Wellcraft/Larson Boats..Any Experience?

TerryBPP · 07-30-2007, 08:14 AM

We are looking at a 22 ft WellCraft Bowrider and I have ZERO knowledge of this boat brand. Anyone know the faults? Engine is a 4.3 Merc in/out. So that shouldn't be a issue. Quality seems good but the price seems too cheap.

VINMAN · 07-30-2007, 08:17 AM

Terry , you looking at new or used? What model?

In either case, Wellcraft builds an excellent boat.

TerryBPP · 07-30-2007, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VINMAN

Terry , you looking at new or used? What model?

In either case, Wellcraft builds an excellent boat.

2001 22SSX

I have been looking to buy new or slight used (05-06) but this came up and seems like a steal.

VINMAN · 07-30-2007, 08:36 AM

Not that familar with that model , but as I said Wellcrafts are very good boats. I have a number of friends that have them ( all different models) and they have no issues other than the normal boat stuff. Certain brands tend to have their own problems. That motor, I/O is a good package it should be a Merc Alpha drive.
In my opinion theres no reason to buy new. There are so many good used boats out there. People are giving them away. ( fuel is a big reason for wanting to get rid of them.)

rouxroux · 09:38 AM

Terry, boats like that (17-22') in this area pop up all the time between 5-7K. Don't know what the prices are like in your area, but many low-hour/low use rigs are on the market down here. You can really find some bargains if you look around.

I'll second the Merc drive. just check out the lower unit and make sure the foot has'nt been hit.

TerryBPP · 07-30-2007, 09:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rouxroux

Terry, boats like that (17-22') in this area pop up all the time between 5-7K. Don't know what the prices are like in your area, but many low-hour/low use rigs are on the market down here. You cvan really find some bargains if you look around.

This appears to be one of those bargains. I'll let you guys know how it goes.

cashflyer · 07-30-2007, 09:59 AM

In the late 80's my father purchased a 24' Wellcraft. He bought it new so that he could "spec it out".

When it arrived, it was missing some of it's spec'd equipment and accessories.

Additionally, the twin OMC I/O units were very problematic. They went through cooling pumps like homer goes through donuts, twice had cracked cooling manifolds (probably due to pump failure) and once had a cooling manifold blow it's gasket and nearly sink the boat. Final straw, so to speak, was when one engine caught fire and burned most of the deck away.

YMMV

Chocaholic · 07-30-2007, 10:39 AM

A 4.3 Merc is a pretty small engine for a 22' boat. If you plan to pull a skier, tube, etc., you may be unhappy. We have a 21' Chaparral with a 5.0L Volvo V8 and it is "adequate".

I guess you could prop it for your intended use, but you'll give up a reasonable top-end for a reasonable bottom end. Boating is R&R. Be careful not to strap yourself to a rig that will aggrevate you every time you take it out.

TerryBPP · 07-30-2007, 11:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

A 4.3 Merc is a pretty small engine for a 22' boat. If you plan to pull a skier, tube, etc., you may be unhappy. We have a 21' Chaparral with a 5.0L Volvo V8 and it is "adequate".

I guess you could prop it for your intended use, but you'll give up a reasonable top-end for a reasonable bottom end. Boating is R&R. Be careful not to strap yourself to a rig that will aggrevate you every time you take it out.

My buddy has a 20 maxium with a 4.3 and it pulls pretty well (190 hp). Although I would prefer the V8.

That is my dilemma. The flip side is I don't take the off the lot hit in value.

TerryBPP · 07-30-2007, 11:37 AM

I even like the name.

dhoward · dhoward's Garage

MO water patrol had been using Wellcrafts up here on the river. Beat the snot out of them.
Well put together hulls.

VINMAN · 07-30-2007, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

Boating is R&R. Be careful not to strap yourself to a rig that will aggrevate you every time you take it out.

But thats part of the allure of boat ownership!!

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

swell craft - built in sarasota by genmar - watch for the mid to late 90's versions - prone to stringer rot and questionable quality control - re: chop guns = in the late 90's hydrosports and aquasports moved in with genmar and their quality control went up considerably.

nice boats - although I sould prefer an outboard in florida -

JeremyD · JeremyD's Garage

I like this chapparel - and the chapparel boats in general in this category/size
http://tampa.craigslist.org/boa/379035329.html