Wellcraft 233 eclipse - What am I getting into?

[pdehardon]

My step father has just given me his boat as he is now too old and infirmed for boating. It is a 1990 Wellcraft 233 Elipse. It has not moved from his carpart for at least 10 years. It is VERY dirty but the seats look to be in good condition. There is however serious rotting of the cabin floor. Does anyone have any info on replacing the cabin decking? Can anyone suggest where I should start in trying to make this boat seaworthy?

NOTE:i am posting another thread about the motor in that forum.

Thanks
PDEE

 

[Woodonglass]

Re: Wellcraft 233 eclipse - What am I getting into?

Welcome to iBoats!!!

Post some pics so we can see what you're working with.

Before you sink any Time, Effort and Dollars into this restoration you should make SURE the Motor is a runner. If not then.....Sell it and be done with it. IMHO. If the motor is sound, then doing the deck is a straight forward project, but it IS a LOT of work and effort. Cost will be any where from 1 to 2 K depending on how much has to be done. Only time will tell. Your total time for the project will be 100 to 200 hours depending on how good you are and how much outside help you get. Not easy but doable. Start reading and searching the forum NOW and you will be ready when the time comes.

 

[pdehardon]

Re: Wellcraft 233 eclipse - What am I getting into?

So far all I know about the engine is that my stepfather tells me that the engine had less than 350 hrs and ran great when last the boat saw water. Ill be making a trip back to see the boat and make the trailer road worthy in a month or so. Ill post pics then.

Thanks

 

[RCrockett]

Re: Wellcraft 233 eclipse - What am I getting into?

the problem with a motor that has sat for any lenght of time is all the seals. They dry out and all should be replaced. I have been told to stay away from any motor that has been sitting for a few years or longer.

As far as the floor goes there are a couple of great threads to read and see what you are up against.

friscoBoater made this one
Here I go again!! 1995 Sea Ray 220 Signature Deck and Stringer Restoration SPLASHED!
and Tthomp3 did this one on a wellcraft 186
Wellcraft 186 eclipse stringer and deck restore
and highly recemed reading the Hull extension thread as well by the moderator oops as well

 

[RCrockett]

Re: Wellcraft 233 eclipse - What am I getting into?

oops!! I did not look at the date of this thread!! Sorry everyone