How are the newer hulls, I was looking at a 1989, 18 sf on eBay?

They didn't make a 19', so it's probably a 20'. The 20' hulls made in the '80s, first by Seacraft Industries, then by Tracker, have some changes from the Potter 20. They are 8" longer, have a 25" transom instead of 20", and have a slight hook in the hull, presumably to help keep the bow down with the heavier motors that had become available by then. Their fit and finish is comparable to the Potter boats. Because they are newer, you may be able to find one in better condition than a Potter.

If it's an 18', I don't know if there are any differences from the Potter boats.
Dave

The only ride comparable to a SeaCraft I have ever found/experienced is a newer (2003+) Sailfish 21, 23, or 26, all of which use the Moesly VDH hull design.

Contender? great boat, still lands hard in short wave period swells.
Regulator? smooth ride up to 3', then starts to bow jack in any steep swell.
Intrepid? See Contender above.
Scout? Stable, but pounds in any kind of a cross sea.
80's era Mako 238 or 258? Lands hard in a choppy swell mix, always.

And as for the New Mako 234? Got a ride in November in the Keys. It was great in a moderate chop, and choppy swells averaging 2-3, but when the swell got above 3' offshore, the flats on the hard chines slammed the hull pretty hard at any approach angle, and the whole boat shuddered. Near Sombrero Light, we actually had to come off plane in 3-5' seas with a 4 sec. wave period, even with trim tabs.

Jupiter 31...i think the console in the 80's 18 is much nicer than the earlier ones

I had a 78' 23 Mako years ago that was a great boat in the Florida Keys. I completely agree with the pounding in 3-5' as stated above. I would want to call a chiropractor after a day fishing on the hump. I now have a 77' 23 c/c Seacraft. Is there really a comparison?

My buddy has a 377 Intrepid with triple 300's which is awesome. Funny how he always loves going out on my SeaCraft. Blown away by the ride of the hull in a boat of this size.

I'm bias - But SeaCraft all day. I would spend the extra money and get something from the 70's. You will not be disappointed.

Thanks for all the feedback, I am now on the hunt for either an 18 or 20 Potter Hull in good shape.

You won't be waiting in line alone for either of these. My advice is to make sure you have a paypal account with funds ready to make a deposit. The only thing "bargain" shopping will get you is more time without the boat you want. Don't worry though, the perfect boat always pops up right after you buy your first one..... for $1000 less than you paid. :D

MTCW is spend the most money you have and get the best for the $...don't worry if its a Potter or any other era Seacraft...they are all old enough so that if there were any problems they have been addressed.

And big ditto what kmoose said.

What are your thoughts on Reggie Fountain hulls? I spent allot of time offshore in a 31 and to this day feel it was one of the most amazing head and quartering sea hulls I had ever been on.

I have a parishioner who owns a '96 Fountain 31' with twin Merc 225's. Because even with K-planes his boat's planing angle changes drastically below 22 mph, the ride in this boat in 3'-5' seas does not measure up to the SeaCraft. In fact, his next-door neighbor has a Sailfish 26' with twin 200 Etecs that he agrees gives a smoother ride in seas above 3' at 20-25 mph.

But in 2'-3', the 31' Fountain can cruise along at 35-40 mph with only the occasional hard landing, which feat I would not try in a 23' SeaCraft, but would have no fear to do in a 25' Seafari, or 27' Seacraft.

I have yet to ride in a newer 32' SeaCraft, so I can't speak to these boats.