1981 Wellcraft V20 with I/O

[Rookfish]

Found this on Craigslist and I spoke to the guy. Posting here both for information for myself as I try and figure out if this would be good for me, and I guess to let others know about it.

This is NOT my boat and I've never seen it. I don't know the owner at all, just found it on Craigslist.

http://cleveland.craigslist.org/boa/4277868213.html

The guy says it has an I/O Mercruiser 470. Does anyone have opinions on the V20 with an I/O, this particular setup or pictures of the deck with an I/O? One benefit for a V20 is deckspace, which is limited with the I/O, right?

His family owned this boat from new, per our conversation. Says that it has the wells for livewells, but no pumps and the livewell is not setup. The transom and stringers have not been updated, he claims they are "solid".

Any thoughts on this boat? Decent price but I'm sure it will need some TLC.

[step up here]

Yes IMHO that 470 I/O 170hp would not run 45-50mph with all the candles lit.

[Rookfish]

Though in general on a V20 with an I/O vs an outboard?

[step up here]

Newer four stroke the way to go ,but be careful of boat's in need of transom repair. I have a couple of boat's with a I/O that are not too bad on maintenance I was just stating a fact through experience that the 470 I/O just don't go that fast.
Their is a guy on this site, isn't on lately that has been working on 470 monster motor for about three years that thinks those motors are capable of that speed and more. Maybe one day we will see.
In no way will I describe a V-20 boat for its performance other then AWESOME. Most of these boats can be purchased around 2000.00 to 3500.00 dollars and with the INFO of a couple Awesome wrench's around here you will be able to repair or rebuild your rig. This is the only and BEST SITE for V-20's Good luck with your boat!

[cfelton]

Looks good from the pic. I've got a 77 with a 170, same longblock as a 470 and the most I've ever got out of mine was 42 mph. That was tached out, trimmed up and on salt water. Took it out fishin on the river last week and it only ran 38 WOT. When I brought it home I thought it wasn't in too bad of shape. But after I got it started it blew holes through the exhaust manifold and while working on the motor I saw some small holes in the transom that had red silicone in them. Doing some poking around I found the transom, stringers and motor bed were shot. I had to rebuild the entire rear end of it, and the motor, gimble and outdrive. Oh, and it was well worth the time and money spent. When buying any old boat check it out well. Not saying this one is like mine but in general check any boat out really well before buying.

[twhrider2]

Welcome Rook, Cfelton is spot on with performance numbers. 38-42mph WOT is normal and a nice 25-27 cruise. 45-50 ain't happenin. But who cares still a nice solid economical performer. 470 is a good engine you just need to learn its quirks as with any other, esp. if you do your own wrench turnin. ...Good luck and keep us posted