Wellcraft 180 Fisherman

#1 05-26-2011, 09:51 AM

I looking to buy and 1980 Wellcraft 180 Fisherman with twin 1994 Johnson 48spl motors. What is the best way to tell what condition the hull is in? It looks clean, only a little rash. I am going to be using it for scuba diving as well as fishing off shore. Any comments on how seaworthy the boat is? I was using a 19 foot Avon Rib which we used to travel out to Catalina island, 25 miles from shore, to dive and fish. Any comments about the Johnson motors would also be appreciated.
Thanks
Mike

Stinky_Hooker · #2 05-26-2011, 10:20 AM

I hope you dont me a 48 johnson?

I have a 90' and LOVE LOVE LOVE it. Main difference is they started the self bailing deck around 89' I think. Its a very sea worthy boat for its length due to its weight and very wide. I have friends with 20' bay boats that the ol 18 em outrides bigtime. Ive had mine 25ish miles offshore many times and even in some bad seas and never felt in danger at all...its a surprising boat for its size. I dont offshore fish anymore and love it inshore other than getting into real shallow water...even with a jackplate it needs 16" to float heavily loaded.

Check the transom cap..they used some riveted on plastic that always dry rots. I glassed mine in and removed it but just make sure water hasnt saturated due to being open. Check for soft flooring, etc, etc..

What what motor is ACTUALLY on it..was that a typo?

#3 05-26-2011, 10:41 AM

The Motors are 1994 Johnson 48hp Model SPL according to the buyer. I looked them up and the spl is a base model from what I found.

eegs2k · #4 05-26-2011, 11:19 AM

twins on a 180 fish? seems odd. i'm surprised there is room for them.

THEFERMANATOR · #5 05-26-2011, 11:31 AM

The 48HP JOHNSON is a small 2 cylinder engine. I would think they would be a bit gutless on it even in a twin application for an 18 footer. Seatrial it and make sure the performance is good on it before dropping the coin on it. I would think a single 115HP or so would do alot better on it.

reelapeelin · #6 05-26-2011, 01:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by THEFERMANATOR

The 48HP JOHNSON is a small 2 cylinder engine. I would think they would be a bit gutless on it even in a twin application for an 18 footer. Seatrial it and make sure the performance is good on it before dropping the coin on it. I would think a single 115HP or so would do alot better on it.

I couldn't agree more...seatrial that boat before you commit...in general, I'm in agreement w/twins on an offshore boat...but twin on an 18'er seems a little suspicious for some reason...and keep in mind what Stinky says about it not being a self-bailing hull...make sure you got PLENTY bilge-pump capacity...
Transom check...boat on trailer and w/motors tilted up, apply your body weight to the foot of each motor slowly and listen...snap,crackle-pop and tranny in trouble...no noise and you got a good one...walk around on all deck surfaces applying weight...feel and listen for soft spots...crawl under the boat and look for blisters, cracking and peeling...take some pics and post them here...

Those 48s are considered reliable workhorses, but as w/all used motors, check them out thouroghly...check foot oil, compression, pull plugs for excesive oil, look around under cowl for general condition of all including wiring...

phatdaddy · #7 05-26-2011, 05:12 PM

i used to fish with a guy in the early 70's that had a 17' bonita with twin 45 chryslers. never really ran that fast, but all he did was troll for kings. he was an old merchant marine chief and would not go out in a boat without twins... i agree with above, try it before you buy it.

Curapa · #8 05-26-2011, 06:05 PM

The 18' Fisherman is a great boat. Not so sure about 48 Johnsons on it though. Those are great motors for the right application but I would never imagine them as twins on my boat.

My 130 Rude pushes the boat right at 40mph and I cruise around 30-32. Curious to know what the top and cruise speed is with the 48's.

Sea trial it and let us know.

Bruce · #9 05-26-2011, 09:44 PM

As most have seen here I have an 85 180 Fisherman. The 85 model had the self bailing deck, so the 89 cutoff is incorrect.

My 140 Zuke 4 stroke is slow, I couldn't imagine 96Hp anywhere near enough for the boat.. Run it, see how it goes, and let us know.

Inspect the transom and the floor really close, make sure there is no rot.

Good Luck with it!!

Curapa · #10 05-26-2011, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bruce

As most have seen here I have an 85 180 Fisherman. The 85 model had the self bailing deck, so the 89 cutoff is incorrect.

My 140 Zuke 4 stroke is slow, I couldn't imagine 96Hp anywhere near enough for the boat.. Run it, see how it goes, and let us know.

Inspect the transom and the floor really close, make sure there is no rot.

Good Luck with it!!

I forgot to add that to my post above. I have an 84' and it is self bailing as well.

What kind of speed do you get with the 140?

My buddy had a 120 Rude on his 18 Fisherman. The 120 had some work done, bored over ect.. His went close to 50mph.