[Geekie1]

Brian, These engines are great old beasts. Simple, no computers. Not particularly economical, but what big outboard is!! The shift shaft material problem is the only design flaw I know of. The only thing that seems to be a killer of any outboard motor is salt water corrosion and a lack of regular maintenance which causes death for sure. Beware of some Yamaha service techs! There is alot of incompetance out there. This shift shaft problem has caused alot of very expensive alledged lower unit rebuilds that were really just shift shaft replacements. Best of luck with your V20. They are great boats!!!