New owner - any startup advice?

[scook]

I just acquired a 1985 V-20 (built August '84). The previous owner fished the boat in California, brought it to Oregon, had some work done on it and after the engine quit (in the Columbia River), he decided to buy a new boat. He was offered a low trade-in, and decided to send it to a good home (me) instead. He says he loved the boat and that it handled better in the ocean than his new 23' Striper.

I haven't gotten the manuals and misc. paperwork yet, but want to start looking it over for needed repairs. I would welcome any comments, e.g. are there wood stringers in the hull, are they a problem, if so, are they repairable, was the fiberglass good when this boat was built . . . are there any things that I should pay particular attention to? Is this an "unsinkable" boat? If not, can foam be added?

The hull looks very good (very few little dings), has no bottom paint, and was recently cleaned. The cockpit has a lot of holes with no screws in them, some of the wood is loose or gone (I can fix that), the electronics are old (I'll get specifics on that) and the engine will get a going over.

I'll try to get some photos to post.

It sounds like some of you guys know these boats pretty well. I'm no boat expert, but I think the hull is a thing of beauty - looks like it should ride smooth and have a very dry ride. I'm really anxious to get it out in the ocean and catch some Salmon, but I want to be able to come back too.

Thanks for any help.

[Blue_Runner]

Welcome to the site Scook. What kind of engine is in the boat? Inboard or outboard? Horse power?

Fill those screw holes with Marinetex. The stringers are wood for sure. The glass should be just fine. Also, there have been some to do the foam floatation. I'd want to make sure that the foam couldn't get wet though. Won't it get water logged? I've heard "closed cell" foam won't water log? I'm not the expert on that 8)

[macojoe]

Welcome to the site!!

Sell now before you are hooked!! Cause it will only cost you money money money!!

[scook]

Thank you guys for the quick response.

Blue Runner
It's an I/O, I think a Merc - I'm taking the day off today and will go get some pic's and see if I can get a ser. no. and other info. off the engine.

I went to the Marinetex web site and will read up on their stuff.

I'll definitely do my homework before any foaming for flotation - I suppose it might hold water against something else (like the wood stringers???) that could be a problem.

Macojoe
I AM hooked. My daughter wangled the deal (got the boat free from the guy) for a birthday present. I'd be REAL unpopular if I sold it. I have a pretty decent shop, my son is an auto mechanic, I like to fool around with this kind of project and I'm kind of a glutton for punishment.

[macojoe]

well the boat was made with floation so it will not go to the bottom but it will go down!

I/O SUCK!!! Mine was a I/O when I got it, 165 mercurser I have added a gill bracket and a 175 Yamaha and couldn't be happier!!

It is a pretty easy conversion if you have some basic skills and a few friends to help you out.

You will love a outboard on the full transom boat!!

[fillet1]

Scook-

Welcome and great deal!! Dont let MJ scare you about the i/o. The ob/bracket is the way to go imo, but the i/o will be fine. Mj ran his for a while with the i/o before converting.

There is lots of great info here! 8)

[macojoe]

Yes I ran mine for 4 years, payed big each year in repairs!! Could have converted 3 times for what it cost me to keep her going!!

Live and learn!

[scook]

The eng. is a Merc 170, and there's oil in the water. I imagine it's a head gasket, but don't know anything about this eng. yet.

I really like the idea of an outboard (room in the cockpit & quiet). I'm also getting some pressure from fishing buddies to get it running to take advantage of this season, and I don't disagree with that.

We have the skills, but don't know squat about the process. Where can I get info about converting, where to get a bracket (or make one), etc..

Can you tell me how to post pictures on this board?

I don't suppose either of you guys are thinking of moving to Oregon any time soon?

Thanks again for helping a greenhorn.

[macojoe]

it pretty easy to convert the way I did. Look around in the local paper or ebay or want ad's for used bracket. You can get a good one for around the $500 mark.
New they go from $800 to $2000, depending what you want.

Easy to fill the hole if you have a good transom also.

As for the water in the oil could be a gasket if you are lucky!!
Are you raw water cooled?? I was and the head rotted thur and was getting water in the #2 cylinder and in the oil, The # 2 plug was rotted right off from the salt!

Go here to learn the easiest way to post pic here

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=howto;action=display;num=1108430327

Anything else just ask!!

[jaysea]

HI ,IS YOUR 470 MERC FRESH WATER COOLED, MINE IS ,TAKE A COMPRESSON TEST,AN GO FROM THERE TO THE EXCAUST MANIFOLD AN TEST THEM.

[Skools Out]

there was a bracket on ebay last week for $75 with no reserve not sure when it ran or runs out but look on there for an outboard bracket.

On the motor i wouldn't think the head gasket is your problem most likely on a boat it's the motor, head or intake has rusted through. as for an outboard i have a 1987 225 Johnson Looper with stainless 15 x 17 prop i'd sell. It has the factory compression readings on all cylinders of 90 psi even. and the motor has never been in salt water. it's a 25 inch shaft.

[Veeder]

Welcome to the Board.

..."you have much to learn, young Jedi"...
First lesson: $$$$$$$$$$!

[fillet1]

MJ -
Do you still have your extra bracket?

[macojoe]

Sorry SOLD!!

[cliffpaul2]

Macojoe - I understand (VERY WELL) that you have a preference for outboards and you make that known over and over and over again on this board, but to come out and say that "I/O's suck" takes it to another level. Why don't you keep your insults to yourself and let people enjoy their boats the way they are. Maybe it's time for some new material.

PS - I'm sure your outboard isn't maintenance free like you imply. Every time I ever took mine in for work it cost at least $500.

[macojoe]

Hey Cliff Go Screw yourself

[cliffpaul2]

Classy.

[reelapeelin]

You guys should get together sometime and have a COLD one... ;) ::)...

[Franco]

Sounds like someone's nortons are snagged

[macojoe]

I don't have my nads caught on anything!!

This is a brand new guy like many others who might not have thought of that option!!

And I also told him what I thought it might be. And yes I drove my I/O!

But Cliffy boy things he can be the king and tell me what I can and can not say!!

Well guess what F*&K Him I will say what I feel like!!

This is what happens when you have a great site and it starts getting big! You get a new want a be, start shooting his mouth off!

Well I guess I will move on to another site now!! I anit got time for bull $hit!

Sorrry to all the good guys that have to read this! But I hate a$$holes!

[Skools Out]

Hey MJ,
I agree with you on the I/O's Suck. I've got both in the yard and love my outboard boats 10 times over my I/O's. My I/O isn't an old one either. It's a 1986 250 Sea Ray Fishing Cruiser and it has had a heart transplant in 1994 with a new 310 HP 350 GM. But still would take my older 1978 V20 out over it anyday or my old 1978 Continental 21. V20 it the best ride and Outboards in my opinion are best route.

[chumbucket]

Someone give me a hug! :P :-/

[Blue_Runner]

What about twin diesel inboard ??? I'd take that over outboard if I had a 50ft slip! But for gas engines, outboard, outboard, outboard. I have a friend that has an I/O and it has spent more time in the shop than on the water. Most recent problem was the coil went bad. Outboards do have their share of problem too though.

P.S. Cliff, quit pushing MJ's buttons >:( and MJ, quit letting him get you all riled up - that's what he wants you to do ::) We should all be able to speak our opinions here without fear of retribution! That's what it is for, to share thoughts and ideas. MJ saying I/O's suck doesn't make I/O's suck (they suck all by theirselves :-X).

[Skools Out]

I have seen a really great idea for an I/O that was a GM V8 replacement. A local guy at my beach place took out his I/O 350 Gas after many many dollars spent. He put in one of those old GM Conversion Diesel 350 motors they used in the 80's in cars. He loved it. Was great on fuel and never a problem, no electrical issues anymore. But a little low on HP so he took it out and used a old GM 6.2 Diesel. That makes his fly and great on fuel too. But it was a 27 ft. So a 350 Conversion should push a V20 fine i'm sure and they are cheap from a Junk yard. No plugs, coils, or any of that to go bad.

[Franco]

HE MJ, DON'T YOU DARE LEAVE THIS SITE - YOUR THE EVEN KEEL AROUND HERE - AND SPEAK YOUR MIND ALWAYS - ME, I NEVER HAD ANY PROBLEMS WITH MY I/O - I JUST AM JEALOUS YOU GOT SO MUCH MORE ROOM WITH THE BRACKET.

P.S. - GLAD TO HEAR THE NORTONS ARE SAFE!!!

[chumbucket]

Listen, everyone is entitled to and can openly speak their opinions. 8)
Personally, the only way I'd ever own another dangle drive is if the boat was priced way below the actual value. We all have our reasons why we prefer one over the other. I feel that you get a better power to weight ratio with an outboard. I know of all the reasons why one may have an advantage over another. I've had much real world experience with both. In a small boat (probably 22' and under) I would go with strictly outboard. In anything larger, I would consider straight inboard gas or diesel.
I'm done with dangle drives. :P

[chumbucket]

I think Mj may be taking a hiatus for a while. He's got a lot of $hit on his plate at home........and, it's fishing season. ;)

[Vic]

Hey scools out I never heard a price on that 225 with the excellent compresion. That sounds like a nice motor. I might be interested. I'm look'n at a 23' Dusky project boat that could use a 225 I think.
Welcome to the sight Scook. Honestly I never read this kind of talk on here before. Sorry. This is a great place to get great ideas for V20's From major renovations to how to rebuild a tilt and trim unit. These guys have tons of great experience and are super helpfull. We all love our V20's. I think if you need to repower. You would really appreciate the extra room these boats have with a full transom, and a bracket. I have the same boat only an 84. A 175 pushes it as fast as you could need to go.

[Skools Out]

I was going to post the 225 Johnson on Ebay at $1800.00 and see what happens. But will sell other wise. The motor came off a bass boat that was used only on Lake Lanier Ga. So it's a fresh water only motor. The motor is located in Graham NC. Exit 151 off Highway 40.

[Seacrets]

Choice of power is just that, a choice. I own an 86 outboard and quite frankly I'd rather be in an I/O model in a following sea. In the older outboard models you have a 20" transom with no scuppers. There's a reason Wellcraft switched to a 25" transom and installed scuppers. If you want to install a bracket and outboard, do it, but it's not the best thing since sliced bread. It may be to MJ and others, but not to everybody. Most 20' boats are kept on a trailer and not in the water which can be the kiss of death for an I/O docked in saltwater, so what's the big I/O issue? What does it really matter? MJ, maybe the reason you didn't like your I/O is because it may have been underpowered. Hop in a 260 HP I/O and you may be surprised. We have guys with 115 hp to twin 140's. Does it really matter what you have for power? Who cares, but I don't think one design vs. another sucks. It's like saying that Yamaha or Mercury is the best outboard. It's personal preference. If I ever did a bracket, I'd do a sea drive model rather than an I/O boat. There's alot less hole to fill. Again, personal preference, but the I/O, bracket doesn't suck either. Just my .02

[scook]

Wow, I was gone for a couple of days and a fight broke out - I miss all the fun.

Thank all of you guys for the comments. I STILL don't have the manuals for the boat, and have been burried in a project (and will be for a few more days). I'll post more info. & questions when I get a better idea of what's going on.

I don't think it's a raw water cooling system - it has a radiator cap. I'm going to get some ear muffs and try to get it running with the help of a couple of mechanics that I know, and should learn something from that exercise.

Hang in there MJ, don't desert me when I'm just getting started. We're going to get a better feel for the boat and make sure it's in good enough shape to justify the outboard conversion. If it is, it will probably be a winter project - I think that would be a fantastic boat with an outboard and all that cockpit room. Thanks again - Scott