newbie needs advice on v20
 

I'm going to go pick this boat up sat. Morning. My question is how dp I make sure the transom isnt rotten out. And what other major things should I look for
I know its going to be a project boat but as long as the transom is good I should b ok right? Any advice would be helpful. Thx

Btw its. 1977 v20 walk thru windshield with a small cuddy and set up for an outboard

Walk all over the floor on the balls of your feet, kinda bouncing as you go, feeling for any area that feels soft under you feet. Raise the engine and push down on it from outside, looking for any major flex in the transom. Look at the transom from outside, look at any holes that have been drilled into it. Were they sealed with something or just left open?
If they are not sealed, take a very small drill bit and push it into the holes, then pull it out. Look at the wood chips (if any) that come out with the bit. Are they like oatmeal or are they like wood? (Oatmeal usually means some rot is in the transom)

from what you posted, it sounds liek it doesn't have a motor on it, too bad, its easier to cehck with a motor on it. try taking a screw driver and tap on teh transom with the handle of the screw driver, listen for a hollow sound, if the transom is solid, it will have a ring to it, if it sounds dull and hollow, its probably rotten

Thanks guys. I will be sure to do this Saturday. Will keep you posted if ill have a american classic sittin in the garage Saturday afternoon.

Good luck.....welcome to the club