Advice on 1983 V20 C.C. (fisherman)

[familyman]

Hello all, hopefully I am at the fountainhead of knowledge regarding this boat. What can you tell me about this year model, things to look out for, general build quality, areas where wood and rot occur, gelcoat, common stress crack areas...whew. I know Wellcraft makes a solid boat, but this is an older model.

Thanks in advance!
-familyman

[phester]

i tell you what f.man, you are at the right forumfor all your questions.I just became a proud new owner just four days ago so my input would be somewhat limited...but I do know this, reguardless of age, when they're good they're great

[reelapeelin]

Faman...on the cuddy model, it seems the round access hatches weren't installed well which allowed moisture into the hatch covering the fuel tank...can't picture the layout on the fisherman and where those round hatches may have been used, but look closely around any you see on the floor...other than that look for the regular stuff especially the transom...walk ALL over the floor for soft spots...keep in mind it's 22 yrs old...you lookin' to boat or build?...

Compression test the motor...

Phester's right, these boats are worth puttin' some (or a lot) of work into, but depends on what you got in mind...hope it works out well for you... ;) :)

Keep us posted...caution...the guys on this board just HATE it when somebody posts pictures...did somebody say pictures?...where?...

[familyman]

Don't have a pic to offer ya...sorry. No way to upload from p.c. From other detailed shots the boat looks really well cared for, the motor was repowered with a new powerhead in 99.
Of course, I will give it a thorough look over before picking it up. This is not my first boat, I have had 3 others and fixed/maintained em' all myself. I am not a surveyor but do know my way around watercraft.

Thanks for all the replies so far:)

[CT_V-20]

Check all the through hulls for double clamps and plastic. Other than that, so long as the transom is solid and the deck is firm, I would spend all my energy on the motor.

[familyman]

Question, it had a new(nor refurb) 99 powerhead installed on it, it is a 94. Pre Ficht-of-Death injection. It will keep the old internals...carb, ignition ect. Right? Has less than 100 hrs on new powerhead so it is broken in but should have plenty of life left....Right?
Thanks!

[Vic]

Familyman, I have an 84 and found the structural damage originated at the joints where the stringers meet the ribs. There are 1" holes that Wellcraft cut through the stringers back in the bilge area. I would feel inside them and check the wood. Also the fuel tank area has cutouts on the top of the starboard stringer for fuel line fill line and vent hose the wood is exposed there too if you can get to it check it there. As far as the hull they are very solid hulls, and a great ride.

[reelapeelin]

Is the motor a FICHT?...if so , there is no carb...not sure I understand your last post, FM...

:)

[familyman]

Vic, thanks for the info, that is just what i am looking for.
Reelapeelin, no it is a 94 with a 99 powerhead.

Anyone know the details surrounding powerhead replacement on the pre-ficht models??