Is Seacraft 19 a Classic?
 

Hello, first post here but been lurking a while and have read a lot. A SC 20 has been my favorite boat since the 70s, but have only owned an Aquasport. Been boatless for a while though. Looking to get back in the game now that the kids are finally all about out of college, and have a couple questions.
Ive come across a few Seacrafts described as "19"s but listed at 20' with upgraded decks and CC's. Are these converted bow riders? And if so are they considered "Classics"?
I have a heavy automotive background, and a LOT of people in the collector auto market think it blasphemous to try to improve on or update a classic, but many classic Seacrafts have been heavily modified, so it seems this community is a generous and understanding bunch.
What Im also asking is, how are the Moesly and Potter years defined, and the overlap years of 68-70? If a Potter built hull is one from 1968 to 1980, then is a Classic Seacraft one from 1961 to 1980?
And a one off question....which years used the older aluminum "SeaCraft Classic" emblems on the side?
Thanks for your help.

This is a quick reply and my opinion only...Seacraft Classic's are Moesly and Potter Built boats.

Modifying a Seacraft has no effect on its "Classic" status. Seacraft really does not have a built in "Collector" value like say...Older Chris's,Bertrams, Donzi etc. it should but does not.

People buy "old" Seacraft's because that is the boat they want...

Collector status is not what Im looking for, though its great that its a boat that holds its value at a certain point, if you keep er well maintained. It appeals to me that they are solid, long lasting, well made, good looking and that maybe one day my kids will fight over who gets to keep it after Im through with it, one way or the other, if you know what I mean :)
I used to spend a lot of time in biscayne bay, the upper keys and near shore off Elliot. Some fishing, lots of skiing and lobstering etc. and I really miss those days. The day I sold the Aquasport was a happy and a sad day at the same time, but I have told myself many times one day I would enjoy a Seacraft. Every time I see one they turn my head, and I see them often down here, usually on a trailer going somewhere I start thinking I would rather be going.

Welcome to the flotilla tommyg29.
Tell part A to Flying Frizzle :D I doubt many dealers ever had the model variance of one brand, that Frizz has on his lot.
Part B is quite true.

Whether its a nearly original family bowrider like CJ, Pipe Dreams, or RocDoc's rig, or a modified working stiff, er, skiff like Marshtackie, in my feeble mind, the 19 is definitely "classic."

Welcome aboard! Check out this web site for a good background on SeaCraft history. Only the Moesly boats, built from '61 thru '69 had the script pot metal emblems. Potter came on board in '68 to learn the business before Moesly took off to sail around the world in 1970. Potter went bankrupt in 1980, when SeaCraft Industries took over and moved plant to Tampa area.

Thanks for the replies. I seems like I have already reached the end of the internet when it comes to reading about Moesly but I know I havent seen it all yet, and I cant remember it all either. Especially some of the links to other articles and information. I will keep reading. I do remember a long thread in THT where some guy named bone crusher kept on...and on...and on. Think I will keep the Seacraft specific questions here!
How did Moesly boats vent the hull? The Potter hulls had large rectangular vents, which were always the dead giveaway to me from a distance that it was a SC...but the earlier Moesly's?

Moesly used the clam shell scoops/vents on the gunnel or aft cap and so did the early Potter models like my boat. You'll see that if you examine the brochures on the Moesly site. Potter didn't start using the rectangular vents in the hull till the mid 70's. I know the '76 models had rectangular vents but not sure exactly when they were incorporated.

Clamshells on i/o's. My Moesly 21 has clam shells on the transom cap and a blower. The bilge is accessible via the anchor well and the bilge is also accessible via the motor well and a storage forward of thw fuel tank. The Seafaris also had clamshell vents and blower. The Scampi 15 and presumably the i/o bowriders did, too. My Seafari outboard has 3" holes where vent hose connects the clamshells into the bilge the aft end of the rod storage compartments. Quite an air draw with venturi-like capability when under way. Kind of clever, and likely provided a vacuum effect similar to the through-hull scuppers on the 20s.

Ok
I think I will enjoy posting lots of questions. :)
Obviously lots of knowledge here.
When did Moesly move from NW 74th to Princeton? I remember being in the Princeton building about 8 years ago with a guy who was purchasing it at the time (I'm in the construction business) It was long since vacant and neglected, but it was a huge place, and was torn down about 7 years ago. I didnt know at the time that it was a SeaCraft plant. My son worked as an intern for the owner of SeaHunter boats in princeton last summer. Its maybe a half mile from the old SeaCraft site. They build nice boats, but way too much for me

Im not sure Mr. Moesly made that move. My guess is Mr. Potter did as he intended more production. Regardless, that move apears to have been made in '68 or '69.

Boating mags of the era show a Princeton address in a "1968" Seafari 25 article, while an identified as 1969 Seafari 20 article shows the Miami address. Coast Guard manufacturers database may offer more specifics. 65Bowrider may have more details on that too.

FrizzWelcome Tommy!

It is I who derailed the THT thread with bonecrusher.

He came on here about a year or so ago.

His behavior was less than exemplary to be kind. It seems he had a Potter 23 and I would guess him to be over 50, but you would be hard pressed to glean this info from his posts.

The good Cap`t, Bones, myself and perhaps some others were here for the implosion that short night.

The great thing about CSC is we just share. I believe there were five fingers on the eject button that night. My button was on the Frizz that night.

As I thought more about the THT thread, my motivation became a question.
I will always be a dangerous home town clown. I am from the stage of life and I embrace
my mind wherever it may take me.

There is no definitive thread on the history of SeaCraft and maybe that is how it should be.
Is it not about the infatuation, but rather the journey.

Cheers,
GFS

Hi Tommy,

I've had several SeaCrafts, including 2 Moesly 19' bowriders, a 1971 Seafari, a 1970 20CC and my current 23CC. I sold the 1965 I/O bowrider and recently acquired a 1967 3+3 outboard bowlder which in under the knife as we speak.

Having torn a couple of these down all the way, I can attest to the build quality and sturdiness. I am downsizing from a 23 CC to this 19, as it's arguably the best all around SeaCraft for fishing, cruising, trailering, and just plain having fun. When completed, she'll seat 7 comfortably with the optional rear bench. She'll handle any weather you have the balls to go out in and with the 90 eTec, the economy is terrific.

This one has a 4" hole and scoop just behind the nav light on the bow. That pushes air through a pipe under the floor to the 2 little side compartments and the fuel cell area. There are 1 each forward and rear facing scoop on the stern topside. Some think it's weird, but I like that there is full air flow down thru there. I will be happy to share images, if you like.

This is definitely about the journey of researching, buying, renovation (if you choose) and enjoying these amazing boats as well as the camaraderie of the folks on this site. I have been hanging around here since 2002 and it's part of my life. Welcome

All of the configurations have there pros and cons. This may be my favorite.

Otto,
I'd love to see some pics, other than Carlas CJ,I haven't seen much of the 19s.

Im certainly in for pics too.
I am looking for a 20cc, but the converted 19 is basically the same boat I assume. One I am about to look at has a flat foam deck throughout (no casting deck in the bow) but you lose a lot of storage that way. Also a full transom platform with outboard mount.

Almost forgot, it has the spray rails which Ive noticed on some others. Were they an optional thing, or did they come only on certain models? Do they really help with spray?

The 19' and 20' hulls are very similar with some additional bow lift built into the 19'. I loved my 20cc, but there was no place for anyone to sit.

Images of the current 19 bowrider project can be seen at: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9xgtaqqbj...ZKmX7ov4a?dl=0.

Tommy are you looking at a blue 19 in Miami that's been fully restored?

There will always be trolls, They are an indicator in ways.

I have never seen something good that made it to the top go with out contest, It just goes to prove that you made it to that point...



P.S. my vote: True Classic!

Good folks here^^^

There is a time capsule 19 around the corner. Deck was solid and chalky original gelcoat.
I could be more thorough next weekend if you need some eyes. Spray rails do wonders for those that have them.

Yes, and another "project" in Homestead, but I havent actually seen the blue one yet. You know it?
Oculyer, those are PICTURES. You know how to come across. :)
Sandman, I have looked at 3 different classics over the past year, and all have had the rails.
Knowing my resources and capabilities, my perfect boat would be one between project and restored. One where the structural and mechanicals have been gone through and can be relied on, but some cosmetics and miscellaneous still need finishing. Probably hard to find. Another requirement is fitting within my 98" wide storage gate. Im used to having one inch clearance on each side of the trailer fenders, LOL Seems a stupid consideration, but such is my plight living in modern suburbia in a cookie cutter home.

Unfortunately I have several important things demanding my time right now so my searching will have to take a short break but I have lots more reading to do.

I've seen it.very nice restoration. If you can get him down a little bit it's a very nice deal.

Moesly actually modified a 19 mold to make the 20! Carla said Keikhaefer, who was a big SeaCraft fan, wanted a boat to race in a 20' class, so Carl literally took a chainsaw to a 19 mold, making cuts down the stem and then about halfway back along the chine. The 19 is a wet boat because it doesn't have much flare in the bow, so Carl moved the sides out about an inch at the chine (you'll notice a flat about 1" wide at the chine on the front half of the 20' hull), and then flared the sides out as you move forward. He then created the clipper bow to tie the whole thing together, which increased CL length to 19'8", so I guess that was close enough for it to be considered a 20' boat!

So bottom line is that the 20 is IDENTICAL to the 19' hull below the chine! Only differences are the increased bow flare, the flat at the chine, and the clipper bow on the 20. The spray rails are a good addition on the 19!

Well the main reason you see so many spray rails on the 19 ' s is because the hull dose not have the same chine as the 20's do forward on the hull edge. Look at the 20's and you will see the chine runs forward all the way to the nose stepping out wards and turns down slightly. The 19' s don't run as far forward so its not there to break the spray and throw it outwards so rails are added . They get the boat on plane quicker and also keep it from digging in a following sea as well as keep the spray from coming back in the boat. They help on any boat but not needed on a 20 as much as the 19 hull due to it is built out more in the area circled below. There were other changes between the two but that is the main one I know about other than the inside lay out and the stringer grid instead of the box stringers in the 20's. Terry and the guys that have them can tell you much more. I just had some one show me this difference one a long time ago.

Attachment 9604

Sounds like the 20s were a definite improvement to the 19, but arent they really about the same length? Ive seen posted numbers running 19' all the way to 20'7" for a 19 :confused:
The blue 19 CC is advertised with a 60 gallon tank. Im guessing thats about as big as you can shoehorn in there and a definite plus, but the tanks werent/arent boxed in with the stringers? Is that the "one piece grillage" system Ive seen in pictures? Is that in the 19?

19 Forefoot
 

Otto is correct. Carl Moesly did something to the forefoot on the Bowriders that prevents them from "plowing" no matter how much weight you put in the bow. I run with this load up in the bow Tanks, Coolers, dive gear, coolers etc. and the front bow light always runs 4' off of the sea surface. I don't have to much to counter balance the bow load either with an E-tec 90. (KMoose and I are the only ones on this site with Non-skid dashes - our SeaCrafts are the other end of the spectrum of Capt. Chuck's and Blue Heron's showpieces)

I think this boat is for sale again, and I am interested. Although, the pictures show a long crack on the port inner liner beside the console/leaning post area. Anyone know anything about this boat and the cause of the crack?

I know where there is a nice 19 bowrider
Solid hull deck and transom
96 130 rude
Trailer
Think it has a new tank as well
3 k is what he wants bottom line

To the dark blue one with the 2004 Evinrude 150 that was redone and for sale a couple of years ago . A prior poster was going to look at it and another poster indicated it was a very good rebuild. It's a 1968 20' with a close transom bracket.

Nope. Just around the corner.

I don't think that's the same boat. I'm 99 percent sure it's not.

Im pretty sure this was the one they were talking about. Its listed on craiglist miami as a 1968 20' seacraft potter hull, with 2004 evinrude 150, blue, closed transom and bracket, wood accent on console, livewell built into transom

ok, I ended up buying this boat. Interestingly, the boat is titled as a 1968 19' Homemade. It was completely rebuilt in 2012-4 by a boat yard in Miami. stoner boat works I believe. the title also states that it is an inboard, which is what the seller also indicated. Since this was the transition year between Moesley and Potter, is there a way to tell a 19' from a 20". I can't find the HIN, so it may have been lost in the rebuild. Its not on the title either, just the tag #.

looks like they used Coosa or some similar material for the deck. I much prefer the console on this boat. the quality of the rebuild is so-so, certainly nothing along the lines of R&R or others, but acceptable for a fishing boat. Engine seems to be solid, even though it is a 2004 150 Evinrude Ficht.

Anyone know anything about the history of this boat and whether it is a 19 or 20?

o

This 19 sounds like a perfect fit for you.
The deck is rock solid. The transom has been done. The engine has good even compression
and being a v 4 is the perfect lightweight candidate for balance and the "ride" as we call it.

The work was done by one of the finest shops in the area bar none.
This boat is a steal. You could run it as is for years and upgrade as time and funds allow.
It was a barn find. These don't just fall from trees. It is a great honest platform.

If you like, I will go measure her fender to fender.
It will take 3 k as he has had her for a couple of years and is not really marketing her.
The work was done at shop payment figures not customer money.

He knows what it is and wanted to save her for some lucky family member.
She needs cosmetics, but the heavy lifting has been done.
CJ still has her original deck and it is also solid.

By the pics you provided safe bet it was originally a 19 Bow Rider.
The bow flair is the first indicator and second being an I/O at birth.

Terry England converted a bow rider with good results..

So, does that make it a Moesley or a Potter? Not that it makes much difference.

Moesly..;)

Unfortunately if it's says home built on title it kills the value imho. Looks like a nice boat for the money though.

Yes. Very odd. I know that when Conch rebuilds a Seacraft, they re-badge it as a Conch.

Is there any appreciable difference in the ride between a 19' and 20' Seacraft of that vintage? 1968 was right at the changeover between Moesley and Potter boats, but I expect they didnt change anything in that model year from the prior year. I seem to have an attraction to bastard boats as my other boat is a 1983 25' Rampone which is not really a brand, and the HIN number identifies it as a Whitewater.

I was just looking for a boat to play around in, explore areas, inshore and nearshore and the keys. I think this might work.

No, because the hulls are IDENTICAL below the chine. (Read posts 21 and 22.) The 20's tend to be a bit heavier because there's more deck with the raised casting platform, etc. That's sort of a second order effect that might make them ride a bit better, but the extra dynamic lift from the chine flats may also cancel out the benefits of more weight!

Looks like it already has Spray Rails. They help dry up the 19 Bow Riders, if that is what it was.