Need V20 Purchase Help

[reodds]

Hi Everyone!

I am a newbie to this forum, but have been a boater and V20 owner for many years. My first V20 was a 1979 I/O which I sadly had to sell several years ago.

I now have the opportunity to purchase a 1984 model in o.k. condition, with a 2000 Yamaha 150 2 stroke.

It needs some TLC, as in some rips in the seats, the glass needs some minor repairs, etc. all consistant with a boat of its age.

My question is that the seller has the boat listed at $5,995, and is open to offers, but I have no idea what it is worth.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

Roger

[Curapa]

Take a look in the for sale section to get an idea of what they generally sell for. I have posted a few in the past month or so from my area.

Where are you located?

[RWilson2526]

The 2000 motor definitely adds a couple bucks to your average vintage '84 V-20 price....location will have a some to do with it as well as some parts of the country seem flooded right now with V-20's.....2 years ago you were at about 6K....with some of the prices i've seen lately it would be nice if you could get it for under 5K....All depends on how well the previous owner remembers opening his wallet for that 2000 Yamaha.

[reodds]

Thanks guys. I live on Long Island (New York), and the boat is a being sold through the dealer that services and stores it for the owner - as a "must sell" deal.

The prices I've seen on this forum and elsewhere, have been significantly lower than the asking price of this boat, that is why I need some advice.

[charlie_the_tuna]

where are you on the island? i'm in long beach. the price is all motor. i just posted one in jersey with an older motor for $2,500. 6 grand for an 84 is alot of dough. keep looking.

http://newyork.craigslist.org/jsy/boa/1748025440.html

[Curapa]

Reodds, Looks like Charlie has a great boat for ya.

[Destroyer]

Ok, first things first. $5995 is a LOT of money and there is no such thing as a minor fiberglass repair. Does it come with a trailer? if so is it a single or double axle? What shape is the boat in? Have you heard the motor running? Did they offer to take the boat out for a test drive? Is the transom sound? How about the stringers? Are there any soft spots in the floor? Does it have all it's cushions? Do any electronics come with the boat? How about a Coast guard safety package? etc., etc., etc. Remember, you're buying from a dealer... Frankly, I don't trust a lot of them. Also remember, they are trying to make money, not only for the boats owner, but also for themselves.. That's their job. So the price is going to be higher than what you would normally find in Craigslist or eBay or iBoats or wherever for a private sale.

Charlie gave you a link to another boat that's for sale in a marina in Lake Hoptacong, NJ. It's not that far a ride and could save you thousands of dollars. If it's the boat that I saw at a marina a few weeks ago (and I think it is) then as long as the motor is ok the boat is definitely worth the asking price. Call the guy up. Ask to see the boat. If it's the Mt Prospect Boat Yard then that's the boat I saw.... and it looked to be in really nice shape.. just needing a good cleaning... But remember, ASK the same questions to this boat as to the other one. Pay particular attention to the transoms on both boats. Hope this helps a little and welcome to the forums here. :beer:

[inaforty]

We went an looked at the boat in NJ last Fall. Let's just say it was a "WASTED" weekend and 2 tanks of gas in the truck.:bat:

[reodds]

Charlie, I live in Merrick, PM me, and we'll talk.

Destroyer, I saw the boat on dry land, and checked it out as best as I could (without using screw drivers or wrenches!). I then took it for a test drive.

The hull is sound - the fiberglass work needed is a very minor repair where it looks like the boat knocked a dock a bit roughly, and damaged the port rub rail in one small area. The transom appears good with no cracks or repairs. There is a "soft spot" above the gas tank, and I am having the cover removed for inspection and repair as needed. The motor is quiet, strong and have the service records since new. There is recent canvas in perfect condition, and all the other cushions are original (i.e. they are o.k. but ultimately need to be replaced). It has a Horizon radio, Garmin fish finder, and is set up for fishing, as expected.

As I mentioned, the asking price is just that. The dealer (who I know for many years, is extremely reputable, and who will probably be selling my '92 22' Kencraft CC) is taking all offers. My initial question was to get an idea of "what is the going rate" for a V20 of that era and condition. By the way, I am not against any reputable marina making a sales commission, if they are entitled to it. If I buy this boat, it will be serviced at this particular marina, and the work done is guaranteed. That in my opinion, is worth something.

It is really great to see that this forum exists. I have decided that I will be buying a V20 (whether this one or not, remains to be seen.), and I am really happy to have found you guys, I will need all the help I can get!

Thanks a lot for your continued help and support.

Roger

[csvencer]

As someone one has shopped for too many motors lately, I can tell you that the Yamaha is worth around 3K depending on how clean it is. Now you figure in what a trailer is worth, single axle of that vintage, probably not more than 500-750 bucks, double 1000, now you are left with the hull and extras. I don't think a V20 hull that is 26 years old and needs repairs is worth more than 750 (you can find them free if you look). So total that up and you are looking at $4750ish... I think I wouldn't be offering them any more than that. Just my .02 though.

-Svence

[RWilson2526]

As someone one has shopped for too many motors lately, I can tell you that the Yamaha is worth around 3K depending on how clean it is. Now you figure in what a trailer is worth, single axle of that vintage, probably not more than 500-750 bucks, double 1000, now you are left with the hull and extras. I don't think a V20 hull that is 26 years old and needs repairs is worth more than 750 (you can find them free if you look). So total that up and you are looking at $4750ish... I think I wouldn't be offering them any more than that. Just my .02 though.

-Svence


I agree. Thats what I would offer.

[reodds]

Svence, thank you! That is exactly the kind of information I was looking for. This is such a blind item, I needed to understand what the "value" should be.

I'll keep you all posted as to the results of my negotiations.

[Destroyer]

Destroyer, the hull is sound - the fiberglass work needed is a very minor repair where it looks like the boat knocked a dock a bit roughly, and damaged the port rub rail in one small area. The transom appears good with no cracks or repairs. There is a "soft spot" above the gas tank, and I am having the cover removed for inspection and repair as needed.

As I mentioned, the asking price is just that. The dealer (who I know for many years, is extremely reputable, and who will probably be selling my '92 22' Kencraft CC) is taking all offers. My initial question was to get an idea of "what is the going rate" for a V20 of that era and condition. By the way, I am not against any reputable marina making a sales commission, if they are entitled to it. If I buy this boat, it will be serviced at this particular marina, and the work done is guaranteed. That in my opinion, is worth something.

I completely agree with you that a dealers reputation is worth money. (And a good dealer and mechanic are worth their weight in gold IMHO) My point was that when they are selling someone else's boat they are trying to make a commission, which is their job, and which adds to the total price of the boat. The question you have to ask yourself is what is the dealers reputation worth?

Glad to hear that you've taken it out for a test and all looks well. If you can get it for around the price that Csvencer mentioned then I'd say go for it. :clap:

[reodds]

The dealer (whom I have done business with in the past) is getting 10% of the purchase price.

He is a very good honest mechanic who took the time to explain the positives and negatives of the boat and engine, and what to look for in the future with that particular engine (it might need a hydraulic lift cylinder - it needed fluid last year and this, although there are no obvious leaks). If he will accept my offer of around $4000, (it doesn't have a trailer, nor do I need one), I will take it.

[reodds]

An update - I don't know if this should be here or in an other category - mods please move it if you think it necessary - but I have a question.

We looked at the boat for sale yet again (3rd time), and my wife wanted to know if the hull could be painted because she doesn't like "beige". I told her that it never was that color, it was always white and it's just that it changed over time.

Am I correct, or did Wellcraft use an "off white" or "beige" resin on the '84s? If it indeed has changed due to the sun and age, is it possible to bring it back to (almost) original color, and can it be done without paint?

[RWilson2526]

I dont believe they ever made a beige gelcoat model but I could be wrong for sure.....is the beige color uniform throughout? not matter how bad a V-20 hull oxidizes or fades the area underneath the bow flare always seems to stay pristine due to lack of direct sunlight....is this area beige too? If it is then maybe it is original gelcoat.... I did see a dark blue factory gelcoat V-20 once so I guess its possible they did make some other colors....

[reodds]

There definately is a difference in "hues" in the coloration of the hull. The bow is much whiter than the rest of the hull. The stern hatch covers are significantly whiter than some parts (they are original - just not "beige").

As I said, I too think that it is just a chage due to age and UV. Do you have a solution to return the gelcoat to close to the original without painting it?

[RWilson2526]

The fact that you are calling it "beige" is kind of unexpected...usually when white gelcoat fades it just gets dull and chalky but still stays white....you might just simply have water scum discoloration on it....when I take my boat to Raritan Bay even for a day, the areas that are unwaxed get brown in color...you might get lucky and just be able to spray it down with a hull cleaner and that brown might wash right off. I use the Attwood brand from Wally World and it works like a charm....if it is something more permanent you could first start with a good rubbing compound...3M's rubbing compound works really well but its kind of pricey but I have found it well worth the extra dollars as far as saving labor.....if thats not cutting it you have to get more agressive and go with a wet sand....do some research on what grit to start with....I'm thinking 800 to a 1000.....get the garden hose out, put it on fine mist and start sanding once it looks white again move on and then finish it up with rubbing compound and then wax.....its a TON of work and your arm will be screamin' at you after an afternoon but you should be able to get it back to a brand new finish.

[reodds]

Thanks for your advice, much appreciated! I'll let you know the progress.

[reodds]

Just an update: I spoke to the dealer, told him that I did some research on the '84 V20 and asked him his opinion as to what the price should be. Without hesitation he said about $3800 to $4000 - which is exactly what most everyone here said is the right price. I guess boat there still are honest boat dealers around!

Anyway, he said he would give the offer to the owner and see if he accepts it.

Stay tuned...

Have a great weekend :beer:

[reodds]

In order to "hedge my bet'" a bit, I must ask you all, does anyone have a V20 that they are looking to sell?

In addition, I know this might be heresy, but are there any other manufacturers that make a boat that is similar to the V20 in design and function?

[reodds]

Well everyone, I took the plunge, and bought me a 1984 V20!

I wanted to thank Svence and RWilson for their encouragement and giving me the "correct" price to offer. Turns out, they accepted my offer, and I am picking up the boat tomorrow.

I just started making a list of what needs to be repalced. First thing is to order some new seats from Veada (http://veada.com/index.html). They have very high quality seats at reasonable prices. Second is to replace some of the metal brightwork that has gotten pitted from salt spray.

In the fall, I plan to start on removing the bottom paint and making it look nicer.

I'll keep you all informed as the work progresses.