After enjoying boating as a kid with my parents boat, and after buying and running a SeaDoo for two season just after college, here is my first "new-to-me" boat. It's a nicely maintained 1979 Wellcraft 196 Sunhatch.
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The Merc 228 setup should push her along very nicely, and the kids and wife will enjoy the cuddy and factory bimini top when it's time to get out of the sun for a bit. She is great mechanincally, and the floor, stringers, transom and motorboxes are solid and dry (I core sampled). There are numerous upgrades throughout (gauges, remote control, electronics, SS prop, etc.), and all the original canvas (bimini top, side windows and stern cover) are all in excellent shape and still look and work as they did 30 years ago! The interior will get some attention from me over the course of enjoying her this summer, and maybe a more extensive interior re-do will happen over next winter. The gelcoat is in great shape, very little to no oxidation and only a handful of deeper scratches that will need attention. I removed the topside black stripe and also the white stripe on the hull, it now has a cleaner look and is ready for gelcoat resto (fill scratches, buff out, polish, etc.).
I purchased the complete package will all the ski/tube/safety equipment included, all of which was 3 years old or newer. Overall, I couldnt be more thrilled and can't wait to splash her soon! Name suggestions??????
