General opinions of this boat please?

[jam39vw995]

I've been looking for a boat for a while now and I think this is what I'm looking for.<br />This will be the first boat I've owned.<br /><br />Length: 18 Ft. 0 in.<br />Year: 1982 Used<br />Manufacturer: Wellcraft<br />Model: 180 Bowrider<br />Location: New Hampshire<br />Type: Bow Riders<br />Price: $3199.00 <br /><br /><http://www.iboats.com/boats/marine--1/boats--10/power_boats--100/bow_riders--1004/bow_riders_0_to_18_ft--703/34564-ad.html><br /><br />I think maybe the engine is a bit small for this but what do you think?<br /><br />thanks

 

[JasonJ]

Re: General opinions of this boat please?

You should think long and hard about how you will use the boat. Will you be hauling a lot of people? Will you be pulling any waterskiers? Do you think you will want to go fast all the time? Usually you should try to get the most power you can afford, or you can end up dissapointed due to lack of power or the boat is too slow. If you KNOW you will be content with less power (is there such a thing?) then you don't have to worry as much about the powerplant. I don't think you will get a lot of joy out of a 140 horse I/O in an 18 footer unless you will just be cruisin', and there is nothing wrong with just cruisin'. On the plus side, it would get decent economy, but also remember a small motor will work harder, and odds are that boat was probably run hard a lot, as most people just max the throttle and go. Low powered boats work harder than a boat with more power....

 

[walleyehed]

Re: General opinions of this boat please?

Your link has an error somewhere....I copy and paste and it says it can't be found..........

 

[jam39vw995]

Re: General opinions of this boat please?

Thanks.<br /><br />Fishing, water skiing, tubing, cruising. I found another Wellcraft 180 with a 170 Merc, stainless prop etc. The 4 cyl. would be a little under powered I think.<br />What are Wellcraft boats like in general? I've always liked their lines.

 

[jam39vw995]

Re: General opinions of this boat please?

Try this link;<br /><br /> Wellcraft 180 bowrider

 

[JasonJ]

Re: General opinions of this boat please?

Wellcrafts are decent boats, but like any boat, they are only as good as the care they recieved. It doesn't matter how good a boat is if it gets left out in the rain and snow with no protection. You will want to ensure you won't be buying a boat that will need a new floor or transom anytime soon. It is expensive to have someone fix, and mind-numbing to fix yourself. Good luck....

 

[jam39vw995]

Re: General opinions of this boat please?

Thanks,<br /><br />Just like a car really. If it was looked after etc.<br />I'll be spending the $$ to have it surveyed/inspected by a qualified person.

 

[roscoe]

Re: General opinions of this boat please?

The ad says the trailer is $1500 extra, I hope you saw that.

 

[Mark42]

Re: General opinions of this boat please?

Can't comment on the boat, but I can put in my $0.02 on the trailer: A 19 fr E-Z Roller galvanized trailer with rollers by Load Rite BRAND NEW is only about $900. Check out the prices at this trailer dealer where I bought my trailer. These are not sale prices!!! <br /><br /> http://www.saltydogsearch.com/saltydogADV/Display.cfm?id=305 <br /><br />I think if they are charging a premium ($1,500)for a used V bunk trailer, the boat is probably over priced too.<br /><br />Mark

 

[jam39vw995]

Re: General opinions of this boat please?

Thanks. I was not going to purchase a trailer. I will borrow one registered in Canada to avoid any hassles at the border.

 

[Peter1959628]

Re: General opinions of this boat please?

Boat looks reasonable and with 3.0l motor should be ok to pull a tube and to ski with.<br />Wellcraft have a good name but as pointed out depends on how well looked after its been.<br /><br />Down side is the trailer which is bordering on being misleading and should be more clear in the ad.<br />Try knocking the price down!<br />good luck

 

[RatFish]

Re: General opinions of this boat please?

It's not that great of a deal. It's over 20 years old, under powered and no trailer. I'd be patient and keep looking. Here is NADA's price valuation.

 

[boston2]

Re: General opinions of this boat please?

jeff you can do way better than that ,i paid 4700 for a 1997 17 foot seaswirl br. with a 1997 115 and the new trailer .theres lots around the seattle area.if your going south make it worth your while...scott

 

[walleyehed]

Re: General opinions of this boat please?

My 2 cents........If ya find the boat you like, and can confirm the condition of it, and can afford it, buy it. Don't let price be the ONLY deciding factor. That boat, if in good condition, may be the boat of your dreams, who knows???? A few hundred over book isn't going to make it less fun to own, and if you have it more than a year or two, the cost will be absorbed anyway........Be happy with your choice-that's all that matters, and choose wisely based on what you want, the condition, and price if it's way out of the ballpark.......

 

[jam39vw995]

Re: General opinions of this boat please?

Ok, this is great info.<br /><br />Ya, after I found that one I found another that I liked much better. It was an '86 Wellcraft Elite200 with 350ci/260 merc, br and had a nice trailer which I don't really want. It was a bit more @ 6K.<br />I'm not stuck on the Wellcraft make either, I just really like the lines.<br /> Wellcraft Elite200 <br /><br />I'll keep looking, I'm a distance away from purchasing but this research and the feedback from everyone is helping a great deal.<br /><br />Thanks

 

[Peter1959628]

Re: General opinions of this boat please?

Definately a good time to pick up a good buy this time in the year.<br />Sounds like you are undecided as these two boats have a huge difference in power.Glad to see that you are looking around to see what is on the market.<br />Try to have a test drive even if its pre owned and that in itself should help you decide.Most reputable sellers will do this if you show adequate interest. Take your time and look at other options prices even browsing e-bay.<br />My first boat i bought from a guy less than half a mile away 2nd was from 350 miles(one way).<br />hope you find what want!

 

[jam39vw995]

Re: General opinions of this boat please?

Thanks Peter1959628,<br /><br />ya, undecided is a good description. After finding iboats I "thought" I had my mind made up and all the good folks here have confused the heck out of me. <br />Just kidding, all the information has been awesome.<br />Yes, the first boat I looked at was under powered for what I wanted.<br />The second with the 350ci/260 merc, in a 19' bowrider would be something I would be interested in. My main concern would be fuel economy, but given the size of the engine and the boat I suspect I could run very easy on plane and have good economy at the same time. Then if I wanted the speed it's there for me. <br />The main thing I've learned is there is no way to fix an under powered boat so I'm not going there.<br /><br />Thanks again.