Potter Built
 

I am looking to buy a used seacraft. Can anyone tell me what year Potter stopped building seacraft boats? I have heard from 1977 to 1986??? I can't seem to find out what year.......Thanks... also does anyone know what the fundamental difference is between the two?

Re: Potter Built
 

Maek, welcome to CS. He stopped making them middle or end of '79. Someone here probibly has the exact date. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Potter Built
 

Maek, welcome to the board. Finster is right about the end of the Potter era, but if you want the full time line from Carl Moesly to Tracker Marine, check through some of the older threads from last year. I believe it was Jon G that posted it. There aren't any fundamental differences between Potter and CSY/Tracker in hull design/build quality. However, the quality of hardware did go downhill under Tracker in the mid-80's. I have a CSY-built '82 23 Sceptre and the hardware is excellent.

Re: Potter Built
 

Thanks for the responses.......I have fished on a 1986 23 Sceptre, and it just plows through waves and is a very solid well built boat. We down here in the gulf south of Lafayette, La. have to fish regularly 30 miles offshore to find good water and this boat can handle it...I have noticed this Tsunami on Boats.Com from Maryland. This boat is a 23 footer 11,900.00 what do you guys think?

Re: Potter Built
 

I talked to the guy and it sounded if'y. The deck needs to be replaced and the motors have a 1k each. I also have my doughts about the year of the motors. He says he replaced the shift rods two years ago with stainless, but that year should have come from the factory with stainless. It was the early '90's models that had that problem. Offer him 7k see if he bites.

Re: Potter Built
 

Maek: As Finster aptly indicated, people refer to a "Potter" built as a boat built prior to 1980 but the cutoff is 1979, and they are held in somewhat higher regard by many, but not all, then let's say a Tracker built boat, which while maintaining the same hull design, is NOT to be confused with a Potter built...(I'm sure someone will take issue with this)

Re: Potter Built
 

HI MAEK

I owned a 1975 18 footer (Potter Built) and a 1984 20 footer (Tracker) both center consoles.

There was simply no comparison. The Potter Boat was superior in every aspect - construction, finish, handling, ride - you name it. Not that the 84 was a bad boat. Actually it was still hands down better than my buddies 20 foot Mako - it just wasn't a Potter Seacraft.

One day, when I was young and foolish, (until about a week ago - now I'm old and foolish) I ran my 18 out until the Si-tex couldn't reach bottom (it stopped at 250 feet). My best reckoning put me out about 40 miles from my port and about 32 miles from the nearest point of land. You guessed it - on the way home I ran into honest 6 footers. WHen I was in the trough of one, I couldn't see over the top of the next one. I made it back relatively easily - just cut it down to the point of just holding on plane and got home in 2 1/2 hours. Exiting but I don't recommed it.

I now own a 1974 23 CC that I plan to completely restore. When I bought the boat she was fishing. The boat was a trade-in for a new 23 at the nearest SeaCraft dealer. I think the most telling comment on the quality of the earlier boats is that the fellows who worked at the marina were the ones who used it to fish on their days off. They ran out for sharks primarily and the week before I bought her they had taken two 150-200 lb. Makos with her. The reason this fact is so telling is that these guys had their choice of any of the marina demos, including a new 23, a new 25 and a 25 or 27 Boston Whaler and they chose "my" 23. In fact when I went to pay for it they had it at the fuel dock because they were going to go the next day - they were sorry to see her go.

I recommend that you look for a Potter boat and rebuild her. It will cost. By the time I'm done I'll probably have 22-23 thousand into the boat (between purchase price and restoration costs). Most people would think I'm nuts but I know that I'll have the best riding and probably the toughest 23 around. Besides it's my toy and I'll never get another chance.

Best of luck and keep us advised.

Re: Potter Built
 

Otterly,

I hear what you're saying and can't argue with the difference between Potter's build and Tracker. We have my '89 23' stripped completely now. We have found things that I'm not happy about quality wise, as it has added scores of hours to the project.

Here's the thing, if you do your refit and follow high standards, it's as good as a Potter or a new Tracker. It's really about the hull. It's the same mold. The rest is fit and finish.

Who's gonna let their mechanics trash a new demo on a daily basis anyway.

Otto

Re: Potter Built
 

OTTO

No argument if you do the re-fit right which I'm sure you'll do.

But with respect to the real new, new ones (the "mako boats") the hull is indeed changed. The new, new boats (I don't think yours fits into this category)have an 8'6" beam instead of 8'. Six inches isn't much BUT it has to change the shape of the hull. Where are those 6 inches?? If they broadened the "flats" she can't help but pound a little more. And what did they do to the deadrise at the bow to accomodate those inches. If the angle is wider she won't cut the waves as well.

Ever since I owned SUNDANCE (my 18 footer) I've wanted a Potter 23 - well I got her - now I just hope I can afford to do her justice. I figure that by the time I'm done, between purchase price (I overpaid a couple of grand but I don't care) and restoration costs, Ill be into her for about 22-24 thousand. Way too much for a 1974 boat - unless it's a Potter SeaCraft.

Good luck on the re-build and keep me posted.

Re: Potter Built
 

Otterly,

Where the heck is Patchogue?

Otto

Re: Potter Built
 

Otterly - 84 was CSY, right? I think Tracker was a little later...

Patchyogue - that's Lawn Giylin...

Re: Potter Built
 

Sorry, I got a little confused who's who in the Otto-Otterly conversation. [img]images/icons/rolleyes.gif[/img]

Re: Potter Built
 

Finster,

I hear you. What the hell was that? [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Potter Built
 

Yep, up until now I thought that Otterly Cool was the name of Otto's boat.

New math.....

Re: Potter Built
 

Sorry, Let me clarify:

Otto's '89 23'CC is named "Titleist 2".

Otterly Cool's 18 is named "SUNDANCE". He thinks his newly acquired 23 Potter hull can beat up my 23 Tracker hull. We've agreed to disagree.

He's a lawyer, so I don't want to p*** him off.

[ February 07, 2003, 11:00 AM: Message edited by: Otto Cuyler ]

Re: Potter Built
 

What ever, I'm still confused. But since there's a lawyer involved I'm not suprised. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Sorry, no lawyer jokes. I come from along line of attorneys. That why I'm a photographer. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Potter Built
 

Finster,

You actually make a living as a photographer? Or is that why you're hanging around CS this morning?

I'm only kidding. Are you going to the AC boat show this week? We'll be there at the opening bell on Saturday. I'm double checking the new 23' Classic to be sure my re-fit exceeds all current standards. Now I have a point to prove to Otterly Cool that a Tracker hull can be cool too.

Otto

Re: Potter Built
 

Sorry Otto, the Potter built will smoke your Tracker...if you want to strip a boat down and rehab it, try to stick with a Potter...it will hold its value better...We can debate this in person at the SeaCraft booth, AC boat show on Sat.?????? ......... [img]images/icons/confused.gif[/img]

Re: Potter Built
 

Otto,

You know what they call a photographer without a wife..........homeless. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Potter Built
 

good idea on the bumper sticker!!!

Re: Potter Built
 

Otterly, 1984 was a CSY year (80-85). Tracker took over in 1986.

Trayder, perhaps you can post the timeline on the main page so we don't have to refer back to old posts when the subject comes up? Just a thought.

Mark, another good one is "life's too short to own an ugly boat".

Re: Potter Built
 

point me in the right direction and I'll buy both stickers

Re: Potter Built
 

This is Otterly insane! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Potter Built
 

Tracker took over in 87 7/10/87.

http://seacraft.snetsol.com/SCTimeli...ine_frames.htm

Actual letter posted by Steve.

http://www.classicseacraft.com/cgi-b...c;f=1;t=000057

my 2 cents to this "Utterly" annoying post. [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Potter Built
 

maek, coming here to Maryland (where I live) to buy a Potter hull is kind of like going to Alaska to buy a Harley.

There are more Potter hulls for sale in Florida than all other states combined, and the prices are in general considerably lower.

Re: Potter Built
 

Agreed with Alex on that one: your drive to Florida would be a lot closer and there would be choices instead of just one boat to consider.

Good luck, regardless of the vintage of boat you look at.

Re: Potter Built
 

Man, I didn't think I would stir up so much dialogue but I like it. I just found out about this sight, pretty cool. I had a client of mine in my office earlier today and amazingly we got to talking about saltwater fishing and he actually owned a sceptre in the early 80's. He said it would ride through anything but it capsized on him. He also called it a sinkcraft. What's up with that????????//

Re: Potter Built
 

OTTO and the other guys

Let's get this straight.

1. My name is Bob. The name of the boat and my login name is Otterly Cool

2. I've owned 3 - a 1975 18 (Sundance), a 1984 20 (Seadog - was it a CSY or a Tracker?) and the 23

3. The 1975 18 was by far a better bost than the 1984

4 The 1984 was still better than most of the other boats around, particularly my buddy's Mako 20

5. I don't think the Potter boats will "smoke" your boat; I think it's a case of poor (Bay*****, fair (PRO****), good (MA**), better (Several), even more better (GRA** WHI** and a couple more), more better than that (Other SeaCrafts) and best (POTTER BOATS in good condition). Your boat,is obviously in the "more better than that" category and when you finish will surely be in the best category

6. Yes they did let their mechanics and sales men use the demos - they did use them and preferred the Potter boat

7. I don't want to argue with anyone on the site about my opinion on the classification above - its just my opinion

8. Please don't tell anyone I'm a Lawyer - what's the difference between a lawyer and a catfish------------one is a slimy, scum-sucking bottom feeder------------the other one is a fish

Re: Potter Built
 

Where's the fun if we can't spell out BAYLINER?!

I'd heard that society had become too litigious [img]images/icons/smile.gif[/img]

p.s. it sure is good to be in the "mo better" category!, but having only owned two mid-1970's SeaCraft's, I maybe don't know how good I've had it...

Re: Potter Built
 

Bob,

What I think is terrific is that we're able to have the boats we have. All things are relative and all I know is I'm have a great time working on this boat and look forward to the summer using it.

Even better is to have all you guys on CS to compare notes, ask questions and develop enough confidence to go ahead and do it.

I have to admit one thing. Today we pulled the rubrail of the 23' and cleaned up the caulk/sealant. The lip of the "shoebox" was really in bad shape, only 3/16" thick in most places and fastened only every 18"! I can't really make that right without removing the entire liner (yea, that'll happen!)

So, OK, I conceed the point... somewhat. I'll leave it at this: The next rebuild will be a Potter hull.

I respect your opinion and appreciate the banter.

Regards,

Otto

Re: Potter Built
 

Jeff,

I still don't agree. But would love to discuss it at the SeaCraft booth tommorrow. High Noon. All invited. I'll be wearing a tan SeaCraft hat.

Trayder, congratulations on 350 members. How about ClassicSeaCraft.com logo hats or shirts. I'll work with you on it.

Otto

Re: Potter Built
 

I'm after the bumper sticker:

"friends don't let friends drive ugly boats"

Re: Potter Built
 

Confused member # 4, A few months ago I posted a note inviting otterly-cool to come and take a ride on my SeaCraft ( since we are neighbors) but I didn't see a response, Later I thought "OH" he moved from Patchogue N.Y. to Lake Ontario! Thats why there was no response.... One of you guys has to change his name!

Re: Potter Built
 

You can't be serious.

Re: Potter Built
 

Otto: Good to see you and Salty Dog at the AC Show and right on the site here after that drive!!
Enjoyed meeting you and look forward to Summer rally, with boats! You know, I hav'nt yet named my boat, but I'm now considering "Mo Better"...

Re: Potter Built
 

Great seeing you too! That sounds like a great name. As we talked about at the AC show with yourself and Scott we should try to plan a date sometime in the early part of summer to get together. Otto and I really enjoyed the comraderie and the discussion. Learned a great deal more about these wonderful Sea Crafts.

Re: Potter Built
 

Thanks for the laughs! Just when you think that time-line that was posted last year helped us clear up the mess, a thread like this comes along! Even a little in-family abuse about the post-Potter era to boot. I will keep my 89 18' Tracker, but when the 23' purchase is made it will be before the Tracker Era. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]

Re: Potter Built
 

Snook...gotta love you Tracker boys starting to see the light, another Potter built convert! [img]images/icons/grin.gif[/img]

Re: Potter Built
 

hi seacraft lovers et al.

Did seacraft ever make a small sport boat? I found a hull that has the bottom lines of a SC but here is the kicker- the boat has very low freeboard like a 16-18 donzi classic, and the cockpit looks like a donzi classic as well. Pwr on this boat is an old merc alpha and what seems to be a 4cyl GM. No #s or id codes, i need to bring up some digital pics to show. THe boat doesn't look like it has been worked, just sitting in the grass with years of growth seems factory, CAN ANY1 HELP??
Regards,
Christian
rbrboats.com

Re: Potter Built
 

Yes Christian-

In the 1960's Carl Mosely built a bunch of these sport boats. He also had a government contract to build some for the CIA, if I tell you more I will have to...... [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img] Just kidding.

Mr. Mosely was very successful in building race boats and sport boats long before SeaCraft was known for their fishability.