Newby needs advice.
 

Hello all.
I have never owned a fiberglass boat before , but am looking at a 1989 V-20 Dual console with a 175 merc. Dealer is aking 3850 for this boat , motor , and trailer. I looked at it this past friday while on my way to the coast for some fishing and found the following.
Big hole, basketball size, with rot in what I would call the anchor locker. Big locker in bow that had anchor and 100' of rode.
Bilge filled with water deep enough that water was backed up in fish locker just in front of bilge hatch.
Motor looked clean but could not run, did not have time, and dealer could not give any type of compr. numbers.
All of the lockerhatches seem to leak.
All of the smoke gray covers seemed to leak.
The trailer will have to have new bunks, bunk supports, and rollers and 4 new tires.
The hatches, covers, and the trailer are all what I would consider minor repairs. Gaskets and brackets and tires. Maybe 400 to 600 bucks.
The hole in the locker is the big worry for me. The hole looks to be a straight forward repair job, but what else should I look for?
Would the water from there run straight back to the bilge?
All else seemed to be solid. I did not find any soft spots in floor and the transom seemed to be good. I will be going back for a second look next week and will have plenty of time to do a more through inspection.
I need all of the advice I can get. I do not have time for a serious project boat, I really am looking for something that I can put in the water with min time spent repairing and cannot not afford to invest more than 5000 in the whole thing.
Any advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Michael

IMO I would keep looking, I am sure ll can be fixed but for that price there is better out their, Don't be in a hurry lots of boats out there right now

Sight unseen, I agree with MJ. You can probably find a better rig for the money. What is your budget around $4500? Did the dealer say the motor runs? What year model is the motor?

UNless you are looking for a project boat and can handle the projects you can see and what you may not see Walk Away.
If you want a project boat pay accordingly, that price is certainly not it. IMO

RUN FORREST, RUN!!! There's a bunch of very good V20's out there for the same price or not much more.

For 3850, I am sure you could find a fantastic deal on a "V" with trailer.
It may be an older model, but it will be solid.

Thanks for all of the advice . I will keep looking. Not in a big hurry. I do not want to have to replace transom or stringers. Minor repairs I do not mind. I know any boat, motor, and trailer deal for 5000 or less will probrably need something. But I do not want to have to repower right off the bat, or start major repairs.
Thanks
Michael

I WOULDN'T BUY ANY USED MOTOR W/OUT COMPRESSION NUMBERS AND A SEA-TRIAL...you may have a diamond in the rough there, but I don't think you have enough info yet...