Thinking about buying a '71 V20, looking for tips

Hi All,
I've been kicking around the idea of buying a boat for some time now. I've finally decided new boats aren't getting any cheaper and I'd rather fix up an older boat (plus maybe make it a little friendlier to my preferences). I've always liked the V20 and it seems I can usually find one in the paper, or online for sale. The particular one I'm looking at online now is here: http://www.budgetboats.net/71v20.htm . They are only asking $600, but it's advertised as "hull only" meaning I'll have to buy a trailer and motor right off the bat (which is fine by me, and I know I'm looking at 6-11 k for a 150 outboard) My big concern, though, is the hull. What do I need to look for? Are there particluar places I should check for rot or are there other issues I need to look for? I haven't been out to see the boat yet, as I'm still trying to figure out what all I need to look for to make sure it's sea worthy (or what it would take to make it seaworthy) in an attempt to NOT bite off more than I can chew. My present attitude is "it's only wood and fiberglass....how hard could it be?" Famous last words..... Anyway, kidding aside, any advice would be apreciated.

[fillet1]

Jeff

Welcome. There is lots of good advice here. Just about any type of repair project that can be done on a v-20 has been done by someone on this site!!

click here for general info then surf around a little!

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/cgi-bin/...num=1108419229

[reelapeelin]

Jeff...seems to me lookin' at the pics that boat has been in use fairly recently...when you said $600, I figured it would be covered in kudzu like one that came across this board the other day...lots there to start with, so for the money i'd say go for it...look around for "tea" colored water stains...they indicate rotted wood inside the fiberglass...look for them on the floor under the dash and on the floor under the cuddy...water getting thru the windshield screws will drip onto the floor under the dash...water getting thru ANYTHING screwed on top of the bow deck will drip into the cuddy...

Walk around ALL over the floor of the boat...everywhere, but particularly toward the back toward splashwell and transom...should feel solid all over; softspots indicate rot...if the motor is still on it and tilted up, EASE your body weight into the foot of the motor...perfect transom will support you w/ out too much noise(creaking and crackling)...excessive noise STOP before motor falls on ground...use your judgement here...don't expect perfect transom on 30+ yr old hull, unless it's just been rebuilt...look for hull ID# under rub rail on starboard transom last two numbers should be 71...look UNDER the boat for cracks and splits and blisters...all can be repaired, so don't let these things scare you off, and starting w/a $600 investment you should expect some repair...hope not too much...

These are great boats...you'll get a lot out of workin' on them and SPLASHIN' them... :)...

I've got an '86 Evinrude 150 that came off mine when repowered last fall...needs some stator work and plan to get her right before selling...carbs and compression great...SS prop and controls...post if interested...good luck either way... ;)...

If your thinking of buying a 71 boat and then 6-11 k for a motor why not buy a used package.you can prob get a pretty good maintained unit for that price. dave. :)

Reelapeelin,if you decide to sell that motor put me on your list.I,m intrested. thanks dave

[macojoe]

Thats not a bad looking boat for the money!!!

$600 ?? There is a reason!! He is keeping the trailer and motor so he must have something in that size range to use them on!!

I bet it going to need a transom??

But for $600 the transom is easy fix with Sea cast!!

Check Transom with directions above, floor, and stringers in the bildge area.

All can be fixed but I think these are the weak points!!

Good Luck!!

Thanks all!
I appreciate all of your input. I'm going to try to take a look at it this weekend and I'll let you all know what I find! As for the motor, I appreciate the offer reelapeelin, but I'll probably pass. My goal in that department is to go with a 4-stroke outboard (especially now with gas prices the way they are :o ). Being that this boat will be used around the mouth of the Chesapeake and just off the Virginia coast, I don't think I need too much power as much as I need efficency.

[shicks007]

Jeffxj,

I also fish the Chesapeake Bay with my boat. It works out great normally, (sometimes :D)big enough to fish the open and small enough to fish the flats.

Mac, Budget boats sells used boats, motors and trailers. I suppose they can make more selling seperatly.

[Franco]

HEY JEFF, WHERE YA FROM, I MOVED FROM VA BEACH NOT TOO LONG AGO - USED TO GO OUT FROM BUBBA'S MARINA AT LYNNHAVEN OR OWLS CREEK AT THE BEACH

Well, I just called the boatyard about the V20 I was looking at online. The reason the boat is being sold without the motor is because the motor is locked up. I hope they pull it if I decide to buy the boat. The guy on the phone said the boat was "way over powered". I don't know if I agree with him, but I'm sure I could get away with less than a 150 if I want to.

HEY JEFF, WHERE YA FROM, I MOVED FROM VA BEACH NOT TOO LONG AGO - USED TO GO OUT FROM BUBBA'S MARINA AT LYNNHAVEN OR OWLS CREEK AT THE BEACH

I live in Va Beach. Quite familiar with Bubba's. Try not to use him though. The city finally opened a ramp (a very nice ramp) on the other side of the Lesner Bridge and Bubba is PO'ed...to say the least. Bubba still charges around 10-12 bucks to splash a boat while the city ramp charges 5 bucks (if you have a saltwater license on the boat)