fisherman 20 possible purchase help

[Mmac0405]

Hello ive been boat shopping I found 1989 fisherman 20 with 1996 Johnson ocean runner. This will be my first boat I have common sense but I do not no much about hull or outboards besides the basic. I was told motor was rebuilt over winter there no proof of that besides his word. The floors and transom are solid. So I told him im not buying a boat till we put it in the water and run it well we did that yesterday and the motor sounded real good and the boat didn't sink but it kept boggin down and dying , water in the fuel owner told me that he hasn't change the fuel since last season but I know there is a fuel tank issue with these boats the fuel tank is on the floor by the console which it has silicone or caulk around it still so im assuming it hasn't been touched before. any suggestion? here a few pics also tell me what you think its worth

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[Redloon]

In the first picture there is a bow eye ring (I don't know if that is the proper term for it) on the side a couple feet back from the bow. I've never seen that before so I assume it was added by the owner and there is probably one on the other side also - most likely used to hold the bow down on the trailer. Looks like the strap has worn thru the gelcoat.

I would get a portable gas tank with fresh gas/oil mix and run the motor on that to see if the motor issue cleared up.

What is the owner asking for the boat? I'm curious because I've been looking for a V20 Center Console myself.

[Striper80]

The head bolts look awefully rusted for an engine that was supposedly rebuilt over the winter. Shouldn't he have some type of receipt for the work?

[Mmac0405]

4000 he's asking. That makes sense about the head bolts said a friend rebuilt it that's why no reciept

[spareparts]

those bow eyes are in an area thats not designed to take that kind of stress. Anyone with any kind of mechanical ability would have at least painted that powerhead while it was off for a rebuild. I'd run away. If you are really interested in it, I would pay a professional mechanic to take a look at it

[Striper80]

Originally Posted by Mmac0405

4000 he's asking. That makes sense about the head bolts said a friend rebuilt it that's why no reciept

He still should have some receipts for parts and what not. Something doesn't smell right to me. I also question the bow eyes on the sides. I'd keep looking.

[THEFERMANATOR]

RUN FOREST RUN! Check out that aluminum plate over the transom, that is a dead givewaway of transom problems somebody is trying to cover up and get by with. Also that engine is an OCEAN RUNNER, and OCEAN RUNNERS came with stainless head bolts, so the rusted head bolts tell you right there somebody has been into it. The steel head bolts used on older engines do rust, and rust easily, hence the need for constant painting of them. Bogging down and dying out could be water in the fuel, but it would take alot of water to plug it off. To many indicators here tingle my spidey senses, and say he's trying to unload his problems on you.

[smokeonthewater]

Too many Mickeymouse things going on.... If he was dumping it for $400 I'd be all over it but 4k w problems... Boat structure and engine.... That potentially leaves you with a $4k trailer.

[bradford]

Nice gunnel mounted depth sounder.

Please don't buy that thing.

It's a shame someone did that to the old girl.