[McGillicuddy]

clas·sic (as taken from some arbitrary online dictionary)
adj.
1.
a. Belonging to the highest rank or class.
b. Serving as the established model or standard: a classic example of colonial architecture.
c. Having lasting significance or worth; enduring.

I would venture to say that any SeaCraft built to the quality standards established by Moesley's original designs or Potters era of influence are worthy of being deemed "classic." That's not to say that the SeaCrafts of later years were any less classic. Some would argue the 23' of the early '80s was as good as any. A $95000 23TT from 2006 s is no slouch. On the other hand a $95K price tag may be what buried many great small boat brands including the well respected SeaCraft.

Effectively, the economic meltdown brought on by the real estate/lending debacle is was brought down Seacraft and so many fine builders of luxury items. Locally, for example, Callaway Golf are a shell of what they were 5 years ago. Stock is still less than half of its better days.

Sure, some companies were mismanaged but probably more importantly, after Black Friday, disposable income became no longer disposable as many in the income bracket that could afford a $100K boat, were forced to postpone retirement and started scrambling to hang on to their jobs as their IRAs had been cut in half virtually overnight.

By the time SeaCraft, Mako, et., al., closed the factory doors, their dealers couldn't even sell boats at a substantial loss...people simply weren't willing to take on more debt.

It's a bad economy when you can buy a 39 foot Tiara for $25000 or a decent classic SeaCraft SF23 with twin 225s for $5k.

I'm sure a lot of the guys more familiar with the industry can chime in with a better answer.