[JohnB]

Most of the SeaCraft legend revolves around the theory that the Potter boats were the best built, which for the most part is considered true. As they got newer, they got cheaper, especially after about 1990. IMHO, the Mosely boats were good too, and some of the later 80's ones weren't bad, they just cheapened the rigging.

I don't think Potter personally layed the glass in them. The hulls on most are the same all the way to today, the caps have had a few tweaks here and there through the years, but they are pretty dated (infloor live wells, open transoms, etc). The materials were pretty much the same through the years. Once you got into the late 80's and forward, they tended to cheapen some of the rigging (hatches, wiring, lighting, etc).

IMHO, without starting a war with the Potter era folks, I will say I have not seen a bad Mosely boat, but there are so few and the ones that are remaining are usually cherished. There really isn't a design, materials, or construction issue from the 60's all the way to 88 or so. I really haven't looked at the newer boats, but there have been quite a few "stories" on the web about problems with them.

Age and maintenance really trump most of the differences in these boats. Most over 20 years have wet transoms, tired engines, soggy coaring in hatches, bad wiring, leaky steering, tired rigging, and faded gel coat, but we still love them, and they still are one of the best riding 23's every popped from a mold.

Modifications and abuse done to the boats after they were made seem to be on of the major problems people run into.

This is just my opinion, but I like the late 80's Sceptres and Walkarounds.