Old SeaCraft Donated to Potter Family

[pair of jacks]

Ok, so I'm down at my condo in Longboat Key and I'm wearing my SeaCraft shirt at the pool. An older guy walks by and sees me and asks about the shirt and I tell him I have a SeaCraft back in N.J. Turns out, he had an original 21 way back when they were still made in Florida. He used it less and less and finally stored it on a trailer in his yard until he had to get rid of it- he heard about this site and was put in contact with Bill Potter's daughter who agreed to take the boat (for free) and refurbish it as a gift to her dad. He said he wonders whatever happened to that boat. I told him I'd ask here if any knew about this and had some photos that I could email him. His name is Clif Root- a nice older guy I'd say in his late 70's or early 80's. So if anyone can help out I'd appreciate it- thanks !

[heynow2203]

Just give Bill a call he will tell you

[Snookerd]

Cliff Root gave his 21 to another forum member on CSC.com and he gave it to 65Bowrider who is Carl Moesly's daughter (if I recall the donation time line correctly). The 21 was never built by Mr. Potter and I was one of the 1st people to see the 21 when it was brought to her house a few years ago. Cliff is a guy I would be interested in meeting. Send me a PM if you are around in the next few days. My office is on Anna Maria.

[NoBones]

[QUOTE=The 21 was never built by Mr. Potter and I was one of the 1st people to see the 21 when it was brought to her house a few years ago. QUOTE]

I'am impressed.....

[Snookerd]

[QUOTE=NoBones;197707]

Originally Posted by The 21 was never built by Mr. Potter and I was one of the 1st people to see the 21 when it was brought to her house a few years ago. QUOTE

I'am impressed.....

Mission accomplished!

[pair of jacks]

Snookerd- pm sent

[65Bowrider]

Yes, I do have Cliff's old 21 !!!

The boat started out being a 1962 SeaCraft ocean raceboat owned by Johnson & Kirby, #26, powered by twin 55hp Homelites. Later purchased by Cliff and enjoyed extensively. From Cliff, it went to a Nester, then onto a Jeffrey where he gutted the boat, planning on making a CC out of her. Giving up and posting her on CSC, I proudly brought her home.
After completing our 1966 SeaCraft Bowrider restoration, we began working on the 21. Then a move to the keys, fixing up the house ... etc....etc....
Some work has been completed recently, but not a whole lot of progress.
I do have the original bill of sale from Cliff as the others never took title. I have her title and proud to be her owner.
I'll be glad to share info and photos with Cliff if you would kindly send a pm with his contact number and/or address.
Thanks, and cheers,
Carla

[gofastsandman]

Originally Posted by 65Bowrider

Yes, I do have Cliff's old 21 !!!

The boat started out being a 1962 SeaCraft ocean raceboat owned by Johnson & Kirby, #26, powered by twin 55hp Homelites.

As I sit here fifty years later, I smile for many reasons.

Homelite 4 strokes? Yep. Bearcats? Yep. 110 hp on a race boat? Yep.

A 2012 VW Bug has more hp. Go Herbie!

This is not a purpose built race design. These were all stock production boats. Not chopped and altered hybrids. You have to see the boat in person. HUGE for a 21. As I stood on the keelson, I could only see stars. No trees. No radio towers. Just stars. You could put a 20 and an 18 in her and smuggle them into any port of call unseen by prying eyes.

Now people ask if they can put a 100hp 4s on a 20.
This really speaks to the efficiency of the VDH design.

Everyone should visit Carla`s site.

Cheers,
GFS

[Snookerd]

I just realized that Cliff Root is in the Power Squadron I'm in on Anna Maria. It appears he moved here from Miami full time. I will be discussing Skip and Carla's 21 with him. I'll post what I find out

[nestorpr]

I'm so glad that boat finally ended up where it belonged! I picked it up at Mr. Root's house (a very fine gentleman by the way) and stored it at the RV storage yard in Homestead ARB next to my 20' Seafari for a few weeks until Jeff picked it up. It still had one semi-complete engine on the port side ( I thought it looked like a '60's vintage 4-cylinder Evinrude/Johnson but it could have been a Homelite, it didn't have a cover) and the lower unit of another on the starboard side, most of the floor was gone and she looked a mess. Hell, even the trailer was an original unit with round tubing for the frame! I was very impressed by the hull on her and her beam, looked wider than most 20 footers.

Anyway, thanks Carla for resurrecting her, she deserves it.