Seacraft Knockoffs

[Hookdude]

Today I checked out and helped weld a radar bracket on a used boat a friend recently purchased. It's a 89 22' Seawolf made by Watkins. It has a variable deadrise hull with reversed chines the forward 3/4 of it's length. Looking at the stern, it could easily be mistaken for a 23 Seacraft. Which got me wondering.....

How can other companies get away with copying the VDR design? Isn't this "pattern infringement" on some level?

Also, what other companies have copied the Seacraft design? I know Silverhawk did (nice boat BTW). And I remember seeing a boat at the Ft.Myers boat show a few years back that was similar to a Seacraft 20 but I don't recall the make. (Sailfish? Not sure.)

How's the quality, ride, etc. of these imposters?

Cheers,
Bob

[Bigshrimpin]

Today I checked out and helped weld a radar bracket on a used boat a friend recently purchased. It's a 89 22' Seawolf made by Watkins. It has a variable deadrise hull with reversed chines the forward 3/4 of it's length. Looking at the stern, it could easily be mistaken for a 23 Seacraft. Which got me wondering.....

How can other companies get away with copying the VDR design? Isn't this "pattern infringement" on some level?

Also, what other companies have copied the Seacraft design? I know Silverhawk did (nice boat BTW). And I remember seeing a boat at the Ft.Myers boat show a few years back that was similar to a Seacraft 20 but I don't recall the make. (Sailfish? Not sure.)

How's the quality, ride, etc. of these imposters?

Cheers,
Bob

Hey Bob . . . The patent for VDH was granted in 1963. Patent protection is 14 years on design patents (maybe less back then). There are lots of knockoffs . . . just do a search on the site. Cape Marine 26 (albin 26) is a stretch 23ft seacraft. Key Largo, Sailfish, Silverhawk, Helms, etc. have knockoffs of either the 20 or 23.

Formula 233 is another 1960's offshore racing hull (like seacraft) that has many clones . . . Bluewater, Early Contender 25, Whitewater 25, SeaVee, Albermarle, Apache, Allmand, Space Craft, Old Towne, etc. etc.

[htillman]

With this info, if purchasing a new boat in the 20 - 25 foot range what boat to purchase if looking for a VDH. I am curious to see what the consensus is - I have two vintage Seacrafts - a 20 Seafarer and a 23 Sceptre.

[65Bowrider]

According to the Patent document I have, the patent was granted Mar. 1, 1966 and considered to be a "functional" patent that gave a broader range of protection than a 'design' patent would have. It was good for 17 years. From the time of filing to approval, the "Patent Pending" gave protection.
In the 60's with so many up-start boat building companies, it was common for a boat to be flipped and a new mold created for the new company. Not necessarily honest, but done.
Since the time the patent expired, many companies have copied the VDR, but they will modify it, in an effort to make improvements.
I think by this forum existing with so many loyal members, makes a statement as to which is best...
Jason's moto, "often imitated, never duplicated" is very true. IMO, if you have a classic SeaCraft, you have the best.

[Bigshrimpin]

Thanks Carla . . . I should look these documents before I open my bigmouth

http://www.classicseacraft.com/broch...raftPatent.pdf

[Hookdude]

Thanks Carla and Big! It's good to have clarification as this has been buggin' me for some time now. The patent is a great read.

Hey Big I just noticed you're in Whitman. I thought you were out in CA with Strick. Did you move? Since we're practically neighbors would you care to get together and talk SeaCraft? (I could certainly use some guidance with my project!)

Carla, I must agree with your, Trayder's and basically this site's opinion regarding these boats. To paraphrase a Land Rover bumpersticker.....

"I'd rather row my SeaCraft than drive your imitation."

Cheers,
Bob

[65Bowrider]

Hey Big, Your memory of the 1963 date could have been the date of application. We all know how fast our govt works!