1975 v20 20' I/O cuddy
 

Looking at possibly buying one. Seller has stated it has "large" 4cyl motor. Need feedback on what would be good replacement engine/drive. Currently have 20' Shamrock but looking for project boat with less weight, easier to tow around.

Re: 1975 v20 20' I/O cuddy
 

I'll refer you to MJ, he's sure to have an opinion of what you should do! Bill Mc ;D

Re: 1975 v20 20' I/O cuddy
 

Great,
Thanks

Re: 1975 v20 20' I/O cuddy
 

Go Bracket youg man!!!! Add a 150 to 175 outboard and you have a fishing machine!!

There are pleanty of used brackets around if you look hard.
I got one off a 23' Seacraft for $400, New $1600+ With a couple of pt shims on the corners to make up for the curve in the V20 transom it fit perfect!!

I had a 165 I/O stright 6 cyl, Chevy 250, IMO opion it was never never powerful anough for that boat!! So I dread to see what a 4 cyl would do!!

Its not as hard as you think to do, and if you are handy you can do it your self!! I did and have no idea what I was doing!! Been going just fine for 3 seasons now!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...e/3c774c38.jpg

Re: 1975 v20 20' I/O cuddy
 

Your bracket/outboard looks good. Did you re-inforce the transom to accomdate? I know with I/O the stringers where the engine mounts is taking most of the force instead of the transom. Any problem areas to check for rot on these boats?
Thanks

Re: 1975 v20 20' I/O cuddy
 

I just filled the holes with ply and fiberglass.

Then I have a welding buddy that I told to take some 3" X 1/2" Flat stock and weld me a bracket with the same bolt patterned as the bracket.

I then ran bolts thur the bracket, transom, and inside bracket. Now the hole transom will have to fall off to lose the motor!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v1...e/8b5ee0ae.jpg

As for rot spots in these boats, ck the transom real good, the gas tank covers on the floor, and the rear stringers in the bilge. All easy fixes but need to be checked!!

Re: 1975 v20 20' I/O cuddy
 

Thats an awsome job! How did you drill the hole for steering cable and controls.

Re: 1975 v20 20' I/O cuddy
 

I did it with this new invention, called a DRILL!! And another great idea, a HOLE SAW!!
Worked awsome!!

I am such a a$$hole!! ;D

Re: 1975 v20 20' I/O cuddy
 

Anybody gonna challenge that last statement?... ::)

Re: 1975 v20 20' I/O cuddy
 

sucker bet!!!

Re: 1975 v20 20' I/O cuddy
 

I've got another approach for you wakedodger" 1) make sure your significant other isn't watching, 2)take out your checkbook, 3)go down to your favorite boat yard, 4)order an armstrong bracket ($1,100), 5) pick out an outboard, 6)write out a big check *:-X, 7)go home and tell your significant other how great they are and how lucky you are to have them in your life, 8)wait five weeks (throw in a couple more spontaneous "I love yous" during this period and buy some flowers...you can buy 'em cheap at the grocery store...think big picture here), 9)hey, you're already spending so much let the yard guys paint the bottom for you - just this year - and since the fiberglass guy is already working on your boat install that raw water washdown you've been wanting, 10) buy your significant other a cashmere sweater or some ***elry, 11)pick up your "new" boat, 12)splash it and enjoy!

If confronted by an angry significant other during this garaunteed program, calmly state how better this is than having a boat taken apart in your driveway, angry neighbors and how much safer it is to have "professionals" get your boat seaworthy. After all, as you have stated (if you're following the program as defined above) you love your signifacant other and are greatful for every shore-based moment with them, therefore, what's a few extra dollars to protect your future together with your soul-mate?

Once my new motor and bracket are on my boat I'll let you know how this program truly works out.

Re: 1975 v20 20' I/O cuddy
 

where is the part about wearing your new body armor?

Re: 1975 v20 20' I/O cuddy
 

Arrrrgh.....MJ, hearin you talk about losing the whole transom is like fingernails on a chalk board - please warn us first next time!

There's a shark movie out now that shows a big walkaround boat with twins lose the whole transom while underway. They did a good job with the special effects. I didn't see the movie but I saw an advertisement for it that showed them lose the twins. Anybody else see that?

Re: 1975 v20 20' I/O cuddy
 

no worry about it!! Or you will never fish!!

Re: 1975 v20 20' I/O cuddy
 

CT, sounds like many years experience in your proceedure... ;)...Franco's advice may be well heeded... ::)...