I opine that the implied reverence applies somewhat to the entire SeaCraft line of the Potter era because he introduced the 23 which is such a capable boat. Perhaps more revered is the variable dead-rise hull design which was the brainchild of Mr Moesly who's SeaCraft company Potter bought.
The 23 was developed under Potter's marketing acumen who, I believe, recognized that he had nothing in the SeaCraft line to compete against the vaunted Formula 233 and other fine craft in the class. He knew he had a unique hull design to work with and the 23's trailer-able size made it a logical addition to an already respected builder. It's sea-keeping capabilities and enhanced fish-ability quickly proved its worth and the 23 became the flagship.
Potter added some dryness with an added leading strake on the 23 and the 18, and addressed modern fish-ability, but Moesly's VDH is probably where the reverence is due.
I concur with ScottM on the quality aspects. From what little I have seen, the overall quality on the 20's (especially noticeable on the cockpit floors) slipped a little after about '72, but simultaneously improvements were made elsewhere. The '23s I have seen from the early 80s look to be perhaps a bit better in build than those of the late Potter era. Cost cutting? Only the accountants could really say...
I would argue that some of this had to do with the cost of resin during Potters era as he was caught in early mid-'70s by the "Arab oil embargo," and then was again pinched by the "energy crisis" of the late '70s that buried so many boat builders.
Regardless, the sea-keeping capability of vdh hull, the smooth ride, and the simply classic lines are why so many of these boats go under the knife and are deemed restore-able by the wackos that make their living on the water, or just love boats. Good luck with yours should you pursue this venture, and good luck with the ensuing sickness!
P.S. Nice job on the Biddison - saw it on THT this summer; fantastic looking wire work.
