Re: Wellcraft Boats. Good?Bad? Thoughts?
Steve,
I've got a 1998 Wellcraft 260SE w/5.7 Duoprop. Only owned it a few months, but already noted some construction issues. Some hoses appear to be too stiff (drain, etc) and over time have become brittle. Mfr also seemed to try and get hoses to turn too sharply, and over time they kinked, and either clogged or ruptured. But that's maintenance stuff that's almost expected anyway. I've got a fuel tank vent that may be clogged; at least it is difficult to fuel without a few drops coming out the vent periodically. One problem I've noted is the lack of a chain dog or other device to hold the anchor in the pulpit. The previous owner's answer - and mine so far - is to hook the anchor chain on the bow cleat and secure it with light rope.
Handling is good, but the bow seems to wander at low speed, especially if the outdrive is trimmed up at all. I've dropped a couple thousand dollars in the engine, but that may result from lack of use by the previous owner. Believe it or not though, I like the boat a lot.
Mike