1992 Wellcraft Excel 20SX

[countrylakeliving]

We're considering buying a 1992 Excel, but don't know anything about Wellcraft or the Volvo Penta 4.3 V6. The boat is in excellent shape, but hasn't been run for 3+ yrs so we've having a mechanic look at it. The manuals are long gone. Does anyone know where we can locate operation or repair manuals? How much does it weigh? Can a Grand Cherokee Limited 4wd pull it safely? What cleaning products for the exterior and seats do you recommended? Do you think having it insured is worth it? Is there any advice about this type of boat we should know about?

Thank you!

 

[Grand Larsony]

Re: 1992 Wellcraft Excel 20SX

Take a half-day (or more) and read as much as you can on this forum. You'll learn a ton, and hopefully that will help you make a good decision. There are far too many "oops - I bought a rotted boat" and\or "oops - the block is cracked" types of stories. Don't become another one. Cosmetics are the last thing you should be worried about.

There are MANY threads here that can help. Whatever you do, just don't get caught up in any "I need a boat for this weekend" sort of thinking.

First off, if that boat hasn't run for 3+ years count on getting the fuel out (safely) and replacing it with known good gas. And rebuilding the carb. Don't even try to add some wonder chemical to the old gas as it will not help. Minimal replacements for that boat will include impeller, bellows, possibly ignition stuff like wires & plugs but maybe more, maybe steering cables, and the list goes on.

Second, be sure to properly evaluate the transom, stringers, floor, hull and all wooden components of the boat. Wellcrafts were getting better in the early 90's but you never know. Even a glance can help -- If the seats are shredded, or the carpet is shot, you may find that the wood supporting them is gone as well. Any spongy flooring likely means a major repair job lies ahead. Potentially so major as to cause you to scrap the entire boat. If they won't let you drill the transom & stingers (and refill the holes with epoxy) then run.

Third, the 4.3 VP isn't a bad motor... but you should have that checked properly before committing to the boat. If it won't start and run, on the water, with passengers, for a good long test ride... just walk away.

There is no such thing as a cheap boat and if you think you'll "get lucky" or that you can just plunk down anything less than about $5k (for that size boat) and have something reliable you're crazy. You'll spend that in the end, pretty much no matter what.

Now, if you're handier than your post suggests then by all means dive right in. Sorry if I'm underestimating your abilities.

If you really want to push ahead, get the seller to invest in making the boat completely seaworthy. He'll make out in the long run with a better sale price, and you'll make out by getting a boat that you know runs reasonably well. No surprises.

 

[countrylakeliving]

Re: 1992 Wellcraft Excel 20SX

Thank you!!! No, we're not at all familiar with this type of boat (or used boats for that matter) and we're far from mechanically inclined. Our last boat ran like magic and when it needed to be refurbished, we got rid of it. There's mostly Sea Ray, Larson, Glastron, Triton, etc. (in MN), but this boat was tempting, cause it looked so good. However you're right. We already know that the wood floor by driver seat is extremely soft. Seller thought he could get that section supported. We're taking a pass on it. Thank you!

 

[KBHumphrey]

Re: 1992 Wellcraft Excel 20SX

I have this exact boat, purchased last October. I am new to boating as well, so I followed as much of the advice on here in the month leading up to my purchase as I could, and felt reasonably prepared when I started calling on sellers. My search involved a Mariah and the Excel. I took both out on the lake, even in late October Wisconsin, made both sellers produce evidence of work/maintenance performed and did as much poking/prodding as I could.

So far this year, it's been great. Kids love it, boat has ran without a problem. When I bought, I delivered it straight away to be winterized, then stored in my garage. But I plan on learning to do my own work on it.

 

[countrylakeliving]

Re: 1992 Wellcraft Excel 20SX

Thank you KB The mechanic looked it over and said the engine was shot, must have been frozen or something. We're back in the market for a used boat. I'm glad yours worked out for you! It seems like a nice boat.