1987 20 Fisherman

[jstachowiak]

I've got a line on a 1987 20 Fisherman, under the serial number it is stamped F-20, is this boat hull a V-20?

What are some things to look for on this boat?

It is pretty clean, 2004 175 Yamaha Salt Water Series.

How can I check the transom without drilling holes?

I pulled the starboard rear screw hatch, fuel tank? The foam is soaked.

The entire underneath looks great almost new.

Any help is appreciated, thanks.

Jeff

[reelapeelin]

Jeff ... one thing you can do is take pictures of it and post them here for us to look at and tell ya what we think ... yes, it DOES sound like a V-20 center console...as far as checking the transom, tilt the motor all the way up and slowly apply your weight to the lower-unit...if the owner freaks and you hear lots of cracking noises, go find another boat...however, if no noise and feels and SOUNDS solid under this pressure, then you probably got a good tranny...

Also, get compression test done on motor and check oil in lower-unit for excessive metal shavings and / or water (if milky-brown, that's water ... walk around all over the floor and feel for soft spots, particularly around hatch-lids ... run it in the water (sea-trial) and turn every dial, flip every switch for what works/what doesn't ... good luck and show us what yer lookin' at ;) ...

[lumberslinger178]

welcome aboard....... listen to the big guy (reel) very knowledgeable guy........ sounds like my boat....post up some pictures ;D ;D ;D

[jstachowiak]

Here you go.

http://www.ourlifeanew.com/Home%20Page%2013/wellcraft%2020.html

[frayed_knot]

Yep, it's a V-20. Nice looking boat.

[lumberslinger178]

sweet ride ;D

[macojoe]

Looks Good do everything Reel said and you should be fine!!

But don't forget the trailer, ck tires and berrins before trying to tow her home!!

[tsubaki]

Dang, nice lookin.
All you got to do is fish and complain about gas prices. ;D ;D
Welcome to the site

[reelapeelin]

Good lookin' "V" there...looks like last two numbers on the transom are 86 which should make yours that year model...but if made late in the year, it may have been titled as an '87... :) ...


Are those SOS out-rigger bases?...they look like mine ;) ...

[jstachowiak]

Thanks everyone, will try a sea trial today.

Trailer is new this year. Weird trailer though, tandem axle aluminum without surge brakes, I'll be towing it with an Eddie Bauer 2000 Expedition, hope I can stop it.

Thanks again, I'll let you know if I become a V-20 owner.

Currently I have a 1979 Whaler 17' Newport I restored. I've got 2 footitis for bigger boat.

http://www.ourlifeanew.com/Homepa6/stack6.htm

[jstachowiak]

Yes, he has new outriggers for it too. Stereo, GPS, Fishfinder all work. Front teak door needs replacing, tackle box under front back seat cushion needs fixing, and it needs cleaning inside. Still not bad for a 20 year old boat.

The motor skeg looks like it was broken off and rewelded on. I've seen people do this pulling their boats out of the water.

Will report back, thanks.

[twistedparot]

welcome to the site bud. great lookin boat. i like the top. some cute kids too. did you adopt them? they way too pretty to be yours,lol. keep the pics coming.

[jstachowiak]

Very funny. . . ;D

Yes, both are adopted from Kazakhstan, Central Asia.

[2ndchance]

Welcome to the site Jeff, that's a sweet looking Whaler you got there. You'll find that the V20 is a great ride and everyone that I've taken out says it feels like a bigger boat because it rides very high in the water. The kids are cute as a button and you are to be commended for adopting them. Good luck with the V.

[macojoe]

You will have no problems towing!!

I bought my new loadrite with no brakes cause thats the way I like it!

[bassarama]

Nice boat

I have the same boat, 89 model and love it. This little boat can take up some rough water and still give you a dry ride.

I also tow mine 90 plus miles to the ocean with either my Dodge pickup (318 ci) or the Tahoe w/ 5.3 liter. I have no problem braking with either one.

[reelapeelin]

My bet is, you don't have to tow very far down there in the Sunshine State...and probably flat land at that...so ya probably won't need brakes ... I did have to upgrade front rotors on my F-150 ... kept warping when towing and I've got trailer brakes...

Good job on the Whaler 8) ... if you move up to the V-20, she'll be in good hands ;) ...

http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y90/reelapeelin/IMGP04222.jpg

[macojoe]

I did have to upgrade front rotors on my F-150 ... kept warping when towing and I've got trailer brakes...

Fix Or Repair Daily ;D

[reelapeelin]

Fix Or Repair Daily ;D




Just can't help it, can ya ::) ... :-* :-* ...

[jstachowiak]

Still looking at the now "1985" Wellcraft V-20 with a 2004 Yamaha 175.

Transom appears very solid. Outboard mounting bolts are countersunk slightly at installation, but no additional give noted.

There is a gas smell when I open the rear floor bait well, I noticed again on this inspection, anything to that? No gas smell in bilge/battery area.


Floor is solid all around.
Maybe a sea trial this weekend.

Jeff

[whatknot]

Peelin, FIRST ON RACE DAY. I've got the same truck. You ever get to Savannah (i know yer close), when I get my veetwoO going. I'll take you for some 45 inch bull reds. Reds ought to be hapnin late september early october.
http://i188.photobucket.com/albums/z159/68cobrajet/IMG_6509.jpg

[msbhammer]

Wecome to the site. Looking forward to more Pics. ;D

[reelapeelin]

Whatknot...great reds...I'd like to fish w/ya...maybe in the fall... 8) ...