Wellcraft Boat Owners Forum

Bought a 1998 23 ft wellcraft WA. boat only. Is in very good shape. Put my Optimax 225 with extra long shaft on it, sitting on an aluminum setback that lifts the motor up into a good general area for the prop depth. Just would like to know if anyone heard of any warnings from the manufacturer about a bracket like this mounted on this transom. It is one of the notched transoms.

The boat was run a lot with a 200 Johnson over the years and there are no cracks anywhere around the transom, or the whole boat. Also would like to know opinion if the added weight and setback might be too much for the boat balance bow to stern. I keep hoping it will work out because of the extra cabin area up front. It worked great on my 1989 22ft Sea Pro Walkaround. Of course the best is a test. I am trying to restore the boat to better than new condition, so getting hung up on little things that will make a big difference later. Will be working on it a while!

My first Wellcraft and really like what it has on it. Just hope it all works when I get to testing everything on it.

I also have a 1998 WA-23 but still have my 200 Johnson on it. I guess my concern for you is that my boat already rise high on the bow so wonder if additional weight would create a problem. It also sits low in the water at the stern. I'm having an issue with mine listing on the starboard side now. Not sure if this helps you.

Thanks for the reply! The weight is definitely a concern. Found that the optimax remote oil tank and a second battery will not fit inside the port aft compartment. I had to cut the top of the compartment some to get the oil tank in. Will have some glass work to get it back like it was for the slide in container at the top. Might place a house battery up under the cockpit area just before the cabin. There is plenty of room there and it might help with the weight distribution. Will just have to run some correct gauge cables and install a good battery tie down. Maybe a big heavy house battery! Hope you find why your boat is listing!

How did the bracket work for you?

I suspect that putting the weight behind the cabin did not help the hole shot or the ride, but may bring you a little extra WOT speed.
Probably not worth it, in the big picture, but am curious of how it's working out for you