Is this a good buy?

[Jetstream]

Hi, I am a former V-20 owner and after a 5 year gap I have decided to buy another so I can go fishing again. The boat I want is a 1978 V-20; With a 1999 Merc 135 optimax OB.
It has a recent full canvas and bow rail. Comes with basic electronics. Entire soft deck was professionally replaced 2 years ago but still has original fuel tank.(why anyone would pay for that and not replace the tank seems strange) the deck now has only 2 small plastic hatches, 1 over the tank fuel fittings, one over the tank for the oil injection. I do not smell any gas in there but I can't imagine that original tank can last much longer.?.
The transom has been profess. replaced/glassed where the engine mounts also. Comes with a 2001 single axle trailer.
The interior is just fine but needs minor cosmetics.
I will pay for a compress. test and go for trial before buying. Is 10,000. a fair price? I look forward to getting another V-20 and am thrilled with the photo gallery!
Thanks for any feedback!

[chumbucket]

Welcome to the site Jetstream. ;D
Sounds a bit high to me. You don't know how many hours are on that motor do you? A five year old motor and a three year old trailer (if in very good condition) might be worth as much as $6500.00. ??? ??? ??? (notice the questions!) That's allowing $5000 for the motor and $1500 for the trailer. What's a 1978 V20 hull go for? In very good shape, maybe as much as $2500.00. I don't know. Maybe I'm way off base, but I think it should be somewhere around $8000.00 - $8500.00. It would seem to me that for $10,000 you could find something newer??????
If you do decide to go for it and can come to an agreement, definately have everything checked out. And, if you're going to pay to do a comp. check on the motor, have them pressure test the gas tank too.
Good luck.

[Seakindly]

NO

[Seacrets]

There's a 94 steplift center console w/ 95 200 hp Merc and trailer. Looks to be in great shape on Florida Sportsman Magazine online for $10,500.00

[macojoe]

I will sell you my 75 cuddy for $10,000 in a heart beat!!

I wonder what mine is worth?? I was thinking if i had to (and I am not and do not have to) mine waht would I get?
I thought Brand new trailer,$2500,
1975 Hull, $2000,
1989 Yamaha with new shift rod, $1500,
Thats $6000. I would ask like 6 to $6500 and take $5,500 to $6000 ??

I no I have alot more invested but I am realistic, after all it is a older boat.

Any way to much I think.

[Mac_Attack]

I just went through a year of looking for a V20. I'd say around 7grand would seem fair provided everything tested Ok. Bill Mc ;D

[garbubba]

two years ago I paid $6500 for an 87 cuddy with a '96 200 merc & an original (I think) aluminum trailer. I think I did pretty good but that seems to be about the going price & about what I think the boat you are looking at should be worth.

Doug

[Jetstream]

Thanks,
The price is firm and I am moving on. :-/

[Seakindly]

You are lucky.
I wrote a post about an hour ago and it went off into cyberspace. >:(

That trailer was not enough gvwr for a v20. UNSAFE AND ILLEGAL.
That motor was not enuff hp for a v20. Also 1999 OPTIMAX -- not so sure about them.
Boat had been beat to hell. Transom and entire floor replaced, but what about stringers and fuel tank ???

I usually don't comment on "is this a good deal posts", but in this case, I felt it necessary to make an exception.

Jetstream, take your time and study this site. There are lots of v20's out there. You will know the one that is right for you when you see it -- if you do your homework.

[garbubba]

Smart man, keep looking don't give up the boat IS worth it.

Doug

[macojoe]

Jetstream, were are you from?? We can all keep a eye out for a boat in your area, and let you no when we find something!

Pleanty to do around!! You will get one!!

[Jetstream]

I'm in RI. I am expecting a call from a guy to tell me more about his "looks and runs like new" 1979 with a 1991 merc 150 OB. , new Bimini and some minor electronics. No trailer..but wife said one might be available. Listed for 9500 lol. I am more educated now. Power in knowlege and all that! ;) I WANT one though. To Seakindly, thanks for the reply, without any malice I just want you to know that I had a 1984 V-20 with an '84 merc 115 O/B with a dole-fin, and a 1998 single axle, no brake trailer (from a dealer, ? legal)
But it ran very well and such. Could it have been faster out of the hole ect? Maybe, but it was OK to me and I like speed! Trolled with it too with no fouling. Why did I sell it....what a stupid a**! Had a radar and gps too. Oh well.
Thanks all.

[Jetstream]

Update, the owner of the '79 says that his boat has the original fuel tank and all decks and stringers are sound as far as he knows. He does have a 2001 2 axle (this time whatever I get will have that-thanks Seakindly) to go with it. Told him the price seems too high, especially with a 12 year old motor, but he wants to show it and have me make an offer. I am looking forward to seeing it since it is set up fairly well for fishing with rod holders, a gps chart plotter, and some other stuff. Macojoe I keep staring at that icon!:D

[macojoe]

me to!! I am waiting for her to have a accident and have one or both fall out!! ;)

[Seakindly]

Jetstream,
you could be alright with a 115 if you weren't in strong inlet currents or running far offshore. But it would be a strain on the motor over time. A low pitch/high diameter prop could pull it off.

But a single axle trailer that is definitely of insufficient GVWR for a v20 is out of the question. Unsafe and illegal to operate. Any dealer that would sell such a package is a damn fool lookin for a lawsuit.

PS -- no malice perceived or intended. This site is about fun things to know and do. ;D

[macojoe]

Well a single axkle trailer is not the end of the world!!

I have been using one for 6 years!! Only had one problem with it and that was my error!

Alot of V20 oners have sigle and get buy fine! But if you are a heavy user like me , then you will want to look into a heavier trailer when you can.

I just bought a tandam and love it!!

[Brian_M]

My V20 came with a single axle trailer, 16" tires. It seems easier to handle in tight spots but the tongue weight is a bit high, I can't adjust the boat/axle any more so i have to live with it....

[Seakindly]

Well a single axkle trailer is not the end of the world!! *
It very easily could have been.

What is your trailer rated to carry? GVWR minus trailer weight.

Bottom line -- if not about 4000 lbs, then you need a new trailer for your V-20.

[macojoe]

well 3500 will do!!

Hull I/O is 2200# dry,
400# avrage motor= 2600#
65 gal gas 455# = 3055#
10% gear 400# = 3455#

Now if you are buying a new trailer then Yes get at least 4000, I have 4200 as does SK

But if you just bought it and short on cash a 3500 single will get you thur!! Just make sure you maintaine all the grease points and tires and you will be fine!!
I was for 6 years and there are pleanty of others , some on this board that are using singles with no problems.

Good Luck!

[Jetstream]

Boring update- Saw the 79 V-20 cuddy last night. "boat is in great shape, I take care of my things" I was told. So I went to have a look. Here is a sampling: Rotting below deck bulkhead, "new" enclosure was 2 years old and looked like 8, dead batteries, chipped gelcoat everywhere, fuel smell in the tank compartment and weird winged little bugs throughout the wet tank insulation. cracked windshield from some custom drilling gone wrong. soft feeling front deck, corroded and bent up bow rail, trashed seating, and a nice coating of spray painting mist over everything to sweeten the deal. I may bite at this one ;)

[Seakindly]

Jetstream, we've all been there. Look at the bright side -- if you have to look at 100 v20s to find the right one -- then you only have 99 to go. :)

MJ, you are forgetting about the 500+ pound mako. ;D

[Seakindly]

My rig:

5400 - GVWR

1250 - TRAILER
2300 - HULL
*450 - MAIN OUTBOARD
*100 - KICKER, BRACKET, OIL TANK
*100 - DUAL BATTS
*450 - 60 GALS GAS
*100 - ANCHOR, CHAIN, PLATFORM, ROLLER

4750 - SUBTOTAL
*650 - ALLOWED FOR GEAR, FISH AND [ANY WATER IN BOAT]

[Seacrets]

Magic Tilt manufactures a single axle trailer rated for up to 7300 lbs. with brakes. Seakindly, when you back out the trailer weight, 375 lbs for gas (6.25 lbs per gallon at 72 degrees) not 450 lbs and the kicker weight it's not that bad of a package to tow. I towed a steplift for years and there were many times I wished I had a single axle trailer at some tight ramps. I guess it's just a matter of personal preference.

[macojoe]

4750 - 1250 = 3500# for boat! so a single 3500# pound capacity trailer will work.

Better to have some leway!! But will work till something better comes around.

Here is the maco!!

http://img43.photobucket.com/albums/v131/macojoe/shark2.gif

[Jetstream]

Hey the mako is eating Ellen DeGeneres from the Nemo flick!
Cool graphic, I watched it for 5 seconds and your icon for 30.....again.

[Seakindly]

Seacrets - you are right about single axle having the advantage for manuverability. However the tandem has far more important advantages in the realm of safety. It is interesting that Magictilt has a single axle rated for 7300 lbs., but you would have to be crazy to haul a 7300 lb boat down the highway on a single axle. Can you imagine what fun that would be with a tire blowout! :o

3500 capacity for a v20 is really cuttin it close. I think it was Crusher that actually weighed his rig. You would be surprised at how easy it is to underestimate your total weight, especially for an older boat that is carrying water in the wood and foam. Not to mention all the extras we like to carry with all the storage we have. :) Better to get something about 4000, give or take a couple hundred, and then you don't have to worry.

[Seacrets]

Seakindly, I agree with what you say. I have a 24' Sea Ray Laguna, however I wouldn't think of a single axle trailer for it. The trailer I mentioned is built for a 22-24' boat. It's better to be safe than sorry.

[macojoe]

Icon " O boy he's going to get him, O Boy he's going to get him, REPEAT, REPEAT, .............

Watch Shark, He gets Nemo just as she says Him!!!! *;D

http://home.comcast.net/~macojoe/wsb/media/137921/site1178.gif

http://img43.photobucket.com/albums/v131/macojoe/shark2.gif

[Jetstream]

The topic of trailer safety is important, so I won't point out that the babe closest to the shark has now lost 20 lbs.

[macojoe]

Its from all the working out she is doing!! ;D

Really the avatar shurnk her to fit in the little window and made her a bit chunky. The skinnjy pic is what she should really look like.