Considering this boat

[Jeffreyi]

I'm considering purchasing a 25' Wellcraft (1979) Coastal Cuddy in good condition, that has a 305 I/O v-8 with a cooling system and a 280 volvo penta. Engine was re-built and has only 160 hours. Owner also set up a fresh water valve to flush the risers. I'm offering 4K which they will accept. There isn't much in the cabin as far as potty, stove, etc. but one can tell that it's clean and well maintained.

Opinions please.

Thanks.

 

[Lrider]

Re: Considering this boat

Awesome boat at 4K, wish it were here it California, then if it were it would have sold for 5 times as much

 

[Black Snow Slide]

Re: Considering this boat

Pay to have a marine servay done. Short money and its crazy the stuff a pro's eye can find.

 

[Grand Larsony]

Re: Considering this boat

Watch carefully for hull, transom, and stringer rot. Wellcrafts in that age group are NOTORIOUS for such problems.

 

[180Fisherman]

Re: Considering this boat

Nice boat and nice price but I'd guess that it'll be grossly underpowered with just a single small V8.

 

[Jeffreyi]

Re: Considering this boat

Thanks to all for the helpful replies. Are there any other opinions like 108 Fisherman regarding the power or lack of power for this boat?

Thanks.

 

[Lrider]

Re: Considering this boat

errr read this?

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=401161&highlight=3000

It should get your attention

 

[Jeffreyi]

Re: Considering this boat

Thanks lrider:

I planned to have a survey and on the water done to this boat anyway. I'm curious about the power issue...any comments or suggestions (I guess I'll find out when it's on the water).

Thanks to all.

 

[The Famous Grouse]

Re: Considering this boat

Regarding the power, it depends on what your expectations and uses are.

Obviously you are carrying more weight that an open bow or sport cuddy, so a 305 isn't going to give you hot rod performance and it's not going to pop a water skier out of his trunks.

But on a 25 footer, are you expecting this? Also, the fuel bill for hot rodding around in a boat this size will be significant. That's why most people generally ease along at best-cruise speed, which this motor will be perfectly fine for.

As you say, you'll see in your test drive.

Gouse

 

[180Fisherman]

Re: Considering this boat

My guess is that you'd be lucky to see an 18 knot cruise speed in that thing. And while that may be perfectly adequate for some it definitely would not be for me.

 

[RAT Attack]

Re: Considering this boat

I have a 19' sport cuddy with a mercruiser ( GM ) 305 / 5.0 in it. That motor does great for my boat and has plenty of power for wakeboarding/ skiing / tubing, and will hit the mid. to high 40's, but that boat would weight a LOT more than mine. I would guess it would be under-powered too.

 

[commander315]

Re: Considering this boat

yea ..sounds like a good deal for that boat. Coastals are and always were awesome little(And some big) Boats..good luck !!

 

[Jeffreyi]

Re: Considering this boat

I checked out the boat today with a mechanic. The compression test showed 146-148 through all 6 cylinders. Mechanic gave it a thorough look and thought that it was in good and well maintained condition. I plan to change the oil, in engine and drive, new belt, new oil filter new water filter. It has a water separator. My mechanic suggested that perhaps I put a new one in that has a valve to drain any accumulated water. I will only fill the gas tank with gas cans from a gas station...is the new separator necessary? The boat come with a Humminbird Matrix depth finder, portapotty.

Took it out on the water and at full throttle we hit 27 knots, which is way more then I'll ever drive it. Temp, etc. were fine.

There is one thing as far as this thread is concerned. I was mistaken as to the model of Wellcraft. It's a 1979 Nova 250XL (not a Coastal) with a 305...280 Volvo Penta.

How long does anti foul paint last. My boat is kept in the water in Miami, FL

Comments, suggestions, please.

Thanks.