92 v20 steplift thoughts

mac83

Member
Thinking about pulling the trigger on this one guys... It has a 350 with a Volvo duo prop? Thought on that setup?
 
So this the rundown on the boat...tried to put all the details in here from talking with owner.
1992 wellcraft v20 steplift. Fir stringers replaced, new electric fuel punp, rebuilt carburetor, volvo duo- prop outdrive, rebuilt late model 350 ci engine less than 10 hr. Run time. Trailer-1998 venture 4 new tires , new rotors, new spare tire, stainless steel brbkes electric winch
Asking 7500

What are everyone's thoughts... A little concerned since stringers have been replaced
 
Replaced stringers are a huge red flag.... Depending on what was done you could have a great hull or total garbage.... Electric fuel pump MAY be a red flag... Is it SUPPOSED to have an electric pump???? Is it a properly installed marine pump???

$7500 sounds a bit steep to me if it is anything less than pristine.

Do you have a link to an add you can put up?
 
No he took it off Craig's list so there is no link... I have a picture but can't figure out how to post it
 

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I would find out who did the stringers first, ask for pics and post em. There are right ways and wrong ways to do it and guys here will tell you right away.
Also, when stringers are bad enough to be replaced often the transom is soft too. Not always, as Wellcraft was notorious for not finishing the holes they drilled through them to allow drainage so a lot depends on long they were soaking away. Also, were the whole stringers replaced or just a small area where the motor mounts are located, which is also common on inboard engine mounts.
I owned a 92 and it was a great boat but I think you are paying too much for the boat if you stay near the asking price.
I hear your concern for the closed transom which I also liked but the design on the Wellcrafts was pretty good at keeping water out, especially with that late of year as Wellcraft raised the floor almost two inches starting around 1998 for better function of the floor scuppers for any water that comes over board. And unless you over weighted the stern with a too heavy motor which some do it is a very dry boat pretty much all years. After a certain year I believe was around mid 80's they all had a wall around the motor well which kept any water from splashing on board from the stern.
As far as that center counsel posted it looks nice but it appears they cut down the transom to run a 20" shaft motor for some reason. I don't know why.
 
If is checks out it's hard to find a boat in that condition for that money. The owner is losing his *** for what it's worth.
 
So I went out and did a thorough check. Boat looked great everywhere except where there use to be a small swim ladder. It looks to be repaired professionally but did have some moisture according to meter where the three screw holes where. Everything looked good from the inside looking at the transom and motor mounts. What do y'all think? It's defiantly a nice boat. What do you think a fair offer price is? I'm waiting to get an appointment with my compression guy to make sure engine is sound.
 
All boats have some moisture. Most of them sit outside their entire life not to mention being run the the drink. That's a pretty clean rig if you ask me. If the engine checks out bring the full amount with you in 100s and 50s, and negotiate lower to see if he'll bite. No matter what, if it were a brand new boat, you'll end up having to spend money on her somewhere down the road.
 
So I've got a bit of an update...

Since last post, I have put a conditional buy on this boat upon successful compression test, survey, and boat ride.

Compression test went as followed.
1-185
2-195
3-190
4-190
5-190
6-195
7-195
8-185

He said gear oil was really dirty, but no signs of water.

Power steering hose is cracking but not leaking yet.

Thermostat is either stuck open or not one on engine bc there was no heat in engine.

Next, we took boat for a ride. Everything was great until we got it up around 3000-3500 RPMs...engine started hesitating like water was in the fuel. I know the boat has been sitting and not sure if fuel was treated or anything...what is everyone's thoughts.
 
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