Need Advice
 

Hello everyone,

For those of you who might remember me, I was in the process of changing out my fuel tank several months ago and posted here. I am starting to think that I made a poor choice on buying this boat (I have a 1986 V20) because I have had nothing but problems since I got it. As an update I pulled the tank last season and was able to use the boat for the remainder of the season with a temporary fuel tank until the original yamaha 150 seized from an oil injection failure. I am at the point where I have pulled and sold what was left of the outboard and need to decide between restoring the Wellcraft or buying a new boat. Fortunately I am willing to tackle most work myself as I am very mechanically capable but have never really done fiberglass or paint work before. Where the boat sits it looks like there is solid material in the transom, however it is very brittle and flakey. I am thinking that I should probably rebuild the transom if I am going to keep the boat. In addition, I noticed a cracked chine on the bottom of the boat from contact with the trailer. I have enclosed a few pictures of the damage but would like some advice on the best way to fix it. Unfortunately, its in a spot where I will not be able to access it from the top unless I cut up the cuddy. If I am going to restore the boat I am going to do it right: Fiberglass repair, new tank (which I already have), transom replacement, new outboard, and new paint/gelcoat. I was hoping to get some advice regarding all these repairs and about how much I could expect to spend. As far as an outboard, I will be going with an ETEC 150 if I decide to keep the boat, which I have already priced out at a local dealer. So what does everyone think? Am I in over my head? Is it worth restoring the wellcraft or should I just try and find a nicer boat in the 20-25k range? Thanks in advance.

-Brett

Sorry to hear that it looks like you got into a bad egg there.
If you are truly are willing and able to drop 20-25k to get on the water then ditch the v and go and buy any number of nicer boats.

Option b is find a hull in better condition and repower it.

Last option imo is to repower AND have to rebuild the boat. Unless there is ome sentimental value it just aint worth it.

need bigger pic of the area looks like a minor crack.

Well i guess the only reason i said 20-25k is because between a new outboard and all the work into the hull im thinking i will probably spend at least 15-20k (does this sound about right?). I would prefer to not spend much at all but it is what it is. I look online for used outboards everyday but would like the piece of mind of a new engine and warranty because i will be using the boat often.

The pic i included is two shots. Ur right its basically a long crack. I dont even know if it made it into the fiberglass or not or if its just through the gelcoat. What other angle would u like me to get? if it is just a crack in the gelcoat what is the best way to go about fixing it?

How are the stringers? Whether you like the boat or not should determine if you want to spend the money fixing it up. New motor and new transom and you are already doing better than buying another boat.

The stringers all apear and feel solid and there are no soft spots on the deck. I did note stress cracks to the lower left and lower right of the cuddy door however. My biggest concern is the cracked chine in the hull and how easily this can be fixed. I do like the boat but am wondering if I should just move on. I live in an area where I will be using the boat often and would like something reliable i could go out 7 miles with (great fishing grounds by me) and not have to worry about getting home safely.

If you post the pics on photobucket then paste here, they will be larger. Unless its a tremendous hit, the chine area is probably a gelcoat damage. Seven miles out in a V20 is a piece of cake. I have had my V out 35 miles in the Gulf and never felt unsafe. Where are you located?

I am located near new london ct. Its about a 7 mile hike to "the race" which is arguably the best local fishing grounds (although block island is great too but a little further). The depth goes from over 200 ft to 50 very quickly and the associated currents bring in some serious fish. Its also the point where most of the water flows into long island sound. Im confident that the V is up to the task because neighbors of mine fish out there in their older 19 ft grady, but its definitely not a place to fool around if you don't know what your doing. Its also not a spot I want to be stranded at if something goes wrong. I have a dock with my house and know this is something I enjoy and will probably be doing for life, so I am looking to invest into something that will last me a long time. I will try to post some better pics tonight. If I end up re-doing the V I will definitely document and post up the process for everyones benefit. Thanks for the responses so far.

first thing sand that area or strip it to see what you really have.