New (to me) 1997 Wellcraft Excel 23 WA

[The LA Professor]

Neighbor had this boat sitting in his yard for ~5 years. I've seen it in the water exactly 1 time (and he only put it in the water and tied it up to get trailer maintenance done - didn't run the engine). I kept telling him when he was ready to sell, let me know.

I got the call a month ago and pounced. For $2500, I got a 1997 Wellcraft Excel WA with a 1997 Evinrude 200. Only 508 hours on the motor. New batteries, new trailer tires, and few other things. Motor had not run in 3-4 years, but he said he drained the carbs every year (I think he actually did).

Got it to my place and went to work on starting the motor. Removed spark plugs and sprayed penetrating oil in cylinders. Waited 24 hours, rotated engine (by hand) 180*, resprayed, and waited another 24 hours. Replaced water/fuel separator (whole unit, not just filter), fuel filter, disconnected fuel lines and ran them to an external 5-gal jug, new spark plugs, etc. I also went ahead and cleaned, inspected, and rebuilt all 6 carbs (they looked great, so I actually saved all the old parts and will be carrying them in the boat - just in case). Also replaced the primer solenoid, as it had melted a hole in the bottom of the housing. Inspected all wiring and other obvious things, then tried to start it.

After a few tries, it started right up! Ran it for 10-15 minutes, got it warm, then shut it off.

Removed lower unit to change out water pump (entire kit) and replace lower unit oil (which looked really good). Drained the main fuel tank and took out 11 gallons of water and 15 gal of fuel.

It's now at an Evinrude dealer because of an electrical gremlin (won't generate spark - replaced stator and starter, inspected all wiring, tested with known good ignition coil - nothing). He's going to give it a good inspection while he's at it.

But, all-in-all, I'm pretty happy with the purchase. It's my first boat (family owns a 21' Coach pontoon boat with a '17 Honda 115). Can't wait to go out to the (closer) rigs and have some fun!

[CptBill]

looks like a nice boat! and a great deal

[The LA Professor]

Update. Got it back from the mechanic. It was just that the old stator (which I had replaced) had melted into the timing trigger and prevented it from turning. They cleaned it out and it runs like a top!

Sea trial this weekend!