Picked up my 3rd V
 

Well I went about a month without a V-20. This one is an 83 cuddy powered by a 470 mercrusier. I’ve never had an I/O and wanted to stick with an outboard but when I looked at this one it was apparent that the owner took very good care of it and I couldn’t pass it up for the price. He was the 3rd owner and knew the 2nd. I know the last two owners always trailered. I’m guessing the first owner left it docked since it does have bottom paint.




Boat seems structurally solid, I couldn’t find any soft spots or wood that looked bad or sounded bad to the hammer test.

It has a bunch of different canvas, auto pilot, trim tabs, newer captains chairs on pedestals and a bunch of other odds and ends.

Never having an I/O I’m not real sure what to expect performance wise. I’m hoping for good gas milage out of the 4 cylinder and hopefully at least 30mph


I’ll get you guys some more pictures when I pull off some of the current accessories and replace them with some things I have

That is great news James. Congrats!

Well done, early to mid 80 s were the golden years. Don t know much about IO s just be sure and check the bellows. They play a major role in keeping the water on the outside.

They were just professionally replaced this winter with receipts

Congrats on the "new" boat!

Congratulations! :clap:

Did some drilling yesterday for a new kicker bracket, rod holder tracks and fish finders. Thrilled to say i found all solid wood with no signs of moisture.

One thing I will say is this one seems to have a lot thicker wood on the console and the gunwale then my 90 center console side.

Can’t wait to get out fishing.

Awesome ,you have any pictures:pic:

I’ll have more once I’m done, almost there.

Congrats on your New V personally I'm not a fan of IOS but it sure looks good with having a full transom ,you just have to remember to open the hatch when fueling , she is a beautiful vessel, I can't get enough of looking at those Vs .To me it is the most beautiful boat ever made I have mine over 25 years and still love those lines, I would never ever own a differant boat.Bigger if I had the money but I will always keep my V.

Congratulations on the new V! looks like you got yourself a nice one. I personally like the I/O, they're easy and simple to maintain and repair. You should get good mileage and speed out of it. I wouldn't take something pretty for mine! Hope you enjoy that beauty!

Nice boat! I have an 88 with the same motor. You will want to keep an eye on coolant loss and overheating . These engines have camshaft seals problems. When the first seal goes the coolant drips out of a weep hole below the front of the camshaft. When the second goes the coolant gets into your oil. You might want to add a 4” heat exchanger if yours still has the 3”. Also, most owners ditch the problematic stator and put in an alternator. All that being said, I love mine. Great torque and fuel economy. Mine is the 165hp version and will go mid to upper 30’s. I just had the camshaft seals replaced as well as an electronic ignition added on. Hoping to get out on Wednesday to see how she performs. Enjoy!

I have an ‘85 and had the same issues as Dschaffer. I did all of the work myself (with some timely advice from Spareparts). If you get into that or decide to buy a new heat exchanger, let me know and I’ll help as much as I can.

Particularly the heat exchanger - I got mine at about half the price the Mercury dealers wanted. They’re manufactured out here in Washington state and I think I can find the contact info. for the guy who shipped it to me. It was like $500 instead of $1000 - something like that.

Well guys that one didn’t last long. I’m now looking for my fourth V!


Had motor issues from the start. Ran fine for the short inspection before buying. That was the last time it ran fine. Glad I have a good kicker! Also found a soft stringer and motor mount while spending my share of time in the engine bay. I tapped the heck out of that that before buying but even though it was thawed outside I guess the water in the wood was still frozen, had a completely different sound to it.

I sold her for what she was instead of what I was told and took a beating. Probably too much of a beating as it sold extremely quick.

Live and learn, hopefully I’ll have my fourth V soon. Already have one in my sights if the owner and I can agree on a price.

If anyone knows of a solid one with an outboard let me know, have cash in hand.

where are you located, thinking about selling mine, I just don't have the time

I’m in Ohio but I don’t mind a drive for the right one