Why are POTTER 23 CC's so revered?

[ScottM]

I would agree that quality was good but that's not to say Moesly and those that came after Potter didn't build a good boat.

Huh?

The original poster is referring specifically to the 23' CC so I don't want to confuse things by throwing Moesly in here. I'll amend my statement by saying the 23's built post-Potter/pre-Tracker (1980-1986) are just as well made, if not better, than what Potter made in the '70s. I'm sure some of the Potter fanatics will jump all over me, but it's a fact.

[McGillicuddy]

I opine that the implied reverence applies somewhat to the entire SeaCraft line of the Potter era because he introduced the 23 which is such a capable boat. Perhaps more revered is the variable dead-rise hull design which was the brainchild of Mr Moesly who's SeaCraft company Potter bought.

The 23 was developed under Potter's marketing acumen who, I believe, recognized that he had nothing in the SeaCraft line to compete against the vaunted Formula 233 and other fine craft in the class. He knew he had a unique hull design to work with and the 23's trailer-able size made it a logical addition to an already respected builder. It's sea-keeping capabilities and enhanced fish-ability quickly proved its worth and the 23 became the flagship.

Potter added some dryness with an added leading strake on the 23 and the 18, and addressed modern fish-ability, but Moesly's VDH is probably where the reverence is due.

I concur with ScottM on the quality aspects. From what little I have seen, the overall quality on the 20's (especially noticeable on the cockpit floors) slipped a little after about '72, but simultaneously improvements were made elsewhere. The '23s I have seen from the early 80s look to be perhaps a bit better in build than those of the late Potter era. Cost cutting? Only the accountants could really say...

I would argue that some of this had to do with the cost of resin during Potters era as he was caught in early mid-'70s by the "Arab oil embargo," and then was again pinched by the "energy crisis" of the late '70s that buried so many boat builders.

Regardless, the sea-keeping capability of vdh hull, the smooth ride, and the simply classic lines are why so many of these boats go under the knife and are deemed restore-able by the wackos that make their living on the water, or just love boats. Good luck with yours should you pursue this venture, and good luck with the ensuing sickness!

P.S. Nice job on the Biddison - saw it on THT this summer; fantastic looking wire work.

[77SceptreOB]

well said.

[bfox76]

McGillicuddy,

Thank you for the great reply to my post.

Your "P.S." brought a big smile to my face. Thanks for the compliment! The BIDDISON has been great. Another amazing hull design and a HUGE 18' Deep V CC.

A Potter 23 would suit my needs better for the Chesapeake Bay and would make it more comfy for the wife and kids. I am having one surveyed on Monday and am hoping to get it @ a great DEAL!

[thehermit]

dont forget Mr. Potter went on to 'upgrade' the only spot he felt needed further attention.....the low transom notch. Mr Potter went on to form Seamark. Now he and Don Herman (Hermco) put out a full transom closing bracket.

[Blue_Heron]

Mr.McGillicuddy, sir, I salute you. You are a wordsmith indeed. You have summarized quite succinctly why we are all afflicted with Seacraft Disease.
Dave

[McGillicuddy]

Hi Hermit, I certainly meant no disrespect to Mr Potter or any of his boats. I still have one of his Seafaris and intend to keep it.

I didn't know Sea Mark was his co., although I was aware of his bracket work. Thanks for the insight.

[gofastsandman]

Caymanboy has rebuilt a couple of `72s and said that one had 4 stringers and another had the 2 big boxes.

Ole, Denny, and others feel that the 4 stringer system is stronger because the tabs of the stringers connect to the middle of the steps increasing the thickness of the weaker part of the panel.

When a boat is laid up isn`t discussed much, but how do you get a good layup in July or January?

Have fun with the search,
GFS

[thehermit]

Gillie, Where'd you learn to write like that I think you laid it out perfect!...just wanted to add Potter felt brackets helped out his design too. He noted this on CSC @ one point in one of his few posts here. I wish he posted more often. Hard makin a great design better but he and others here have made impressive 'tweaks'.

I agree on the marketing. I mean...he put Bruce Brown in Mexico for a month with 2 boats for a movie in 1974. Classic

I think the 23SF is laid out perfect....but I am biased [img]/forum/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img] and lets not forget they all grew out of the 21 that you have that thing is sick

[Blue_Heron]

When a boat is laid up isn`t discussed much, but how do you get a good layup in July or January?

I'm no expert, Sandy, but I think one of the advantages of polyester resin is that you can increase or decrease the amount of catalyst to compensate for ambient temp. As I learn more about layup, I'm beginning to appreciate some of the advantages polyester has over epoxy.
Dave