First boat,77 V20

[DaleGribble]

My dad and I just bought our first boat,1977 steplift.Came with a Mercruiser 470,what are some things we should look for before taking her out?Tnhanks in advance!

[reelapeelin]

The usual stuff...check the oil in the engine...so basic many times overlooked...make sure the bellows are watertight...strong, reliable cranking battery

Did you have opportunity to sea-trial before buying?....did you check out the bilge-pump?...are all legally required items onboard?...VHF radio working?...looks like some windshield repair in order...new fuel-filler caps...somebody has taken reasonably good care...

One thing I noticed...on the 70s models up to '77, the intake for the tank vent is below the rub-rail...many have never had problems, but on mine and several others, had to relocate those intakes above the rub rail so as not to take water into gas tank under certain conditions...mine took water in while turning when water was particularly rough...MJ had to relocate his...I did mine and several others here have done same...do you have a water-separator in your fuel lines?...highly recommend......

What is your level of experience boating...dad's?...is this 1st boat?...

Great pic of your new '77!!..we like pics around here...how 'bout some more!!


You'll want a V-20 T-Shirt(or two or three)...go to the T-shirt order thread above and get something for you and your dad...

[cfelton]

Welcome and glad to see another V like mine! Yep, check it out GOOD! Check your transom for leaks, cracks, loose parts and hoses. My transom was rotten between the fiberglass layers. I'd replace the raw waterpump impeller and the lower gear oil on the outdrive. Maybe change the motor oil and trim fluid in the trim pump. Check for antifreeze leaks. Has it set up for any time, if so you might want to replace the antifreeze and maybe the thermostat. Id also suggest looking on ebay and buying a Clymer Mercruiser Manual, they're really helpful. If you have any questions, ask away, we'll try to help. I've been COMPLETELY through mine!

[lathehand]

Good luck with her. Might need a little work but don't get discourgaged if it were a new boat it'll still need something done.IMO you couldn't have picked a finner boat than a V to get for a first boat.

[i4110peter]

I have a '73 with the same setup. I assume yours have the 165 hp mercruiser under the hood. I have had mine rebuilt. Pictures on "Pete's V20 Steplift" Enjoy your new toy. - Peter

[DaleGribble]

Originally Posted by reelapeelin

The usual stuff...check the oil in the engine...so basic many times overlooked...make sure the bellows are watertight...strong, reliable cranking battery

Did you have opportunity to sea-trial before buying?....did you check out the bilge-pump?...are all legally required items onboard?...VHF radio working?...looks like some windshield repair in order...new fuel-filler caps...somebody has taken reasonably good care...

One thing I noticed...on the 70s models up to '77, the intake for the tank vent is below the rub-rail...many have never had problems, but on mine and several others, had to relocate those intakes above the rub rail so as not to take water into gas tank under certain conditions...mine took water in while turning when water was particularly rough...MJ had to relocate his...I did mine and several others here have done same...do you have a water-separator in your fuel lines?...highly recommend......

What is your level of experience boating...dad's?...is this 1st boat?...

Great pic of your new '77!!..we like pics around here...how 'bout some more!!


You'll want a V-20 T-Shirt(or two or three)...go to the T-shirt order thread above and get something for you and your dad...

Thanks for the warm welcome guys,this is our first,although my dad grew up around them and his brother is the know it all when it comes to boats.Bought it off craigslist for $1500 from a real nice guy who didnt want to cut it up solid transom,bought 2 new batteries windshield got replaced today,new gas caps are ordered,changed the oil/water separator,changed spark plugs.Our problem is we cant get it to run,we had the carburetor cleaned and rebuilt,and drained one of the tanks both of the fuel fill tanks had corrosion so we assumed it took on some water in the tank while it sat for a year.any suggestions,we aren't the biggest gear heads but I know how to turn a wrench.Thanks guys.

[i4110peter]

I assume you have the 2 tanks, one on each side like mine. I had to pull both of my tanks and have them re-welded due to leaking. I also had to replace all fuel lines to make sure I wasn't sucking air. The welding didn't work very well. Thank goodness for JB weld. Been running several years now with no problems. Good luck... Peter

[brisboats]

Steve,

I am the guy that sold you the boat. I ran it last year (Nov-Dec)and fogged it but did not stabilize the gas tanks were full and gas was already old. I'll be around this weekend if you want to bring it by I'll have a look at it n/c. Compression numbers are on the spark arrestor, I believe I shut off the main line from the tank. With fresh batteries it should fire right up has a pertronix ignition mallory coil and hot spark.

Brian

[DaleGribble]

Originally Posted by brisboats

Steve,

I am the guy that sold you the boat. I ran it last year (Nov-Dec)and fogged it but did not stabilize the gas tanks were full and gas was already old. I'll be around this weekend if you want to bring it by I'll have a look at it n/c. Compression numbers are on the spark arrestor, I believe I shut off the main line from the tank. With fresh batteries it should fire right up has a pertronix ignition mallory coil and hot spark.

Brian

Thanks Brian,I'll give you a call,we just dont want to run it too hard like you said,as soon as the new fuel caps and necks get in we're gonna refill the tanks.I'll keep in touch.

[nipper]

Uh, oh, could it be that the main line from the tank is still shut off from when brisboats shut it off last winter?