Wellcraft, Aquasport,Robalo 20-22ft CC need opinions - The Hull Truth

rcc9236 · 07-16-2008, 11:05 AM

I have the urge to purchase a used (2000-2003) center console. I run across a few of these for sale on various sites. I believe Aquasport and Wellcraft are essentially one and the same. I Know nothing about Robalo.

Can anyone help me compare and contrast? Also, mostly see 150 hp, is more hp better?

Many thanks.

treetop · 07-16-2008, 11:26 AM

You should also be looking at a Regulator and Everglade, I think much better boats. 21/23 ft.

Nickys Toy · 07-16-2008, 12:53 PM

Where are you located and how far are you willing to travel?

Ranger88 · 07-16-2008, 06:22 PM

Hey rcc,

Posts like yours usually result with a series of members touting their favorite brand. Usually they recommend the brand they own, or have owned in the past.

You found the best forum; use the search option to research parameters that are important to you. You will eventually see the big picture . Just my $.02

Ranger88

rcc9236 · 07-16-2008, 06:51 PM

Thanks to all who have responded. I'm in Jackson, MS. Most boats I've seen are in central/south Florida, and way up in yankeedom. In fact, some of the better deals appear to be in the northeast. I enjoy traveling in the Northeast and have many relatives in and around Washington/Baltimore. But......don't think it's close enough to inspect/purchase/trailer a boat.

jh635csi · 07-16-2008, 09:25 PM

What kind of money are you looking to spend? There are people in Florida giving boats away. Wellcraft and Robalo are solidly built middle tier boats. They are not Yellowfins or Regulators, but they are not SeaFox's or Bayliners either.
A 22ft CC with a 150 is underpowered. I would rig mine with a 225 if if were an option. Easier on the engine to cruise at 4200RPM'S VS 5600RPM'S.

stapon251 · 07-16-2008, 09:43 PM

I like my Aquasport 225/235 cc a lot. It will be hard to find with a f250, but that would be great. They were built to a price point and opional 4 strokes were new and expensive upgrades. Some low low hour units bought by people who just did not use them and kept them on trailers. My ox66 200 is pretty good too. Reliable, 42 mph and reasonable economy at 30 mph.

WellCraft 24 is very similar. Trailerable and seaworty. Both need tabs though.

My mechanic says Robalo is slightly better built, but not much. I have not been on one.

starmonk · 07-17-2008, 08:07 AM

I have a '97 Wellcraft 210 CC Fisherman with a 150 Ocean Runner. It is and has been a good boat/motor combo. The recommended power is from 150 to 225 I think. It all depends on your need for speed. The 150 2s takes me @ 34 - 36 mph by the GPS at wide open with @ 10 yrs of bottom paint on it. It is fast enough for me but it might be fun with a 225...
As far as the Wellcraft and Aquasport being the same...I think that is correct. They are both made by Genmar. Overall have had few problems with the boat. The in floor fish boxes won't drain but this seems to be common with other boats too. It could use some more rod hoders installed by the factory considering it is a fisherman model - but you can add your own.
Good luck with your purchase - once you got the itch ya gotta scratch.

flyau98 · 07-17-2008, 08:39 AM

I just sold my Wellcraft 210 Fisherman...great boat, and its my belief that it has one of the best designs of that size boat. The walk through transom is awesome, and it has great storage. The sides are high and make it feel like a much larger boat. I had a 200 HPDI on mine and I think the power was just about right. I think a 150 would be a little short, but still do just fine. I topped out right at 50MPH with a light load and calm water, trimmed up.

The Aquasport is pretty much the exact same boat. I heard there was some minor differences in component quality between the lines, but from some Aquasport pictures I've seen, I didn't notice anything different. There seem to be more Wellcrafts around.

PM me if you want any more specifics. I'd buy another one, no doubt.

zackl93 · 07-17-2008, 09:08 AM

I know its a more recent model year than you are talking about, but I just sold my 2007 Wellcraft 212 Fisherman and if I were looking in that size range again I would buy the exact same boat. The boat had a very good ride for a 21 foot boat, and it was very dry. It had a yamaha f200 which made it a little stern, so the boat rode a little bow high and needed trim tabs. However there would be no need for trim tabs if you went with the standard yamaha f150, or for more speed opted for the mercury 150 opti which pushes the boat to an easy 52mph. By the way the boat is actually a little slower with the Yamaha f200 than it is with the f150 because of the extra weight. If you have any specific questions about the boat, layout, or ride feel free to pm me.

carlos787 · 08-06-2008, 12:50 PM

I just bought a Wellcraft 22 1997 CCF and found water under the fuel tank. Did you have the same problem? if yes , how can I have access to that area to take the water out ?

starmonk · 08-06-2008, 01:08 PM

Carlos,
Usually water in the fuel tank is not so much of a manufacturer caused problem as a user caused problem. Over time water will accumulate in a gas tank due to condensation as a result of temperature changes. This can be exaserbated due to the large capacity of a boat's fuel tank and now with e10 gasoline (10% alcohol) a common problem known as phase seperation where the alcohol attracts water into solution and then begins to seperate once the solution become saturated.
The best way to get that water out is to draw it out from the bottom since gas is lighter than the water that sits on the bottom.
There is a lot of info on this board if you do a serach about phase seperation. Maybe some of the mechanics here gan give specifics where and how to draw the water out of your tank. Start up a seperate thread if you cant find what you need in search. Welcom to the board. Good Luck. I don't think you will find it to be a terrible pain to correct!

mboy · 08-06-2008, 01:14 PM

He said UNDER the fuel tank.

baloot-boy · 08-06-2008, 03:55 PM

I'd get a Wellcraft....but that's only because I love mine. I'm sure Robalo and Aquasport owners would recommend the same, as well as Regulator, Everglades, etc....

But the best boat is the one you are happy with, that basically does what you need it to do, and gets you home safely....and is lighter on your wallet.

krem1960 · 08-06-2008, 06:50 PM

What about a sea pro? any comments.

eddy2419 · 08-06-2008, 07:08 PM

Quote:

starmonk - 7/17/2008 6:07 AM

I have a '97 Wellcraft 210 CC Fisherman with a 150 Ocean Runner. It is and has been a good boat/motor combo. The recommended power is from 150 to 225 I think. It all depends on your need for speed. The 150 2s takes me @ 34 - 36 mph by the GPS at wide open with @ 10 yrs of bottom paint on it. It is fast enough for me but it might be fun with a 225...
As far as the Wellcraft and Aquasport being the same...I think that is correct. They are both made by Genmar. Overall have had few problems with the boat. The in floor fish boxes won't drain but this seems to be common with other boats too. It could use some more rod hoders installed by the factory considering it is a fisherman model - but you can add your own.
Good luck with your purchase - once you got the itch ya gotta scratch.

Ditto! Without bottom paint and with t-top expect 30 MPH and 2.5 MPG at 4000 RPM's. 39 MPH WOT. Mine is a 1998. Fish boxes will drain but then fill up when the weight shifts. Paid $10,500 3 years ago for a repo. Trailer, no electronics, no t-top. Very reliable motor. No problems 50 miles out with proper safety equipment and good forecast. The boat is rigged before the top deck is installed so servicing some item can be a bitch. Gives me something to do during the off-season. Holds 75 gallons of fuel.

BobSaccamono · 08-07-2008, 01:51 PM

I've got a 99 wellcraft 210 CC with a 150 ocean Pro. Only had it six months but very happy so far. The 150 does the job, but a 200 would be better suited as it is a heavy boat for its size. With the 150 I get 39 MPH WOT. That's with a t-top, full load, and no bottom paint. Cruise is around 30. From my limited time I'm getting 1.5 - 2.0 mpg, but closer to 1.5. No real complaints except getting to the bilge to work on pumps, etc is a pain. And the fish boxes collect water (the pumps for them are also near impossible to get to). As with all center consoles that size, it can get a little wet, but rides good (extra weight helps) and has nice high gunnels. And it is identical to the aquasport.

stapon251 · 08-07-2008, 06:25 PM

So, what did you decide ?

connolly5 · 08-07-2008, 07:04 PM

I just bought a 2008 Seapro 206 CC with a 150 Verado. LOVE the boat so far. It has everything I need for fishing, cruising or just taking the family and friends to remote beaches. Not the deepest of V's but it can handle a rough sea and with a Verado it is very quiet, sips fuel and jumps like a rabbit. Never planned to get a Verado but with Sea Pro stopping productin th price couldn't be beat. Sold a 23 Seacraft Tsunami which did ride much better but couldn't beach it easily and it was not good in shallow waters. So far I am thrilled with the SeaPro

rcc9236 · 08-10-2008, 01:46 PM

Thanks for everyone's input. I've settled on a 2003 Wellcraft 210 fisherman with a 150 Suzuki, without a T-Top. I was looking in the $13,000 range, then found out about the tandem trailer situation. Now I can get into the one I want with new trailer for $15,000 to $16,000. Had every intention of picking it up while in Perdido Key for vacation last week (boat is further down the Fla panhandle. Alas, with all best laid plans - we just learned our 16 year old son will need significant oral surgery ($7,000). Add that to college tuition and private school tuition, well the cash just isn't there today. Maybe tomorrow. VERY frustrating in Perdido without a boat to hit the Gulf. Last two days there - no seas and boats were catching the mackerel like crazy. I can rest in the comfort of knowing how much my character is building, right.