2004 Coastal 290, a few questions

fishon401

Recruit
Joined
Aug 12, 2011
Messages
1
Very excited to see a Wellcraft specific forum, where I live we dont have many Wellcraft dealers to get answers. So here goes:

1. I need a few minor parts, like plastic trim and those rubber scupper covers that go over the though hull fittings. Closest Dealer seems reluctant to order such small parts, is there some other way to get these direct from Wellcraft?

2. Is the windlass always supposed to have power to it, and does this kill the battery? Mine has no off switch, and the indicator panel light on the dash is always on. I suppose I could wire a switch, but just wondering if this was the "stock" set up.

3. The switch panel in the cockpit has one labeled "ACC" which I assume is some accessory, but I have tried everything and cant find out what that controls. There are definitely wires going to the switch.

4. Drainage of water system. For purposes of winterization/summerization or any time you need to drain the tank, is the only way to do so by using the freshwater pump? Not only does this take a long time, but it seems like unecessary wear and tear on that little pump. Is there a better way to do this, like disconnecting the hose at the water holding tank and letting it drain into bilge?

5. Are the convenience lights in the transom supposed to be operable even with the batteries off? Mine do, and the rocker switch is mounted in an area where it is very easy to accidentally turn it on. If this happens in the day time, I cant tell it is on, and then I leave the boat and the light can drain the battery.
 

sloch24

Cadet
Joined
Jun 24, 2004
Messages
17
Re: 2004 Coastal 290, a few questions

I have a 2003 Wellcraft Coastal 270, very similar boat, so I may be able to answer a few of your questions.


1. I need a few minor parts, like plastic trim and those rubber scupper covers that go over the though hull fittings. Closest Dealer seems reluctant to order such small parts, is there some other way to get these direct from Wellcraft?

Good luck. The trim ring on the bottom of my bow pulpit was cracked and broken. I called Wellcraft, and they told me that they bought it from someone else, and it can't be ordered. I ended up welding one out of stainless steel. It looks nicer than the plastic one did (not that it will help you at all).


2. Is the windlass always supposed to have power to it, and does this kill the battery? Mine has no off switch, and the indicator panel light on the dash is always on. I suppose I could wire a switch, but just wondering if this was the "stock" set up.

On my 270, there is a breaker on the panel (on mine it's on the right side about thigh high). There's a lever and a red button. When you push in the red button, the lever pops down, and shuts off power to the windlass. To turn it back on, push up the lever.


3. The switch panel in the cockpit has one labeled "ACC" which I assume is some accessory, but I have tried everything and cant find out what that controls. There are definitely wires going to the switch.

I can't help you with that one... I have one labeled "Water Pump" that does nothing as well.


4. Drainage of water system. For purposes of winterization/summerization or any time you need to drain the tank, is the only way to do so by using the freshwater pump? Not only does this take a long time, but it seems like unecessary wear and tear on that little pump. Is there a better way to do this, like disconnecting the hose at the water holding tank and letting it drain into bilge?

When I winterize my fresh water tank, I pull the pex line from the tank (going to the pump) and let it drain into the bilge. I then take the hose off of the vent line and remove the fitting. At that point, I made up a 3/8" diameter line that I put through the vent fitting, and pump it out with a drill pump. I then add a little antifreeze to the tank just to be sure.

As for that "little" pump, they are pretty much bulletproof. I've been around them for years with campers and boats and I've only ever seen one fail, and it was due to a water leak (assembled incorrectly) that caused a bearing to seize up.


5. Are the convenience lights in the transom supposed to be operable even with the batteries off? Mine do, and the rocker switch is mounted in an area where it is very easy to accidentally turn it on. If this happens in the day time, I cant tell it is on, and then I leave the boat and the light can drain the battery.

Yes, mine are too. I had a problem with mine being on all the time until I realized that there were snaps on the back of the cushions. Mine were corroded and didn't hold well, I replaced them and now the cushions don't flap and turn on the lights any longer.

I hope you find some of my suggestions helpful.
 

Salty Joe

Cadet
Joined
May 8, 2008
Messages
8
Re: 2004 Coastal 290, a few questions

As to the transom light switch I cut a small piece of dowel, painted it white and now stick it in the top of the switch. This will keep it from getting accidently turned on. Keep an eye on it. A friend of mine in cleaning the boat knocked it out.
 
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