New Guy, New Boat Purchase

#1 07-25-2010, 07:26 AM

I'm new to the V20 site, and I need some advice.

I'm going to be looking at a 1970 Wellcraft 20' center console with a 1992 Johnson 130 and a 2006 trailer next weekend
Mike, The owner, says the Transom is solid, motor was rebuilt a few years ago and runs strong with good compression.
The floors are said to be mostly solid, but it does have a few soft spots..
I want to use it strictly as a bay boat in Barnaget Bay instead of my 270 Amberjack for the remaining boating season, then try to address the floor issue if it's bad over the winter.

It's been for sale for over 4 months, so I'm pretty sure it must have some issues.
Mike, the owner says most of the negative comments have been about the year of the boat (1970)
The boat was listed for sale at $3600, but I offered $1500 to which he said he would think about it.
At least he didn't say no! ;)
I should also add that I've known Mike for over 30 years, so I'm sure if there were any major issues, he would tell me about them.
I've also been fishing with him on the boat, but not within the past year.

I have arranged for a sea trial next weekend
I also will bring a compression tester with me just to be sure

The major question is what it's worth if the transom is OK

Beside the transom and floors, anything else to check.

Thanks, Ron

macojoe · #2 07-25-2010, 09:58 AM

Bring a rubber mallet so you can bang on the transom and see if it is soft, also lift the motor up and lock in place and try lifting it from the prop, there should be no cracking noise or movement.

The metal cap on top of transom is a place for water to get in and has rotted many transoms!!

Ck the lower unit oil for any water, or any metal on the plug magnet. ask if he knows when the water pump was changed?

You know there are floor problems, so we won't go there.

Last the gas tank, is it in the console or below the floor? How old is the gas? Does he know if it has ever been replaced?

$3600 Is way over!! But if all checks out the $1500 would be ok!

Good Luck!

Destroyer · #3 08-06-2010, 10:49 PM

Spamming is a good way to get perm banned from the server...

nipper · #4 08-07-2010, 10:03 PM

What happened, Destroyer? SPAM? Didn't notice anything unusual.

macojoe · #5 08-08-2010, 09:30 AM

I get rid of most in the night and you never see, But I deleted one here after it was seen, so there is a missing post

Destroyer · #6 08-08-2010, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nipper

What happened, Destroyer? SPAM? Didn't notice anything unusual.

It would appear that MJ and I both share nocturnal habits.. I'm usually awake till 2-3 am, so when I saw one of the posts from that NFL Jerseys guy I made the reply about spam. But MJ saw the post and deleted it, so it left my posts thoughts hanging out there in cyberspace without something to attach it to. Thank you MJ for being so dilligent.. keep up the great work. This site is a true pleasure to visit!!

macojoe · #7 08-08-2010, 01:07 PM

I have been working graveyards or 30 years!

Destroyer · #8 08-08-2010, 01:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macojoe

I have been working graveyards or 30 years!

When I was a maintenance machinist I used to love the graveyard shift.. it's quiet.. (usually) no one looking over your shoulder. You could get your work done. Did it for a lot of years.. then I got stupid and became a supervisor on days... that led to mgr... that led to area super.. that led to mgr., maint eng dept.... well, you get the picture.. but God, how I missed the night shift. Gonna retire on my b'day in May @ 67. The sea and the fish are calling to me.