Re: Pics of your classic Wellcraft
Looks good. I have the exact same boat, but what is likely a 1990 model, also with the Volvo Penta 171C motor/drive combo. Bought mine in 2005, has not been in the water for the past two summers (no time).
Do not have too much time hear and now, but this is Volvo's last "real" gasoline marine engine. Everything after this one is based on GM blocks. This was also a very advanced (at its time) engine with DOHC, electronic ignition, automatic timing adjustment, etc. It is a pretty efficient and "rev willing" (for a boat engine) little power plant.
Volvo (car) racers are many times after this marine version, as you can crank out up towards 500 hp (!) when turbo charged (it has larger displacement compared to the Volvo car turbos that were based on the same block). Flip-side is that you might find some marine parts from them as they discard everything they are not interested in.
BUT as it is also a rare breed, parts can be pretty pricey - if they even are available. The exhaust manifold is out of this world, ignition module is no longer availabe, etc, etc. The basic block (and seawater pump, heat-exchanger) is the same as VP 151, but this one has a different crank shaft, pistons, head and (of course) cams. The lift cylinders to the outdrive are common across many models, but as they are not serviceable, they are pricey to replace (many start to leak over time, and you will eventually ingest water through those leaks. The lift/tilt indicator instrument is also "no more", a few do pop by at eBay, but still $$$. You can rewire the entire system so no instrument is needed (and hence no indicator) but it seems pretty reliable. I think Volvo also might have a round replacement instrument, but that is even more $$$$.
I do have a decent collection of manuals, photos, and experiences compiled as I've been working this boat (did a lot of work on it 2005-2006). Feel free to reach out if interested. I will respond, but it might take a few days. If hearing nothing, ping me again (as I am working on the house and not boat this summer).
Oh, should also note that I've tried a number of different props. Turns out (for me) the best one seems to be three-blade VP (or Michigan Wheel) 14x19 (sort of "classic style"). I did try with a Solas Amita 4, 14.75x17, but that one is loosing grip easily. Everyone I talked to recommended going down in pitch when adding a 4th blade, but in this case, it was a bad move (that said, not really knowing how a 14.75x19 would have worked). With the VP 14x19, I can top out a bit north of 40 knots, too fast for anything but smooth water, but still not bad for a boat like this with a smallish engine.
Also did try with a three-blade VP 14x21 a few years ago. Seems to be a bit too steep, as engine barely was allowed to rev out, and if I gained anything in top speed compared to the 14x19, it was hot really noticeable (but have to dig up some old records to get into the gory details).
/ Per-Ola
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1987 Wellcraft Monte Carlo 2800, twin Merc. 5.7L four blade props. Bought from guy looking to dump as it has lots of issues. He was not experienced as the issues were minor maintenance and things that should be looked after when they crop up. Tune up, plugs, timing on one Eng. was 12deg. ATDC don't know how it kept going. Gauges needed replaced and dash switches all done with original type and so on. When you are in a manufacturing company you know how to get the right stuff and now it's in like new condition. Replaced all the chrome deck fills with the best of Perko heavy chrome plated brass. Replaced the decals and recovered the seats. It's now a dream and was a blast to work on.
