How much of a difference between late potter and early non potter (1980 vs 1986)

[offshoreterror]

Hey guys,

I'm new to the forum, I figured this is the place to be for all my SeaCraft questions. I have always wanted a classic Potter hull but have never owned a SeaCraft. I have decided to pull the trigger and buy one, I have been shopping around for the past few months and still haven't found what I'm looking for. I wish I was more of a project guy but realistically I'm out of my league with a hull that old. I recently came across a 1986 that looks great and is in my price range but it's not a Potter. Should I hold out and keep looking or is there not that much of a difference. I appreciate any advice.

Jeff

[PigSticker]

That hull is 20 4" vs 19 6" and already has a 25" transom, the boxes in the aft are taller vs lower on potter and the console is taller as well. A 86 might not need much work, an older Potter if it wasn't redone by someone may need some work. My advice is whichever you choose buy one that's ready to use its more fun than rebuilding one, I just had a 20 redone and sold it for a 21..

[offshoreterror]

Thanks for the reply! Ok so sounds like I'd be getting more boat with the 86' and the one I was looking at is in good shape. I agree that a boat ready to fish is probably better for me. The idea of restoring a classic potter is something I'd love to do someday but I don't think now is the time. I'd be in over my head.

Thank you!

[ssscotty]

not sure of your price range but i would stick with a hull from the Potter era. not talking a lot of years difference from that 86 anyway. raising the transom is not a huge project.

[bgreene]

Marine engineer I know told me the post Potter boats have thicker glass, and nothing wrong with the boats after Potter.

Can't speak of the final, newer years of SeaCraft ...

[Islandtrader]

Its a Seacraft...buy the best boat for the $$. There is no such thing as a bad Seacraft...Some are just better than others!

[DoozleD]

....doent worry they are "Potters"! At least the ones that i see for sale, every on is a "potter hull"...(im being sarcastic)

[TomParis]

Doozle you are so right, I saw on ad on craigslist the other day and it was for an aluminum jon boat that said it was a Potter Hull... lol

[HatTrick]

i have an 86 20' and i love it. boat people don't say ooohhh like they do with a 70's hull but the 86 is a solid boat. i have been on many 70's hulls and i like the layout of the 86 stern better. the two storage boxes are more functional than the half seats. i think the deck drain design is better as well.

[22Conch]

I was wondering the same thing about an '83