What did we learn from the Process Unit1-Unit 3?

Author Ian Gaines

Why We Chose the Potter Hull and Sea Craft Brand

Performance and Engineering Merits

• The Potter hull, known for its deep-V design, excels in ride quality, fuel efficiency, and wave handling—fundamental for offshore boating.

• Sea trials confirmed its smooth performance, validating its legacy and setting a high engineering baseline.

Market and Strategic Value

• The Sea Craft brand carries strong market recognition and resale credibility. Choosing this brand supported both technical and business goals.

• Initial unfamiliarity with the Potter hull was overcome through hands-on experience, which affirmed its engineering excellence and worth preserving.

What Changed from Boat to Boat: Progressive Learning and Ref

inement

Boat 1: 1975 Safari Sea Craft 20’

Learning Focus: Foundational Modernization

• Helm Access Innovation: Introduced

• Transom Redesign: Developed a forward-facing electrical panel access, a major ergonomic upgrade that informed future helm redesigns.custom mold and wood-laminate sandwich structure—laying groundwork for future all-composite transoms.

• Composite Rear Seating: Transitioned from wood prototype to molded composite, launching a hybrid workflow of physical prototyping and advanced fabrication.

• Deck Core Upgrade: Shifted from water-damaged plywood to modern PVC foam, beginning the move to next-gen composite materials.

What We Learned: We built a foundational understanding of retrofitting older boats with modern systems, with special focus on ergonomics, transom strength, and moisture-resistant core materials.

Boat 2: 1976 Master Angler Sea Craft 20’

Learning Focus: System Integration and Structural Optimization

• Full Disassembly Strategy: By removing deck and liner, we gained full access for proper structural core replacements—a practice that maximized retrofit integrity.

• Material Advancements: Used closed-cell PVC foam and synthetic inserts throughout deck and liner, reinforcing long-term resistance to water intrusion.

• System Housing: Introduced compartmentalized storage for freshwater/seawater pumps—enhancing serviceability and system layout.

• CAD and CNC Use: Fabricated custom storage and live well systems via CAD + CNC, refining production accuracy and repeatability.

• All-Composite Transom: Abandoned wood completely opting for Coosa composite, setting a new standard for future builds.

What We Learned: Material science, digital fabrication (CAD/CNC), and systems packaging became core competencies. We elevated internal structure quality and improved manufacturing repeatability.

Boat 3: 1976 Master Angler Sea Craft 23’

Learning Focus: Complex Integration and Space Management

• Helm + Cage Redesign: Helm was narrowed to fit structural cage space—demonstrating our agility in tight-fit customization.

• Composite Hardtop Integration: Added embedded lighting/audio into structural fiberglass top—blending performance and user experience.

• Seating with Systems Access: Rear bench seat now doubled as a systems access point—smart packaging for future maintenance.

• Lean Layout Thinking: Designed compact live well into a molded leaning post, preserving deck space without sacrificing functionality.

What We Learned: We matured in integrating multi-functional structures, combining comfort, access, and aesthetics into tightly designed zones.

Cumulative Engineering Lessons

Category	What We Learned
Transoms	Moved from wood-laminate to all-composite Coosa, improving durability & precision
Coring Materials	PVC foam and synthetic inserts became the standard for moisture resistance
Helm Design	Swing-out access and forward-facing hatches became best practice for serviceability
Systems Integration	Custom storage and pump compartments improved layout and post-sale maintenance
Fabrication Method	CAD + CNC increased precision and production scalability
Aesthetics & Finish	High-build primers and Imron® coatings provided top-tier durability and gloss

What You Can Expect from SeaChange Marine

• Legacy Meets Innovation: They blend the iconic Potter-hull performance with cutting-edge materials and structural techniques.

• A Proven Team: Backed by over 75 years of composite and marine engineering experience.

• Rigorously Tested: Every vessel undergoes real-world sea trials before delivery, ensuring peak seaworthiness.

• Customer-Focused Design: Layouts, access points, and system integrations are made with long-term user experience in mind.

• Industry-Grade Standards: Builds comply with ABYC, USCG, and other safety standards, using industrial-grade materials like vinyl ester, Divinycell, and Coosa composites.

Summary: Key Takeaways from Boat-to-Boat

• Each vessel became a testbed and blueprint for improved materials, structural practices, and user-focused refinements.

• The evolution from Boat 1 to Boat 3 showcases SeaChange’s growth from capable restorers to marine design innovators.

• You can trust their process because it's rooted in continuous learning, proven engineering, and a commitment to long-term vessel integrity.