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1979 Wellcraft Suncruiser 255 w 1998 5.7L

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Topic author
DaveKamp
Posts: 20
Joined: Wed Jul 31, 2024 11:53 pm
Vessel Info: 1979 SunCruiser 255, 1998 MerCruiser 5.7L L31
Been thanked: 3 times

1979 Wellcraft Suncruiser 255 w 1998 5.7L

Postby DaveKamp » Sat Jan 25, 2025 12:28 am

Hi All-

I have been given the heavy-hearted task of selling my father's 1979 255 SunCruiser. This is undoubtedly one of the greatest 'family' river-wandering boats ever built. It had about 130 running hours on it's original 260 when Dad purchased it in 1981, and it served as the 'family boat' for the family of five through many long trips up and down the Upper Mississippi River, through beach camping, gunkholing, backwater anchor-swimming, sunny days, moonlight nights, and a few good storms along the way.

It saw plenty of exercise over it's tenure, was stored inside a Dri-Stak marina for every one of those 49. It developed a soft transom around 1996, we cut the inside out, replaced stringers and transom, glassed it all back in tight, and made some excellent stainless-steel motor mount plates. In 2003, Dad and I lifted out the original 260 (~1700hrs) and dropped in a 1998 MerCruiser 5.7L L31 (roller-cam) powerhead that had 38 hours on the meter. It has had several drives over it's lifetime, the current one (upper and lower half) was installed about 2017. I gave her a full drive re-seal, new set of U-joints, gimbal bearing, and full set of bellows in '23. Dad discontinued his spot inside the Dri-Stak as of last July, I've had it on the trailer since winterized in October.

The 255 Suncruiser has a V-berth big enough for three kids, and the back slides out into a queen-sized bed. It has a full camper-top with screens and clear zip-ins. It has the original 12/120v refrigerator, a 12/120v galley lamp, and alcohol stove, small sink in both galley and head. Head is the portable flavor. Still has the original 20 gallon water tank, newer electric water pump... The original dining table and column is still fully intact

Dad had the upholstery re-done in the mid '90's, and it has seen use, but it's still in really good shape. He made some minor changes to make the cabin interior more use-friendly, and improve functionality for the local river-boating circumstances- we added lighting to the underside of the cabin ceiling, there's a socket and holder for spotlight up in the front locker... the original electric remote spotlight is still in place and fully functional, but a human (sharp-eye'd child) can swiftly pop up through the front deck hatch with hand-held Q-Beam Maxmillion) and spot bouys on a stormy night. There's a rack on the bulkhead across from galley holding the Quimby's, and the USACE Upper Mississippi River charts. There's fire extinguishers everywhere, dual batteries, lights in the engine compartment, brand new bilge blower, she's got in-dash depthfinder, a good working VHF and antenna, air horn, full teak swim platform with two-level ladder, several spare propellers, at least ONE spare propshaft nut, washer, and spacer kit... two boathooks, plenty of fenders, at least two anchors (probably three). There's sand augers (for beach camping), probably a few low-rise beach chairs, and a whole lotta room for skis, toys, coolers, etc. that family boating requires.

The trailer is awesome- tandem axle, brand new tires, has an electric winch and battery box, and a walk-up podium ladder to easily board through the front hatch.

Last fall, to make secure protection for storage, I made a two-piece hard cover. I ran out of time/weather for coating it with fiberglass, so it's got heavy canvas over it now, but when springtime returns, I'll be lifting off the canvas and finishing the two-piece, then readying it for summer. My wife and I will use it a bit until it sells, but with our first child out of college, and the other halfway through, it won't be getting the regular use that it once did. It's time for a younger family with boating aspirations to be it's charge.

I'll dig through my photos and post some soon. If you're interested, contact me via forum email link, I'll reply with phone number... once springtime comes, I'd be more than happy to put it in the water for an in-person visit cruise.


Topic author
DaveKamp
Posts: 20
Joined: Wed Jul 31, 2024 11:53 pm
Vessel Info: 1979 SunCruiser 255, 1998 MerCruiser 5.7L L31
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: 1979 Wellcraft Suncruiser 255 w 1998 5.7L

Postby DaveKamp » Sat Jan 25, 2025 1:20 am

Atdock.jpg
helm.jpg
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Topic author
DaveKamp
Posts: 20
Joined: Wed Jul 31, 2024 11:53 pm
Vessel Info: 1979 SunCruiser 255, 1998 MerCruiser 5.7L L31
Been thanked: 3 times

Re: 1979 Wellcraft Suncruiser 255 w 1998 5.7L

Postby DaveKamp » Sat Jan 25, 2025 1:21 am

closed.jpg
nightdock.jpg
skiing.jpg
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