New Guy with ?ions

[CapeEscape]

First, hello to all. I've been lurking around here for a while. Years in fact knowing that one day I will own a Potter hull. Looking, ideally, for a 23 cc ob to be used on the Cape. Have a wife and two younger kids so I want a larger hull in these waters.

My question. There seem to be a number of 23's around in various stages of life. Would not be opposed to a partial resto. I've seen a few that are missing consoles, engines, electronics, abandoned, unloved, in storage etc. When I find the one for me I want to do it properly. What do you all do with a "barn find" or abandoned, or neglected one with respect to a proper title and ownership and insurance. It seems these boats wind up all over the nation. Some have been thrown around by various hurricanes over the years, are rescued and then sit. Some "sink at the dock". How do I handle title issues and ownership papers and especially the insurance. I thought salvage boats could not be insured?
You guys have a great site here with lots of info and comradery similiar to a muscle car site I'm on. Thanks

[Bigshrimpin]

Hey CapeEscape - There is not much you can do in MA with a "barn find" unless you have a previous registration or title. Even with both it can be difficult registering a old seacraft built prior to 1972/3 that do not have a HIN number . . . those have to be assigned a MSZ generic HIN number. I have heard that NH has much more "Barn Find" Friendly laws and I have seen craigslist ads offering legal help to register these kinds of boats for $350.

Considering even serious total rehab 23ft seacraft project hulls sell for $3 - 5K, you might be better off buying something turn-key. 23 Seacrafts are standard issue rod and reel commercial fishing hulls on cape cod (for a good reason), so your chances of finding a unmolested center console (in a barn) are very very slim.

I have never insured any of my boats . . . but I know you can buy agreed value policies from boat/us and progressive.

[Wildman]

Getting a boat without a HIN isn't a big deal, just a little bit of a hassle. You need to meet the Eco cops at the pre arranged spot (usualy a parking lot or rest area) They will inspect the boat to make sure it is what you are claiming to register it as. My last Mako had a state issued HIN.

[Islandtrader]

Take it from some one who's been there.

Get a boat that is good running condition and just needs some TLC.

That way you can have family time running it, and clean it up as you use it.

In the long run it will be cheaper and more fun.

[FELLOW-SHIP]

I don’t want to offend anyone here as to what they would or would not do BUT for me I would not want to put another 150 days of work and $30,000 in any boat that I could not prove by title it is what I says it is. For me it’s a part of owning a 77 Potter built and it’s true Value.

My example would be in the Auto antique world. Which is more valuable a 1966 427 Cobra or a Cobra kit car that looks just like the 1966 with all new parts?
The 1966 is worth Millions and the other is worth under 50 thousand.

I know SeaCraft boats have never YET appreciated in value. But I also know there are more than one item I have thrown away as junk that “if only I knew then what I know now I would have kept it”

Check this antique boat for $84,000
http://www.antiqueboat.com/boatdetails/huar16R.aspx

Who knows, maybe one day we will see Potters for this amount.



FellowShip

………………………….

Just for the Grins

Official 23’ SF Antique Classic SeaCraft Owner

[CapeEscape]

Thanks to all that responded.

Bigshrimpin-what does everyone at CSC do for a reg with pre 72/73 boats?

IslandTrader-sounds like some of the advise I'm getting from friends.

FELLOW-SHIP-I can relate to the car reference, I'm into them too. Into Cobra's by chance? Don't have the time for a complete resto, but I am still on the hunt for a 23 for me and my family to enjoy.

Anyone have a 69/70 around here. Anything different from these years than other Potter builts?

[Islandtrader]

Who knows, maybe one day we will see Potters for this amount.

Don't Hold Your Breath