please advise. 1978 18sf potter

[dginge]

gents
I have the opportunity to buy a one owner 18sf 1978 yellow boat. well well taken care of (with the exception of some sun damage.) it has a cover on console and swing back seat so Im sure that there has been rain in the hull of course. it is solid as a rock with no damage to the hull in its life. the transom was raised to 25 in late 90's by a local glass guy who does excellent work. it has a ocean pro (late 90's) 150 25 inch on it and runs well. he is asking 7100.00 and I plan on getting rid of the swing back if anyone wants it or would trade for a lean post. it has a huge coffin fiberglass box under the swing back seat. was this original box back then? also, is there wood stringers in this year potter or glass boxes?
am I ok at 7100.00 or is it to much money? its a solid running boat now but needs some compounding and tlc.
thanks guys

[Mark]

For quite a number of years now there has been a bit of an informal one-upmanship in terms of people posting about the fantastic deals they've scored on SeaCrafts - each person paying a bit less than the last. Problem is, most of these 'finds' have occurred with a complete restoration in mind and so the overall condition of the 'great deal' was somewhat immaterial.

If you've found an 18' that's in great shape and runs well for $7K, I don't think that's excessive. I sold my 18' with a rotten transom (fully disclosed to buyer) for $9K. Are there cheaper boats out there? -absolutely. But if you really want an SC18, there aren't too many around that you can buy from the original owner who bought it 35 years ago.

I'd just suggest that you make absolutely sure you want it and plan to keep it, because selling boats right now, from what I've seen on this site, can take some time.

[76Red18]

Great power to weight ratio on that Ocean Pro I might add. A bit thirsty though.

[FishStretcher]

I agree with Mark. I paid a lot less out the door for my 20MA, but before it floated once, it cost more than that asking price. And I do my own electrical, rigging, glass, and trailer work. And I hardly did any glass work. And it is FAR from a gem- more like ugly, but safe.

[dginge]

great info and thanks. mark- you are spot on. the market down here (gulf coast) brings good boat re-sale due to supply and demand. I sold an 18 foot tracker rigged out for ducks with beaver tail floats on the back for 5k and it was a 2003. thats a lot considering its like floating a beer can on the water with 3 degrees of DR.
the 18's just seem like a good size for our bays and close off shore kings and pearl snapper.
this boat just needs some TLC AND A ROOF OVER IT!!! that sun is a murderer

[Mark]

Originally Posted by dginge

this boat just needs some TLC AND A ROOF OVER IT!!! that sun is a murderer

I had a t-top on both my 18' and 20'. For those that complain about tops being in the way of casting, - take some casting lessons!

[eggsuckindog]

Originally the 18 didn't come with any seating if I remember, some used igloo's with a seat cushion - I put one of those in a used it alot as a fish box, as I was trolling alot. Price sounds fair so good luck

[seano]

my 77 has the swingback seat also. mine's in terrible shape, so if you buy it and want to get rid of the seat, let me know.