1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

I am placing my Potter built 23' CC for sale. The basic boat trader description is: Comprehensive restoration from the shell up. Full transom with bracket. 2000 SX 250 Yamaha purchased July '01 with very low hours. T-Top with folding observation tower, Top Gun Outriggers, trim tabs, leaning post, VHS, CD stereo, Sitex 106 color depth recorder, 135 gal fuel tank, new batteries, new wash down pump, duel bilge pumps and many extras. If my photos do not transfer properly you can see her on the boattraderonline site.

Now for the story:
I purchased the boat in 1999 from a co-worker and neighbor in Miami. The boat is named "Her Paycheck" since the previous owners both worked for FPL and they used a lot of her pay to get it right. I left the name as an incentive for my wife. The boat was totally restored in 1995. The inner liner was removed, all the hardware was replaced, and the transom was modified. The motor is now on a bracket. The previous owner joked about the gas cap being the only piece not replaced during the restoration. The work was perfomed by Jose at Princeton Boat works. I do not know if it is true or not but I believe he worked for Bill Potter in the early 70's. In 2001 the 1991 Yamaha 250 popped a hole in the cylindar head. By the time I was able to find someone to take a look at the engine, it was too late. I purchased a new motor in July '01 and have maybe 100 hrs of time. I have taken very good care of her and provided the necessary attention to keep her looking nice. Unfortunately, I rarely use the boat and when I do it is a short trip to the sandbar. She is rigged for fishing but I rarely go. The electronics are outdated but I have not replaced them since my trips are usually to the sandbar. The Sitex color bottom machine is an older model but works well. The CD stero is nice and has 2 new Pioneer speakers. I have the cushions for the front and a dodger to get you out of the sun or weather. The VHS and stereo are mounted in the electronics box. The outriggers are top-guns and mounted to the t-top. The camlock is underneath to swing them out. The observation tower in nice. There is a moded step behind the seat cushion. The t-top canvas unzipps to alow access to the top. I usually keep a custom cover on the boat but one of the plastic zippers is now missing a few teeth? I believe most folks would find it very difficult to believe they are looking at a 1973. The boat is in very good condition and is worth a trip to look at. I believe she must be one of the nicest around and hope you will think so to.

Now for what is not perfect:
The aluminum trailer was totally overhauled in 2003 but in my opinion does not look so. There is nothing wrong, I just believe the parts are deteriorating too quick. The T-Top canvas is faded and should be replaced soon. The gunwal cushions have started to crack in a few places towards the back. The electronics are not up to date as I mentioned previously. The steering is an older Sea Star hydraulic system, therefore, the steering is not as effortless as the newer models. The bottom was repainted in 2003 with white awl-grip when I had the trailer repaired(I did not like the scuff marks from the trailer bunks). The sky blue awl-grip paint above the water line is 10 years old but still looks OK. I have all the restoration photos and look forward to hearing from you. A lot of money is invested in this boat. Asking $28,500, Vero Beach Florida,
E-mail John_Neu@fpl.com Phone 772-467-7685

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Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

Interested please send photos to dfishski@hotmail.com including trailer and boat photos.
Thanks,
Dave

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

Thank you for the interest. I am having some trouble posting the photos. I believe I have a few added to the post now. I also sent you a few to your e-mail address. Hope it helps.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

Yo John

Sorry to hear your parting with your 23' [img]/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img] And Yes, Jose was Potter's head glass man down in Miami. I tried contacting you several times before the Dania Flea Market gig last April both here and @ FPL without luck. Hope you made it through the storms OK? With all the restoration OT recently you should replace those electronics and get out fishing more often [img]/images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img]

BTW: I don't have the pictures you sent me any longer of the complete restore but if you need help with them let me know. She's a sweet boat and you should not have trouble selling her, good luck....

Chuck.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

I took the boat to Gainesville Florida for the Hurricanes. My sister lives there and offered to take care of her until the trouble was over. As for the electronics and the fishing, I agree. I should do it more often but floating in the water with a cold beer, listening to the music, and appreciating the 1973 Sea Craft is therapy for me. A good day of fishing is noteworthy, but too many days with very little to show. That is why they call it fishing! I do remember you contacting me about the get together. Sorry I could not attend. I hope the right person makes the purchase. I have received many calls in a short period. Thank you for all your help.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

how close is the boat to jensen beach. I have a friend down there.
Dave

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

15 to 20 miles depending on where they are coming from.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

Just a little update in response to the phone calls. The boat does not have any soft spots in the floor and yes the engine is as described. It seems as if everyone has experience with soft floors and bad engines??

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

bump

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

The view to reply ratio is odd. Good thing the boat does not eat much. A few offers but no sell. I am surprised.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

Keep in mind that many of us own Seacrafts, love our SeaCrafts, and can't keep ourselves from looking at someone else's SeaCraft. Someday I'd love to own a 23 footer, and until then I will be looking at every one I can. Pretty boat. Good luck.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

Yes, I understand and agree. I enjoy looking at some of the other restoration projects similar to mine. Unfortunately, I am not handy enough to do the work myself, therefore, a premium was paid to professionals to get it right. I received a phone call from a potential buyer in Virginia last night. He currently owns a 1973 20' and is looking to go bigger. His boat is in good condition and for the most part original. He really enjoys his boat and is a fan of Sea Craft. He has a few friends that he feels are a good source to judge what the boat is worth. They have advised him that it is just too high. I simply explained to him that if the asking price is too high than I am sure there is another boat available for the right price somewhere else. Not everyone wants to spend a large sum on a 32 year old boat. I can certainly understand, but for someone who is in the market for a classic, there can not be many like this one in this condition. Nobody has ever guessed it is a 1973. I am proud to own her and will continue to do so. I sincerely believe she is worth a lot more than my asking price, but owners are always prejudice. I believe the new Sea Crafts are not of the same quality and are 3 times the price.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

I'm surprised this boat hasn't sold. I don't find that price tag to be out of line [img]/images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

If a potential buyer realized what a professional restoration job costs I would think they'd jump on this deal rather quickly.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

really sweet ride- for the equivilent "new" boat today- if there is one , you are talking at a minimum 60K and up and then you would still be working out the "kinks",lol. You will sell her, i have no doubt. craig

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

Beautiful boat! The price seems fair. I think right now is just a tough time to sell a used boat. Xmas shopping, lots of hurricane boat auctions and more than usual amount of twin engined 23-30' CC's on the market due to high fuel prices certainly doesn't help. I asked a boat dealer friend how he could keep selling so many new boats when there were so many of the same but older models on the used market at considerable savings. He told me Bank financing is the key. Most buyers can't pay cash or very large down payments on older boats. A brand new boat can be yours for only 10% down and 180 months of payments with approved credit. Hang in there, i'm sure there's a buyer with good taste out there. Tight Lines, Tarpun

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

He seems to recognize the expenses involved with restoration, but my guess is he is looking for a great deal. He will either keep what he has which is nice (73 20' Sea Craft), buy a fixer upper, or buy one reconditioned and in good shape. In my opinion the 23' is a totally different experience than the 20'. I have been in both. I always felt vunerable with the open transom when fishing in rough seas. No trips to Davie Jones locker for me with the full transom mod. I have been down the fix it up road. It is an expensive trip, but for me worth it in the end.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

Nice rig. I'm glad to hear your sky blue awlgrip is holding up after 10 years. You will find the right buyer just be patient. 100 hours on a 250 yami is like having a brand new motor. [img]/images/graemlins/smirk.gif[/img]

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

OK guys...I'm the Seacraft lover from VA who told the owner the price was too high (for me) right now. I've had two Seacrafts, and love this guy's 23, but can't come up with the jack right now....My counsel on price was that it was too high in the middle of the winter, and complicated by high gas prices....This boat will sell, maybe even to me this spring, but not right now- [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

Bayfisher, you're not the only one. I think that it is a little high myself, but iI also realize that it's up to the owner to decide the price.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

John,

Do you have any other photos you can email to me?

Thanks
BA
Brianaycock17@aol.com

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

before y'all decide this boat is overpriced, add up what taking a $4K beater hull to this condition would cost... (go ahead and figure the power and trailer into it while you're at it). I have no vested interest in this boat selling, but I find the bargain hunters to be a tad unrealistic - and I'm not singling anyone out here, just stating that redoing a 23' to this point costs coinage. You can buy a "project boat" and sink your own money into it or buy this one that has already been done.

For reference, this boat costs $12K less than I have into a 1971 20'

YMMV, my $.02

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

BA17

If your looking for a great circuit boat, I'd jump on this one. As Ikan has stated, you could not refurbish a 23' to this level for this price [img]/images/graemlins/wink.gif[/img]

Don't forget too deduct your 20' and trailer sale after you snag it [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

Give me a call at 772-569-6294 and I will get you what your looking for.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

Would you consider selling without the motor?

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

I have had considerable interest in the boat. I have had more than I expected from out of town folks. When I decided to put the boat up for sale I had a tough time deciding on a fair price. Each potential buyer has had the overall opinion I am very negotiable. I am not ready to give her away. She is worth a lot and I will continue to enjoy ownership until the right person comes along. For example, take a look at the rare 20' overnighter that is for sale by Bill Potter. Great looking boat but it is '79 restoration for 39K. Do I think it is toatlly out of the question....no because I understand what it takes to pay a professional outfit to put a restoration together. I also recognize what the new boats are going for these days. For me, I have 48K in my boat and believe you would find it a difficult task to locate a 1973 23 SF in better condition. This is a heavy, well made boat, that is now stronger than original. With a few small items I have been holding off on (like the t-top canvas), this boat is close to new condition. If it doesnt sell, I plan to put fresh paint on her and hold my head high at the sand bar.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

Fiasco, I am not interested in separating the motor from the boat. The motor was a new 2000 Yamaha SX 250 purchased in June '01. I have <100 hours on the engine. It is the right motor for this boat. They belong together. Call me if I can help you with any additional information.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

I just had the custom boat cover repaired (broken zipper) so she is covered up and protected once more. I have been looking closely at the t-top canvas and decided to replace it. I have to remove the metal platform to remove the canvas. I have not wanted to start the project, because I am limited on spare time, but I just can't stand it any more. Any pointers on stringing the new canvas would be appreciated. I found a canvas shop near by but they do not install. I think I will set my sightes on new gunwal cushions too. I have a few cracks in the vinyl that I do not like looking at. I will try to post new pictures when complete.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

Note the method/wrap used to string the original top on when you remove it.Use plastic wire ties also known as ty raps to temporarily center the new top.The canvas guy should give you the new string.Find the center of the new length of string and begin the install from the front center of the top and loosly string one side then the other.Then begin the final tightening making sure not to pull too much on one area or side.When tight tie the ends at the back with a knot of your choice and cut excess.Burn the ends so the string does not fray. :D
The guy from N.Y. did not bite?

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

OK Thanks for the tip. I have printed the instuctions and will use them soon. Which person from New York are you referring to? I had 2 different guys call me recently and leave a message. One was from out of state and I think the other was from Miami. Anyway in both cases I called them back several times and left messages. I never actually made contact with a real person. I quit trying after my second message. I have had a few bites but for now I have remained pretty firm with my price. Most folks have assumed there is a lot of room to negotiate when they begin the process. Thanks again for the help.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

A couple of months ago I came up there and checked out the boat for a N.Y. cop that was interested. I guess you guys never talked.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

I disagree. The price is not too high because you don't have the money. You just can't afford it. You are not a serious buyer and should not bother the seller. The owner can ask any price he wants, but the market will set the price. I have that much into a 23 that's not finished and has an older motor.

The price is fair any time of year. One or more of you guys will be kicking himself when it's no longer available...

Stay firm - you'll sell her to a knowledgable and appreciative SC lover and enjoy the deal.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

Four Boat Theory- Thank you very much for your post. Most of the folks that have expressed some interest have been hopeful they could acquire the boat for big discount. My thoughts are this....if you are in the market for a 1973 SeaaCraft SF, and can find a nicer boat, in better condition, for less money, they you should purchase it. I believe the price set for mine is reasonable. There is no disrespect intended, but if my boat is not in your ballpark, do not go through the motions just for the fun of it. I am interested in the right buyer who will appreciate owning her. Thanks again for you post. You brought a smile to my face :)

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

Hello your boat looks nice.I would like you to call me ASAP.
I live in Boca and will jump in my truck right now and drive up there.954-6756024 561-3938923.I could be up there by 8:00 PM thanks Keith leverette Boca Raton Fla

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

OK.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

You have a great boat and it is priced right. If you were to buy a brand new one for 60,000 it would not be as well built. Good luck, Sanzo

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

Thank you for the compliment. The boat is definitely heavier than a new version an we really enjoy all the attention we get when we are at the ramp or in the water. I have taken pretty good care of her and intend to invest a little more to correct the things I talk about as being "not so perfect" in my description. I am already making some arrangements to do so. This is just the way I am. I believe the condition of the boat is a reflection of my charecter. Thanks again for your post.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

looks pretty nice, but pricy!

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

I agree. Not many folks expect to pay $28,500 for a 1973 23' open fisherman. Believe me I have met a lot of folks who are interested for several thousand off my asking price. When I first looked at the boat way back when, I thought it was few thousand dollars more than I wanted to pay. The owner was pretty firm like me today. I tossed and turned during the night and decided I was only a couple thousand dollars away from being the new owner. I was not going to let a relatively low amount of money get in the way of me owning this boat. I am happy I did and will find the right person sooner or later. It looks as if those who have expressed an interest are in line with your thoughts. They are probably right. I am going to move forward and invest some more money to take care of the few items that need attention. My first item is going to be a new trailer. The last six months have not been kind to the axles and springs. I have regretted my decision to overhaul the trailer in 2003. What's another 4K for a new trailer? After I invest in a new trailer and spend little more for a few of the items identified in my initial post, I will have approximately 52K invested. I am well aware that my ownership has a price, but I am not going to give her away. I am looking forward to the summer.

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

The boat is pricey but worth it. I looked at this boat a little while back and the only reason I did not buy it was because I found one with twin engines. My wife was about to kill me for talking about this boat.

If someone really believes the boat is too expensive I have a suggestion: Buy a hull, enclose the transom, add a T-top, redo the console, replace the fuel tank, paint inside and out, add a bracket, buy a new trailer, add a late model Yamaha, and rewire the boat. I think you will find out this is a deal on a 23.

All this boat needs is paint and electronics, both of which could be done down the road. As is stated in the description, the new parts on the trailer show age, but there is no need to replace the trailer, repair would be fairly straight forward. Most classic owners are constantly working on their boats and this one would be something that you could enjoy the use of it while you did the fine tuning.

BA

Re: 1973 Sea Craft CC For Sale
 

Thank you Brian.