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.

[randlemanboater]

Welcome to the site.

1984 is the BEST year for a V-20, especially with a 140 Zook on the back.

Figure the boat being worth $1500 on the trailer, then look up the NADA on the motor to get a good ballpark on the price.

If the transom is solid and the floor is solid, not much else to worry about.

Good luck.....if you get it, you will be VERY pleased with that combo.

[RWilson2526]

Yea sounds like he's still feeling the sting of putting that sweet motor on the back 4 years ago. Unfortunately its sitting on a 26 year old boat which is not your problem. In my opinion if you spring for new power on a V-20 you need to keep that puppy a long time to get your money's worth because you arent going to get it from somebody else....$5k to $6k at the outside I think. Cant blame the guy for wishing he could get some of that money back but being in your shoes you could find a boat with much older motor and still get 10 years out of it. And just because the motor is a 2006 it is no guarantee it will be bullet proof for you.

[Destroyer]

Hi and welcome to the site. Pretty much what everyone else has said... Way too high a price. Look at the stern closely. Although not a game changer, see if you can see sealant on any screws going into the hull from transducers, speed sensor, whatever is mounted on the stern. Everything that is screwed/mounted to the back end must be sealed. Your biggest concern is going to be a soft transom or deck. Walk on the deck all over, bouncing a little on the balls of your feet as you go. Don't skimp on this, and don't worry about looking wierd.. You're talking serious money here, and an ounce of protection ..etc. What you're looking for is anyplace that feels soft underfoot. That motor being a 4 stroke is going to weigh more than a 2 stroke of the same size, so you'll want to make sure the transom is soild. Good luck with your hunt. Oh, and Randlemanboater is wrong, the 1978 is the best V20 hull... just humor him.

[draglink]

Originally Posted by Destroyer

Oh, and Randlemanboater is wrong, the 1978 is the best V20 hull... just humor him.

BINGO!!

Nothing more to ad, good luck with the deal, keep us posted!