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Hello Everyone.
I am happy to have found this site. I more than most people, need the knoowledge and experience of its members. I have just won a bid on ebay for a 1979 18ft. Potter Seacraft(my first boat). I live in NY and the boat is in West Plam Fl. From the pictures the boat seems to be in good condition. The seller claims the boat has 2 soft spots on the deck and some dings on the hull. He claims the transom is strong and the bottom has never been painted . It is now powered w. a 235 Johnson that turns over but wont run ( I will put new power on.it). This brings me to my question, What should I check for in inspecting the hull, if all look s good where should I have the work done. How should it be powered (what H.P., 2 Cycle /4 Cycle.)I will have to have most of the work done by professionals,is the wrong boat for a first time buyer. Thank you for any help you can give me. Dick O'Donovan |
#2
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that sounds like way too much motor, especially for a first boat
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#3
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Dick - Welcome !
You have definitely found the mother lode of SeaCraft knowledge! I just bought my first SeaCraft last summer (fifth boat overall) and learned alot from these guys. You may not have the boating experience to realize it at first, but the ride, and the seakeeping capability, of the SeaCraft hull design, is excellant!!! A 235hp is a little overpowering on the 18, and you will have alot of choices to make, there - unless you're really into flying.... And given that power has been on there, which is way over the boats rated max - I would check, or have someone check, the transom thoroughly. A few soft spots in the deck are an easy fix. Dings in the hull ? Depends on what the guy calls a "ding". The transom is the root of the boat, critical to safety. So, welcome to the site. Do a search on transoms, and you will have alot of reading and studying to do, and get alot of info. May I also suggest classicmako.com - there are alot of good info over there, as well. best wishes - and Merry Christmas a little early !!! Bill |
#4
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Weight is an issue with engines on the 18' and 20' SeaCraft, so when you go engine shopping look for the lighter weight offerings by the various manufacturers. It would be ideal if you could keep the engine under 400#s if you intend to keep the floor at its original height.
Any engine in the 130-150hp range would be about right. My 18' had a 140 on it when I bought it and I repowered it with a 130 - either one pushed it just fine. |
#5
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Welcome ! Got ?'s Ask em' Got "BEER" Bring them Too! Most of the Guy's Here rate the Job's by How many Beers it takes to Conquer a Project so let Us know when You pick her Up ! Scream'n Reels' Tug! [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
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http://www.frenzie.com/frenzielogoline.GIF www.frenzie.com http://www.frenzie.com/custom.htm "Classic SeaCraft" Lures 1983_seacraft_master_angler.]htm My wife and I had words, But I didn't get to use mine."?" |
#6
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Welcome to CSC Dick O
I spent many fishing trips out of West Palm / Jupiter on a 18' SeaCraft. You'll enjoy the ride for sure. You can get many of your questions answered by using the search menu and don't forget to order your "1979 Potter HDS" decals. BTW: We all like boat porn so get some pictures posted of your new ride and "Good Luck" with her [img]/images/graemlins/cool.gif[/img]
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![]() ![]() 1978 23' Superfish/Potter Bracket 250HP -------- as "Americans" you have the right to ...... "LIFE, LIBERTY and the PURSUIT of a Classic SeaCraft" -capt_chuck |
#7
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Welcome aboard Dick, Your ride will be alot nicer coming to Florida then what mine was to pick-up my 23 Secptre in
storm ravaged Louisana from Florida. Ditto on the boat porn, we like lots of pictures. Good Luck, Ken
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See ya, Ken © |
#8
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Welcome. You've come to the right place. If these guys don't have the answer they will certainly have an opinion and know which way to point you. There is wealth of Seacraft experience on this forum. Good luck with you new ride. Tight lines. tarpun
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Tarpun 1972 20 Seafari 1977 23 Savage 1980 20'Master Angler |
#9
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Wow !!!
Thank you, soo many replys so soon I feel more comfortable allready.As I said I am a real rookie. (I fish the surf and as I get older I have been thinking how nice it would be to fish from a boat.) I am sure you guys will get me through this. I dont know too much about boats but I think I have made the right decision with this Potter Built SC Thanks Dick O'D |
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