Is this a good deal?

briguyny · #1 05-27-2010, 11:00 PM

Hello all, I'm very new to Wellcrafts and I need some advice. I have the opportunity to buy a 1993 Wellcraft V20 (V21?) for $2,500. It is in decent shape and it has a 150 Yamaha outboard. Is this a good deal in the Wellcraft world? All mechanicals are sound and it runs really welll. It wasn't covered with canvas so it's sunbleached and dirty, it needs a new passenger seat and a new aluminum pole for the bimini. Other than this it's in decent shape. Please let me know what you think. I've been researching it all night but it's tough to find this year and model for sale online. Any help is greatly appreciated.

Destroyer · #2 05-27-2010, 11:12 PM

In a few words, if the transom and the stringers are sound it sounds like a great deal. These boats (unfortunately) have a history of dryrot in the transoms. IMHO mostly caused by people mounting things off the transom and not sealing it properly. Based on your statements of the boats condition as long as the transom doesn't flex and there are no soft spots on the floor then I'd think it was ok. There are others on this site that have much more experience with these boats and probably can advise you better than I, but it sounds like a good deal to me. Pictures are always helpful in returning a good evaluation.

briguyny · #3 05-27-2010, 11:21 PM

I looked at it with my father who sold Sea Rays for years, it actually belongs to a friend of his. He tells me the boat is solid, it has less than 100 hours on it as the owner hates boating! Go figure. However he hated boating so much that he didn't take great care of the boat. It hasn't run much, and it also hasn't been covered and protected from the elements. I don't know how much this affects this type of boat over the long term. Thanks for writing back.

Genie Aye · #4 05-28-2010, 12:54 AM

If it is everything that you say it is--some elbow grease for clean up and some light maintence---that is a steal!! Especially if it is on a trailer.

I bought mine 2 years ago(before the eco crash) for 4000 and thought the guy was a idiot for selling it that cheap. Mine was taken care of about as well--so a good weekend of buffing and waxing and some other little work--and she was good to go!! I have added some stuff to her to help me out on my long ocean runs (65 miles off the coast in the PNW).

If it is a V-21--even better deal.

briguyny · #5 05-28-2010, 06:03 AM

Genie Aye I really appreciate the input. There's no trailer but it is in good shape all things considered. Like you say I will need to spend my Memorial day weekend cleaning, waxing and figuring out exactly what it needs, but it's a small sacrifice for a summer with my first boat. I'll take it slow and add the necessities over time. I had no idea that this type of boat had such a loyal following and it makes me a lot more comfortable seeing that they are sought after to some degree. Thanks again for writing back. I'm going to pull the trigger on it today.

reodds · #6 05-28-2010, 06:19 AM

briguyny, welcome! where do you live? I am in Merrick, and am also looking to get another V20. I have owned one in the past - fantastic boat, worst thing I did was sell it - and would be glad to help if I can.

willy · #7 05-28-2010, 07:00 AM

Sounds like a great deal for that year and for that motor, Grab it before someone else does.

briguyny · #8 05-28-2010, 07:10 AM

reodds, amazingly enough I live in Merrick as well. It truly is a very small world. I'm heading out at noon today to pick up this boat. I was originally looking for a completely different type of boat, but it seems that everyone really loves these. I'm sold. What is it about them that has everyone so happy when they have one, and like your case, so regretful when they sell them? I have two little daughters, three and one, and I'm a little nervous that this might not be the best boat for a small family for putting around to short beach and possibly Fire Island. What do you think?

reodds · #9 05-28-2010, 07:30 AM

The boat is FANTASTIC for your family. It is stable, smooth in ride, high enough freeboard, and shallow enough draft to easily maneuver in the shallows. The flared bow really does deflect the waves, and regardless of what some may say, the boat is dry - especially compared to bow riders of the same size. It is a true "wash and wear" boat, with no extra "fluff" to get in the way. You can put a few solid folding chairs in the stern for the "older folks" to sit on, and remove them when not in use. I really never fished it further than about 10 miles offshore, but it was always good. The boat can very easily set up to fish very well, but also a great day boat.

I have taken the boat to NYC many times (great ride!), and used it to pull skiers in the bays. It is easy to take to short beach, although I like the beach just south of the loop bridge better!

I know you and your family to love it.

briguyny · #10 05-28-2010, 07:44 AM

Roger,

That's exactly what I (and especially my wife) needed to hear. It looks relatively easy to take care of. NOT TOO BIG, NOT TOO SMALL and as this will be my first time boating it looks easy to hang out on when I run aground the first time! I also have a dog and it looks like there's enough room for him as well, as well as easy to clean up after he splashes around everywhere. I know the beach you mentioned though we never went there growing up, we also go to "garbage cove" just passed Zach's Bay.