[GradySailfish]

New v. Old...

I'd say go with a old boat and either restore it yourself, if you have the time, passion, energy and skill, or have it professionally restored by an experienced SC restoration crew.

If you restore an old boat, you will be getting a truly custom one-off boat. It will be as unique as your signature. The new production line boats can't claim that.

Second: Quality. I hate to bash Sea Craft, but they no longer have as great reputation they once had. The quality levels are seriously down. Like I said, I'm sorry to say something negative about these boats, but I've personally known people who had them, and had nothing but trouble.

Third: Warranty you say. Sure it looks good on paper, but will they really honor it. As a legal professional I can tell you that many companies issue warranties, but end up either not honoring it at all, or honoring it halfheartedly hoping you'll give up and leave them alone. It's a lot easier for a large company like Tracker to screw with you then it is for a small restoration shop. Furthermore, a small restoration shop usually relies on word of mouth....so you know the job is done right, and if for some reason something happens later on, it will be fixed.

Third, and MOST IMPORTANTLY: If you restore a classic Sea Craft, you own a small piece of American maritime history!