Another story of search

Rich · #1 04-26-2002, 11:30 PM

First off, I like to say thanks to Jason for taking the time to pull this site together. It has been extremely helpful to me. I like so many of you had been searching and searching for a 23 SC for a long time. My typical day would start and end with a search of all the typical places, Boattraderonline.com, yachtworld.com, local and national “Want” advertisers, etc., etc. This went on for a couple years. One Friday when leaving for work a little late, I quickly checked Boattraderonline.com. I did a quick “sort listings by date” and the first add that popped up had been placed 10 minutes earlier, it read 23 Seacraft with trailer no motor $4000. The listing was from somewhere in MICHIGAN. I thought what the F*** is this. I clicked on the image and sure enough there it was. I picked up the phone and gave the number a call. Turned out to be a little crap hole marina on lake Erie. I talked to the sales man and he said that this was the first time they had ever advertised online, anyway sure enough 1972 Seacraft cc, that’s about all he new about the boat. I asked him to take some pictures and email them to me. They looked fairly intriguing. That day I put a deposit on the boat and booked a plane ticket the next day to go check it out. To be honest I had only looked at a couple of others during my search but this one was good, real good. Both deck and transom solid as a rock, some minor cosmetic stuff but everything looked great ( the paint color takes some getting used to). The trailer on the other hand was a mess, it looked like it was built for a 16’ aluminum lake boat. One of the wheels was a few rolls away from coming off. I flew back the next day and with using the Trailer as some leverage, got the guy to come down to $3350 for the boat alone. Done deal.

Friday I saw the add, Saturday on the plane, Sunday bought the boat. In that time frame the sales man told me that he must of taken 40 calls on the boat, he was amazed with the power of advertising on the internet. I agreed with him and kept my mouth shut. He had no idea how coveted these boats were.

Driving west from MASS…

I ordered a 6000 lb dual axle bunk trailer from Tow Master of America and set out three weeks later to pick up the boat. Tow Master ships trailers for around $400, turns out one of there manufacturing plants is in Ohio. One hour south of Cleveland. I had to go through there anyway, saved another $400 for shipping. Bribed a buddy of mine with a truck big enough to pull it all, and went out for 25 hour no sleep round trip drive.

Total package around $5700. It was my lucky day. (at least I think so)

Where I’m at:

Took out the console, ripped out the wiring, took out the “foamed” in 70 gal tank, had a new alum 100 Gal tank fabricated. Unfortunately I haven’t had a lot of time to work on it over this last winter. I’m getting ready to take advantage of the warmer weather that’s coming to really start progressing.

Anyway, that’s my story. I’m sure I’ll have plenty of questions for all of you as I work my way through.

On another note:

If you guys have documentation, specs, etc. that you have scanned or are wanting to scan, let me know. I can help. Just happens that when I’m not learning about how to repair old Seacrafts, I’m working on computers and networks. Jason, If you have a need for some extra storage space, or possibly an FTP site for large scanned in PDF’s let me know.

Thanks,

Rich

Trayder · #2 04-26-2002, 11:54 PM

TX Rich and again, welcome aboard. I have some PDF's, Manuals and what not coming up from Florida from fellow SeaCraft owner Kirk Mahnke AKA "spankster" I do not think I will have any storage issues but if they arise I appreciate your offer.

When did you get your 23? Sounds like a fun journey. I look forward to some pics.

Jason

Miles Offshore · #3 04-27-2002, 09:31 AM

Great story Rich, thanx for sharing!!!! I dont imagine that the 25hr/non sllep issue was much of a factor with that 23 behind the truck knowing it was going to you house,huh??? Craig

capesams · #4 04-27-2002, 09:32 AM

RICH:

Did you by any chance get the email I sent you. OH by the way WELCOME to the site. THE cape's not that big , call me,

steve

Billybob · #5 04-29-2002, 01:48 AM

Hey Rich, cool story and right on the money.These boats just do not last.I was scanning the bargain news daily til mine came up,I called right away,answering machine, damn.Went to Anywho, did the reverse lookup and started driving.The boat was upside down in the yard and I was the first to look at it, gave him the deposit.When I went to pick it up, he said he had a ton of calls.I went with a Towmaster too, so far I like it a lot.

Snookerd · #6 04-28-2002, 03:21 PM

Rich-Great story! I used the boat trader too! I found my 18 a bit closer, 3 hours away, and it took me 3 days and a new trailer from St. Pete to complete the sale and pick-up. Your right-on with finding your boat by being the first to act on a new listing. You beat the hundreds of other Seacraft searchers. It's a beautiful thing that these uninformed sellers - even marinas, who have no idea the following of Seacraft, or their value, keep giving them away. Hats off to the boat trader national search engine! Good to hear from you. [img]images/icons/wink.gif[/img]