Help with Hull ID and Inspection tips?

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howdy friends, going to check out this Wellcraft soon, I believe it is a V20 fisherman, correct me if I'm wrong, the seller says its 22'

I have been reading lots about rotted transoms and stringers, which has me spooked, I understand checking the transom is easy enough, but are there access ports to get under to check out the stringers?

what is the best way to check for rot when inspecting a boat that you can't disassemble?

also, what are your thoughts on that 115 pushing it? will it be enough? I'll likely remove that kicker motor immediately to save weight
planning to use it for fishing in the sea of cortez, Baja

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Guy is asking $10,000, which seems pretty pricey to me, but boats down here do fetch a premium... gotta drag it 1000 miles down a pretty sketchy road to get here

22" Wellcraft "Big Love"
Big Love comes with a 115 Hp 4-stroke Suzuki and 9.9 Hp 4 stroke Honda kicker. Great fishing boat with dual axle trailer. $10,000 OBO

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My last boat, 17ft SeaSwirl center console, we would take her offshore 20+ on flat days, that old Honda 90 carbed 4stroke had a gazillion hours on it and never left us stranded







never should have sold her! :*(

[phatdaddy]

Looks like a 20.6 to me. As far as price, who knows, local markets dictate that. In north Florida , with that age motor , probably more like 5-7 grand neighborhood. I will say the center consoles hold value more that the cuddy. To me,the 115 is a little on the weak side,150 is a better fit.

Best way to check the transom is trim motor up and bounce on foot, look for flex in transom. You can usually open the rear hatch’s and look down where the stringers meet the transom. There should be holes drilled through stringers to allow water to migrate to bottom of bilge. Feel inside of the holes with your finger. If that wood is soft and mushy, probable lower stringers are gone.

I would also be wary of the fuel tank, if original. There should be an inspection plate on the deck or under console to get to the tank hose connections and sending unit. Look under there to check the tank condition.

Check how the T top and console is fastened to deck, usually where water gets into the deck core.

The V 20 center console is a great boat , but at least 35 years old, so expect some work.

Looks like a great place to have a boat, let us know what you do.

[Blue_Runner]

Hey Defrag, welcome to the site! Thanks for sharing the pics, those waters look very pristine and inviting. Where exactly is that? I can't add a whole lot to Phatdaddy's reply he pretty much covered it, but best of luck on your search and keep us posted on where you end up - even if it isn't a wellcraft lol.

Also, sorry I haven't gotten around to replying to your email but will reply soon.

Again, welcome!

Blue

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hey bud, its down in Baja California Sur, beautiful area

Im heading next week to check out that boat though I heard from another guy that its in rough shape :(

we shall soon find out!

no worries, just let me know!