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Random Quote: A fisherman lives here... with the greatest catch of his life.
Hello everyone !!!
Was looking at a boat recently. Its a 1997 Wellcraft 240 Coastal with a 225 Evinrude and all the little toys i want. Wrote an e-mail to a local dealer asking them to send me some info on the boat (specs and such). This is what i got back :
"Thank you for your interest in Wellcraft, the 240 Coastal hasn't changed much other than some options then are standard now, however one important item the Evinrude you are looking at was built by OMC/ Outboard Marine Corporation which went bankrupt last year making it rather " iffy " on getting work done on it by a local dealer. OMC was purchased out of bankruptcy by Bombardier the makers of SeaDoo and many other "high end" marine products and they do and will stand by the products they now build. You may be better served by looking to buy a new Wellcraft with a 10 year warranty and a 3 year engine warranty from Bombardier in the long run."
What does he mean? I will not get any work done on that engine? Can i buy a warranty for a used engine? Whats the deal?
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in advance,
Sal.
This dealer doesn't by any chance sell new Wellcrafts does it? Sounds to me like he trying to push you towards a newer, and more expensive rig so he can make a better profit.
I can't really comment on the issue of being able to have work done on it. From what I have read, it seems like Bombardier has made great strides in improving and standing behind the Johnson/Evinrude line out outboards. It is also my understanding that the 225 is one of OMC's greatest accomplishments, but don't quote me on that.
However, I also thought I read a post here that Bombardier is having some "financial issues" but I'm can't recall the exact details. Look into that further.
I would call around to some other dealers that service Johnson/Evinrude and ask them what, if any, difficulties you could have in obtaining parts, service, etc. If you decide to pursue, having the boat and motor surveyed is the best decision you can make.
There's more that needs to be addressed but I've gotta get back to work now. Good luck.
What year is the motor? Just because OMC went out of business doesn't mean there are not many qualified outboard mechanics out there who can still fix them. I'm not sure if parts availability will be an issue or not, but I wouldn't guess it would be.
BTW - from what I have read, the older Wellcraft 240 Coastals were nice boats. I, personally, would be weary of a newer Wellcraft. But that's just me.
Just spoke to a marina manager where i would possibly have my boat. He said that its a very common motor and parts are available for it and they do work on them. Shouldn't be a problem.
I own a '98 240 Coastal with twin 150s. I think '98 was the last year for the deep walkaround walkways and this model in particular. The new 250 Coastal is not the same boat and is in fact a smaller boat (LOA). The 240 cabin is very small but the fishing cockpit is huge and functional. Its not a speed demon in rough water but will do OK if you keep the bow down. I modified the battery tray by building a 3/4 inch fiberglassed plywood shelf and mounted it higher up than the original starboard tray. The batteries now slide straight in or out without doing a lot of lifting.
I've got some pics on my home computer. I'll email them this evening if the daily dose of Coors doesn't interupt my thoughts. I also have the Wellcraft spec sheet but its not on the computer, maybe I can scan it in. I don't think I have a pic of the cabin but for sure the helm and cockpit. Its not a boat for the hard core fisherman but for the recreational offshore guy its a serviceable boat. The wife and sisters can manage blue water in it.
Thats exactly what i'm looking for. My main use for it will be fishing. I'm not a hard-core fisherman as i'm still learning. But i'd like to take my folks and my little brother out sometime to do some tubing and swimming. Should be just fine for the first boat.
If you don't forget - please e-mail what you have to slavka@lk.net
A little update.
Had the boat surveyed today. Came out pretty good. Everything looks pretty sound. The only thing that surveyor found was that the hard top bolts were loose in the front and that was producing fair amount of vibration when underway. So gonna have to tighten them up before i get underway.
Wellcraft 240 Coatsal 
