Shaft length on 18 Fisherman

[jasoncooperpcola]

I am looking at a 1982 Wellcraft 18 Fisherman. No motor no trailer. What size shaft motor do i need for this? Also are these pretty decent boats?

[Curapa]

All of the 18 Fishermans that I know of come with a 20" transom. Imagine a V-20 but 2' shorter, built like a tank. Heavy for an 18' boat, does well in rough water for its size.

[jasoncooperpcola]

How does yours run with a 130? Are they good on gas?

[Curapa]

With the new t-top I hit 38mph the other day, but neither wind nor current were in my favor. Before the t-top I maxed out at 42mph. Ideally, I would want a 150, which is their maximum HP rating.

I have never actually measured the MPG so I can't give you an accurate answer about my fuel economy.

[jasoncooperpcola]

Not bad!! Also what size is the tank?

[reelapeelin]

I am looking at a 1982 Wellcraft 18 Fisherman. No motor no trailer. What size shaft motor do i need for this? Also are these pretty decent boats?


Keep us posted!!...sounds like this could be an interesting project...pics if ya can!!

Put a tape on that transom...only way to be sure...original owner could have ordered anything and previous owner could have DONE anything...

Generally a 150 is gonna be a heavier V-6, whereas a 140 will be a much lighter 4 cylinder...usually I like maxing one out w/HP, but this ones right on the pivot point for me...I'd have to look closely at a 140 for an 18...just my 2 cents worth...

[Stinky_Hooker]

20" on my 90' also. They are great boats..very heavy for their size so they handle the water as good or better than most 20' "newer & lighter" bay boats Ive been in.

I only get about 3mpg but thats due to the old thirsty 120hp Force. Mine will run 38 lightly loaded. Lord willing I plan on never parting with her.




http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/bbingsuperman/Boat/100_2846.jpg



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/bbingsuperman/Fishing/101_4414.jpg



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/bbingsuperman/Boat/100_2856.jpg

[reelapeelin]

AJason, Stinky's got a great example of a V18 here!!...and down in his neck-of-the-woods it's been well tested...if he's gettin' 38 outta his 120, a 140 oughtta get ya 40...


Ain't gonna steal Jason's thread, but Stink you sure have rigged your 18 out nicely!!...lovin' that lean post, bait tank combo...NICE WORK!!...:clap:

[Stinky_Hooker]

Thanks! I just had to show her off a little...i dont get the chance often with all these "big" boats around here. :sun:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/bbingsuperman/Boat/100_2849.jpg


Ok last one, Ill stop! LOL

[reelapeelin]

Thanks! I just had to show her off a little...i dont get the chance often with all these "big" boats around here. :sun:


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/bbingsuperman/Boat/100_2849.jpg


Ok last one, Ill stop! LOL

:clap:Purdy work, Stinker...REEL Purdy!!...:clap:

That looks like a dash I would set up...only two gauges; tach & fuel!!...:beer:...likin' that Starboard work...:sun:

[jasoncooperpcola]

Stink i love the way you rigged yours! I am thinking of a 130/140 outboard for mine. If i get it, its going in the garage on blocks. I would like to build my own leaning post and bait tank combo. Maybe with tackle storage on the sides. Not sure how i want to rig the bottom of the console. Spare fuel tank? Overall i love the design and size. My hope is to build a economical fishing rig. One reason i want a v4 two stroke outboard. I?d give up a few mph any day for better mpg.

[jasoncooperpcola]

Here is a sneak peak. I know, it looks rough. But i plan to have it in the garage till next year working on it.

[reelapeelin]

A good power wash and maybe some On/Off and that baby will shine!!...hope it is as solid as it looks...appears everything is there...windshield, rear hatch lids...I think you found the much sought after diamond in the rough...keep the pics comin'...:clap:

[Curapa]

I have a one piece stainless bow rail and a grab rail for that console if you want them, both are in great shape....

[jasoncooperpcola]

I have a one piece stainless bow rail and a grab rail for that console if you want them, both are in great shape....

I will definitely keep that in mind, I appreciate the offer. If i get the boat i will take them. :clap:

[jasoncooperpcola]

How wide of a trailer do i need for the 18 Fisherman? My neighbor has one for sale at a heck of a price, but it is only 4.5' wide between the fenders.

[jasoncooperpcola]

Not 100% sure yet, but i think i won the boat. :sun:

[ludacrous999b]

Hope so! Always love to see another project come on the boards. Best of luck!

[jasoncooperpcola]

Its official, i am now the owner of a 1982 Wellcraft 18 Fisherman, which is my first center console boat. I got the V20 off its trailer sitting on blocks so i can get the 18 tomorrow. Final auction price, $250.

[Destroyer]

Its official, i am now the owner of a 1982 Wellcraft 18 Fisherman, which is my first center console boat. I got the V20 off its trailer sitting on blocks so i can get the 18 tomorrow. Final auction price, $250.

Sweet price...congrats!!! :clap:Good luck with her. :beer:

[rrichar1]

I have a 1982 18 Fisherman as well my dad gave me that I'm in the process of repowering and going from a Johnnyrude 120 HP to a Tohatsu 115 TLDI.

The first thing you are probably going to want to check is the fuel tank and make sure it doesn't have corrosion issues. Other than rebuilding the Johnnyrude the fuel tank was the biggest thing I had a problem with. Mine looks pretty rough as well but I love it.

If you have questions I might can help.

[jasoncooperpcola]

I got it home and about to start cleaning it out. Put a tape on the transom and i have a 25" transom. So the previous owner did some transom work on it, now do i trust his work? Or should i plan on a transom rebuild? I wont know for sure what exactly they did until i rip the splashwell out.

[jasoncooperpcola]

Once i got everything cleaned out, i discovered the previous owner cut the inside liner across the top of the gunnels down to the hole for the rod boxes, then from the bottom of the rod boxes holes to the fuel tank hatch. I think they took the entire back half of the liner out to do the transom. :head: . So far this is the only major problem i discovered with the 18.

Pics below

[jasoncooperpcola]

Took the rod boxes out and discovered four broken stringers running width wise. They are rotted out. So friday night i am lifting the liner to inspect everything. Now next question, i want to install a bracket on it. So should i move the fuel tank forward?

[Curapa]

I dont know about a bracket on an 18'. It definitley will not be self bailing...

The rear deck on my 18' is usually wet while at rest with more than one person in the rear fishing.

[jasoncooperpcola]

I plan on moving the fuel tank forward, also i will have a 150qt ice chest up front. Not to mention 300? of anchor rope and 20?chain and three anchors in the bow. Also a bunch of small stuff like leads and tackle boxes and such. I think this would be enough to offset the weight in the rear. Also i want a flotation bracket so that should help some too, right? Keep in mind i have not had this boat in the water. So i have no clue how it will sit. I may hang a v6 yamaha on it and put it in The water to see how it sits, before i begin tearing the boat down.

[jasoncooperpcola]

Update; it was a pretty busy weekend. I hung a v6 Yamaha on the 18 and put it in the water. She does sit a little stern heavy, but with a full fuel tank of water (someone took the sending unit off the tank) and two 1000amp batteries it toom a little rocking to get water to come thru the scuppers. Even then the water did not leave the drain recess. I got the garage cleaned out and now she is sitting on blocks in the garage. I removed the liner but it had to come out in two pieces. Where the po cut it, it wouldnt hold. Just kept breaking so i recut it. Now for the bad news. All of the stringers are rotted or broken or both. It made getting the fuel tank out a little easier. Tonight i want to clean it up and check for leaks. At this point should i rebuild all the stringers, or just trash the hull? If i can find cloth at a reasonable price i can rebuild it. I plan to use west system on the entire project. If i rebuild the stringers the liner is not going back in. I hope to rebuild it like Kracker Jack did his with plywood floors and plywood gunnel caps and exposed hull sides. Now while i am at the subject, i am taking quite a bit of weight off the boat. Would it be feasible to put a bracket on it? The transom is all new. Its the only thing the po didnt halfass.

[jasoncooperpcola]

Bad news. Fuel tank is full of holes. I have decided not to go any further with her. I am selling the entire hull and liner minus bow rails and console. If nobody is interested, she will make one more voyage offshore.........

[Curapa]

Post the GPS numbers please!:zip:

She does sound like she is in rough shape....

[jasoncooperpcola]

Here are a few pics of the boat. There are a few pics of the stringers but they dont do justice as for the extreme rot of the stringers. Also two pics of it in the water with the Yamaha hanging on the transom.

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj199/jasoncooperpcola/18fishsel001.jpg

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj199/jasoncooperpcola/18fishsel002.jpg

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj199/jasoncooperpcola/18fishsel006.jpg

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj199/jasoncooperpcola/18fishsel005.jpg

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj199/jasoncooperpcola/18fishsel003.jpg

[jasoncooperpcola]

More pics
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj199/jasoncooperpcola/18fishsel001-1.jpg

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj199/jasoncooperpcola/18fishsel002-1.jpg

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj199/jasoncooperpcola/18fishsel003-1.jpg

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj199/jasoncooperpcola/18fishsel004-1.jpg

Curapa when you said it was built like a tank, you was right. Thats a helluva lot of wood in the hull.

[Stinky_Hooker]

I think you made the right decision. Hate to see her get thrown out but thats alot of work. Good to see the stringer layout. I always knew mine was a solid heavy beast for her size. I see why now.

[jasoncooperpcola]

I think you made the right decision. Hate to see her get thrown out but thats alot of work. Good to see the stringer layout. I always knew mine was a solid heavy beast for her size. I see why now.
Stink she aint a total loss. I did get a center console and rubrail, i hope to use them both on the v20 rebuild. So parts of her will live on. I hope the rubrail will be long enough to do the sides. Also i may use the front deck if i dont go with a shortened cuddy. I will tell you she hauled just like the v20 behind the truck so she has got some weight. Also it wasnt the work that discouraged me it was the money it would take. Heck i dont mind working on boats.

[Stinky_Hooker]

I understand.

Just a thought, but a shortened cuddy (mostly only useful for storage) with that center console setup would be sharp. Kinda like the sport cuddy Makos, or contenders. Way more fishable than the V20 cuddys with a ton more deckspace than the 18. :beer:

[jasoncooperpcola]

You are correct, thats why i am considering a shortened cuddy is for storage. V20 Sport-Fish??????? lol

[rrichar1]

Thanks for posting those pictures that really sheds some light as to what's beneath my 18 fisherman and will be invaluable for future reference.

Can you elaborate on the extreme rotting of the stringers?

[Kracker Jack]

its a shame that this project would cost too much, it would have been cool to see it turn out something like stinkers. how common is the stringer/transom rot on these boats and the 20's anyway?

Rot seems to be pretty common on your average 70's early 80's v20's. I have looked at numerous v20's in my area and all the ones I've seen that are supposively in great shape have rotted transoms. Unless you have a creampuff!!!!

[jasoncooperpcola]

Every joint where a stringer meets a cross stringer (aka floors) it is broken. If i stand on some of the stringers they fold over. Whoever had this boat before me was an idiot. Noway this much has rotted out since they replaced the transom they had to see it, hell they even cut 12'' off the stringers to tab new stringerlets onto. I found spots where i dug wet rotted wood out all the way to the hull.

If only i pulled a rod box out when inspecting it before buying it. :cen: :cen: :cen:

jsgeorge4x4 remove your rod boxes you should be able to get to the floors and maybe the stringers from there. Tap on them with a hammer. It should not bounce. It should sound solid.

This is a stringer i am standing on.
http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj199/jasoncooperpcola/18fishrot006.jpg

Side of gas tank stringer

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj199/jasoncooperpcola/18fishrot001.jpg

Rear of gas tank bulkhead

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj199/jasoncooperpcola/18fishrot002.jpg

Wet soaked wood and i just took a hatchet and hacked the skin off. So since 1982 this is the first time this wood has seen light. I dug wood out all the way to the hull here.

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj199/jasoncooperpcola/18fishrot003.jpg

This joint is broken.

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj199/jasoncooperpcola/18fishrot005.jpg

This is rot where Wellcraft did not seal the cut out for the fuel hoses in the stringer.

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj199/jasoncooperpcola/18fishrot004.jpg




This weekend i will take the center console and all the trash out of the boat and take a few pictures of the entire stringer layout for everyone to see how it looks without stuff in the way.

[Kracker Jack]

Them Natural Light beer cans in the last pic looked like my build when I started wacking and jacking on the stringers!!!!!! The Nattys helped out alot to numb the itch !!!!!:beer:

[jasoncooperpcola]

I have never tried Natty Light, Kracker. I nmust have found about fifty empty cans in the stringers, some of them i dont know how they got where they did. :head:

Here are a couple pics of the gas tank. You can clearly see the hole in the close up. Notice its only corroded where the foam was.

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj199/jasoncooperpcola/18fishrot007.jpg

http://i272.photobucket.com/albums/jj199/jasoncooperpcola/18fishrot008.jpg

I linked a website on a thread here a few months ago about the harm of foaming gas tanks in. Give me a while to find it.

Found it; www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm (http://www.yachtsurvey.com/fueltank.htm)

[Kracker Jack]

when i re-cored the fuel tank hatch last year the pieces of the stringers i could bash on were solid, when i had the rod boxes out to fiberglass reinforce them two weeks ago the cross stringers were solid as per a mallet, and so are the stringers under the splashwell

you guys just now have me paranoid about what i cant see, after reading all the threads of guys having replaced them:oh:

its a shame everything tends to get waterlogged on these boats

That is the reason why I did my stringers so simple, and why I didn't put a fuel cell below deck. In my opinion on my boat the plywood on the floor was good enough for a shear brace rather than glassing a bunch cross stringers. I simply wanted the water and moisture to get in and then the water and moisture to get out. I also have over drill every hole on this boat so far then fill with reinforced thickening resin and drilled the hole to size so all my thru-transom penatrations are sealed. My outboard motor bracket holes will be done the same way. There's a lot you can do to prevent rot.

[Stinky_Hooker]

Natty light is alot like making love in a canoe, its f^*k^&% close to water.

[jasoncooperpcola]

That is the reason why I did my stringers so simple, and why I didn't put a fuel cell below deck. In my opinion on my boat the plywood on the floor was good enough for a shear brace rather than glassing a bunch cross stringers. I simply wanted the water and moisture to get in and then the water and moisture to get out. I also have over drill every hole on this boat so far then fill with reinforced thickening resin and drilled the hole to size so all my thru-transom penatrations are sealed. My outboard motor bracket holes will be done the same way. There's a lot you can do to prevent rot.
Agreed 100 percent. When i pull the liner off the V20 i am looking for soft spots in the stringers. If i find any i will repair them then locate the source of why they rotted. Also i am glassing any open spots to preserve the stringers. I might even pull the tank and get rid of all foam. Kracker has a point, most places do rot due to raw wood and a simple coat of epoxy in holes will prevent that. I purchased West Systems book called Repairing Fiberglass Boats. Best six dollars i have ever spent in my opinion. I learned quite a bit.

[reelapeelin]

Agreed 100 percent. When i pull the liner off the V20 i am looking for soft spots in the stringers. If i find any i will repair them then locate the source of why they rotted. Also i am glassing any open spots to preserve the stringers. I might even pull the tank and get rid of all foam. Kracker has a point, most places do rot due to raw wood and a simple coat of epoxy in holes will prevent that. I purchased West Systems book called Repairing Fiberglass Boats. Best six dollars i have ever spent in my opinion. I learned quite a bit.


The pic above is pretty dramatic proof of the answer whether to foam a tank or not...becomes a no-brainer pretty quickly after that...and I need to pick up on of those books you mention, too...:clap:

[jasoncooperpcola]

The pic above is pretty dramatic proof of the answer whether to foam a tank or not...becomes a no-brainer pretty quickly after that...and I need to pick up on of those books you mention, too...:clap: If the V20 needs a new tank, i may have to reconsider my not so good opionion on big plastic tanks. Does anyone even make a sixty gallon plastic fuel tank? Are they ok to use? I have always been leery of plastic tanks. But with the corrosion issues of aluminum they may have a benefit. I havent even looked at my fuel tank in about three or four years!

[phatdaddy]

jason, here's one about 50 miles west of you in daphne. pm stuarbc and see if he still has it



http://www.wellcraftv20.com/community/showthread.php?t=15988

[jasoncooperpcola]

jason, here's one about 50 miles west of you in daphne. pm stuarbc and see if he still has it



http://www.wellcraftv20.com/community/showthread.php?t=15988

Thanks Phatdaddy! :beer: I sent him a pm about it.
Natty light is alot like making love in a canoe, its f^*k^&% close to water.

:you: Good one Stink :beer:

I got all the liner back into the 18 Fisherman, and got it ready to go on blocks in the yard. Hopefully she wont be sitting around in the yard too long.

Not sure if i am ready to put the V20 in the garage and start cutting, :hide:

[jasoncooperpcola]

Phatdaddy, stuarbc does not have the tank anymore.

BUT, my neighbor gave me a Tempo model TP27S 27 gallon plastic fuel tank with sending unit. 36" long 12" wide and 16" tall. About to see how it fits in the centerconsole and if i can fit two in there. I might just have my fuel issue solved.

[jasoncooperpcola]

I need two more inches of clearance under the forward seat of the center console to get the tank to slide in. I can fit two tanks side by side under the console. Now if my main 60 gallon tank in the V20 is good, that would give me 114 gallons total if i get another 27 gallon tank, or 87 if i just run one extra.

I sat on the seat on the console and it feels low. I think it needs to be raised 3" :sun:

[Redloon]

I just bought a 1983 Wellcraft 180 Fisherman in pretty good shape - the transom and stringers are solid as is the floor.

The boat sits on a trailer but the bunks are not adjusted correctly in my opinion. Anyone have a good picture of how the bunks are situated in relation to the keel on their V20 or 180 fisherman? The picture of the rear of the boat sitting on the trailer shows the left bunk outside of the first step going left from the keel. The right bunk is inside the first step going right from the keel. Should both bunks be outside the first step (like the left one) or inside the step (like the right one).

[jasoncooperpcola]

If you set your bunks just outside the step with 1" clearance the step should help center it on the trailer. I brought my 18 home on the V20s trailer and it fit like a glove. Pipe guide-ons help alot.

[Kracker Jack]

I need two more inches of clearance under the forward seat of the center console to get the tank to slide in. I can fit two tanks side by side under the console. Now if my main 60 gallon tank in the V20 is good, that would give me 114 gallons total if i get another 27 gallon tank, or 87 if i just run one extra.

I sat on the seat on the console and it feels low. I think it needs to be raised 3" :sun:

I have a clear moeller 30 gallon tank was given to me and fits perfect under my console. My forward "foot well" or old foot well when the cuddy was on there witch is now a storage hold also holds my other 30 gallon tempo perfect. so if im taking a trip that needs extra full I can bring it. I can even stuff my 18 gallon tank under my bench seat behind the console if I really needed more gas. My console is low but I kinda like it.

[jasoncooperpcola]

Kracker i might have to find somewhere else to put my tank. I may be installing a small block v8 under the console. Havent made up my mind yet.

[Kracker Jack]

Kracker i might have to find somewhere else to put my tank. I may be installing a small block v8 under the console. Havent made up my mind yet.

WHAT?????? And I thought I was cool doing a steplift conversion!!! So what do ya have kicking around in the old head? A true inboard?

[jasoncooperpcola]

WHAT?????? And I thought I was cool doing a steplift conversion!!! So what do ya have kicking around in the old head? A true inboard?

I have been thinking about a jackshafted sterndrive. I have been talking with Ferm about it, because i am new to sterndrives and not sure what can and cant be done.

[Kracker Jack]

Very Very cool!!!!:clap: Cant wait to see that build!!!

[jasoncooperpcola]

Dredging up an old thread.
I want to do some inshore fishing this winter while the V is in the garage for a rebuild. I still have the 18 Fisherman. Would yall run this boat in the shape the stringers are in? I will patch the cap to make it structural again. It wont be pretty, I dont care. I have a trailer and I can put the 2.5L Mercury on it, after some cosmetic changes. I need an honest opinion. I just want to get ten gallons of fuel and have my one weekend a month break to go fish. Just a dirt cheap inshore rig.

[jasoncooperpcola]

Looking at the boat today, it wont be too hard to repair the cap. The floor is solid. She has a new transom. I will need to run wiring, hook up the bilge pump from the V20, I can fill the livewell with a bucket. I have to hook up nav liggts. I will not have to purchase alot of items to get her seaworthy and safe. All I need to purchase is a stern light, vhf, throttle and shift cables for the Merc and maybe a tach. What kind of range can I expect on a 200 Mercury 2.5l with 12 gallons of fuel pushing the 18 just on plane?