Opinion on boat for sale: Wellcraft 197 Eclipse

[krawler]

Found this deal on a local site. Anything i should look out for? Is it a good deal? Opinions on the boat?

1991 WELLCRAFT 197 ECLIPSE CUDDY CABIN. V8 350 RECENTLY REBUILT, MERCRUISER ALPHA II DRIVE, POWER TRIM, POWER STEERING, DEEP V HULL, SWIM LADDER, SEATS 6, SLEEPS 2 IN CABIN, HEAD (DRINKING PERMITTED), AM/FM CD PLAYER, GALVANIZED TRAILER INCLUDED. VERY EASY TO TOW, BABY HERE...GOTTA GO

Seller wants $8800

Thanks

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Opinion on boat for sale: Wellcraft 197 Eclipse

Wellcrafts are well made boats. The 350 with the Alpha 2 is a great power package for that boat. Sounds well equipped. Price seems a little high for that old of a boat though.

Your primary concern will be rot. Look for solid floors and a solid transom. Any soft spots are a sign of big trouble.

 

[krawler]

Re: Opinion on boat for sale: Wellcraft 197 Eclipse

I'll check for soft spots on the hull, thanks for the tip. The price is $9400 Canadian works out to $8800 US. Hopefully he is flexible if i decide to make an offer.

 

[JimKW]

Re: Opinion on boat for sale: Wellcraft 197 Eclipse

That sounds really high for a boat that old, especially this time of year. My first boat was about that year Welcraft with much less power and it was a good boat though.

 

[thedukeryan]

Re: Opinion on boat for sale: Wellcraft 197 Eclipse

Price is high... I have a 1990 233 Eclipse that I am looking to get $6,900 for. I have been very pleased with the boat but I only paid $5,500 for it. I have put $1000 in it but mostly extras like spare prop, battery, stereo etc.

 

[Utahboatnut]

Re: Opinion on boat for sale: Wellcraft 197 Eclipse

Make money on a 20 year old boat in this economy? The price does sound high for that year boat. I had a Wellcraft 196 cuddy and it was a great boat. It had a 235 outboard on it though, and the transom was shot, after rebuilding with help from people here I had it another five years and not one problem or complaint.

 

[krawler]

Re: Opinion on boat for sale: Wellcraft 197 Eclipse

Thanks for all the info. going to take a look at it tomorrow. will report back for more assistance

 

[tmh]

Re: Opinion on boat for sale: Wellcraft 197 Eclipse

That price is close to double what they are really selling for now. IF it's in great shape, maybe $5500 tops. Should be a nice ride though - nice power, decent boat. Check for rot as has been mentioned.

 

[krawler]

Re: Opinion on boat for sale: Wellcraft 197 Eclipse

Spoke to the owner ... he said the boat had a 305 before but was in bad shape and he put in a rebuilt 350 and newer outdrive which cost him 4g's total. He said the price was flexible thinking of making an offer. ANy thoughts?

 

[dlngr]

Re: Opinion on boat for sale: Wellcraft 197 Eclipse

Lots a money for a 18yr old boat. Some pictures would help. I used to deal a lot in used cars.. It always amazed me that people would replace an engine or trans in a car,and think they could get the price back out of it. [put a $1500 engine in a $2000 car,you still have only a $2000 car]

 

[truckermatt]

Re: Opinion on boat for sale: Wellcraft 197 Eclipse

if the boat is in good shape.... and YOU like it... then get it... all the opinions in the world from us arent going to change you mind if you really like it..

I bought my eclipse 186 in this summer... and i am very happy with it.... i paid alittle more that the private party price but my dealer has helped me alot.....

 

[bimini crickets]

Re: Opinion on boat for sale: Wellcraft 197 Eclipse

you must live in an area where you can boat all year and use them to get to work...

$8,800 for that boat is totally ridiculous ...

You should be able to get a nice 2000 (or newer) for that kind of money....
I have seen tons of them posted lately, especially since the storage season is coming up...

but, like it was said already, if you like it, you are going to buy it...
it's a good boat, enjoy it.. !!!