Best Handling boat in the 40'-50' Range

David,

Have you pulled the trigger and made a purchase?

wellcraft meteor 50 footer

what does everyone have to say about these wellcraft meteor 50 footers as a boat for performance and handling and given their age now and the price they are selling for to me they seem excellent value but havent been in one yet so love to hear from anybody who can guide me on these specific boats .
thanks, Ian

Welcome to YF Ian. You don't say what year you're looking at, and with any older boat wear and abuse make it a depends which boat situation, but they're solid boats, albeit gas guzzlers. They're not the type of boat that people are generally gentle with. So of course a complete survey is a must. Here's a vid of one running. The guy with the cigar looks like the typical owner of this sort of boat complete with chippy (who looks rather bored). Have to wonder if he could get near her without the boat and some $$$.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oPUG5cZs_Kw

I manage a 2001 Wellcraft, so far we have completely re-cored and fiberglassed the front deck, part of the cockpit 3 years ago, and the swim platform is really soggy/mushy. I had another customer a few years back, that had a 2-3yr old 33' center console and it's floor was getting soft and such. I wouldn't touch one with a 10' pole.

meteor 50

Thanks for the welcome .
Yes I have seen this video but I cant find any boat tests on these boats.
I think they ran from 1988 to 1994 , so have been looking at all years this stage as they do vary up to 100 k plus in price for later years models but thats to be expected for better condition or recond ones.
Love to hear from owner of them or a good second hand one thats for sale.
cheers now Ian

that's true mate ... an 80 footer behaves like a small speedboat ... it's turning circle flat out at over 50 knots will shame many boats half her size ...

We have an 80 Azimut with them in this area. When he runs he throws up one heck of a rooster tail. Looks a bit funny behind a boat like that.
How are they at slow maneuvering in tight quarters and reversing?

yup ... does kick up a decent sized rooster tail ...



my own berth at the marina here forces me to reverse approx. 200m ... and it's not straight ... and it includes a couple of real tight "choke points" at a bend ...

no issues at all ... really easy, even without the use of thrusters ...

Yo... NYCAP... Always good to read your posts!

I'm constantly hearing about reduced fuel usage for Pod Drives... but never see test stats for comparison to other drive types on same boat/engine - you know a link I could visit to review some Pod fuel use stat comparisons?

I agree re thrusters taking the pilot skill of maneuver away. But, they offer good assistance during some unruly wind/current conditions.

BTW, I at times drive by Howard Arneson’s work shop in San Rafael, CA. Had some “invention” discussions with Howard back in early 90’s, nothing to do with boats though. Often seen his race “rockets” on the water during speed tests in SF Bay. Jet motors, aviation pitot tube airflow speedometers, registered with the FAA. Scary-Fast BIG Speed Boats... 120 + mph – not my Cup O’ Tea. Arneson loves it! Made his first fortune inventing the “Pool Sweep” – real sharp engineer. He was old in early 90’s when I discussed with him on one of my inventions, he's still functioning I guess/hope ... must be antique now, I wish him the best!

W.

I think this is what you're looking for: http://www.volvopenta.com/volvopent...a_ips/Forward facing/Pages/Cruisingrange.aspx

BTW, I'm not against using any aid I can find when necessity calls for it. It's the use of gizmos in place of developing skill I don't like.