Close to buying my first boat....opinions?

[paulspaddle]

I can't seem to figure out how to attach a pic....sorry. The craigslist ad has been removed.

Here's the story....I saw this boat 1989 Wellcraft Eclipse 186, with a 3.7. Ok, whoa hold off on writing "run away" just yet. (I've read a bit about these 3.7's)

I told the owner that if he doesn't sell it by the time it needs to be winterized let me know and I would like to have a marine mechanic look at it. I paid a marine mechanic $200 (Bayside Marine in MN) The report was good, compression was 160/160/155/155, anchor light out, out drive alignment was good, one stereo speaker was out, tach is inaccurate, trim senders not accurate (but operate fine). Interior is good, no soft spots, good seats. That was it, nothing major.

Trailer is good, lights not all working though.

This second owner has had it winterized and worked on annually at this Marine shop.

He listed the boat for $3500. I offered him $2500 and he has countered at $2900. (owner has already paid for this years winterization)

So what do you think?? Is the 3.7 that horrible that I should keep looking? I feel I've done the right thing in paying for the mechanic and by all accounts this boat has been well cared for.

/Users/pandmar/Pictures/iPhoto Library/Originals/2009/2009-11-05/Boat 3.jpeg

Thanks all!!! Looking forward to reading your opinions.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Close to buying my first boat....opinions?

The question you need to ask yourself is....can you find another boat, in as good a condition, for that price but without a known problematic powerplant. I don't feel you've gotten the appropriate discount yet for the motor. It's a 20 year old fiberglass boat. It's not going to be worth any more than that even if it have a V6 Mercruiser in it.

 

[BLU LUNCH]

Re: Close to buying my first boat....opinions?

Welcome, buy it Wellcrafts are well built solid boats, you see a lot of vintage Wellcrafts running around.

 

[Knightgang]

Re: Close to buying my first boat....opinions?

Would you pay $2900 for a 20 year old car with a known powerplant issue, that was produced in great numbers and various power packages...

Something to think about...

 

[Steve Mahler]

Re: Close to buying my first boat....opinions?

There are people that have them and make it work fine. Easy to find the weak spots and watch it closely, upgrade the ignition etc. I too have looked half-seriously with boats so equipped, but it is a big negative to overcome.

 

[ziggy]

Re: Close to buying my first boat....opinions?

sounds like your going about buying very carefully. thats good. but if you've read about the 3.7's, why are you even considering it. there's almost no other engine that has write ups like that one does..
fwiw, when i was buying. if it had the 470 version engine in it. i was done looking at it. no matter how cool or great of shape the boat was in. to me, it just wasn't worth it for it's known issues... starting with it's aluminum block and iron head. and it goes on from there... it has to many design issues imho...

in this economy, there must be lots of boats out there that don't have that engine in it that would be more desirable to me... but that's me... good luck with your decision...

 

[paulspaddle]

Re: Close to buying my first boat....opinions?

Thanks for the opinions!

Your right, why keep considering this? Mostly because I really like the boat. The Wellcraft has everything I was looking for, swim deck on the back, deep-v, quality boat. A 19' boat for under $3000 is not easy to find... period.

BUT and the big BUT is that motor is clearly problematic.

Back to craigslist I go.....