Just got one! Good deal or am i screwed?

[Snazzy_757]

So i got a 1984 v-20 cuddy for $450 on a trailer with a volvo aq145 and 280 outdrive. The hull is basically stripped--meaning all the wiring and controls are pulled on account the owner was going to just repower. I was told from the previous owner that the engine was "rebuilt" and only needed rebuilt carbs, it doesnt look that way. The outdrive shifter is frozen but the lower unit spins fine.

Pulled the intake maifold off to discover water, junk, and rusted filled head and pistons. Looks like the previous owner knew the pistons were stuck and poured tranny fluid in to unstick em as well.

I dont know if its worth it continuing on rebuilding the engine or bail while im not underwater yet. I can't really find and used or rebuilt aq145's to swap it out with. For that matter not really any volvos locally.

I was looking around the site (great place!) and couldnt find any threads on anyone converting i/o to outboard with a bracket. I'm sure some of you have and would love to hear! I think this may be best because the outdrive may be too much of a hasel to repair.

Should I:
A)Continue the rebuild?
B)Look around harder to find a volvo engine?
C)Put a outboard on?
D)Drop the hull off at the dump, get money back by scraping trailer?

I'll take some pictures in the days to come...
~Snazzy

[reelapeelin]

To me, if the hull is solid, then you are in a great position to make exactly what you want of her...I like an outboard myself and that's the way I'd go if it were me...will cost more (especially if you go new), but lots of deals on ebay etc on brackets and used OBs...opens up the floor space in back of boat and improves performance...hard to go wrong there...

Post up some pictures and let's see what ya got...:pic:

[jjjtronics]

BEAUTY IS ON THE EYES OF THE BEHOLDER !!!!

Some years ago, I loved rebuilding stuff, because I loved working on things, always thinking it was cheaper to rebuild, WRONG 99% OF THE TIME !!!

But I enjoyed working on things, that way I got to know them, and that was fun for me.

If you really want to spend MANY hours working on this boat, in which I see NO OTHER logical thing but to mount an outboard, period, well, we are here to support you in all the questions you have, at least I am.

BUT, I think you have got a good deal, and you can even make some money from it if you sell it in pieces. So, you are still ahead.

If you definitely don`t want to spend MANY hours on it, just sell it, and get you a good running one, and perhaps you could be fishing this next w.e.

DO NOT dump it man, there is always someone who likes and enjoys fixing things, just pass it forward for the same amount you spent.

I got mine ready for fishing, for 6200, less electronics. I am glad I did. The same month I got her, went to the water three times and it paid for itself right then.

If you add all the hours you`ll spend on her, let`s say at a modest rate of $10 an hour, you will VERY SOON approach $6200 when you add this to the parts and supplies money you spend.

Matematically speaking; SELL forward....
If you really want to fix it yourself, I understand, I have done it myself...

[nymack66]

Here is complete re-power in Orlando FL, I can check it out for you
http://orlando.craigslist.org/boa/1233474113.html

[Vic]

The answer is (C.) or (D.) and dump it here. Great boat for an outboard on bracket. I have the same boat and its a great boat. Full transom, Fun to drive, easy to fish.

[cterrebonne]

outboard with bracket. score a small v-6 would be ideal. or a big block v-6 with trim tabs.

[bradford]

Answer D. Dump the hull at my house. I'll be home tomorrow around 1 p.m. I'll give ya $25 over scrap for the trailer. J/K!

Sell that volvo on ebay or on here for whatever you can get.( maybe someone wants it for parts?) fill the transom and bolt on a bracket with a 140-175 hp outboard.

[nipper]

I would go with a used outboard in the 150-200 range mounted on a bracket. Many here have done that (including our beloved leader MacoJoe). I had a dead 4.3 liter v6 on my 1990 v cuddy and opted to replace it with a brand new 4.3. Cost about $6k with installation. Very happy with it, but there are times when I almost wish I had gone outboard/bracket.

[macojoe]

I say bracket and ob, thats what I did and was never sorry!!

[Snazzy_757]

Im in virginia beach. What kind of reinforcing would i have to do to the transom if i were to get a bracket? My buddy's got a 115hp outboard anyone have any idea how that would handle?
Thanks!

[Snazzy_757]

Would this work? http://norfolk.craigslist.org/boa/1223504855.html

[jjjtronics]

Snazzy,
I see you live in Va Beach. I was stationed in NAS Oceana for 5 years, and did three Med cruises on board USS T. Roosevelt out of Norflok. Beautiful town VB, I had a great time there. My brother was stationed on Little Creek at the same time I was there. My hobby at that time was RC aerobatic airplanes, so I never went boating there, but I guess it will be just amazing to see the Navy ships in and out when boating at the Ch. Bay.
Good luck with your project. Never done a bracket install, but I can help you with the electrical stuff which is what I do.

[Vic]

Check out these armstrongs and look for a used one on a boat or parted out. http://www.armstrongnautical.com/repower.htm