New guy.. First boat.

[ericp501]

Hey guys, I just got my first boat and have used forums in the past to gain information, everytime I do a google search you guys seem to pop up so I figured it was def. worth joining. My boat is a 1996 Wellcraft Excel 19sx w/ Mercruiser V6 Vortec. I picked it up yesterday and feel like I got an amazing deal. Everything is in really good shape other than a soft spot up front which I've already cut out and will be rebuilding shortly. I'm really looking forward to this summer with my boat!

How much would you have paid?
1996 Wellcraft Excel, running V6 Mercruiser, only 1 small softspot, no ripping vinyl(just sun faded), with trailer, titles for boat and trailer.

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: New guy.. First boat.

Welcome to iboats. Nice boat.

If it has been salt water run and depending on the maintenance records...... between 3 and 4K

What was under the soft spot? any wet or damp flotation?

 

[ericp501]

Re: New guy.. First boat.

No the soft spot was very small, mainly just around the storage opening, All the strings and supports look fine. I'm going to be checking the foam on other areas of the boat as I've read they can hold a lot of water.

Paid $1,700

 

[Bob_VT]

Re: New guy.. First boat.

You got a good deal now invest in the right maintenance such as impellar, plugs, fuel filter ........ get it right before we are too deep into the season.

Oh yeah...... PFD's

 

[ericp501]

Re: New guy.. First boat.

Luckly my father is a mechanic so that'll help.. I still have a lot to learn about boating and want to make sure I do everything 100%.. So I'm doing the things I know how to do now and the things I'm not sure of I'm researching. Once I'm comfortable and get all the lingo down I'm going to make sure the boat is perfect. I hope to have her in the water by July.. She is sea worthy now, but its easier to fix things in the backyard rather than the water.

 

[LippCJ7]

Re: New guy.. First boat.

you will find the market is very different depending on where you live in our nation, but it looks to me like you did very well!!

Post some more pics and enjoy your boat, Welcome to iboats too!!

 

[BARKLEY]

Re: New guy.. First boat.

Keep in mind, there is a difference between a car mechanic and a boat mechanic. Many may argue, but trust me there is a difference!!! Good luck and congrats on your new boat..

 

[Art Bernard]

Re: New guy.. First boat.

Looks good, sounds like you got a great deal. I'd have paid between 3-4k for it.

Art

 

[JoLin]

Re: New guy.. First boat.

I still have a lot to learn about boating and want to make sure I do everything 100%.. So I'm doing the things I know how to do now and the things I'm not sure of I'm researching. Once I'm comfortable and get all the lingo down I'm going to make sure the boat is perfect.

Do everyone a favor and get yourself educated, friend. US Power Squadron and CG Auxiliary both offer great boating safety classes.

Good luck and enjoy the boat.

 

[rickryder]

Re: New guy.. First boat.

No the soft spot was very small, mainly just around the storage opening, All the strings and supports look fine. I'm going to be checking the foam on other areas of the boat as I've read they can hold a lot of water.QUOTE]


Hi Eric Welcome to iboats Nice to see a fellow NJ boater...

A small soft spot can allow water under the deck and into the foam....you say the stringers are fine? How did you come to this conclusion? Have you removed the deck to inspect the stringers? The stringers run bow to stern and most likely you have 4 under the deck. Drill a few holes in the deck with a 2" hole saw and push a piece of pipe into the foam and extract a core sample....if you find wet foam you will need to dig further...

I too bought a boat with a small soft spot :facepalm: and if you look at my resto thread in my signature you will see what a small soft spot can lead too.... Not saying yours is mine but you really don't know whats under the deck without opening it up and drilling core samples from the stringers and transom. Good luck with your new boat and we are here if you need any help

 

[the vision]

Re: New guy.. First boat.

If it's not saturated it would probably bring about $5-$6000 here in Louisiana.

 

[ericp501]

Re: New guy.. First boat.

Thanks for the info guys, I'll def do those things.. I actually did the "samples" as you mentioned and everything honestly looks great.. I do want to cut into the bow seating area and under the consoles to check the foam there also.. I feel like under the consoles could gain a ton of storage so I think its just in my best interest to do everything 100%.. otherwise I'd just be hurting myself.

 

[cr2k]

Re: New guy.. First boat.

I think you will do just fine in the world of boating. You seem involved and to care enough to learn and maintain your boat. Take your time and enjoy your learning curve. But do learn safe boating. Best of luck to you.

 

[444]

Re: New guy.. First boat.

Looks to me like you made out very well! If I were you I'd just patch up that one spot and run it and not over-think it.

 

[rickryder]

Re: New guy.. First boat.

Looks to me like you made out very well! If I were you I'd just patch up that one spot and run it and not over-think it.

I have to disagree ^ The OP has the right idea! Check everything out to be sure the boat id sea worthy and SAFE!! Why throw a band aid on something your taking your friends and family out on the water :facepalm:

Your doing the right thing Eric

 

[glengold]

Re: New guy.. First boat.

hmmm, if it were me I'd go boating today. One small soft spot and you got people telling you to tear the thing apart and not go boating till July!!?!?!?!?!? Boat looks like it is in great condition, just remember the plug and she'll float just fine!!!!!!! Just go boating where others are around so you can get a tow back in if the motor craps out on you, at least until you are confident with it. And for the guy who recommends an impeller.... its an I/O, didn't know those had impellers....

 

[rickryder]

Re: New guy.. First boat.

And for the guy who recommends an impeller.... its an I/O, didn't know those had impellers....

3 kinds of people in this world.....those that know, those that don't know and those that don't know they don't know..... :facepalm:

I/O's do have impellers in the lower unit unless it's a closed cooling system or has a raw water pump that pulls water from a scupper...

My merc outdrive......

Smoked water pump..... This is why you always MUST check your impeller!