Which boat would you restore?
#1
Admirals Club 

Thread Starter

I'm still working on my Cabo restoration but already have my sights set on my next project. I have the opportunity to acquire a couple of different boats that are both well regarded and am not sure which one to bring back to life.
The first is a 1972 Potter built SeaCraft 20' CC. This boat is going to need a full restoration including removing the I/O and adding a bracket. It's pretty rough but it's all there and the hull and cap are in good shape.
The second is a Formula 233 that I haven't had the chance to look at but another cool boat nonetheless. Both will cost me about the same for the hulls, and both will require about the same level of restoration unless I somehow get lucky and the stringers are still in good shape. I'm assuming the worst case scenario.
So which one do you think I should get?
And yes, I'd love to get both but I don't have room to store two boats.
The first is a 1972 Potter built SeaCraft 20' CC. This boat is going to need a full restoration including removing the I/O and adding a bracket. It's pretty rough but it's all there and the hull and cap are in good shape.
The second is a Formula 233 that I haven't had the chance to look at but another cool boat nonetheless. Both will cost me about the same for the hulls, and both will require about the same level of restoration unless I somehow get lucky and the stringers are still in good shape. I'm assuming the worst case scenario.
So which one do you think I should get?
And yes, I'd love to get both but I don't have room to store two boats.
#2
Senior Member


If you want a killer inshore light tackle hull the SeaCraft...Offshore runs in 2-3's Formula.
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#6
Admirals Club 


pics!
#8
Admirals Club 

Thread Starter

Larger isn’t necessarily better and where I live we have offshore, intracostal, and the river to fish and boat.
Those extra three feet don’t seem like much but my Mako 221 was huge compared to my Cabo 216. Could also mean an extra 96 square feet of glass, resin, and paint depending on what needs to be done. I like them both though.
Those extra three feet don’t seem like much but my Mako 221 was huge compared to my Cabo 216. Could also mean an extra 96 square feet of glass, resin, and paint depending on what needs to be done. I like them both though.
#9

Larger isn’t necessarily better and where I live we have offshore, intracostal, and the river to fish and boat.
Those extra three feet don’t seem like much but my Mako 221 was huge compared to my Cabo 216. Could also mean an extra 96 square feet of glass, resin, and paint depending on what needs to be done. I like them both though.
Those extra three feet don’t seem like much but my Mako 221 was huge compared to my Cabo 216. Could also mean an extra 96 square feet of glass, resin, and paint depending on what needs to be done. I like them both though.
I think it could go about anywhere the SeaCraft could go and handle about as well and the extra room would be useful
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#11
Senior Member

The seacraft is a Swiss Army knife that can do a bunch of stuff pretty well. Do it handsomely and respectable.
the formula is a case knife that can do one or two things exceptionally well, but has less versatility in its functions.
all depends on how you want to use the boat and what you will use it for.
the formula is a case knife that can do one or two things exceptionally well, but has less versatility in its functions.
all depends on how you want to use the boat and what you will use it for.
#12
Senior Member

As this will be a labour of love, I would go for whichever one 'speaks' to you the most. A bit like people who restore an old car going for something they remember from their childhood etc.
#13

Both great hulls. I can see why you started this thread. I would check both hulls out in person and get a feel for them. That would most likely guide my decision. And also what I plan to use the boat for.
#16
Admirals Club 


No wrong choice here, full disclaimer....we are in the middle of a formula restore and I think it’s one of the best boats ever made hands down. Offshore and chop the formula will have a better ride hands down, skinny water the formula loses out. Regardless of your decision you HAVE to post start a build thread.
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#19
Admirals Club 

Thread Starter
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