Please Help me!!! Wellcraft 18 sport

[jwheelfan03]

So I really need some help regarding a 18 sport. I am not a saltwater guy(wish I was), but I live in Cincinnati, OH and I have been looking hard for a nice center console boat. I am trying to start my own fishing guide service on the ohio river, and a center console would be a great type of boat. They are super hard to find here and I found a 1989 wellcraft 18 sport. The guy who is selling it, got it left to him when his father passed away, and he just wants to get it out of his yard. His dad bought it in florida and brought it up here. It has been sitting for 5 years(ugh) and its a little rough. He originally wanted 3000 for the boat which I thought was high, so I said the most i would go is 1300. He said he would take it, but im really worried if I should buy it. I cant hear it run, it needs a major cleaning, and needs some new wiring. I'm just really worried about rot, and the motor. After reading forums all I hear is negative things, which makes me not want to buy. .Motor is a Johnson 115(same year) and he said his dad used the boat a lot before he passed so thinks it should run....I dont know anything about center consoles, wellcraft, as Im usually a Lund guy being from up here. I just really need some advice on the boat and what anyone thinks. I dont have a lot of money so its in my price range, and I will have a few grand left to clean/fix it up. Please help me. Thanks so much in advance...

 

[Augoose]

Re: Please Help me!!! Wellcraft 18 sport

If you are concerned about rot, I suggest you search and read some of the very recent posts about searching out and locating rot. Also do some searches on some other very recent posts which discuss water tests, how to check compression, inspect the engine, etc. If its rotted I would pass on it at any price because you'll be paying to get rid of it.

Here is the nadaguide for that boat - http://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/1989/Wellcraft-Marine-Corp/SPORT-18++/10199379/Standard-Equipment

$1,300 sounds pretty good, especially if the tandem axle trailer is in good shape - if it is the trailer alone is worth $800.

I'd take a closer look and see what it'd take to get it running for a test

 

[oaksld]

Re: Please Help me!!! Wellcraft 18 sport

I personally wouldn't buy it without putting it in the water and giving her a test run... going from $3000 to $1300 is a pretty big jump and sends up red flags in my book.