Is this a good deal?
 

Hello all, I'm very new to Wellcrafts and I need some advice. I have the opportunity to buy a 1993 Wellcraft V20 (V21?) for $2,500. It is in decent shape and it has a 150 Yamaha outboard. Is this a good deal in the Wellcraft world? All mechanicals are sound and it runs really welll. It wasn't covered with canvas so it's sunbleached and dirty, it needs a new passenger seat and a new aluminum pole for the bimini. Other than this it's in decent shape. Please let me know what you think. I've been researching it all night but it's tough to find this year and model for sale online. Any help is greatly appreciated.

In a few words, if the transom and the stringers are sound it sounds like a great deal. These boats (unfortunately) have a history of dryrot in the transoms. IMHO mostly caused by people mounting things off the transom and not sealing it properly. Based on your statements of the boats condition as long as the transom doesn't flex and there are no soft spots on the floor then I'd think it was ok. There are others on this site that have much more experience with these boats and probably can advise you better than I, but it sounds like a good deal to me. Pictures are always helpful in returning a good evaluation.

I looked at it with my father who sold Sea Rays for years, it actually belongs to a friend of his. He tells me the boat is solid, it has less than 100 hours on it as the owner hates boating! Go figure. However he hated boating so much that he didn't take great care of the boat. It hasn't run much, and it also hasn't been covered and protected from the elements. I don't know how much this affects this type of boat over the long term. Thanks for writing back.

If it is everything that you say it is--some elbow grease for clean up and some light maintence---that is a steal!! Especially if it is on a trailer.

I bought mine 2 years ago(before the eco crash) for 4000 and thought the guy was a idiot for selling it that cheap. Mine was taken care of about as well--so a good weekend of buffing and waxing and some other little work--and she was good to go!! I have added some stuff to her to help me out on my long ocean runs (65 miles off the coast in the PNW).

If it is a V-21--even better deal.

Genie Aye I really appreciate the input. There's no trailer but it is in good shape all things considered. Like you say I will need to spend my Memorial day weekend cleaning, waxing and figuring out exactly what it needs, but it's a small sacrifice for a summer with my first boat. I'll take it slow and add the necessities over time. I had no idea that this type of boat had such a loyal following and it makes me a lot more comfortable seeing that they are sought after to some degree. Thanks again for writing back. I'm going to pull the trigger on it today.

briguyny, welcome! where do you live? I am in Merrick, and am also looking to get another V20. I have owned one in the past - fantastic boat, worst thing I did was sell it - and would be glad to help if I can.

Sounds like a great deal for that year and for that motor, Grab it before someone else does.

reodds, amazingly enough I live in Merrick as well. It truly is a very small world. I'm heading out at noon today to pick up this boat. I was originally looking for a completely different type of boat, but it seems that everyone really loves these. I'm sold. What is it about them that has everyone so happy when they have one, and like your case, so regretful when they sell them? I have two little daughters, three and one, and I'm a little nervous that this might not be the best boat for a small family for putting around to short beach and possibly Fire Island. What do you think?

The boat is FANTASTIC for your family. It is stable, smooth in ride, high enough freeboard, and shallow enough draft to easily maneuver in the shallows. The flared bow really does deflect the waves, and regardless of what some may say, the boat is dry - especially compared to bow riders of the same size. It is a true "wash and wear" boat, with no extra "fluff" to get in the way. You can put a few solid folding chairs in the stern for the "older folks" to sit on, and remove them when not in use. I really never fished it further than about 10 miles offshore, but it was always good. The boat can very easily set up to fish very well, but also a great day boat.

I have taken the boat to NYC many times (great ride!), and used it to pull skiers in the bays. It is easy to take to short beach, although I like the beach just south of the loop bridge better!

I know you and your family to love it.

Roger,

That's exactly what I (and especially my wife) needed to hear. It looks relatively easy to take care of. NOT TOO BIG, NOT TOO SMALL and as this will be my first time boating it looks easy to hang out on when I run aground the first time! I also have a dog and it looks like there's enough room for him as well, as well as easy to clean up after he splashes around everywhere. I know the beach you mentioned though we never went there growing up, we also go to "garbage cove" just passed Zach's Bay.

The V will be perfect for your young family and the price is sure right. You will be amazed at how easily it will clean up. The cuddy is perfect to put the youngun's down for a nap on a hot day. You can even buy one of those scoop type things made of fabric (I know there is a nautical term for them, but I cannot remember it) to pull a breeze down into the cuddy cabin. The V is a terrific all round boat for just lazy cruising, skiing, tubing and, of course, fishing. I hope you get it and make many good memories with your family out on it.

Nipper,

Thanks for the advice and the kind words. Everyone on this forum/site has me excited for my purchase. It has a Yamaha 150, but I don't know if it's a 2 stroke or a 4 stroke. Any insight?

Sounds like ahelluva deal to me...assuming as mentioned above the hull is solid, deoxidizing the gel coat and some TLC will have her back in shape in no time...

I raised my two daughters on regular boating and it's made water puppies of them both at 19 & 21...the first rule w/kids is proper flotation devices at all times when around water...boat doesn't move till everybody's wearin' one...no exceptions...keep an eye on them...if you are driving the boat looking forward as you should, mom needs to be watchin' the kids at all times...and vice/versa...

If this is your first boat and exposure to boating, for your kids' safety sake, take a boating course...

Good luck and post us up some pics when you can...we like the good, the bad AND the ooglie

If original to the boat, it's a 2 stroke...GREAT motors!!...

Absolutely wonderful advice. I grew up on boats and my father was ALWAYS very strict with me and my siblings on all of our boats. Life jackets and safety were his priority and they will be mine as well. I love that you jumped on this though Nd know tht I have already signedus up for a boater safety course. My wife grew up on boats as well so whe will be the eagle eye safety coordinator. Slow and easy.

Sounds like you're making all the right decisions. If it's a V21 you're a lucky guy..they are highly sought after. As just metioned above by Reelapeelin.. Life jackets are a MUST. Kids learn by example, so that means you and mommy too. If (like me) you find the regular red jacket bulky then buy the kind that Kyackers use..They fit around you, have large cutouts for your arms and a zipper to close it around you. I use one like that myself. And while we are on the subject of safety.. a few things you need. FIRE EXTINGUISHER(S) one is good, two is better 3 is best. The fire dept doesn't make house calls 20 miles offshore. THROWABLE SAFETY DEVICES (cushions or rings) Flares, (Air and hand held) Distress flag, Audible signaling devices. (Horn on the boat, whistles on your life jackets)
VHF Radio, CB Radio. Compass, and lastly, thought not necessary, a second engine is not a bad idea.... Let me explain... Redundancy is always a good thing when you are talking about safety. That way if something fails you have a backup. That thought extends to engines as well. You don't need a second engine (unless you're trolling for fish), but if your big engine fails you need a way to get home. The little trolling motor has saved a lot of us a lot of times. Yes, you can call Sea Tow, or the Coast Guard or just signal any boat nearby..but can you rely on them being there when you need them? I've been a sailor for over 45 years, starting when I was 17 and in the Navy. The one thing I've learned above all others is that the ocean is a wonderful mistress, but she will slap you down with horrible results if you take her lightly. Like the Boy Scout motto says: "Be prepared."

A few words from the heart... Am I trying to scare you? Yes. Am I trying to save your life? Also yes. We want to be talking to you, not about you. Safety is ALWAYS your number one when you go out on a boat.
Welcome to the website. :beer: There are a bunch of great guys here that can give you more information in an hour then I can give you in a day. Listen to them and their experience. And SEND US PICTURES!!! :love:

Well guys after all of your advice i scooped it up for $2500. It is a 1993 V21 in decent shape. It runs perfectly, the steerings a bit tight but I'll grease it up and see what happens. Dirty and in need of some seats but overall its a perfect little boat for a beginner. I look forward to spending my long weekend cleaning it up and doing some fishing. I appreciate all of your advice and help and I will post some before and afters soon.

Congratulations...good luck with it....and if you dont post pics we throw you out of the club.

Duly noted.

You know the luckiest part about all you've posted...you said your wife grew up on boats...BOY!!...did YOU marry RIGHT!!...:beer: :clap::beer:


...and oh, by the way...take your dad out, too...sounds like he steered you towards a great deal on a great boat!!...:sun:

Here's a pic of my two daughters on left and right w/two of their friends...this was several, several years ago on my first V at Lake Jocassee...I remember it like it was yesterday...we had a BALL!! :sun:...wish I had some digital pics of when they were your girls' ages...they are grown up and off at college now...take pictures of them...LOTS of pictures...:love:

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90...1-0118_IMG.jpg

great shot reel, reminds me of my kids many years ago. we would go to the island and meet several familys for a day of fun & sun. it seemed the kids always hung out on the bow of the V.

Hey all, just took my V21 out on its maiden voyage. There was an unepected air show going on over our heads with jets everywhere, it was great being out on the water for it. Really sea worthy and faster than I tought it would be. The steering is tight and it pulls to the right but I'll look into it and see what's going on there. Other than that all is well and I look forward to fixing her up and getting back out there.

That was QUICK!!...she must be in pretty good shape to get her out that fast...that 150 oughtta get you a top speed of around 40 mph @ wide open throttle (WOT) w/a light load...good cruise around 30 and a pretty fair hole shot...find out what Yamaha's max recommended RPMs are on that motor and it should cruise comfortably and efficiently at 2/3 to 3/4 of that...

If you decide to replace the steering cable, I highly recommend Teleflex's No Feedback System...NFS 4.3 I think it is...it'll be much easier turning and have NO PULL to left or right...

Now I will tell you this...even good steering will feel heavy until you have the motor trimmed out right...is your trim & tilt working and did you trim her out once planned up?

Funny you should ask that. I took it about fifteen miles from where I bought it to where I dock it and my father told me the same thing over and over. He said that chances are once I et used to the boat and find a cruising sweet spot with the motor trimmed properly it will be less cumbersome to steer. He says I need to get used to the boat before I decide to do anything like replace a steering cable. If it comes to that its no big deal, I'll just cross (go under?) that bridge when I come to it. I appreciate the advice about which cable to use if I need one though and I will heed the advice come time. Tomorrow I powerwash, clean and wax. Tomorrow evening I fish. Life is good.

Bgny, I'm on L.I. as well, Kings Park/ Ft. Salonga in particular. Sounds like you've got a nice boat. Good luck w/ her.

Fort Salonga is beautiful. I have friends in Northport off Elwood and on Fort Salonga Road. Really pretty place. I'm here in Merrick, I keep the boat on a canal in Massapequa. A quick shot to Fire Island. I'm really excited about the whole thing. The boat needs TC but over time I'll piece it all together. Thanks for the kind words, I really appreciate it.

I had her out yesterday and it was smooth sailing. I'll be taking her out of the water this week to compound, polish, wax and buff. I also need to powerwash and paint the hull. I absolutely love this boat and i am so lucky it fell into my lap.

Keep a sharp eye over your shoulder...you STOLD that boat and they'll come lookin for you!!...w/Father's Day comin soon, you oughtta take your dad out that day and have a couple of cold beers on ice for him...you don't get any cuz yer drivin the boat...

Great pics...thanks for posting...the upholstery looks NEW!!...and doesn't appear to need much TLC...sounds like no issues from the motor...you came up w/a REEL-DEAL on that one my friend!!...

Motor seems to run perfectly, I'm having a mechanic look at it this week just in case it needs anything. I figure new plugs, check the carbs, etc.., better safe than sorry. The pics are deceiving as the upholstery needs to be restitched in places and the passenger fold down has come completely unhinged, all the wood underneath has rotted away and I will have to either buy a new seat or rebuild/restitch this one. The driver cushion and the one on top of the live well also need to be either covered or replaced, so too with the stern cushions. They are good enough for now, but I plan on making this boat super clean over time. I agree that got really lucky with this purchase though. Pops and I go out after work tomorrow evening.