Info on AS 250 Exlporer

[meanjean]

I have been looking at buying a new (to me) boat.  I have found I really like the looks of the Explorer 250 (not sure of the year ranges but I like 2002-2005 model).  

I found several in NJ and NY but none to the south here in VA?

I was looking for a history on this boat model;
pros and cons
known issues
Other models from Wellcraft that are the same
Best power options ((Im looking for a 4-stroke)Single vs twin, size etc)
Wood in the boat
Any notable differences from the 250 vs the 225
Where was the boat made
Ride quality

I have googled and looked on the THT and here but found little to answer my questions.

This boat will go back with me to Oregon someday and I plan to use it for Ocean fishing here and in Oregon.  Specs lead me to belive its the boat for me but wanted more input before I drop $26k+ for a boat.

Lots of questions I know so if your willing to help and would rather talk on a phone let me know.

Thanks for your help.
Chad

[wingtime]

I just bought a 1998 245 Explorer.   Same boat as the 250.  They just changed the name.   The 225 is same boat with two feet removed from the cockpit area.  The transom should be poured composite.  The stringers are foam filled, no wood there.  The only wood I believe is balsa in the floors.  I have a 225 two stroke on mine.  I've only had it out twice but the performance is good and the ride is great.  A 250 hp would go faster but burn more fuel.  Twin 150's would be nice but your looking at twice the maintenance and a higher up front cost.  A 250 HP Verado would be SWEET.  I don't think there was a cross over Wellcraft model like there was in the 215 Explorer.  Seabob4 worked in the plant in Sarasota and he would have the answer to that and more of your questions.

[meanjean]

So nothing changed from a 245 to the 250?  Just the name?  Specs are the same?  Why the name change?

[flounderpounder225]

So nothing changed from a 245 to the 250?  Just the name?  Specs are the same?  Why the name change?

marketing/selling point, your getting a bigger boat (you think).  Same as the Osprey, 245 or 250, identical hulls, they changed some of the trim, and re-arranged the console.

[wingtime]

Yup same boat. Marketing I guess.  Or maybe how they measure it.  The over all length of the hull with the pulpit is over 26'.

Here's one with twins for sale.  Price is WAY high in my book.

http://www.popyachts.com/Page/Site-Listing/4017/Power/Walkarounds/Anne-Arundel-County-MD/For-Sale/Used/2000-Aquasport-250-Explorer-Walkaround/Page.html

[meanjean]

So nothing changed from a 245 to the 250?  Just the name?  Specs are the same?  Why the name change?

marketing/selling point, your getting a bigger boat (you think).  Same as the Osprey, 245 or 250, identical hulls, they changed some of the trim, and re-arranged the console.

Is an Osprey an AS product? CC?

[flounderpounder225]

So nothing changed from a 245 to the 250?  Just the name?  Specs are the same?  Why the name change?

marketing/selling point, your getting a bigger boat (you think).  Same as the Osprey, 245 or 250, identical hulls, they changed some of the trim, and re-arranged the console.

Is an Osprey an AS product? CC?

Yes, same hull as the Explorer, different cap

[meanjean]

Yup same boat. Marketing I guess.  Or maybe how they measure it.  The over all length of the hull with the pulpit is over 26'.

Here's one with twins for sale.  Price is WAY high in my book.

http://www.popyachts.com/Page/Site-Listing/4017/Power/Walkarounds/Anne-Arundel-County-MD/For-Sale/Used/2000-Aquasport-250-Explorer-Walkaround/Page.html

Saw this one, has 2 strokes.  In your book whats a fair price for that boat?

[meanjean]

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/2003/Aq ... ted-States

Found this one, talked price down to $26K, no trailer.

From my reading a 225 engine may not be enough?

This price seem high?

[seabob4]

Chad,
What Bruce (wingime) and Marc (FP225) say are right on the money.  Looking at the boat in the link, it has the setup I like, motor wise, twin 150s.  But that has it's drawbacks as Bruce pointed out, in regards to fuel burn, maintenance, however, she'll be a fast boat.  Notice that one doesn't have a hardtop, that is a VERY desirable option.  For us down here in FL, keeps you out of the sun.  For up in Oregon, keeps you out of the rain and cold!

Explorers were built in Sarasota.  End-grain balsa is used to core the cockpit sole, the gunnels, and probably the cabin top.  Considering her out-the-door price was somewhere around $60-65K 10 years ago (that's optioned out), I'd be looking at high teens as a good price...

[meanjean]

Considering her out-the-door price was somewhere around $60-65K 10 years ago (that's optioned out), I'd be looking at high teens as a good price...

High teens for that boat, what about a boat with 4 strokes?

http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/ ... ightwater&

Both of them have 4 strokes and are in the same ball part price wise with no trailer.  For a 2003 to 2005 the going price seems to be $25-30K

Then there is this boat

http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1996/Aq ... ted-States

This boat still the same hull as newer boats?  Buy this and get a new motor?

Love the feed back from everyone, thanks.

[pete]

what they are asking and what they are getting are 2 different things!the price of a used boat is what you are willing to pay based on age,hours on motor condition, etc.If you find one you like make the sale conditional of having a tech go over the motor,even if you pay for the tech it will be money well spent on peice of mind.make an offer and go from there,be willing to walk.good luck

[bondobill]

Have you seen this one
http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/ ... 44986&url=

Bill

[meanjean]

Have you seen this one
http://www.yachtworld.com/core/listing/ ... 44986&url=

Bill

Sure did, I like it.  556 miles away!  Road trip.

Never seen one with 130 honda's  Repower maybe?

[gran398]

Good point, you've got to be willing to wait...and willing to walk. But there are still good boats out there at great prices.

But you need to be willing to travel if you have to. Bruce is tickled pink with his new ride...but he had to drive up here to get it.