Considering 1994 Wellcraft 182s Eclipse...

[Matty13198]

I am an avid enjoyer of boats and grew up with a 31' Silverton Express Cruiser on the Deleware River in NJ. Since then I have started my own family and want to get my kids going with a smaller boat good for the lakes and rivers of Minnesota. Is the 1994 Eclipse 182s a good boat to start with? Also, is it reliable and easily towable? I have a 2004 Grand Cherokee v8 rated to 6500 lbs (after years of wear and tear it's probably closer to 5000 lbs). Could I tow it without a problem? The price is right ($4900 for boat and trailer) and it's got the engine I would like. Just looking for a little friendly advice.

Thank you in advance for all your help!

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Considering 1994 Wellcraft 182s Eclipse...

it's got the engine I would like.

Perhaps you'd like to share? Might help us better answer the question.

Your biggest concern (besides an obsolete powerplant) in an older fiberglass boat, is rot in the wooden components of the hull. Deck, stringers, transom. Check very carefully. ANY soft spots in the deck are usually indicative of more serious rot below in the stringers. A rotted transom can leak and also throw out the alignment of your stern drive (if that's what this boat has). Welcraft makes a good boat but they're just as prone to rot as anything else after almost 20 years.