Wellcraft 180 Fisherman

[reelapeelin]

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]

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]

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]

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]

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.

Thanks for all your reply's. Good advise. Lot's of things to look for.

[Stinky_Hooker]

Thanks for the correction Bruce I wasnt sure on the self bailing deck.


I too would like to know how it runs...seems odd for twins on one..sounds interesting though.

120 here and tops around 36...cruise 28 or so comy. I def. want more power. I got a buddy with a 150 rude and his runs 56.