Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

i give you less then a year before you go bigger :evilb:

jr

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

23 Nova runs well in a good chop. 2's and 3's are great fun. Mine is fine with that at WOT. But, anything bigger, and it can get rough. I've been out in 4's and 5's but you really have to concentrate and keep the boat on top of the waves.

Take the swim platform off, and the 23 Nova (at least a 1995) is about 22 1/2 feet. The boat is small, but with it's weight at 4000 lbs. it will handle 2/3's just fine.

Take a good look at one when it's sitting on a trailer. They're stout as hell. Deep and wide, and they are comfortable. With some hp, real sleepers :D. They are an excellent lake boat. But if you're going to run off shore, or on the Great Lakes, I'd go bigger. Just MHO

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

i'm going to buy the same nova soyder shortly, but without an engine. Can you tell me what kind of engines i can install?

the guy that is selling it suggested that, i run a evinrude etec 250 outer engine and block the hole that the stock engine used to be

please help i'm new into this

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

forgot to indro myself, my name is Pambos and i'm from Greece and i'm 25

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

Ditto all of that.

Interestingly... the "newer" (early mid nineties) Nova 23s are pretty much the same boat as the older Nova 210XL. The 1979 NOVA 210xl had an LOA of 22.5 not including the teak platform and weighed about 3500 lbs dry.

Great all around boats.

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

Run away from that deal like the wind.

Do not buy a used boat from a guy suggesting that you "block" the transom cut out and run an outboard on that boat.

The correct way to restore the boat without further damaging it and destroying the integrity of the design is to replace the engine and drive with ones comparable to what was offered in the boat. My guess is that it had a mercruiser small block or big block and a single mercruiser outdrive.

The design of the boat and the selection of power and drive are all related. The balance, weight, and placement of drive in accordance with the X dimension are all critical to the safety and performance of the vessel.

If you are new to all of this you would be better off starting with less of a project.

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

do not make the spyder an outboard boat...fund razor has great advise

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

thanks guys. What do other choises do i have for an inboard engine and are there any used engines i can buy somewhere?

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

You can buy used marine engines and drives. Not sure about the availability in your location though. If you really love that boat for whatever reason, you want to research what it had in it. Because it is the 23, I am not sure, but my guess is that it had a single 454 chevy based mercruiser and either an Alpha1 or a Bravo outdrive. Too bad that you don't have the old engine, even if it is blown or something... you could have salvaged all of the accessories, harness, manifolds, alternator, trim system... etc.

I can't stress enough that the hull your are considering must be very sweet, because you will spend much much more money restoring that boat if it is truly missing everything than it would cost you to buy a similar boat that is ready to go.

Don't underestimate how that project will nickle and dime you to death.

You will quickly exceed the cost of a complete boat in parts.

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

the boat is just missing the engine and the drive

the problem is that i cant find anything used here cause there are only 2-3 powerboats if the spyder counts in as one. Cyprus is an island, so not many powerboats mostly we got fishing, cuddies and big cruisers

anyone can recomend a shop that might got used engines and what about a drive, how i pick the right one?

thanks!!!

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

the options for the engine when it was new are these

merc 7.4L 300hp
merc 454 mag 350hp
volvo 740dp 300hp

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

would 496 mag be an option or is it too big for the 23' spyder and what drive should you consider good for the 496?

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

Is there an existing transom bracket? The bracket that clamps both sides of the transom and creates a mounting system for the drive on the outside and a mounting system for the steering on the inside? If you have one, and it is intact, you might be able to use it and replace the drive with a like-drive.

If I was starting from scratch and had loads of cash I would put a Volvo in it.

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

no, transom is missing. Volvo any particular model?

Re: Wellcraft 23 Nova Spyder
 

the engine i'm going to get will be used 100% cause right now i cant afford to buy a new one. i was looking in the classifieds and there are a lot of good deals 496 HO around 12000 and many more, that's why i'm asking for some feedback on the 496

the boat will beused only in saltwater btw

I am going to look at a 1992 23 Nova Spyder this week, what is the weight on this? It looks so far like I might buy it. Taking a run to look and make a decision. Photos look excellent! One tough boat. My uncle wanted one back when they came out. It has the 7.4 Bravo II.

Advice

Well I bought the boat.
Took her out for a run this evening.
I found out the trim tab switches are backwards. Port switch controls stbd tab, stbd controls port. Will have to fix this immediately.
I did notice some porpoising around 40 with the tabs up. Dragging a little tab or trimming in corrected it to some degree. I will have to look into props. I have been told the prop is a 21p. I will have to look at this closer. There is another prop with the boat, I have yet to look at it. I was also told it was a 23p.
Despite the tab switch and porpoise issues, the boat is great. The switch is an easy fix. The porpoise seems to be a prop selection problem.

For those interested in prop comments, I have the 7.4 300hp with a Bravo 2 2.0 gears. I don't know my top end or rpm.

Engine Co -

I to am going to look a at 93 Spyder here in NJ. Boat is really clean and is calling out to me. Anything i should look for for? It has the same engine package you have so i am curious to know how you make out with the props. I am hoping to sea-trial it and make him an offer within the next couple days.

cheers
erol

I have a 93 nova spyder it has less than 140 hours on it I have totally redone the boat it was left outside uncovered. I had to replace the floor and rear seat(rotten). It had 83 hours on it when I bought it and came with a 330 hp 454. I don't know how fast it went stock I would guess in the high 50's that was with a 23 mirage prop it would lean also I took care of that by switching to a bravo 1 prop. I built a 420 for it and the only thing that is still stock on the motor is the sea-water pump fuel pump and alt. She runs 68.7mph on gps. I am currently building a stroker 489 for next year. The boat is heavy, not many around and they ride great. I have had the boat completely apart the fuel tank they say is 80 gal but it only holds 60gal. It has a new int. gauges, steering, trim pump, all new switches lights, compass, halon, hatch lift, etc everything has been replaced including outdrive.

out the back

I have a '90 that I've owned since 1995.I've got a 496 stroker with stock silent choice(not that I'm proud of that)I've had it at 69.7 on gps.I really like the boat,it's easy to trailer and it's ok to take to the smaller lakes and ponds.I keep it in a slip in Naples,Maine where we get some pretty rough water and it seems to handle it fine.Plenty of cabin space and a good size bed for a 23.

I paid $15,500 with a 98 Eagle double axle bunk trailer. The entire outdrive was replaced about 4 years ago.

I installed my GPS and got a top end of 55mph on the 21P prop. I didn't record the RPM's though, somewhere around 4100? The speed was good, I am not sure what the 23P will do to the speed.

How much did you get her for?

What do you guys think about this 23' Nova on boattrader.com:

http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/5/1/89639051.htm

Do you think the top end on this boat is at least 60mph?

I also see a bunch of Nova 26's. They either have twin 350s or twin 454s. Do they have the same hull deadrise as the 23 footers? What about top speed? Would the twin 350s or 454s be faster or slower than the single 454 in a 23?

One last thing... what's the final year the Nova's were made?

I just bought an 86 Nova 23xl, with a 454 in it. im thinking it will probably run low to mid 50s? still gotta go pic it up so ive only seen pics but it supposedly runs great, has a shower cooler (not sure how useful they are) only paid $4700 for it so if its not the fastest boat in the world i wont be disappointed :-D

just curious though, i want to be able to take this boat in the ocean, but im getting mixed answers here, some saying its not great, some saying that it rides great in the ocean.

Ok I am having problems with the prop people. Here are the details:
7.4L 300hp
Bravo II 2.0 Gears
21P 3B Prop installed
53-54 on GPS
42-4400 RPM

I am not sure of the accuracy of the GPS or RPM, but trying the Mercury website varying the speed and rpm a bit for error, the website gives me an error. I emailed 2 prop shops and they both told me to check my numbers.

Anyone got this same motor and drive setup? I have a 23P 3B that came with the boat, I have not tried it out yet. It will be next spring before I do.

Bravo 2's are usually used on cruisers that need a deeper drive to help them plane. i think a bravo 1 would work better for your boat.

That boat looks clean and I am sure you would like it but I belive it to be 3-5 k over priced.

Yes, a Bravo One is the way to go with this boat. This is the preferd drive for the Hull. A 23p Mirage or Rev 4 is most likely the one that will make you happy.

Man this thread was a flash back it was one of my first posts. I still have the boat.



Rag's

Engine Co 454, I have a quicksilver Mirage 23P prop if you are interested. It is perfectly straight with no signs of wear. I bought it about 2 years ago when I had a 23' Nova XL with a 5.7 and it was too much for my engine and had to go with a 21P. If you are interested send me an email at [email protected] I also have a 21P quicksilver if any one is interested, this one is in very good condition also and both are SS props.

Brandon, thanks for the offer. The boat came with a spare 23P prop. I am not sure of the details on it. I will be finishing up winterizing the boat this week and will look into it. I did not get a chance to try out the prop this year.

I am not interested in changing my lower unit. It was replaced in 2003 when damaged by the previous owner. I am however looking for info on my setup. I know a Bravo 2 setup here is odd, but was hoping someone had information that may help.

We just picked up this Wellcraft Nova, our boat now has a 454 and runs 56 with a 25 4 blade, will this boat handle a 750 to 800 hp blower motor and what speed can we expect ? or are we better off to drop in a 525 ?? i know we will need to have a spare bravo in the pick up just in case .
thnx guys BOB & BRYAN:cool-smiley-027::cool-smiley-027::cool-smiley-027:

More info please, I can't view the photo. Looks like you are local.

The question is does anyone have one of these with a BLOWN 540 750 to 800 hp and what speeds and will the boat handle the power? the boat is clean and in great shape but need to kick it up a couples digits

Hi Guys and Gals
I'm new to this site and am buying a 1995 nova w/a MCM454MAG MPI.What can you tell me about this motor as I know nothing about it.HP how do they run?performance add ons etc.Has bolster seats, no trim tabs,thats all I know till I get it home.
Thanks Rusty

Welcome to OSO! I belive that motor has 385HP, forged internals, and is pretty good stock.

I guess I'll bring this old thread back to life! I'm thinking about picking up a cheap project near me. I haven't owned an I/O boat since 1988...but, there is a 1993 Nova Spyder 230 with a 454 Magnum/Bravo One on an aluminum I-Beam trailer that is enticing me. The boat hasn't run in 10 years. Supposedly, the motor has a new starter and carb. The vinyl on the rear bench and hatch will need some love, but overall, the pictures of the boat look pretty solid. I may go look at it tomorrow morning. I would anticipate that the boat should run 60-63 with the 385hp Magnum if propped correctly...

Well, for $1500 I couldn
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’t say no. It’s a 1992 Spyder 230 with a 454 Magnum/Bravo One on a tandem axle aluminum trailer. The rear seat and engine hatch are going to need a lot of love, but for a 20 year old boat, it’s in decent shape..pictures to follow as I clean her up!

After some much needed and neglected maintenance, I got my Spyder on the water after the prior owner let it sit for 11 years! I replaced the thermostat housing, thermostat, raw water pump impeller, circulation pump, fuel pump, fuel/water separator filter, belts, motor oil, oil filter and drive oil. I also did an initial wet sand and high speed buff and will be repeating that process again to get the gel coat to really shine. It’s a great riding boat and spacious for only 23’ of length!
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Boat looks great ! When I was first looking at powerboats years ago, looked at the Wellcraft Nova and Chaparral Villain. Ended up with a Baja Outlaw. Good luck

Has an awesome day on the 23’ Spyder today. Now that I’m confident in the motor and drive, I took it for a long run today. From Jupiter Inlet to St Lucie Inlet and back. Made the round trip with a stop for lunch at The Twisted Tuna and an after lunch stop at the Stuart Sandbar to visit friends. The Spyder ran flawlessly and handled great!
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