23 information
 

I am considering purchasing a 1981 23'CC OB . This boat is a hull only and needs a complete re-do. I was wondering what are differences in the hull between the 1980 (last year of the Potter hull) and a 1981 and is a 1981 hull worth less because it is not a Potter hull? I am new to SeaCraft boats, I currently own another great hull, Wellcraft V-20 CC and looking to go bigger. From everything that I have read and heard these 23's are great boats. Is there anything that I should look for when viewing this hull?

Re: 23 information
 

Bring a large rubber mallet and whack the Transom all over, especially around the motor bracket bolts, and everywhere else. Listen for distinct differences in sound, indicating rot, Transoms are expensive as I found out. You can do the same on the decks etc but usualy you will feel any soft areas as you walk on them. Unless you already plan on redoing the transom in that case ignore this. Great luck on the boat though the ride is a Worlds difference from a v20.

Re: 23 information
 

Another way to check the transom is to remove a drain tube from the engine well. Have a replacement handy if you do not purchase boat. After removing this drain tube, check the condition of the wood. If you are happy with what you feel, purchase, if not 5200 a new plug in place. They are very cheap but can give you great info on the transom.

Re: 23 information
 

Welcome to the SeaCraft community and this great website! You will find that these boats are at least a couple orders of magnitude improvement in ride and construction relative to a Wellcraft, particularly a V-20. (Send me a PM if you want to hear some V-20 horror stories!)

Some of the later 23's (I believe Tracker-era, probably later than 81) used an obsolete mold that Potter had retired. It had a slight hook in the hull in the center panel, so you might want to check for that. (check this link: http://www.classicseacraft.com/forum...r=54679&Forum=,,,All_Forums,,,&Words=&Searchpage=2&Limit=25&Main =52841&Search=true&where=&Name=2198&daterange=&new erval=&newertype=&olderval=&oldertype=&bodyprev=#P ost54679)

Some of the later models also used plywood in the decks instead of balsa core, so are a lot heavier. Any 30 year old boat can have rotted wood in deck or transom if fasteners weren't properly bedded, etc., but it sounds like you're prepared for that. Good luck - lots of good ideas and advice can be found on this site!

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81's were pretty good boats as I remember, all the guys that built them up until Tracker did a good job.

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I think about 20 or more people are looking at the boat link Go for it....it looks like a nice boat but it needs a lot....like everything.