1986 Elite 185

[Sunking22]

I recently bought 1986 Elite 185 - it's in fantastic shape and runs great. It's got the 205hp 4.3L V-6 with Alpha 1 outdrive. There are a few soft spots in the floor and I'm in the process of replacing the entire floor. The only factory original piece that I can see is missing is the wooden cup holder that sits on the front of the engine cover. If anyone knows where I might be able to pick something like that up - lemme know. Also I'm trying to get some engine specific information so I can put a stainless prop on, however, I didn't get any owners manual or engine info with the boat - so I kinda need to know what the normal rpm range is for that motor. Thanks in advance for any help - it's greatly appreciated!

 

[Sunking22]

Re: 1986 Elite 185

Well it's been over a year since I posted this thread - I guess my noobie vagueness is respnsible for the no reply action. I have since educated myself on the engine/prop questions I had and successfully replaced the rotten floor, however, I'm still interested in finding someone else who is running an Elite model like mine so I might get some information or photos of what the original interior looks like as I'm going to be doing some other restoration work this fall.

 

[mjdh_80]

Re: 1986 Elite 185

I just bought an identical boat at the end of last summer. Same colors and everything. I was looking at the pic you posted on another thread and something I noticed that looks different on yours is the upholstered side padding. I'm sure it has a real name but I have no idea what it is. Mine is two pieces one gray and one red. I'll try to get some pics up soon. I could email you some of mine if you want. I'd like to see some more of yours too. Mine is getting in need of restore. probably have to do the floors this fall, previous owner did the middle section but not sure if he did it right. The back is getting pretty soft. I have not seen very many of these around, it's nice to see another one.

 

[Sunking22]

Re: 1986 Elite 185

Nice boat - I'd like to see some pics of your interior and I'll get some of mine posted here as well.

 

[mjdh_80]

Re: 1986 Elite 185

I'll just put a bunch of pics up here. I don't have any real good ones of the interior but you can look past the people in them and get an idea probably.
You can see there's some mess on the bottom of the hull, not sure what to use to get it off. The interior is starting to fall apart. I think the previous owner did some quick work to make it look good but it didn't make it through last winter. Fortunately he also did a lot to the motor as well and that runs like a dream. This summer I took off the gray pads on both sides because they weren't staying on. Doesn't look too bad like that. I have some more recent pics that I haven't got on the computer yet. I'll work on that soon and get them up here.

 

[mjdh_80]

Re: 1986 Elite 185

Can you post some pics of your trailer too? I know I have the wrong one I just don't know how wrong. If that makes any sence. Also pics of any ones trailers they have for their wellcrafts, specifically speed boats please. And how do you find what trailer you should have. Thank you

 

[Sunking22]

Re: 1986 Elite 185

Sorry I been lazy about posting pics. Here some pics taken right after I purchased.

 

[roalpine]

Re: 1986 Elite 185

I bought a boat just like your all's , mine didn't come with a U.S. Coast Guard rating in it woundering if either of your had one and what the people rating is and could you take a pic for me to see thanks

 

[Miller1718]

Re: 1986 Elite 185

I bought a boat just like your all's , mine didn't come with a U.S. Coast Guard rating in it woundering if either of your had one and what the people rating is and could you take a pic for me to see thanks

first off, nice boat. Looks great. I have a 1987 wellcraft elite 196...looks very similar to your boat. Im wondering how you like the raised attatchment point for watersports attachments on the back? where would i find something like that? did you install it yourself? Any info would be awsome. boat looks great.

 

[Miller1718]

Re: 1986 Elite 185

I bought a boat just like your all's , mine didn't come with a U.S. Coast Guard rating in it woundering if either of your had one and what the people rating is and could you take a pic for me to see thanks

heres a couple of the 196.