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.