Hello and advice needed on V20 purchase

[raregroove]

What a great forum. I hope someone here would be kind enough to give me some advice as I'm thinking of picking up a V20 as a first boat for fishing here in the NY long island area.

I'm looking at a 1976 Wellcraft V-20 tommorow but I'm concerned about the fact that the boat only has a 115hp outboard, was rebuilt 3 years ago. The price is pretty low and is described as in excellent condition. But is this enough power for 3 guys? A repower looks pretty expensive. I'm mostly going to be bay fishing but hope to get out on the ocean for some nearby bottom fishing if the weather is mild.

I was told the V20 is very seaworthy and has a great ride. I've given up on finding a 24' Airslot outboard and the Seacraft's are too expensive for me in an outboard version. Any feedback appreciated.

I love how you guys have souped up your boats. Thanks for any feedback.

[Mulv80]

While no speed demon the 115 will get the job done. I would think you could expect max speeds aroung 32-35, there are other members here who are running 115's that may offer their performance numbers.

I think the V20 is a great first boat, versatile and easy to handle alone. it seems as though there are quite a few nice V-20's out there right now so be patient and don't settle on the first one you see. There will be others, Wellcraft made tons of them.

Good Luck and be sure to let us know how you make out.

[shicks007]

Welcome,

I have a 76' cuddy. This is my first boat also. As Mulv said, although 115 hp wouldn't be my first choice for the boat, I think if the price was right and the boat was in good shape, it would be alright.

[Hammerhead]

IMNHO...the V-20 isn't only a great first boat...it's a great last boat. Far as a 115 goes, my wrench sez it's really not big nuff to expect a long life from, BUT what motor is????? *I'd be more concerned that the hull and deck is in good shape,...motors are easy to change.

[raregroove]

Thanks all,

I'll take a good look tommorow, the price is around 3.5k including trailer and some basic electronics. I hope that's in the ball park for a reasonable deal.

Ya know the guy couldn't tell me what make the motor was, he just said he pays for maintenance and winterization the last years. His story seemed typical used it once a week the first year, once a month the second year, now never so want's to get rid of it.

One of my buds said he though a 20 footer with a 115 HP was too small incase the weather turns snotty coming back in but I've read the boat itself is seaworthy. *

Those V20's are good lookin little boats and look perfect for fishin solo or duo. * Plus the gas bill should be lookin pretty good.

[macojoe]

I think a 115 is to small, and I know a few here got them and I also think that if you see 30 mph you will be alone with a empty gas tank!!

A 150 should be the smallest motor IMO!!

[phester]

RG, welcome! Looks like we got another Long Islander on board. That makes four or five, but you really only hear from TheTinMan and myself. Good luck w/ the boat [ I personally would like a few more ponies than a 115....but a 115 will get the job done]where on L.I. are you?

[Perfidiajoe]

I also live on Long Island, I have a '77 cuddy. I don't post much but read the forum everyday. I have seen 1 or 2, V20's with 115 horses, there is one across the street from me. They run alright if proped correctly, but wont break any speed records. I like more HP, but not because of the weather turning bad, if it does you can't go that fast anyway. I would be more concerned with reliability. You could always repower later if you like the boat, & sell the 115, see what they go for on Ebay to get an Idea. good Luck

[charlie_the_tuna]

hey phester i also live on the island but if you think that he should only hear from the two of you, well, i guess you must have your reasons...

[phester]

sorry CTT, didn't mean to exclude you or peridiajoe or any other local v20 members on L.I., now I remember, you're in Freeport, I think. Clearly you misunderstood my post, I certainly don't think Raregroove should only post/ reply/PM myself and TheTinMan.....why would I say that?... Didn't mean to ruffle your feathers.

[Blue_Runner]

Reliablility is the main factor as long as you are ok with 30mph top end + or - a few mph. I grew up on 30mph so its not all that much of an issue for me. Its a trade off. Everybody that has posted so far has it right in my book. Like Perfidiajoe says, how fast can you run in the slop anyway?

[mmiklosz]

Before you buy some things to check:
- Any soft spots in the hull (transom) and deck?
- Check for strong gas smells in the rear
- Get the engine compression checked. 115 is probably too low.
- $3500 is not necessarily a bargain. Keep on eye on ebay. Plenty of V20's for less, though you may have to travel.
- Single axle or double axle trailer?
- Does it include a bimini top or canvas cover?
V20 is a great boat. We bought our first in 1976 and slowly traded up through a series of boats to a 30ft Searay. Got out of boating 10 years ago because of costs. Got back in 2 years ago with my first and best choice, and bought a 1986 wellcraft V20.

[charlie_the_tuna]

hey phester, just messin. no harm no foul. yes, the homeports freeport/ island park.

hey tinman, a while ago you posted this whole formula on prop size, pitch etc... do you remember where it is?

[steplift20]

i have a 150 on mine and it only goes about34mph but thats with three people and a full tank of gas 55 gallons and a ton of bait and ice

[steplift20]

oh if its a 115 its a mercury what year is it anyway

[willy]

Though my first choice would be a 150, also my max size choice would be the same, I run a 1985 with a 99 Johnson 115 put on new in 2001 on a Armstrong Bracket and with a full tank which is how I keep it and three people and a bimini with curtains and assorted fishing equip and coolers etc it does 35 mph by gps wide open and cruises nice at 27-28. So have no fear about a 115 being enough motor unless your loaded up with people and maybe planning a lot of adult water skiing, might not be enough to get them up quickly enough. But for any sea conditions and a good load it will serve you very well and you will fish all day literally and use very little fuel.

[raregroove]

Shoutout to fellow long islanders and all you other friendly characters,

I live in Queens but fish all over the island, from the East river to Montauk, Wildwood, Oyster Bay, Robert Moses, Long Beach, Breezy and Jamaica Bay. I surf fish and fish the party boats but since one of my clients took me out on his Parker this year I've been smitten with getting into boating. Needless to say we killed the stripers, fluke and sea bass on those two trips.

Thanks again for the feedback, its all very useful, especially the checklist, experiences with horse power, and not rushin into anything.

I had to reschedule looking at the boat til later today and I'll have some more info then on the motor, condition etc.

In the meantime I spoke to a an 85 year old original owner of a 79 Steplift V20 that is sending me snail mail pictures of his "tricked out" fishing machine. Seems he's getting out boating due to his age. He insisted I see it as its "one of a kind" and includes a 1999 140 hp Suzuki with 60 hours on it and the boat has seen very low useage. He does want an arm and a leg for it but doesn't hurt to look.

Anyway see you al a littlel later time to go to work.

[raregroove]

Well,

I think I'll pass on the one I saw today. Don't have that much time to do all the fixin. ::) It had a 4 cylinder Johnson by the way, man was that thing loud.

The hunt goes on....