Thoughts on Wellcrafts.

[11 footer]

I'm debating the purchase of a 1985 17' Wellcraft bow rider. The boat has an older 70hp Yammy motor and comes with a trailer. Asking price is only 1,500 obo. <br /><br />The seats look good for the age of the boat with no cracks or rips, they need a good cleaning.<br /><br />My qustion is:<br />I'm like to hear from Wellcraft owners and see if the think Wellcraft makes a sea worthy boat. I'd be useing this boat in Boston horbor and in the ocean so I need a boat that will take some chop. Is 70hp a good amount for this boat? What is the max and the min hp? With this motor, what kind of topend speed am I looking at?<br /><br /> Thank you for any replys this might get.

 

[Solittle]

Re: Thoughts on Wellcrafts.

Ryan - I have a 1988 23' Wellcraft CC and run it in South Florida. Real solid boat - overbuilt if anything. Need to check for rot like any other older boat.

 

[B_Eager]

Re: Thoughts on Wellcrafts.

Had a 1988 192 classic, like the other guy, if anything boat is overbuilt. Sounds a little under powered maybe??

 

[11 footer]

Re: Thoughts on Wellcrafts.

Thats what I need to find out. I had a underpowered boat before and it sucks. I can't stand the feeling of being underpowered. I need to know what the Max and min HP on a 17' Wellcraft. Were can I find this info?

 

[mrmargaritaville]

Re: Thoughts on Wellcrafts.

I have an '87 192 classic cc. Bought it new, and have taken good care of it-it has taken good care of me. I am selling it-I'm buying a 25' Trojan Hard top cruiser. The Wellcraft has been a good boat for me. Has a 165 hp 4 cyl mercruiser-excellent as far a fuel consumption goes. Solid stable boat.

 

[MrBill]

Re: Thoughts on Wellcrafts.

My best friend and neighbor has a 1985 Wellcraft Bowrider like you described. Great solid boat....yours sounds like the price is right too. He has 115HP, so 70 might be light...but it all depends on what yours going to do with it. Tubing, knee boarding with children - OK, waterskiing, etc with adults - probably not. have fun!

 

[MrBill]

Re: Thoughts on Wellcrafts.

Ryan T. - sorry I didn't address your question about use in Boston Harbor. I have a 19 footer, 165 HP and wouldn't feel very comfortable in the salt water around that area...except on extraordinarily calm days. There's just so much large boat traffic, current and wind to make it enjoyable in a tiny boat. I'd be very careful...and move up to about 24 feet.

 

[11 footer]

Re: Thoughts on Wellcrafts.

I've come to the conclusion that the wellcraft is underpowered, and has been docked in salt water. I'm gonna pass on this one.<br /><br />Bill, I run all over the harbor in a 1975 11' Boston whaler. I feel very safe even on the ruffest day. I would neaver do it on any other 11' boat. You can't beat a whaler. <br /><br />I'm happy with the boat I have but I'm still keeping my eye out for a 17' whaler. Thank you for the replys guys you've been helpfull.