Thinking about buying a '71 V20, looking for tips

[JeffXJ]

Hi All,
I've been kicking around the idea of buying a boat for some time now. I've finally decided new boats aren't getting any cheaper and I'd rather fix up an older boat (plus maybe make it a little friendlier to my preferences). I've always liked the V20 and it seems I can usually find one in the paper, or online for sale. The particular one I'm looking at online now is here: http://www.budgetboats.net/71v20.htm . They are only asking $600, but it's advertised as "hull only" meaning I'll have to buy a trailer and motor right off the bat (which is fine by me, and I know I'm looking at 6-11 k for a 150 outboard) My big concern, though, is the hull. What do I need to look for? Are there particluar places I should check for rot or are there other issues I need to look for? I haven't been out to see the boat yet, as I'm still trying to figure out what all I need to look for to make sure it's sea worthy (or what it would take to make it seaworthy) in an attempt to NOT bite off more than I can chew. My present attitude is "it's only wood and fiberglass....how hard could it be?" Famous last words..... Anyway, kidding aside, any advice would be apreciated.

[fillet1]

Jeff

Welcome. There is lots of good advice here. Just about any type of repair project that can be done on a v-20 has been done by someone on this site!!

click here for general info then surf around a little!

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/cgi-bin/yabb/YaBB.cgi?board=for_sale;action=display;num=1108419 229

[reelapeelin]

Jeff...seems to me lookin' at the pics that boat has been in use fairly recently...when you said $600, I figured it would be covered in kudzu like one that came across this board the other day...lots there to start with, so for the money i'd say go for it...look around for "tea" colored water stains...they indicate rotted wood inside the fiberglass...look for them on the floor under the dash and on the floor under the cuddy...water getting thru the windshield screws will drip onto the floor under the dash...water getting thru ANYTHING screwed on top of the bow deck will drip into the cuddy...

Walk around ALL over the floor of the boat...everywhere, but particularly toward the back toward splashwell and transom...should feel solid all over; softspots indicate rot...if the motor is still on it and tilted up, EASE your body weight into the foot of the motor...perfect transom will support you w/ out too much noise(creaking and crackling)...excessive noise STOP before motor falls on ground...use your judgement here...don't expect perfect transom on 30+ yr old hull, unless it's just been rebuilt...look for hull ID# under rub rail on starboard transom last two numbers should be 71...look UNDER the boat for cracks and splits and blisters...all can be repaired, so don't let these things scare you off, and starting w/a $600 investment you should expect some repair...hope not too much...

These are great boats...you'll get a lot out of workin' on them and SPLASHIN' them... :)...

I've got an '86 Evinrude 150 that came off mine when repowered last fall...needs some stator work and plan to get her right before selling...carbs and compression great...SS prop and controls...post if interested...good luck either way... ;)...

[davexx]

If your thinking of buying a 71 boat and then 6-11 k for a motor why not buy a used package.you can prob get a pretty good maintained unit for that price. dave. :)

[davexx]

Reelapeelin,if you decide to sell that motor put me on your list.I,m intrested. thanks dave

[macojoe]

Thats not a bad looking boat for the money!!!

$600 ?? There is a reason!! He is keeping the trailer and motor so he must have something in that size range to use them on!!

I bet it going to need a transom??

But for $600 the transom is easy fix with Sea cast!!

Check Transom with directions above, floor, and stringers in the bildge area.

All can be fixed but I think these are the weak points!!

Good Luck!!

[JeffXJ]

Thanks all!
I appreciate all of your input. I'm going to try to take a look at it this weekend and I'll let you all know what I find! As for the motor, I appreciate the offer reelapeelin, but I'll probably pass. My goal in that department is to go with a 4-stroke outboard (especially now with gas prices the way they are :o ). Being that this boat will be used around the mouth of the Chesapeake and just off the Virginia coast, I don't think I need too much power as much as I need efficency.

[shicks007]

Jeffxj,

I also fish the Chesapeake Bay with my boat. It works out great normally, (sometimes :D)big enough to fish the open and small enough to fish the flats.

Mac, Budget boats sells used boats, motors and trailers. I suppose they can make more selling seperatly.

[Franco]

HEY JEFF, WHERE YA FROM, I MOVED FROM VA BEACH NOT TOO LONG AGO - USED TO GO OUT FROM BUBBA'S MARINA AT LYNNHAVEN OR OWLS CREEK AT THE BEACH

[JeffXJ]

Well, I just called the boatyard about the V20 I was looking at online. The reason the boat is being sold without the motor is because the motor is locked up. I hope they pull it if I decide to buy the boat. The guy on the phone said the boat was "way over powered". I don't know if I agree with him, but I'm sure I could get away with less than a 150 if I want to.

HEY JEFF, WHERE YA FROM, I MOVED FROM VA BEACH NOT TOO LONG AGO - USED TO GO OUT FROM BUBBA'S MARINA AT LYNNHAVEN OR OWLS CREEK AT THE BEACH

I live in Va Beach. Quite familiar with Bubba's. Try not to use him though. The city finally opened a ramp (a very nice ramp) on the other side of the Lesner Bridge and Bubba is PO'ed...to say the least. Bubba still charges around 10-12 bucks to splash a boat while the city ramp charges 5 bucks (if you have a saltwater license on the boat)

[Franco]

YEAH, YOUR RIGHT, I FORGOT ABOUT THE NEW RAMP, CRAB CREEK I THINK IT'S CALLED. ONLY THING I REALLY MISS IN VIRGINIA IS THE STRIPPER AND TUNA FISHING.
IT SEEMS LIKE THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF FREE RAMPS TO DROP IN HERE FOR FREE, MILES OF RIVERS, FLATS AND 2 INLETS FOR NEARSHORE AND OFFSHORE HERE.

[macojoe]

Well, I just called the boatyard about the V20 I was looking at online. The reason the boat is being sold without the motor is because the motor is locked up. I hope they pull it if I decide to buy the boat. The guy on the phone said the boat was "way over powered". I don't know if I agree with him, but I'm sure I could get away with less than a 150 if I want to.


Well hope that the motor is on there when you go check it out!! It will be good to be able to move it up and down to see how the transomm is!!

150 hp is over powered for a V20?? This guy has no F#$K idea wf=hat he is saying!!

150 IMO is the smallest you want to go on these boats!! it is the perfect match!!

I have a 175, I was looking for a 150 and came across this for a good deal and bought it.

There are guys here that have 200!! And even twin 140's!

But thats a good thing, that he no's not what he says!! Maybe he will sell real cheap!!

Good Luck!!

[JeffXJ]

Macojoe, I noticed that from some of the reading I did on this forum before I called. I think he was more interested in trying to not discourage me with having to buy a higher horsepower motor (In other words....more expensive!). He may be one of those "anti-horsepower" types......Sounded freindly and professional enough over the phone, but we'll see later today (if I can sneak out of work early enough) or tomorrow. In the mean time, I think the boat bug has bitten me bad. Instead of thinking about work, I can't stop thinking of what I want to do if I get this boat....especially after reading a lot of these forums.....Heeeeeelllllllllllllppppppppppp Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! ;D

P.S. I'll probably be asking a lot of questions on this forum in the near future! :)

[Franco]

WELL ASK AWAY, ALWAYS LOTS OF OPINIONS HERE

[JeffXJ]

OK, I just looked at the boat. All in all looks pretty good for the money. The transom seems a little soft, but no sqeaks or craking noises. It did seem to give a little more than I wanted. Also, the floor between the front seats (where the floor drops down) looks a little suspect. The sides look like they are bowing out (I hope that makes sense, it's a little tough to describe) The gelcoat (or maybe it's just paint) needs some work. The front eyelit for the tow strap is broken. The plus is the floor was rock solid, I was amazed give it's age. The boat didn't appear to have any bad repairs done to it. I'm going to talk to my cousin who works at a local marina about the transom and some other repairs. Hopefully I buy this boat tomorrow. Don't think I can do much better for the money even though I'm already looking at a laundry list of things to do to it, but first things first.....Need a trailer. By the way, I noticed it had a fuel cap on both sides of the boat. Am I correct in assuming it has two fuel tanks??? If so, anyone willing to give a little insight (capacities, locations, how to switch between the two...if that applies, etc)? Thanks, Jeff

[macojoe]

!t has two 20 gal gas tanks. One on each side.

If no one ever messed with it, then they are hooked toghter and will drain a little weird!!

I hooked a shut off and drain one at a time now.

One thing about them saddle bag tanks is that wellcraft saw fit to put the Vents to low on the sides and when they are full they will leak gas out the vents everytime you stop or go!

You will have to move them up on the side more! I put mine up on the Gunnles up were the side windshield sets on, no more leaks!

As for the transom you can cut the rear cap off and take a Chain saw and cut all the wood out between the skins. Then fill with Secast, It will make life much easier!! and that will be the last time yo will ever have to worry about it!!

One step at a time, get the boat and then pick what you are going to fix first!

Everyone here has done one or more of the repairs you are going to do!!

So there will be pleanty of info!!

Good Luck

[reelapeelin]

Mjs right about the fuel vents, but also for another reason...high wave action + sharp turns = water in the gas tank...or it did for me...


You might have found a diamond in the ruff...

Look back at MJ's post about parts...see budget boats for trailer... :D...