Despite Known Problems, Owners Keep Coming Back To Wellcraft Citing Coastal 2800's Pleasing Walkaround Design

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 offered by Wellcraft Marine between 1986 and 1994 is one example. Keep in mind, there's usually truth in the old adage "you get what you pay for," and bargain prices often reflect problems and discrepancies ranging from annoying to dangerous.

Wellcraft Marine, of Sarasota Fla., has been one of the most prolific manufacturers of production-built fiberglass powerboats for more than thirty years. By the mid-1980s, when the company was sold to Irwin Jacobs' Genmar Holdings, Wellcraft had established a market presence that was second only to Chris-Craft in name recognition and popularity among boaters. Although Wellcraft had created numerous models over the years, the company's reputation was built upon its solidly constructed, moderately priced Nova and Scarab series of "muscle boats" in the 1970s.

In 1984, under its new ownership, Wellcraft introduced the Coastal series of fishing boats in hopes of expanding its market to include serious fishermen who were also looking for a boat that would provide accommodations for a family or for extended fishing outings. The series featured conservative styling, reasonable accommodations and competitive pricing.

The Coastal 2800, introduced in 1986, was the second in the series. It measured 27 feet and 7 inches in length on deck and 29 feet and 8 inches in length overall with the standard bow pulpit. Other principal dimensions are a beam of 9 feet and 11 inches, a draft of 2 feet and 4 inches 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 feature 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. The history of the Coastal 2800s has recorded more than the usual number of significant structural problems, due primarily to the lack of quality control in the assembly process. Models built between 1986 and 1990 are particularly prone to problems, although all models should be thoroughly inspected for signs of structural concerns.

Most common is failure of the fiberglass attachments of the structural supports beneath the forward berth, galley and the settee in the cabin area. These areas are often difficult to inspect because of permanently installed liners and joiner work, but careful inspection is a must. If any failures are observed it is almost certain there is hidden damage. Removing liners and joiner work is necessary in order to detect and repair all areas of concern.

Another regularly observed problem is the rotting of fiberglass-encapsulated wood stringers. This type of rotting is caused by water entering through drain holes that have not been properly sealed against moisture. With experience, these areas can be detected by random tapping with a small hammer or plastic mallet. Signs of problems more apparent to the inexperienced observer include shifted motor mounts and depressions around bolt heads or washers of bolted attachments.

Prior to the use of plastic fuel tanks around 1990 or 1991, tanks were welded aluminum. I know of at least two aluminum tanks that have failed in the last couple of years due to corrosion on the bottom of the tanks, which sit on plywood platforms. The life expectancy of aluminum tanks installed in this manner varies considerably, depending on how the boat is used and under what conditions. Salt water and wet bilges will expedite the deterioration, although 10 to 15 years is likely a reasonable average life expectancy.

On one hand, these are all serious potential problems and on the other, they are all repairable. The cost of a professional repair of secondary bonding failures and rotted structural supports can run between $1,500 and $15,000 depending on how much removal and fabrication is necessary in order to get to the problem. Fuel tank replacement can cost between $3,000 and $6,000, again depending on accessibility and the replacement tank chosen.

Owners and prospective purchasers should thoroughly check plastic through hull fittings for cracks at and above the waterline. Additionally, they should check fuel, water and waste tank vent fittings for corrosion, replacing them if necessary. These are considerably less expensive repairs, but necessary, nonetheless, to maintain the integrity of the vessel.

Despite the known and reported problems of the Coastal 2800, a 1996 survey of Wellcraft owners by Powerboat Reports indicated 78 percent of owners would buy again. One reason for this loyalty is that even the Coastal 2800's most ardent critics are quick to praise the functionality and utility of the cockpit and deck layout. The arrangement is what is commonly called a walkaround design and can best be described as lying 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-inches 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 for 360 degrees around the vessel and places the boat operator out of the way of the action, yet in a position that affords excellent visibility and communication with the anglers. Standard features that make the Coastal 2800 so popular among anglers include standard rod racks on each side of the cockpit, removable in-deck fish boxes in the cockpit deck and a transom door for landing larger fish. There is also a live-bait well beneath the helm seat and a built-in tackle center beneath the companion seat.

While the Coastal 2800 has wide side decks and a large cockpit, it still manages to provide a reasonably comfortable interior for a 28 footer. There is a V-berth that, with filler cushion, makes an adequately sized berth for two adults. The small port side galley features a two-burner counter top stove, sink and under-counter, front-loading refrigerator. An enclosed marine toilet aft of the galley is minimally sized but includes a shower and drain.

Prior to the last year of production, there was a starboard settee in the salon. This was replaced in the 1994 model with a dinette that converts to a small berth. There is adequate storage space below the berths and seating plentiful, but having no hanging locker is a rather annoying shortcoming.

A variety of twin-engine options were offered on the Coastal 2800 over the nine years of production. From 1986 through 1990, choices included factory installed, 225 horsepower OMC Sea Drives (transom-mounted outboards) and a variety of gasoline inboard options, ranging from 220 to 270 horsepower each. In 1991 the OMC Sea Drives were discontinued, although outboard models continued to be offered. Between 1991 and 1994, MerCruiser, Crusader and Volvo inboard gasoline engines were standard installations, and Volvo and Yanmar diesel engines were offered as options.

Inboard engines are installed below the bridgedeck and access requires removal of the helm, companion seats and lockers. This can be a bit of a pain, particularly in the event of an on-the-water emergency. The water heater is mounted between the forward portions of the engines and reaching engine seawater intakes is a challenge even for those blessed with long arms and slim builds, but there is little that can be done to improve this arrangement without making serious compromises elsewhere.

Economical performance and handling are two other areas in which the Coastal 2800 receives consistently high marks from owners. Equipped with 260 horsepower inboard engines and normally loaded, she will cruise comfortably and economically at 25 miles per hour and reach a top speed of 35 miles per hour. The hull form is a modified-V with 16 degrees of deadrise at the transom, which is a reasonable compromise for economical performance and comfortable ride. As is the tendency of the modified-V hull form, steering tends to wander at slow speed; however, at normal operating speeds, control is excellent.

A good supply of Wellcraft Coastal 2800 models are available at prices considerably less than comparable models, a reflection of the problem-prone reputation. Some may represent excellent values depending on the boat and the buyer.

It is essential for a prospective purchaser to be thoroughly acquainted with the condition of the boat and to have a clear understanding of the cost of any necessary repairs. Most of these repairs are those that are labor intensive but with little or moderate cost for materials. Buyers who are willing and capable of making their own repairs can cut repair costs dramatically and end up with a lot of boat at a reasonable cost. With 78 percent of Wellcraft owners reporting they would buy their boat again, the Powerboat survey suggests most purchased their boats with few illusions and believed they got their money's worth.

Jack Hornor, NA is the principal surveyor and senior designer for the Annapolis-based Marine Survey & Design Co. Hornor writes for BoatU.S. Magazine and other marine publications.

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