Shaft length on 18 Fisherman

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by jasoncooperpcola

Its official, i am now the owner of a 1982 Wellcraft 18 Fisherman, which is my first center console boat. I got the V20 off its trailer sitting on blocks so i can get the 18 tomorrow. Final auction price, $250.

Sweet price...congrats!!! Good luck with her.

[rrichar1]

I have a 1982 18 Fisherman as well my dad gave me that I'm in the process of repowering and going from a Johnnyrude 120 HP to a Tohatsu 115 TLDI.

The first thing you are probably going to want to check is the fuel tank and make sure it doesn't have corrosion issues. Other than rebuilding the Johnnyrude the fuel tank was the biggest thing I had a problem with. Mine looks pretty rough as well but I love it.

If you have questions I might can help.

[jasoncooperpcola]

I got it home and about to start cleaning it out. Put a tape on the transom and i have a 25" transom. So the previous owner did some transom work on it, now do i trust his work? Or should i plan on a transom rebuild? I wont know for sure what exactly they did until i rip the splashwell out.

[jasoncooperpcola]

Once i got everything cleaned out, i discovered the previous owner cut the inside liner across the top of the gunnels down to the hole for the rod boxes, then from the bottom of the rod boxes holes to the fuel tank hatch. I think they took the entire back half of the liner out to do the transom. . So far this is the only major problem i discovered with the 18.

Pics below

[jasoncooperpcola]

Took the rod boxes out and discovered four broken stringers running width wise. They are rotted out. So friday night i am lifting the liner to inspect everything. Now next question, i want to install a bracket on it. So should i move the fuel tank forward?

[Curapa]

I dont know about a bracket on an 18'. It definitley will not be self bailing...

The rear deck on my 18' is usually wet while at rest with more than one person in the rear fishing.

[jasoncooperpcola]

I plan on moving the fuel tank forward, also i will have a 150qt ice chest up front. Not to mention 300? of anchor rope and 20?chain and three anchors in the bow. Also a bunch of small stuff like leads and tackle boxes and such. I think this would be enough to offset the weight in the rear. Also i want a flotation bracket so that should help some too, right? Keep in mind i have not had this boat in the water. So i have no clue how it will sit. I may hang a v6 yamaha on it and put it in The water to see how it sits, before i begin tearing the boat down.