Post 1980 Seacrafts

[CMUNROE]

I used to have a 20' 1974 Seacraft and am considering getting another one. I always hear that the quality post Potter (1980?) is not as good. Does anyone know the specific concerns/disadvantages with the more recent manufacturers compared to the Potter built years?

[bridgeman]

Very happy with my 81

[eggsuckindog]

The early 80's boats built by CSY were good boats, I think your good all the way to 85 ???

[BigLew]

I've got a '85 Scepter and no complaints except a weathered gelcoat!

[Blue_Heron]

The early '80s 23' boats were made by CSY, the 20s were made by Seacraft Industries. I've heard CSY used Potter's molds.

I have an '83 20SF. At 20'-4", it is 8" longer than a Potter 20 SF. It has a very slight hook in the rear of the hull, and I think that makes it a little slower than a Potter 20 SF with the same horsepower, but the ride is Seacraft all the way. I don't know if the hook is unique to my hull, or typical of all the Seacraft Industries 20 SFs. It's slight enough that you need a 4' straight edge to see it. Other than that, I would say the quality is similar to a Potter. The hook, if typical, may have been introduced intentionally to keep the bow down at higher speeds. Just a guess.
Dave

[castalot]

i'm happy with my 86 23' cc 87 is when tracker bought the line and who knows what happened after that but most brands got "cheaper" in the late 80's and early 90's
but like anything that is older it depends on how it was cared for and what inprovements have been made

[Blue197320]

my 23 is an 87. i have not run it but im going to rebuild it. ive taken it apart a little bit and ill tell you there is alot of glass in that boat still. i dont see anything seperating structually yet so it cant be that bad.

[hfrench]

I have an 1988 18' - no issues what so ever.

[Rainmaker]

I run a 1998 Seacraft 23CC with a 2006 etech 225 on a bracket. I am thrilled with the set up. Boat has held up very well and continues to perform. I had the bracket added but have done little in repairs since.

[Fr. Frank]

In late 1987, we got in an '87 Tracker SeaCraft 23 WA at Lake Worth Yachting Center, where the transom had been severely damaged in a rear-end collision while being trailered. As part of the repair, the entire transom was removed. I was then shocked to learn that the stringers in that boat were fiberglass-encapsulated plywood, unlike Potter hulls. And though the hull was just one year old, the plywood was already wet and separating inside the stringer.