[OTTERLY COOL]

HI MAEK

I owned a 1975 18 footer (Potter Built) and a 1984 20 footer (Tracker) both center consoles.

There was simply no comparison. The Potter Boat was superior in every aspect - construction, finish, handling, ride - you name it. Not that the 84 was a bad boat. Actually it was still hands down better than my buddies 20 foot Mako - it just wasn't a Potter Seacraft.

One day, when I was young and foolish, (until about a week ago - now I'm old and foolish) I ran my 18 out until the Si-tex couldn't reach bottom (it stopped at 250 feet). My best reckoning put me out about 40 miles from my port and about 32 miles from the nearest point of land. You guessed it - on the way home I ran into honest 6 footers. WHen I was in the trough of one, I couldn't see over the top of the next one. I made it back relatively easily - just cut it down to the point of just holding on plane and got home in 2 1/2 hours. Exiting but I don't recommed it.

I now own a 1974 23 CC that I plan to completely restore. When I bought the boat she was fishing. The boat was a trade-in for a new 23 at the nearest SeaCraft dealer. I think the most telling comment on the quality of the earlier boats is that the fellows who worked at the marina were the ones who used it to fish on their days off. They ran out for sharks primarily and the week before I bought her they had taken two 150-200 lb. Makos with her. The reason this fact is so telling is that these guys had their choice of any of the marina demos, including a new 23, a new 25 and a 25 or 27 Boston Whaler and they chose "my" 23. In fact when I went to pay for it they had it at the fuel dock because they were going to go the next day - they were sorry to see her go.

I recommend that you look for a Potter boat and rebuild her. It will cost. By the time I'm done I'll probably have 22-23 thousand into the boat (between purchase price and restoration costs). Most people would think I'm nuts but I know that I'll have the best riding and probably the toughest 23 around. Besides it's my toy and I'll never get another chance.

Best of luck and keep us advised.