Land Locked Fisherman needs advise |
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Im in Deadmonton and in need of some advise. I'm close to buying a used boat. 1995 Wellcraft 218 Coastal (walkaround) 23'8" (with pulpit) 8'6" beam 225HP Suzuki(less than 200 hrs)+ 15HP Suzuki High 5 SS prop. Lowrance LM350A-depth guage,fish finder, GPS. VHS radio, CB, AM/FM cassette. 2 Scotty downriggers. 2 circulating live wells, 1 large fish tank(pumps) porta-poti. convertible and camper top. tandom galvanized trailer with 4 wheel brakes. $30,000 FIRM (he says) The boat was always stored inside in the winter (Alberta) and hasn't been in the water for 2.5 years. Never in salt water. Apparently him and his wife are now into fishing the lakes in northern Saskatchewan and have a big aluminum Harbourcraft jet drive. I feel it's a pretty fair price. The boat does show well. I'm leery about the Suzuki motor though. I've seen and heard very little about Suzukis'. He has offered to put it in the water for a test run so I don't feel he lacks confidence in the motor. I intend to do a compression test.......but am having trouble finding the info on what the compression should be. I feel pretty confident, but also feel there could be many things I overlook next time I veiw it. This site seems "top shelf" as far as knowledgable boaters goes. You people have the big water and the bigger boats. Nothing but 19' bow-riders in this province....puddle jumpers! Any pointers or info on Wellcraft and Suzuki would be GREATLY appreciated. Also other things to watch for as I graduate from a 16' Lund tiller to a sport fishing boat. I've been in several bigger boats.....but have never bought one. Thanks for listening.
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Suzuki are fine machines-some of the best. They have that different sound to them-a kind of coughing that's not at all like the Mercury roar but that's it-they are as good or better than any Merc and certainly better than any piece of junk Johnson-IMO. If you're thinking of bringing the unit to the Coast you won't need the livewells-very few people fish live here anymore-trolling works better all 'round. It's a lotta dough but the unit sure sounds like it's ready to go--you could be fishing for big Springs off the mouth of the Skeena soon! Wellcraft are solid boats I know a Guy on the Island who's a Guide who's never had any problems of any kind with his-not so with his Johnson but you know how I feel about them(!) Take care with the trailer-those bearings need grease, grease, and more grease and the salt will rot the wiring in no time. For more info about Suzuki motors/Wellcrafts you might want to check the archives at http://thehulltruth.com/6/ubb.x?a=cfrm&s=382602711
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If your going to start using it in the saltwater you should consider getting the hull painted with weed proof paint (I'm sure there's a special name for it). If your trailering it and giving it an occasional dip you won't need it. However if you keep it in the salt it will become necessary. It's more expensive for aluminum boats 'cause theres a special undercoat to apply first. The whole job could cost you $400-$600. I bought my first boat in May, I read up a lot but that caught me out. Good luck and tight lines.
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Anti-fouling paint.
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