Wellcraft Coastal 2800 - 2nd Time Around

In a market where the cost of a well-outfitted, mid-sized fishing machine can easily top $150,000 there are still a few reasonably priced offerings. The Coastal 2800 model produced by Wellcraft Marine between 1986 and 1994 is one example. Keep in mind the old adage, "You get what you pay for," as bargain prices often reflect problems with this line that range from annoying to dangerous.

Wellcraft Marine, of Sarasota FL, has been one of the most prolific manufacturers of production-built fiberglass powerboats for more than 30 years. By the mid-1980s, when the company was sold to Irwin Jacobs' Genmar Corp., Wellcraft had established a market presence that was second only to Chris Craft in name recognition among boaters.

In 1984, under new ownership, Wellcraft introduced their Coastal series of fishing boats hoping to expand their market to include serious fishermen who were also looking for a boat with some accommodations. Introduced in 1986, the Coastal 2800 was the second in the series. It measured 27'-7" long on deck and 29'-8" long overall with the standard bow pulpit. Other principal dimensions are beam 9'-11", draft 2'-4" and displacement of approximately 8,200 lbs.

Construction of the Coastal 2800 is fiberglass composite utilizing standard construction materials. The hulls are solid laminates while decks and the superstructure utilize various core materials depending on the strength required. This is a proven method of construction that, when done with care, results in strong, durable boats. Coastal 2800s have had more than a usual number of structural problems, due primarily to the lack of quality control in the assembly process. Models built between 1986 and 1990 are most prone to problems although all models should be thoroughly inspected.

Most common is failure of fiberglass attachments of structural supports beneath the forward berth, galley and the settee in the cabin area. These areas are often difficult to inspect due to permanently installed liners and joiner work, but close inspection is a must. If any failures are seen, it is almost certain there is hidden damage.

Early models used welded aluminum fuel tanks and I know of at least two that have failed in the last two years due to corrosion on the bottom of the tanks that sit on plywood platforms. Salt water and wet bilges will expedite the deterioration, although 10-15 years is a reasonable life expectancy. Wellcraft began using plastic fuel tanks on the Coastal

2800 about 1990-91.

While these are serious potential problems, they are all repairable. The cost of repairing bonding failures and structural supports can run $1,500 to $15,000 and the cost of replacing fuel tanks can be $3,000 to $6,000.

Despite these flaws, a survey of Wellcraft owners, conducted by Powerboat Reports in 1996 indicated 78% of owners would buy again. One reason is the functionality of the cockpit and deck layout, commonly called a walk-around design. It is best described as somewhere between an express cruiser and a center console model. The design features an unobstructed, 55-square-foot cockpit, deep and secure side decks that are nearly 9" wide at the narrowest point and a raised bridgedeck with starboard helm and port companion seat. The principal advantage of this design is that it provides quick and safe mobility, 360 degrees around the vessel.

A variety of twin-engine options were offered on the Coastal 2800 over the nine years of production, including factory installed, 225-hp OMC Sea Drives (outboards) and a variety of gasoline inboards, from 220 to 270 hp. From 1991 to 1994, MerCruiser, Crusader and Volvo inboard gasoline engines were standard; Volvo and Yanmar diesel engines were offered as options.

Performance and handling are two areas in which the Coastal 2800 receives high marks from owners. With 260-hp inboard engines and normally loaded, she will cruise comfortably and economically at 25 mph and reach a top speed of 35 mph. The hull form is a modified-V with 16 degrees of deadrise at the transom, which is a reasonable compromise for a comfortable ride.

Due to the problem prone reputation of the Coastal 2800, prices are considerably below those of similar fishing boats. The mean value, published by a popular source, of a 1990 model is $31,500, while the average of five comparative models of the same age are $41,200, or 25% higher.

There seems to be no shortage of Coastal 2800s on the used boat market. I was able to find 17 boats offered for sale between the Great Lakes and the Gulf Coast. Asking prices ranged from $13,000 to $49,900. Some may represent excellent values depending on the boat and its condition.