late 80's wellcraft sportsman

[chazw661]

I am looking at a late 80's 25ft wellcraft sportsman. It has a 200 hp late 90's yamaha outboard on it.<br /> Was wondering if anyone knew anything about these hulls, good or bad? Also is this going to be an under powered boat with this engine on it.<br /> Any info would be greatly appretiated.

 

[rickdb1boat]

Re: late 80's wellcraft sportsman

Wellcraft makes a good boat. No doubt about that. I think you will be close on the power with the 200, depending on the weight of the boat. But it should do the job nicely. Take it for a run and see for yourself how it does. That's really the only way if you can see if it fits your needs.. And you will be getting a good, reliable motor to boot, if it was taken care of. Ask the owner for maintenence records! And do not buy it without the water test drive. You may want to even get a marine survey done on it before you buy it, to make sure the structure is solid. Well worth the money..

 

[BaldLoonie]

Re: late 80's wellcraft sportsman

I have a 1988 Wellcraft 17' boat. The gel coat has lots of fine cracks in it. I had some lower unit damage so the insurance company sent a marine surveyor out to look at it. He said it was unsafe and shouldn't be on the water and convinced the insurance company to drop it. 2 boatyards have had their mechanics look at it and say it was fine and safe. Really has me confused.

 

[Solittle]

Re: late 80's wellcraft sportsman

I have a 1988 23' Wellcraft CC & love it. I have twin 1987 1.6L OMC Seadrives on it @ 110 hp ea. and am very satisfied. If anything it is overbuilt.<br /><br />On performance with a 200 - I would suggest that you take an extensive test ride making sure that you do it with a full gas tank & the number of people on board that you would normally take along. <br /><br />My tank holds 122 gallons. A run in my boat with 15 gallons on board is going to be a lot different than with a full tank.

 

[chazw661]

Re: late 80's wellcraft sportsman

I am having it surveyed next week. The only worries I have is the cut out transom. Rather have a closed transom, but the boat is in such good shape may have to take advantage of it. Any bad experiences with cut out transoms?<br /> Will sea trial it tues.<br /> Thanks for all your input. This forum over the last few years has provided me with a wealth of information.<br /> Thank you for your responses.

 

[Panthermatt]

Re: late 80's wellcraft sportsman

I have a 93 Wellcraft with a cut out transome. I have been in some seas that did not make me feel at ease. I have been in cross, following and head seas. I never had a problem with the cut out transome as far as letting a lot of water comming in the boat. I say you will be fine. Also as choppy water goes I have never had a wave over wash the engine.