\"Potter Built\" Hull
 

I tried researching this , what is the good/bad/ difference with potter built/ non potter built hulls, I know this fella was part of seacraft for some time, for someone who dosen't know, what does this mean to some one looking at seacraft boats?

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

Most of the SeaCraft legend revolves around the theory that the Potter boats were the best built, which for the most part is considered true. As they got newer, they got cheaper, especially after about 1990. IMHO, the Mosely boats were good too, and some of the later 80's ones weren't bad, they just cheapened the rigging.

I don't think Potter personally layed the glass in them. The hulls on most are the same all the way to today, the caps have had a few tweaks here and there through the years, but they are pretty dated (infloor live wells, open transoms, etc). The materials were pretty much the same through the years. Once you got into the late 80's and forward, they tended to cheapen some of the rigging (hatches, wiring, lighting, etc).

IMHO, without starting a war with the Potter era folks, I will say I have not seen a bad Mosely boat, but there are so few and the ones that are remaining are usually cherished. There really isn't a design, materials, or construction issue from the 60's all the way to 88 or so. I really haven't looked at the newer boats, but there have been quite a few "stories" on the web about problems with them.

Age and maintenance really trump most of the differences in these boats. Most over 20 years have wet transoms, tired engines, soggy coaring in hatches, bad wiring, leaky steering, tired rigging, and faded gel coat, but we still love them, and they still are one of the best riding 23's every popped from a mold.

Modifications and abuse done to the boats after they were made seem to be on of the major problems people run into.

This is just my opinion, but I like the late 80's Sceptres and Walkarounds.

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

Thanks John, for the insight. Do you know much about the Key Largo and Palm Beach Copies of the 23'?

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

Unless there is a particular boat from these 2 your looking at, in general, I would look at a Sailfish. IMHO, alot of boat for the money, and they are just about a dead knockoff of a SeaCraft. Quality isn't bad either. IMHO, they are probably one of the best mid-tear boats in the 21-23' range out there.

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

I zero'd in on the Palm beach 235 and Key largo 236 because at a boat show yrs ago i was told this was the same hull. The KL and PB are the same boat just diff decals . When you look at this hull you will see it appears almost identical in Mosely's design/pattent. I have looked at the sailfish and indeed they are quality. all composite top tier construction materials. I am very interested in the Palm Beach 235 Hull none of the other PB or KL hulls are this design only the 23' 236 & 235.
Please see this link & look at photo 1 closely http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listi..._id=68151&url=

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

It's hard to tell, it looks similar. I didn't see a transom shot, to see if its a VDR design. I know the SailFish are.

It's and open transom boat, and I am not a big fan of those any more. I have had water over my ankles offshore in SeaCrafts and Makos, and I doubt I would ever own another open transom boat. That's just my opinion/experience. If the floor is high enough, and it drains overboard correctly, and you don't overload them, I guess their ok :D. Supposedly, you get a 7-12% gain in fuel economy with the motors set back, and with oil at 100 a barrel, every bit helps.

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

that is precisely why I had my transom filled and a bracket/platform put on my boat. It also "behaves" like a 25 ft boat. If I do a seacraft it will be a full transom.... an i/o, stern drive or o/b on a bracket.
Look at the rest of the pictures, the transom is stepped in the Mosely fashion. the deadrise is 1 degree deeper than moseleys original 20.

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

When I put the bracket on my Sceptre it didn't make a bit of difference in fuel economy, and I actually lost some top end speed until I lowered my engine two holes, then it was about the same as without the bracket.

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

The Change & Cheaper Rigging & laying came when SeaCraft / Plant was moved to Tampa.Change of Crew,etc.Lil' of the Luv was gone. It was Just another Boat company from there.They were Still producing one of the finest Boats built.Somewhere in the 80's.

Happy ThanksGiving! [img]/forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

Thanks all. Capt. Brad., I am right down from road from you in St. Cloud, FL always looking for additional fishing buddies, go out of Sebastian and ft. pierce almost everyweekend, weather permitting, won't be much of a factor soon with a seacraft!

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

I'll chime in here briefly, not to kick a dead horse in the azz for the hundredth time but....
With the Potter era boats you always know what you have, where it is, and or where it's supposed to be. Consistency was for the most part constant. After that its basically anyone guess depending who built it.
Yes, there countless knock-off's. Some good, most bad. But IMOP anything after '80 their all knock-off's, but that's just me. :D

Hey if you want a great knock-off check out the new Silverhawks. I'd buy one in a heartbeat if I had the money.

Cheers.

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

Hey,hey,hey...let's not forget the Moesly Built!!!!
Especially since I own 3!
After all, they were the boats that were raced in the ocean, 10-12 foot seas for hours, to and from the Bahamas, and NEVER broke apart!
There's not as many today because there weren't that many originally built...That's why the few are 'cherished'.

My 2 cents, just joining in with everybody elses.

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

Thats why I'm on the hunt for the elusive 15 ft Scampi :)

See ya, Ken

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

Come on now I said up to 1980.

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

Ok, Finister ... you're off the hook. ;)

NoBones ... if you find one ... will you share?????? :D

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

ABSOLUTLY !!!

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

Can we spell? :o
If you find one, we'll be friends for life!

I wonder how many other people are looking too! ???

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

The funny thing is, I always keep my eye out for one of those. I'm not sure why? Do we know how many were built?
I recall years ago having a similar thread about the 21's and we found one. As you know. :)

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

Carla trust me !!
Some where in this great country of ours in a boat grave yard sits one or two maybe even three of the Scampi's..
Most people would not even realize what it is.
I cannot believe that all of them went to the land fill.
This brings to mind about 8 or 9 years ago while in the keys
going through the cut at Whale Harbor I saw a boat that had
SeaCraft in large letters on the side. It was Fighting Lady Yellow and was a 15 Scampi. At the time I said to myself,
SeaCraft does not make a 15.... Boy was I ever wrong.
They had coverted it into a flats boat. These people are out there somewhere. What we need to do is start going to every Marina that has a grave yard in the state. It probably
will not have a title or a name on the side. Who cares!!
I would take one in any condition.
With all that we ought to start a contest, who can find a Scampi first!
When I went to do my flats boat, I did the same thing and scoured every boat yard that I saw... End result $250 and
got the original NoBones and started my Re-Do..

Soooo where do we go from here ??

See ya, Ken

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

I'll check Pine Island. Lots of old crackers with old boats out there.

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

I've been looking for a Scampi for 4 years. It's out there...

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

I have found an unusual 20 footer in TX. I am going to check her out next week. I also an old 20 bowrider in NC at Lake Norman a couple of years ago and did not know what I was looking at. Now I know and will keep my eyes open.

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

The Race is ON !!!!!!! :eek:
May the best man or women win...... :D

Make sure you have a camera with you.
This is like looking for the Lock Ness monster or Big Foot
or even worse a MARTIAN :rolleyes:

Ken

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

Better bring your "A" game ;)Let's get this boat in someone's yard ASAP

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

Need to check all the little boat yards/marinas in the middle and lower Keys. I saw a 25' Seafari down around Marathon or Big Pine Key 10 days ago. Looked like it hadn't moved or seen water in 20 years, sitting on blocks about 50 feet away from a 20' Seafari in even worse condition. The 25' was single I/O and fairly intact, the 20' had a broken/partially missing windshield, no cabin bulkhead, and no motor or outdrive, plants growing inside, etc.

I'm sure the 15' is out there.

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

Well, if we get every CSC member all over looking ... then maybe someone will stumble across it.
But you're right, if it's out there, probably they don't know what they've got & may be listed on Craigs list, just as a 15' boat ... not knowing it's a SeaCraft!

Ken, got any raffle stuff we can offer up as a finder's reward?

Otto, Keep looking ... you're doing good!
Fr Fank, you've got a lot of connections ... maybe put the word out? Every little bit helps!

Well, we have successfully de-railed this thread! sorry.

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

I sure do enjoy my extra 14" in my 84'. :D

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

Now that I think about it I did come across one not that long ago. The problem is I can't remember where. :D

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

They say the MIND is the second thing to go. :rolleyes:

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

THINK!!!! Drug stores have those memory medications ... Shall I get you some????

Re: \"Potter Built\" Hull
 

Thats the problem, Finny's drugs do not come from a store :eek:

See ya, Ken