looking at used v20-a little help?

[sloppyhooker]

hello all. i'm looking at a '73 v20 cuddy with a 160 mercruiser (not sure of year, probably mid-80's), and would appreciate any feedback regarding problems with this year hull and motor. i went thru all the pictures for ideas and y'all have some sweet rides. i've always liked the look and layout of the boat, and i've got a chance to pick this one up pretty cheap and make it purdy, but it'd be nice to get a little advice from the experts about any eccentricities particular to this boat/motor. look forward to joining the club. the hull overall is in really good shape for the age, but where in particular should i inspect?

oh yeah, it does not have a prop, what would you recommend?

thanks in advance for your responses :).

[Brian_M]

Hi,

I have a '75 with the GM straight six I/O. The only real problem I've had is the shift cut out switch went bad. To repair it takes either finding an obsolete switch or changing out the shift cable assy, and trim tilt pump.

Rebuilt carbs run about $250.

Also, the alt belt is a bit difficult to change due to the motor mount design.

The 165 moves the boat well, up to about 30 mph, and is relativley quiet. The best thing is parts availability and ease of maintenace. I put "take apart hinges" on the engine box and can remove it and access the whole motor easily

Brian

[macojoe]

Well come sloppyhooker!!

I also had the 165 I/O and unlike Brian I hated it with every bone in my body!!
Manafold rotted out and it was near $400 for a new one!! But it doesn't stop there! then you have the elbow and exchust hose that have to be replaced with it all at a cost close to $600 if you buy and do your self!!

This was my first I/O and LAST!! People like me think it was going to be easy to have a I/O because it is a car motor and well I can fix my car so how hard is it going to be fixed?
I/O always has something messing with them!! from the little wire that is rotted to the out drive breaking!! Non of which is fun to fix!! Wait till the engin coupler goes!! and you have to pull that motor out!!

As for the boat, It is a nice boat and I love mine 1975 cuddy. Just give it a good look over!! I guess the week point in the older boat is the transom. Outboard transoms are much easier to ck for damage as you can use the motor to ck, by lifting up and moving it around to see if there is any movement.
I/O are much harder!! But you can try to lift the leg tosee if it flexs at all. Also look for a sinking around were the outdrive goes in.

I had mine for 4 years and never stoped fixing things!!!
So I converted mine by installing a bracket and a 175 Yamaha now I go 40mph rather then 30!! I cruise at 35 instead of 20 something. It is a much better ride today then it ever was.

Not trying to scare you off!! They are not all nightmares!! But if it was me I would be buying the boat and thinking about converting it.

Its a great boat!!! You will have tons of fun and great times in it!! Nice rides for years to come!! Just need to think about the power plant is all!!

Of corase this is my opion!! and I am sure there will be pleanty of argument on this.

Good Luck and ask all the ???? you have to!

[garbubba]

I'd have to concur about the 165. I had two before my current boat & never again.

Better on gas & quieter are pluses for an I/O but they can nickle & dime you to death, I learned all about muriatic acid, how to rebuild a rochester BC carb, how to do gearwork on the outdrive, how to hate bellows & that damn contact cement & I bet I pulled & replaced the outdrives 50 times in 10 years!

I use my boats in the Gulf.

An outboard can be pulled off & replaced, expensive but simple & sure!

just my 2 cents

Doug