New guy here - Question about wellcraft hulls

[_DR]

First post here, been reading a lot on the the Wellcraft forum.

I've been looking at cuddy cruisers around town in the sub 10K range as a project for a family boat (enclosed head is a must - small kids, wife) for use in local and distant lakes and the Gulf of Mexico close coastal, and for some reason the layout, appointments and general design of the late 80's to early 90s Wellcraft boats give me a warm and fuzzy feeling. I read some posts in various places that the Wellcraft hulls are heavier and thicker and this makes them handle rougher conditions better and also makes them stronger.
Does anyone find this to be generally true? I'm a sailboat guy who is trying to cross over to power cruisers so I am somewhat of a newb to power cruisers.

I looked at a 1989 Wellcraft Antigua 265 recently that needed a lot of work and seemed overpriced for the condition, but I really really like the layout. I looked at a 92 Sea Ray Sundancer 230 that was in far better condition, and less money, but I found the cockpit cramped with no leg room (I'm only 5'11") you could not stand at the helm (Wheel too low), and the general design didn't seem as natural. I am really liking the Wellcraft design and feel (have not had one on the water yet).

I guess my big question is were the 80's and 90's Wellcraft hulls as strong and robust as they are rumored to be? I just read a thread from 10 years ago on how they started using more chop gun, no backing plates, and generally less overbuild on their hulls. Since I can't afford a newer boat this would not be an issue. Just curious about the 80s and 90s hulls.
Also how hard is it to find new parts for 80s and 90s era Wellcraft boats?

Thanks for any input

Dave

 

[Indymike]

Re: New guy here - Question about wellcraft hulls

and for some reason the layout, appointments and general design of the late 80's to early 90s Wellcraft boats give me a warm and fuzzy feeling.

Older boats give me a warm and fuzzy feeling too.
Good thing you are talking project because whatever you buy will probably require a lot of work.
For the most part direct replacement parts are hard to come by,(other than motor,drive parts) but there are plenty of aftermarket sources to chose from.
Wellcraft has a pretty good rep for building strong safe boats. Heavy is good for a stable ride in rough water, but a lot of comfort comes from the deeper V you see on their boats.
I know the 24? deep V in my 21 footer is a wave tamer.
Take a look at some resto threads to see what you may be up against.

 

[_DR]

Re: New guy here - Question about wellcraft hulls

Thanks,
That gives me some good pointers. I think I am better off finding a used one that has been kept in very good shape and having it surveyed for possible repair needs before purchase. There seem to be quite a few nice ones that are 10 years old but have been well kept. I probably won't have the time for an extended renovation. There is a 1996 Wellcraft Eclipse 1950SS for sale near me I have seen once, seemed to be in very good condition with low hours for an affordable price. I think the cost of ownership for the 265 would be too much for me, and the 1950 would fit in my garage vs paying for storage.

 

[Hooked on Deanna]

Re: New guy here - Question about wellcraft hulls

Don't make the size decision too quick. You need to feel the difference in roominess and ride. The beam matters also.