looking at a 1984 V20 fisherman center console

[Jaylob]

Hi,

I am new to the forum and am in FL. I am looking at purchasing a 1984 v20 fisherman center console powered by a 2006 suzuki 140. The boat seems very well taken care of. No real issues that I can see. Basic center console - no T-top, old vhf and fishfinder/depthfinder. I took it for a sea trial and it rode great. I intend on using this boat primarily on the Intracoastal Waterway and take it offshore on occasion. When purchasing this boat, is there anything in particular that I should look for that would indicate trouble with this particular boat of this age? From what the owner says, he replaced the fuel tank and lines about 2 years ago. The deck, hull and transom feel solid. I am just looking for some input from the Wellcraft insiders on things that I should look for when purchasing this boat. The owner was asking $9,ooo two months ago. The boat still has not sold. How does this price sound?

Any information would be appreciated.

[Cam]

Boat sounds nice and exactly what you would need, BUT, the price is wayyyyyyyy off the price (way high)you could/should be paying. There are boats out there for anywhere from $1500 to $7500, depending on year. You would probably be happier spending less and putting the money spent into the fuel tank.

[reelapeelin]

I agree w/Cam, but w/some qualifications...mainly the motor...that motor should bring a good price and is a good match for the V-20 CC...should be plenty of pep and fuel conservative...old electronics, but solid hull...how about trailer?...what kinda shape is that in?...provided the hull is in as good shape as you think, the tank was installed properly and the motor has been maintained and hasn't been abused, that boat oughtta bring 5-5500 dollars...maybe as low as 4500...but doesn't sound like he REALLY wants to sell yet...could be one of those cases where he's showin' the wife it's for sale, knowing he's askin' more than it'll bring...he's too high...

[Jaylob]

Thanks for the information. I wasn't going anywhere near the 9k mark he was asking. My top was 7. By the sounds of it, that is still too high.

The trailer is in average condition. Aluminum with, new lights and wiring, tandem axle, tires and rims are in good shape. I dont recall the condition of the leaf springs...

Do either of you have any hints on what I should look for for problem areas?

Oh yea..the hour meter reads about 200 hours on the engine.

Thanks again...

[phatdaddy]

look for soft spots in the deck and do the bounce test on the motor. i would also do a compression test on the motor. you don't say ,but is it a 2 stroke or 4? might be able to get some kind of computer readout on that model motor, also.

[Jaylob]

4 stroke. If we can agree on a price, much lower than the 9 he's asking, I'll have a compression test done.