'86 V-20 on Ebay

[CT_V-20]

Looks like a pretty good price too. Same year as mine: http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=63725&item=4527557 738&rd=1

[Bar_Hopper]

Since this is the same year as yours is there anything you can tell me to watch out for in a boat of this vintage?

[Seacrets]

I also have an 86. Check floor, transom, stringers,electrical, steering and engine compression carefully. I don't like the statement about money not being returned. Just check it carefully. Bring a friend. I also bought mine on ebay (locally) and the previous owner and I use the same mechanic and I got a good motor report. He also wanted me to take the boat by myself for a sea trial. He accepted a local bank check and delivered it to my door. The rig was everything I expected and more. There are good deals on ebay.

[Bar_Hopper]

Thanks Seacrets. How do I check the stringers and transom? Do I need a moisture meter?

[CT_V-20]

BH - I have had no hull issues. Most every problem I've had has been motor related. The only thing I'll add to Seacrets' comments are capital letters for COMPRESSION TEST! Also, check for through hulls as my boat came with a through hull transducer for a depth finder that no longer worked. It makes me nervous despite it being water tight (so far).

[Bar_Hopper]

CT Thanks for your advice. This boat doesn't even have bottom paint so I would think it hasn't been exposed to the water as much as one that sits at the dock when not in use. I have a compression gauge that I've used to test a few boats and will apply it to this one as well.

[chesapeake724]

Hmmm... was the kicker bracket just removed, or has it been off for a while and the holes left open like that? :-/

I sort of bought my '87 off eBay. It was listed and I found it on eBay, but was about 30 miles away so I bought it as a local buyer.

Bar Hopper,
Stringers might be tough to check, but you can find clues in the bilge that might tell you if there's been water sloshing around in there. In this vintage, the floor and transom are also important to check. From what I could tell on mine, that box the passenger bucket seat sits on was not very well sealed by Wellcraft. The above-the-fuel-tank hatch on the sideways picture is also probably bad. The 8" inspection hatches weren't sealed that well. That said, the current price isn't too bad. Unless it's in above-average condition, I'd allow $1000 for the engine and the hull+trailer might be worth an additional $1500 to $3000, depending on the condition. If it was me, I don't think I'd pay much more than $3k for that rig. If you look at his response to the first question he says something about the motor losing partial power. In the pic, I'm guessing that Merc is a 150 or 175, yet he's got a hydrofoil on it. Was that put on there to try and squeeze some performance out of a gimpy engine? I don't like the vibe. If I was still shopping and it was reasonably close, I'd be skeptical, but at the current price, I'd still go check it out. You're not out any money.

[Bar_Hopper]

Chesapeake724 thanks for your insight. I plan on seeing the boat before I put another bid in and reviewing the NADA numbers I was coming up with the same dollar figure as your suggestion. While looking over the boat I’ll pay particular attention in the areas you mentioned.

[fillet1]

Barhopper,

I'd stay away from that Merc as chesapeake said. The hull does look nice though.

You gotta buy one soon... I bought the last one you were asking about! ;)

[Bar_Hopper]

Hey fillet1 I feel like the eternal shopper. I’m a little snake bit from last year. I went to buy a boat, had cash in hand and the boat inspector gave it a thumbs down and I had to walk away – bummer. But in the long run that was a good thing cause that was for a Mako. So how’s the one you bought, I hope it serves you well.

[fillet1]

Barhopp -

The one I bought is how I expected it to be. Needs a little work to get it to my liking, but is mechanically sound. There is nothing worse then a hull with transom/stringer/deck problems and a questionable motor.

You gotta realize that when looking at 20-25 year old boats for 3k -5k that they are never going to be perfect in any respect. I dont even think its worth hiring a surveyor to inspect any boat in this price range, cause there are always going to be problems.

I say pick the boat by the motor first, then check the hull to make sure there arent any problems that cant be overcome.

First thing i did on any boat that I looked at was grab the lower unit of the engine and lift it up - If the transom moves I looked no further and left. I cant tell you how many times that I drove an hour to look at a boat, got out of the car for 30 seconds, checked the transom and left. Usually the ones that move have significant cracks in the corners of the engine well and or a large piece of aluminum on the transom in a makeshift attempt to stiffen it up. Stay away unless you want to replace the transom. For a 3-5k boat its not worth it to me.

If it passed the transom test, I then would go aboard and
Jump on the decks - do they flex like crazy, make cracking noises or squeeze water out of any cracks? Are the decks soft?
Check where the seats are mounted. Also look for any deformities or bulges in the deck.


If yes, I would leave. Note when I say "decks" i mean the deck of the boat, not the hatch covers, fuel tank cover etc. Those are much easier to repair if needed, and usually flex a little anyway. Cutting up a rotted deck is much more involved.

You are not going to have much access to the stringers, and neither would a surveyor. Observe what you can and look for rot, cracks, or detachment from the hull.

Then i would check the hull bottom for any damage or evidence of significant repair.

Ignore superficial things like seats, electronics, bimini tops etc. A boat with nice electronics and a shot transom is worthless to me. Solid boat and motor first, everything else is icing on the cake.

After those things are ok to me, the rest I can work with if I have to. Spider cracks, crazing, electrical mess, ugly rubrails, corroded metal, chips, gouges, screw holes etc mean nothing, its all part of the fun!!

BTW airborne jarhead's v-20 looks nice if you like an I/O!!

[Bar_Hopper]

Thanks fillet1 I'm going to see the boat tomorrow and will give her a good once over. I try to do things in a pattern so I don't forget anything and it's pretty close to what your procedure is. You’ve given me some good pointers, I’ll use them all. About jarheads boat I’m leaning towards an outboard. Hopefully I’ll get a boat for the up and coming season.

[Parrot6909]

I got a boat load of pictures from the seller last night. The old bracket holes worry me, you can see where there is staining coming out which means it was either recently removed and not filled, or its been off for a while and the water is dripping down into the transom. The close up pictures to the boat showing the keel area looked a bit scary as well. Looks like its hit the trailer a few times and not been repaired.

On another note, found two other 20's that may be of interest to you (provided you want a nice "project"). There is an 82' that needs a transom replacement but does have a nice 175 Evinrude on it....seller is open to offers, just not in to the whole gutting process at this point. There is another that needs a transom and floor on Mantoloking Rd in Brick. Seller wants 4900 or b/o...has a 1995 175 rude on the back with 250 hours. Again, too much for that big a project (at least for me).

Let me know what you think of the one on ebay...i'd be interested to hear what you find. I did put in a bid last night but have decided to keep my current 18' instead since I can't justify the $$ for one I can't see first.

[mike99]

fillet1 I got to give it to you you know your stuff. I am the seller of the boat on ebay and figured I would chime in to let you know where this boat stands. The motor was checked when I had a power board replaced and compression is fine. As for the bolts on the back of the transom they were for a motor mount from the guy before me and he installed the bolts but forgot to use stainless. These bolts are up above the water line. The transom is strong and does not have any cracks in it. Floors are all solid. Of course you get a flex when you step over the gas tank because there is removable foam under the gas tank hatch. To all who is bidding the boat needs a little tlc but overal is very nice I would keep it but I have a newborn and can't see it sitting around and going to waste. Thanks and happy sailing.

[chesapeake724]

So Parrot, I'm guessing you went to see it and liked it enough. Congrats in order? ;D

[jaysea]

did any body check the sellers feed back on that boat,he sold it last month for $1300,an the deel went south.ebay#4518189009

[Parrot6909]

Didn't see that in his feedback......Thanks for the congrats, I think... :-/ I didn't get a chance to see the boat in person (yeah, yeah, I know) but I did get a ton of pictures and I have a buddy who is a merc mechanic.....The thing that concerns me right now is I have another member of this site who has gotten a second chance offer on the same boat! ??? What is that about? I talked to Mike and he said that we could finish the deal on Thursday. Unfortunately I don't have his e-mail address or phone number here but what looked to be a great Monday doesn't feel so great anymore. I have been all over the place trying to find a good hull for my wife and 2yr old. This is not making me very happy.....hope there is an easy explanation around all of this and I'll have my baby in the water shortly....fingers crossed guys! I am not judging the seller at all, just seems a little weird with the IM and the ebay feedback stuff......I'll let you know what happens, but I really want this boat! ;D

[reelapeelin]

Parrot...I know you want this boat and this is easy for me to say, but don't let your zeal for this particular boat blind you to problems...I don't know this boat, there may not be any problems...just sayin' keep your eyes open... ;)

Hope it works out your way... :D

[Parrot6909]

I know, I know......See, I have been (as have a lot of us) looking for this particular boat for what seems like forever. Its frustrating to drive an hour or two and get out, take one shake on the lower unit, watch the transom sway and get back in the truck. I am an honest guy and I trust other ppl. Most of the V20's I have viewed have been accurately advertised (all but one) and the seller of this boat has been extremely helpful. I hope there is a simple misunderstanding here. He seems like a good guy, I'll keep you posted!

[CT_V-20]

I'm sending positive mental thoughts. And for what it's worth, as the father of a 4 and 2-yr old who both love their V-20, it is a perfect boat for the little ones so all of your effort is worth it whatever the outcome.

[Parrot6909]

well, it looks like the positive mental thoughts worked! I picked her up on Thursday night. Overall the hull (exterior) is around a 6.5 out of 10. Maybe a 7. Lots of pre-drilled areas but the hull is as sound as can be. Transom is rock solid (yay!). The interior is going to be where the majority of the work is spent. There are holes cut in the sides that have nothing there, a tube sticking out of the side of the hull.....and the cover over the gas tank is like mush.....but, all in all she's good! Now, I am going to have a ton of questions as I rehab her so look for me in the other forums!

[reelapeelin]

Parrot...CONGRATS on the V-20!!... ;D...and the solid transom... ;)

Didja get a chance to check the compression in that motor....if not, do soon, before you get far from the dock...and check on that impeller, no matter what MJ says... ::) ;D

Lookin' forward to followin' your progress... :)

Oh yeah...as you repair the gas tank cover, figger out WHY it got that way or you;ll be doin' it again sooner than you wanna...

[Parrot6909]

I hear ya on that. Thanks for the congrats! My buddy is a merc mechanic so I am going to bring the boat down to him and let him give it the once (or twice) over. It looks like the gas tank cover got that way because it isn't completely sealed.....hoping water didn't get to far in there. Thankfully the boat was trailer stored for its life and covered up until the last year or so.......we shall see. The interior is in dire need of cosmetic repairs which will be done over time...as much as I want to make her shine now its just not in the cards $ wise. Glad to finally have my own!!!!!

[reelapeelin]

Yeah, I've had mine for years and there are still holes in the cockpit that haven't been repaired...it'll happen... :) ;)

[Bar_Hopper]

Parrot6909 I'm glad the boat is in good shape. Good luck and someday I'll get one and see you on the water. All the best Bar Hopper!

[CT_V-20]

The road always rises to meet the owner who has a buddy that's a mechanic! Congrats.