I have a '78 that I've "restored" so I'm pretty familiar with this
particular model.
1. Find out how the transom was "rebuilt". I removed all the "wood" from
the top and poured with a fg/glass/foam/mineral material.
2. I wouldn't worry about the stringers - Wellcraft told me the wood was
more for a form for the fiberglass than structural. (the boat weighs close
to 4000#). The thickness of the sidewalls near the transom is 1", the keel,
at least as thick.
3. The floor can be some concern and, if it's soft, you have a MAJOR
problem.
4. 140hp in good shape is a little weak. It's rated for 200, which I have,
and will push the boat at 45-46 mph. A 140 might hit 40 and cruse at 25-30.
5. Removing the oil injector is not necessarily a problem. I too feel
better that, if it's getting gas, it's getting oil, especially on an older
engine. Mine is a '88 200 Merc, which I also rebuilt (expensive--2 cyl's
sleeved, 2 new pistions, all new rings, gaskets, a couple of berings & seals
cost me abut $1500 just for the parts and boring/sleeving labor).
6. The teak looks great (but it won't stay that way without a lott of
upkeep). If you like it and are prepared to keep it looking good, go for
it.
7. It's too bad that the "restoration" didn't include the proper logo's on
the sides. I just replaced mine with ones identical to the originals.
8. Check the trailer very well for rust, especially the front boxed tube,
axles, springs. My trailer is aluminum but I just replaced the axles,
springs, hubs, etc. with 3500# axles. It had 2000# axles/springs which
were marginal to begin with and 2-3 yrs of salt water did them in.
9. The boat's real nice in the pics but if you want to fish in it, the
painted floor will bet banged up. You will want a "T" top or bimini top (a
few hundred to more than a thousand).

For the size, I really like my boat (same hull but covered bow). It runs
through the 1' chop at any speed, like it wasn't there, will give a good
ride (slowly) in the three footers. The hull is indestructable but with
this open design, I'd not risk it if waves are predicted to be 4' or more.
I have stuck my bow in an occasional 5-6 footer which mostly washed off,
some over the windshield but where an open one like this, might quickly
scoop up more than 100 gal of water. Even a 2000gph bilge pump might not
remove more than 30gal/minute.

In my opinion, it's worth the $7,000+ if it looks as good in person as in
the pics, if you want this type of boat, the engine checks out
(w/compression check), the floor is sound all over, the trailer, axles are
solid, and you get a sea trial.
LD


"Charlie Brown" wrote in message
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