only real "boat" issue was a sliced wire to the aft bilge pump, but not sliced all the way thru. Pump would work via helm switch but not from float. I discovered this after a heavy rain, harbormaster thought the boat was sinking on my mooring, but he boarded it, turned the batterys on, and pumped it down.

Another issue I had was the clamps used on the Merc. I don't know if this is a Merc issue or a Sportcraft installation problem, but they are funny looking stainless steel clamps, and the hoses are only single clamped. I had the clamp on the output side of the raw water pump snap one day while out drift fishing... when I started up to go home, the pump blew the hose off, I darn near sank myself... very exciting.

After three years in the water, I was starting to worry about the plastic thruhulls (not sure they were plastic but they wern't bronze, stainless, or other metal...

Boat was also very heavy... make sure you get the 7.4l. Mine was 5.7l and with more than 4 persons aboard, it struggled to get on plane.

As far as ride was concerned, it was good thru 3 footers, after that... very painful, had to slow way down.... If I recall correctly, the deadrise is only 13 degrees so this isn't a surprise

If you have specific questions, feel free to ask

Joe

Lady Bridge II · 02-13-2006, 06:51 PM

I have a 1998 27' sportcraft with a single 7.4 L mercruiser inboard. I bought it form a retiring charter captain here on Lake Erie. The sportcraft is /was a very popular Lake Erie six pack charter boat.

I bought the boat with 300 hours and now have 1000 hours on the engine. I've had no problems, just regular maintenance such as water pump impellor.

I normally cruise around 22mph and get about 1.5 mpg. Top speed is around 30mph but then really burns the fuel. The hardtop is nice on those cold spring and fall days.

The boat is nice for fishing Lake Erie, but obviously the company went out of business for some reason..

thunder · 02-13-2006, 08:29 PM

I have a 1998 WA 26' I do alot of inshore fishing no more than 20 miles out. The boat is a great boat for the family also. tubing or just hanging out. Not the fastest boat. I have the 5.7 I cruise about 25-27 mph. Tops out at 35. The hardtop is built very well also the hull is solid like a rock. Gel coat is not the greatest. There is alot of room on these boats. There not the best but for the the money you cant go wrong. There is alot worse out there for alot more money. If I can answer anymore ?S let me know.

piratemike · 02-14-2006, 08:11 PM

I dont have a 27ft sportcraft, but I can tell you about the boat company..I have a 89 205 wac that I have had since new! I now live in fla, but owned the boat on capecod for years and beat the liveing daylights outta the thing!!! i have been 50 miles from port and never felt like I would not be safe in that boat even with waves comeing over the bow the water would quickly go out the scuppers and I would just ride it out behind the cuddy. I keep the boat for relatives to use when they visit and she is always ready to go! .before you go and think im a risk nut...noooo way,,, I am a pro captain and am currently run a 65ft vikeing and fish a 46 ocean everyweeked..all I am saying is that if I had to be in the stuff with a boat I would not fret if that boat was a sportcraft .......IMHO Capt .Mike good luck and tight lines

martignetti · 02-14-2006, 08:41 PM

Thanks everyone for your reply's....... a few more questions: How does it do on a drift ?..... I have heard that the hull is solid, but cheap accessories, is that your experience ?.......Anyone have any rot issues ? If you sold it, did you get killed with deprciation (although this one is heavily dep already I hope)

I live on the Chesepeake Bay, and have had outboards exclusively, so I am a little concerned that it draws almost 3 feet. Additionally, just the handling differences of versus the outboard.

Seems to be a nice compromise between fishing and family, and alot of boat for the $$$.

Thanks for everyone's input !!

Lady Bridge II · 02-16-2006, 06:02 PM

Happy Days Boating located in Port Clinton Ohio has sold many Sportcrafts to Lake Erie charter captains. I don't know their number but a search could find their website. I'm sure they could share some info on sportcrafts.

Prior to the last 5 years, many charters on Lake Erie were drifters (instead of trollers).

It takes a bit of practice to dock with the single screw but thats why they have bumpers.

thunder · 02-19-2006, 10:29 PM

I have not had any rot problems. The only real problem is in the live well. There is no gasket around the door so if the boat gets hit with a large wave or wake the water poors out of the closed door. I am going to install a gasket this year to see if this will stop the problem.If The water pours over and it drips on to the starter. You know what saltwater can do to metal.Otherwise great boat for the money.