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Hi Franke
The hull design has stayed pretty much the same through out the years. The inner liner has changed a little but not much. So you got the materials which have changed not sure about which year, but from plywood transoms and cross cut balsa lamination decks and caps to composite materials. Also changes in polyester to vinyl ester resin, and probably vacuum bagging approach from traditional lamination schedule, fiberglass and gel coat has changed some what through out the years as well as thickness of hulls. Then last but not lease change is craftsmanship or workmanship. That originates from the owner’s of the Co. and then implemented by plant managers. This depends on their vision for the company. Is their goal short term profitability or quality boat manufacturing for lasting name recognition.
There are new methods always evolving in boat manufacturing business and some new methods both save time and money which produces a better product. Other new methods just save time or money and produce a product of lesser quality.
Fellow-Ship
Just for the Grins 
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Well said Ken. I had an 89 Tracker 18SF and currently I have family with the same boat 2 years older. I also have a Potter 23SF. The Tracker did well. The 89 was much lighter in weight than the 87 18SF. The pre-tracker 1980's boats seem to be built like tanks which has given them a good reputation. The Potter 23SF is lighter in the lamination schedule than the 80's boat we have and it has been said that the Potter boat weights strike a great balance between strength and not being over weight.