Classic BW CC Design versus Classic Wellcaft CC Design

[rrichar1]

Thanks for all the replies, I think ya'll have answered most of my questions.

I have a 1982 Center Console 18 Fisherman not a V20 type hull. I LOVE the hull and plan on keeping it and strictly fish near shore Galveston bay and the farthest I go is to the jetties because I fish alone the majority of the time. So what I'm really after is how you guys think it stacks up to a vintage 80's era BW Outrage Center Console design.

And I'm looking for confirmation on the things I've observed and like about the boat:

- Built really stout (is it really on par quality wise with BW?)
- I don't like the notch/cut out in the transom
- I love the flares (Carolina?) and think it's a very dry riding design
- The transom in this boat seems solid.
- I agree with the previous posters and think this design is every bit as good as the BW and is right there as far as build quality. There's a reason this 30 year old boat is still seaworthy without any major renovations. It's just not as sexy as the BW name.
- I make enough money in that I could afford a brand new $30-$40K boat but I choose THIS boat because of it's design/heritage. I'm just cheap and have two daughters in college

Some history:

My father bought the boat for $800 fixed it up decided he didn't want it and gave it to me (my 2nd boat). It has an 89 Johnson 120 HP he rebuilt which I hate and plan on someday replacing it with a Tohatsu/Nissan 115 HP TLDI. We replaced the fuel tank last year. We are probably at least the 3rd owners and it's sat outside most of it's life so it really needs a new gel coat as it's looks really bad but the boat is functional and I don't care about looks. My plan is to invest in a new motor and then if I ever get tired of the Wellcraft buy a new/used hull and transfer the motor to it. My other boat is an aluminum Alumacraft Fish/Ski with a Nissan carbed 90HP which I've had for 10 years and regularly fish Galveston Bay in. Hence the preference for Nissan/Tohatsu products.

[buckleyjr]

I owned an 85 Whaler Outrage before I got my V21. The outrages, classic whalers and montauks are classic boats - collectibles. The overall quality of the whaler is better, in my opinion. But the deep v Hunt hull of the wellcraft v20s are also special. They are so much better in the chop of the Barnegate Bay. And for some reason they dont really design them like this anymore (for under 100k that is - check out the Harrier 25 by Hunt Yachts to see what a modern day v25 looks like).

Both are beautiful, but the v21 is perfect for a day on the water with the family. But If I lived on the water, I'd love to have one of each.

[captpete13]

I owned a 17' whaler before my v20. I used to work for a boston whaler dealer. The newer boats are nothing but unsinkable sea rays in my opinon. The classic hulls do pound but they are solid. I love my v20 and its ride which I think is just as wet as any whaler. And I have driven just about every model whaler made. We have 4 whalers at towboat us. a 17, a 22 commercial a 25, and a 27 commercial. They make a great work boat. I'm not sure how a v20 would be in the same situation. Our local sea tow had a v20 for a little while but he capsized it a while back and ended up getting rid of it. I'm not bashing the v20. I love my boat. But it can sink and whalers can't. To some people that means more than anything. I have had my v20 out is some nasty weather and heavy sea's. and it handled it like a champ. But then again so did my 17 whaler. Except every time I got off my whaler I was a little shorter then I was before I got on it.

[Bruce]

We have a 1985 Wellcraft 180 Fisherman. I'm a yacht broker, and for the money nothing touches its quality.

In 2006 the 180 was due for an upgrade or a new owner. After looking at all the new boats out there... 30K later we basically had a brand new 180 Fisherman Wellcraft completely restored, brand new Suzuki 140 4 stroke and no expense was spared. Based on what 30K will buy you in todays market theres nothing that expresses the class, construction and lines that boat has. My dad bought it in 1989, we fished it, chartered it, island hopped it, and now its here at my house, and when the time is right and he is old enough, it will be my son's.