Any Puget Sound owners here?
 

I am buying my first boat. I've looked at a '80 Century 3000 and a '80 Wellcraft V-20 so far The Century is fit with carpet and upholstery, the Wellcraft not so much.

The Wellcraft has some crazing, dings, trailer rash, and was stored outside by someone as the wood trim is gray. The Century has been under cover most, if not all of it's life. Mercruiser 470 with ?? hours, Pre-alpha outdrive, and an external alternator "upgrade".

Century = $7000
Wellcraft = $7800 obo

http://bellingham.craigslist.org/boa/2387984155.html

I guess my question is are Wellcraft really "worth more"? The hull design looks like it would work well in rougher water. I'd be using it between Bellingham Bay and the San Juan Islands and I'd hope to use it year round. I would end up working on it just because that's the way I am. I don't really want a "project", but I'm willing to do some work if it's worth the time and effort.

So what say you? Even if you're not from the Puget Sound area, are these boats worth it for salt water cruising?

Monte

i'd rather have a Wellcraft V20 than a Century. I can't say on the specific two that you have chosen without more details. The price on the V seems a bit high with the description you have given. Look at the classifieds here and price shop compared to what you are looking at.

That price is way out of line...seems west of the Rockies these boats are going for a premium...that boat ain't worth that...it's nice, well kept and pretty well up-fitted...but it ain't worth anywhere close to 78...if an outboard w/LATE model 150+, then MAYBE...

What distance from bay to islands?...I'd be looking for a boat w/more fuel capacity than 40 gals...I don't know the 3000 Century, so cannot comment, but sounds high also for an 80's I/O...

Price does seem a little high on the V20, but it does appear to be nicely equipped. I think if you are going to do any fishing that the Wellcraft would probably suit you better. Fish blood and guts and carpet do not play well together. Now if it is just snap in carpet in the Century you would be ok--just take it out for a fishing trip.

Just looked up the Century 3000. Appears it is a 19' boat which comes in either a bow rider or small cuddy version. I would not recommend you get the bow rider version if you are going to be out in heavy seas. A bow rider with that hull configuration would like to dive in to a wave and you may just stuff it and go down in a hurry, perhaps even flip it right over.

The $7000 for the Century also appears to be a bit high just based on 5 minutes of comparison shopping.