Re: Classic vs new
 

Yes I have seen your boat and I love what you've done it her.

Love the console and I intend to get one from Mike @ wildfire soon.

I wish mine looks 1/2 as nice as your when I'm done

Re: Classic vs new
 

35K is way too much!! If you're going to pay someone to do all the work then maybe . . . but that figure is really high. Personally I like the new 20 seacrafts with the flush deck . . . especially the coffin box edition :)


If 35k is your budget . . . You're options are very good. (i.e. 23 seacraft with a new 250 suzuki or used Contender 21)

Re: Classic vs new
 

It all depends on what you want in the final product. There are $15 rod holders and there are $85 rod holders. You can cut all manner of economic corners, but if you use the best ingredients, a pimped out old 20' that rivals or outdoes the new ones is going to cost something.

Re: Classic vs new
 

New v. Old...

I'd say go with a old boat and either restore it yourself, if you have the time, passion, energy and skill, or have it professionally restored by an experienced SC restoration crew.

If you restore an old boat, you will be getting a truly custom one-off boat. It will be as unique as your signature. The new production line boats can't claim that.

Second: Quality. I hate to bash Sea Craft, but they no longer have as great reputation they once had. The quality levels are seriously down. Like I said, I'm sorry to say something negative about these boats, but I've personally known people who had them, and had nothing but trouble.

Third: Warranty you say. Sure it looks good on paper, but will they really honor it. As a legal professional I can tell you that many companies issue warranties, but end up either not honoring it at all, or honoring it halfheartedly hoping you'll give up and leave them alone. It's a lot easier for a large company like Tracker to screw with you then it is for a small restoration shop. Furthermore, a small restoration shop usually relies on word of mouth....so you know the job is done right, and if for some reason something happens later on, it will be fixed.

Third, and MOST IMPORTANTLY: If you restore a classic Sea Craft, you own a small piece of American maritime history!

Re: Classic vs new
 

Mark - That's true!! There are ways to keep cost down and keep quality of the restore high. Ebay, Dania Flea market, Marine Connection Liquidators, etc . . . edsmarinesuperstore or Pelicans Nest Marina. All that's required is time . . . my point is that you can do a restore for a lot less than 35k . . . it's just not going to look as beautiful as Mark's boat. :)

Re: Classic vs new
 

Bigshrimpin,

I'd be the first to agree that you can spend far less than $35K. Mine was perfectly functional when I bought it, but it didn't compare very well against a new one. With some work and upgrades, the old ones can compare favorably next to the new ones as is the case with many that have been profiled on this site.

Re: Classic vs new
 

Could it be the Federal Witness Protection Program? :D
See ya, Ken

Re: Classic vs new
 

As grady has said . . . A warranty from Tracker is not worth much.

Re: Classic vs new
 

Thanks all for the advice. You said exactly what I thought you would(and afraid you would). Yes Ikan I have seen your boat before an chatted with you via mail. I am JWB and I also (for resons yet to be told) now am Fiasco. Your boat (and comments) keep me on this track. I'm afraid I will also go to your extreme in re doing the boat when I find one.......just my nature. Anyway, best advice I saw was again Ikan's. Buy an 18 or a 20 in addition to the project and slowly have it done my way while enjoying the SC. Punt the original boat at the end. As far as me doing the work....I cannot even change oil without calling 911. So project has to be done by the guys in Stuart or someone in their class. Never expected a deal, just had to ask the painful question.

Re: Classic vs new
 

Classic vs New,My project started as a Broke steering arm,While the motor was off the transom needed some luv, then paint, then well Just everything. I tried to put the best of everything I could knowing the Warranty would come from that Manufacture instead of a Company tring to get another company to stand behind theirs.If something happens aboard I know what, where & how to fix it.She should last quite a few more centuries too!The Older ones still turn Heads faster in bad or eXcelent shape. :) How much do I have in it Well --Yea right -- My WIFE may read this !
Surveyor appraised replacement cost at $30,000 at the time, More than a week old - New one would appraise at !
Tug :cool: