What to look for?

[Hans]

New to the Wellcraft. Interested in buying a 1977 Steplift CC w/ 1999 Evinrude 200 that is for sale in my area. Looking for advice on common problems that are seen with this particular make/model that I should pay attention for? Been reading thru the forums but haven't been able to get a good sense of what a new buyer should be looking out for.

[reelapeelin]

Hans...welcome to the board...I'd be lookin' at the things you'd look for in most any boat...transom: with motor tilted up, slowly put your weight on the foot of the motor...does it feel solid, was there excessive cracking noise, did the owner freak?...signs of a weak or strong transom...cap:walk around the boat pushing up on the rub rail...is the cap and rail well attached to the hull?...walk around all over the floor feeling and listening for soft spots(rotted floor)...is the console well attached to the floor...what fasteners? get under the boat...tap around listenig and looking...on the engine: if you don't do anything else, have a qualified tech do a compression test and check oil in foot...what is fuel tank capacity,where are tanks

Good luck and welcome to the Wellcraft V-20 forum...these guys will do all they can to help you...after you weed through the BS... ;D

[macojoe]

Yea what he said!!

I have a 75 Cuddy, the hull is one thing but if you are buying thinking that engin is the best part think again!! Most boats are sold for a motor reason. Have it checked! The boat is only 1/2 the deal, with no motor you might as well have a lawn decration!!

Everyone sing!! CK that motor Ck that motor CK that motor!

[Hans]

Thanks for the tips guys. I've been doing some research on engines and what to check for. Compression, oil condition, spark plug color and condition, etc. Are all these things a shadetree mechanic with some knowledge like myself can check on his own, or is it nessisary to have a professional take care of this?

[macojoe]

well I did mine own but the guy was a Yamaha mecahnic and I had a compression test when I was there.
You also should here it run. Make sure the water is peeing, ck the lower unit and make sure that it has clean oil and no shavings !!
It shifts from forward and reverse.

Good Luck!!

[reelapeelin]

Hans...first you gotta KNOW what the compression readings should be...gotta KNOW what tolerences are acceptable(different lbs readings from all 6 cylinders)...if in your experience you already know this stuff or you're willing to do what you gotta do to find out, (and you can get a reliable compression gauge) and you feel confident in all the above, brother, go ahead :)...I've proven to myself over time and experience that I ain't good enough to do that stuff...I love riggin' one, but I ain't no mechanic :P

but good luck w/it whichever way you decide to go...

[Hans]

Got to take a look at the boat in person this weekend and liked what I saw. Problem is the boat is out of the water and located in a town where there aren't any bodies of water. If I wanted to get the boat inspected what is the usual procedure? Is it up to the owner to bring it to a place or does the buyer have to bring it there?

Also, is the gas tank on these boats, a 77, located between the two captians chairs? I unscrewed a plactic cap on the floor and it looked like it could be a top of a tank, but it was really nasty in there. I'm not sure if this is usual or what.

[reelapeelin]

Hans that boat has been around a long time...there's no tellin' what you might find under that floor...I guess the main thing is whether or not it's structurally solid...is there any rot under that goo you saw or is it just dirty...if you're getting a real deal on the boat and it really has your attention, then take it to closest water yourself...it sounds like owner has lost interest and just wants to sell it...chances are there's a MARINE MECHANIC closer than the water...may be easier to get to him and he can tell you if it's worth takin' to water...plus it depends on what you're gonna do w/the boat...use it soon as possible or take it apart and restore it...