wellcraft 238/Aquasport explorer 250(1996)

[Capt. Bob]

Forrest,

A 95 225 EX is listed at 3600lbs. (without motor).



A 96 225 is listed at 4100lbs with a 200HP motor (500lbs for the motor+/-)




Same hull weights.

You will like the 225 (again I'm bias). It is my 210 WAC hull (last made in 93) with the euro transom. She gained about 400 lbs with that change.

They ride well (helm is forward and to the side) under normal sea conditions, have a far amount of cabin storage, should have a porta potty and a decent amount of cockpit space. They are as wet as any Aqua is, handle very well for a WAC and have nice squared cabin lines to help reduce the "pregnant guppy" look.

They come with a poly fuel tank and may have options like a sink, raw and fresh water wash downs and on-deck shower. 





Good luck.

[F.Baum]

 Your the Man Capt. Bob This forum and specially its members are a great resource and I hope ya'll that.

[F.Baum]

(typo) hope ya'll know that.

[F.Baum]

more pics

[F.Baum]

  Hows the build quality on a '95 as good or same as 96-98?

[RickK]

They were all built in Bradenton at the Wellcraft plant at that time so the build quality should be the same (unless it's a first boat on Monday or last on Friday )

[Capt. Bob]

Hows the build quality on a '95 as good or same as 96-98?

While it's all marketing hype, this pic is from the 95 catalog. The stringer/bulk head construction is identical to what was used in the early 90s except for euro transom extension. Note, that this same catalog page is used in the following years through 2005. Construction materials MAY have differed somewhat but I'm thinking again that it was more market speak rather than some scientific,space age breakthrough in building. They had a good method and product for a mid tier hull. No need to fix what was not broke.



The 95 did begin a color/decal change (much needed in my opinion) from the utilitarian color schemes of the early 90s. Cabin size remained the same and the cockpit size with the high gunnels is a plus. Sun damage is usually the big culprit leading to fading and fabric decomposition. Nothing that can't be polished out or replaced.

Tap on the transom and take a look in the deck plate over the tank. Access to several components is limited on these hulls but we have a number of "fixes" members have done in our various forums that help with these things.

A good, sound hull whether built in 91 or 2005.

Good luck.

[F.Baum]

  I can't thank you guys enough  I've always loved Aquasports and I hope and pray this boat works out (5-1/2 hr drive ) and even if it doesn't, I wont settle for anything other than a AS Explorer-225 or 245 ex. period (I,ve found others too) I just got that gut fealing this is it!! this is how I feel  leaving Sat. approx. 4am

[Capt. Bob]

Forrest,
The real fun about these old hulls is in the hunt.

In searching for my WAC, I spent one weekend first driving south and east to Ft Pierce (215 EX), then north up to Jacksonville (245 EX) and still north some more to Charleston SC (225EX) then home to Tallahassee. I ended up buying the 210 in Seminole FL (about 4.5hrs south).

A lot of money burnt in fuel that could have went toward a boat but.....
I like seeing what I'm buying and sea trials can't be done with photos, phone calls or over the internet.

Enjoy and good luck.

[F.Baum]

  Bob,
I bet you drank a lot of coffee that weekend lol Its been a journey so far for me also, been to fort pierce twice once for the wellcraft, I dont wanna go into detail but the boat was defiantly abused.
 
2nd time to fort pierce was for a '07 hydra sport 202dc rental boat under powered (150 yam) and abused

    Miami twice too last time to see a 2012 key west 20/20 that had a hole in the front buttom center of the v  in the hull(don't know boat terms yet) in the worn down section there was a 2'' recessed  section i stuck my knife in and water started pouring out  they started speaking Spanish i dont know what they were saying but wasn't good I looked at the boat for another 25 min. and it was still pouring out at least 10 gal. when I left I got caught in a bad traffic jam 2hrs barely moving

Anyways I'll keep yall posted I got a good feeling about this one !!

[F.Baum]

  One more question did the '95 225 explorer have the composite transom??

[RickK]

I think that is about the time they consistently poured them. Good luck on the hunt.

[F.Baum]

well i made it up here today.  overall the boat seems pretty nice although there is quite a few things that I am unsure about.  one is it doesn't have the oil injection system, you have to mix in the tank.  is that a big deal???  also it doesn't have the vhf radio, or any electronics for that matter.  some of the gauges don't work.  overall, the floor is solid everywhere, the transom is solid, just one hairline stress crack on each side of the transom,  hard to even see.  also the live well pump doesn't seem to be working although structurally it seems to be in good shape, just needs to be cleaned up.  again, is the oil injection system something that I should want?  also, there is no hour meter for the engine, the guy selling it says the owner said 200-300 hrs...who knows...but looks clean.
   P.S. I am staying in a cottage tonight on the campsite where the boat is located and these noseeums are tearing me up they're asking 8000 think I can get him down to about 7k or 6.5k I have to make a decsion tomorrow moring what to do what to do

[RickK]

Sorry man, we were out boat camping.
So what happened?  What engine does the boat have?  I've always premix'd on my 170. It had a merc, an evinrude, a johnson and now it has a rebuilt head with zero hours on it (johnson).
My 230 on the other hand has always had a oil tank and never had a problem except when I first got it and the ECU went out.

Pre-mixing is not a big deal for the older engines. May run a little rich when it would not if it has an oiler but it's not going to hurt it.  I think you don't want that on newer engines. 

Maybe Fitz can help us out on this.

[Capt. Bob]

  again, is the oil injection system something that I should want?

OK here goes.
1: Assuming the engine is a 95, the VRO2 pump was available on that engine (available since 86 IIRC). A lot of guys take them off because of a fear of engine failure. Totally unfounded since 1985 but the myth continues. They are simple in design, work well and I prefer them. You will use less oil with the injection (VRO) than mixing yourself, your engine (all else being equal) will perform better and you're a hair on the green side of the environment. Still everyone has opinions and I have mine so there it is.

they're asking 8000 think I can get him down to about 7k or 6.5k I have to make a decsion tomorrow moring what to do what to do

2: Walk....

Sounds like you will spend money on the electrical/mechanical end. 8K for a 95 (with trailer) should have even basic electronics and gauges working. Personally I shy away from mechanics that remove factory installed stuff, have no idea of the engine hours, gauges that don't work (the System Check gauge perhaps) and so on. I don't mean to rain on your parade but you asked.

Good luck.