Re: evaluating an old seacraft
My first powerboat (after getting the sailing bug out of the system) was a 1977 SeaCraft 18. I don't regret having gone that route over getting a new boat but there are several factors that some of the previous posts have brought up that are worth considering.
A boat of that vintage that has not been restored will need the occasional infusion of cash: sometimes minor and sometimes NOT so minor.
SeaCrafts sit tail-heavy when not on plane and unless the floor has been raised in the boat you are looking at, be prepared to either have wet feet or leave the plugs in the scuppers.
Other factors include the potentially rotten (low) transom that may need to be replaced/raised. New motors aren't free but at least you get to start with a reliable power supply.
I don't mean to sound negative, I sold the '77 18' and went and bought a '71 20' that will be completely redone including a new engine. You just need to determine if it is the right boat for you and the right boat for where you fish or go boating. Go take a ride on a few different 18-21' boats and see if a SeaCraft is what you are after or if a slightly different boat may more closely fit your wants/needs.
If you decide that the SeaCraft wasn't quite what you were after, pass the find on to someone else on the site who may KNOW that this is exactly what they want.
Good luck-
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