290 WELLCRAFT COASTAL - The Hull Truth

hookmdano · 09-14-2006, 01:48 PM

Going to checkout a 290 Coastal. 1999 w/2 225 Merc. optimaxs. Reported 200 Hrs. I had a 250 Coastal, so somewhat famaliar with the boat. Not my favorite engines, but being a bank repo, I might be able to swing a good price. Listed at 44,900. Any thoughts! Was going to move up to a 2660 Sailfish, but this is a big boat/although it is a cabin model. I fish a lot, but could do overnighters off the offshore deep rigs. I'm limited w/my 23' Hydrasports right now. Yes I know its NOT a CONTENDER!

PAULN · 09-14-2006, 02:01 PM

Had a 2000 for 4 years- good boat- nice layout for fishing and entertaining- bangs in tight chop- drifts good-I found myself tightening screws and hardware or losing it compleaty-somewhat annoying- I did like the boat and put 600 hrs on her before selling- the 1999 optis have a pretty good rep- better than the fichts did on that boat- I think its the best value in her class- not a canyon boat though- you can get the boat for less money unless the bank won't budge but thats unusual- good luck !

ono loco · 09-14-2006, 03:28 PM

Wade they call it a coastal for a reason..buy the 25' Contender they have there for the same price (within a couple of thousand) with better motors and trailer and be done it... Boomvang is waiting..

wellcraft290 · 09-14-2006, 03:46 PM

i just got the 290 coastal a 2006 model. I agree it is not a offshore boat on nasty days but if you tab it right i have been out on a 2-4ft chop and it handled great. Again I love the boat and many do on here that have the same model and handles very well for its size but not sure i would want to do canyon trips in any boat under 40ft unless you pick you days well.

Glen E · 09-14-2006, 06:30 PM

99 opti's with just 200 hours is a bit disconcerting...too little hours is almost as bad as too many....please make sure they have had the updates and a check by a certified Merc dealer....

hookmdano · 09-14-2006, 10:32 PM

Checked out the boat today, & would definitely need some sprucing up. A lot of missing hinges, etc.., but radar, gps, vhf, & radio work. A few lights didn't work, but the boat basically needs some tlc. On the way back I stopped off at Marine Max, & they had a 2005 240 cc Robalo w/2 150 Yammie 4 strokes, trailer, etc... 25 hrs. They were asking 58k, but pulled out they're trusty Nada book, & underpriced my 2005 225 4 stroke Yammie/trailer by 8k. Of course they have to look mine over!