wellcraft 238/Aquasport explorer 250(1996)

[F.Baum]

First post, my name is Forrest and I think this site is a great resource and the wellcraft site has little traffic

Ok I know these questions get ask alot but I'm seriously considering this boat and i was hoping for some feedback on this particular model and year. I read alot of threads got some good info. especially from seabob and erie skipper, next monday im scheduled for a sea trial is there anything in particular I should look for? I got the price down to 6495+tax w/ trailer good deal??
here's a link to the boat

also was the equivalent aquasport explorer built better??[urlhttp://www.topnotchmarine.com/pre_owned_detail.asp?veh=4175292][/url]

[RickK]

Hi Forrest,
I have no experience with the Welcraft line but I do own a '92 230 Explorer and the build quality is great. I am not sure what the stringers were made from on the Welcraft but I know that the Aquasports always were glass.  The closest AS to the Coastal in '96 was the 245 Explorer.  The liners look somewhat similar.  It's hard to tell for sure but it looks like the Coastal has an extra strake on the hull.  Otherwise the walk arounds look similar.
NADA gives the coastal a low value of $7100 so I think you are getting a good deal as long as you do your due diligence on the sole and transom while you're doing the check out.

[CLM65]

Search this site for "used aquasport buyers bible".  Although written for aquasports, it should be equally applicable to the welcraft and other brands too.

[Capt. Bob]

Here ya go.

http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=10634.0

Like Rick, I have no first hand experience with the Wellcraft hull, though like yourself, I looked at several (in photos/ads) when I was on the hunt for a WAC. As to the quality, think about this.

First you mentioned SeaBob, aka SB4, aka BobC, aka just Bob who did a stint at the Bradenton plant where both hulls were manufactured. Through the years SB has printed a lot of stuff, both factual as well as opinionated on just about everything but I truly can't recall him stating anything derogatory about the Wellcraft brand. I have no doubt he would have if there was something that rubbed his cherry the wrong way so.....

Genmar owned both brands during this time and while Aqua and WC were mid tier competitors prior to this time, I'd guess both were similar price points under Genmar. It was said you got a lot of bang with an Aqua that was extra with the WC but I can't speak to that.

I'd bet you will do fine with the WC (as you would with the same era Aqua) so....

Good luck and let us know what happens.

[F.Baum]

   I thank you guys for the responses, and will let ya'll know how it turns out

[F.Baum]

     This forum seems to have  the only  people willing to respond & help I truly appreciate the responses. I gonna attach a link that has pics of the boat and in the pic of the inside the cabin you can see what looks like water/rust stains , Id like to know your guys thoughts on what that might be??

here is link   http://www.topnotchmarine.com/pre_owned_detail.asp?veh=4175292

[RickK]

Hi Forrest,
I would bet that the stanchion bolts are leaking - where the railing attaches to the boat.  I would bet they need to be re-caulked. If they are through-bolted it will be a PITA depending on the access underneath.

[Capt. Bob]

That would be my guess also.

You need to get a flashlight and look up under the "shelf area" (yes it's tight for big guys) but I think you will find you can see/reach the thru bolts. A helper on top turning the screws while you hold the nuts on the bottom to remove. This is common and not life threatening so don't let it become a deal breaker if the rest of the boat is to your acceptance.

Good luck.

[F.Baum]

   You guys are awesome , Im definitely  gonna check the stanchion bolts.   The marina called me yesterday and said they wont have the boat ready until Weds. because they had to rebuild the carbs. and didn't have the parts in stock, I thought that was pretty cool that they would do that! Anyways thanks again Rickk & capt. Bob think I might buy some aqua sports decals and take off the wellcraft LOL

[RickK]

Glad we could help you out 

[F.Baum]

   Well the wellcraft didn't work out, was a pos. Ive looked at many boat since too a 1999 KW 20/20 DC, a 2012 KW 20/20 DC ,1990 parker wa fish,etc. And I think I
might have found my dream boat a 225 explorer w/'00 jonson 200hp 225hrs(I wanna join AS the family!)  the only thing is its a 1995 and according to nada it only weighs 3200lbs and a 1996 weighs 4200lbs?? why does it weigh 900lbs less than the following year? Also was '95 a good year?

The boat is 5-1/2hrs away!! and I'm supposed to go Sat. to look and possibly buy. I know you guys here can help and I would greatly appreciate it. And i'll post many Pics if i buy. One thing is for sure im buying a AS!

[F.Baum]

 Calling the Genrals- Rick and Capt. bob

[F.Baum]

HERES SOME PICS

[F.Baum]

try again

[F.Baum]

i can only send 1 at a time