sportcraft boats

[cjb]

found a new "used" 2003 sportcraft for a reasonable price.
I realizt the company went under and that this may be one of the last boats produced. how was their quality and track reccord near the end?
I always liked these boats and realize that they don't nessesarily have the best fit and finnish or hardware, but neither do any other boats in the right price range. should I consider this boat sold without the backing of a factory warentee? it's a 22' walk w/ I/O power.

[Erie Drifter]

I recently sold my 1999 SportCraft 22' Walkaround I/O, I didn't want to part with it but economics made it nessessary.

I would buy another one in a second, great Erie boat with no mechanical problems during the four years I owned it.

I've had it out on some pretty ugly Erie seas, use a little common sense and it makes for a safe and dry ride.

The only thing I should have done different is to get the outboard instead of the I/O, a bit more room to move around, no major winterizing to deal with and a shallower draft.

Due to the weight of the 4.3L V6 it was real aft heavy and sat 2" to 3" below the waterline at the transom, make sure it has hydraulic trim tabs or you will have a major porposing(sp) problem, the tabs make a world of difference and improve the ride 200%.

I had purchased a 300 pound capicity water filled ballast bag I intended to put in the foreward rope locker and fill it enough(about 150 pounds would do it) to level it out a bit but never got around to trying it out.

Bill W.