Worth it or not?

I have found a 1987 v20 cuddy cabin for $1500. I can probably get it for $1000. The hull transom and floor appear solid and in good shape, however it was night so I need to go by during the day and take a closer look. The upholstry is horrible, but I want to put in helm seats anyway to open up the deck more. My main concern is the motor, it is the omc seadrive. I believe it was the 2.7 Litre. ??? I am not familiar with these motors. The boat has been sitting for two years and is not currently running. The powerhead on it is newer and appears to be in good condition. The prop was stolen so information on what is the best prop would be to replace it with would be appreciated. How dependable are these motors and how well does the boat ride with them? It has a trailer that needs new lights and some maintanance.

[Mulv80]

I would think you can't go wrong for $1000 as long as she is solid. A couple of members here have converted sea drive boats. The 2.7 should be a V-6 Looper, pretty bullet proof powerhead. As far as the sea drive itself parts are hard to come by. If you can get it running, run it as long as you can and then put a bracket and outboard on her for the ultimate bracketted V-20.

[chumbucket]

I think if you can get it for a grand, it's most likely a pretty good deal. You've got to figure that you're buying the hull and trailer. Whatever you get out of the motor is a bonus, but can't be counted on.
The SeaDrives are Johnson/Evinrude. The parts that are hard to come by are the bracket components including tilt/trim and cylinders (especially). Not impossible, but difficult. I helped out a friend with his SeaDrive trim cylinder by locating a Merc cylinder that was close in specs. With some minor modification (a little shaving of the yoke end), worked like a champ.
And, like Mulv has stated, this hull is an easy bracket/outboard conversion when you're ready. 8)

[brianct12]

J,
(1) If you intend to run this boat "as-is" - be sure and take this boat for a test run before buying it. I wouldnt trust an '87 Evinrude that's been sitting and you dont know the history. If test run is good - $1000 would be a steal. But be aware the motor might not last more than 1-2 seasons.
(2) If you plan on removing the Seadrive and adding a bracket and outboard - go for it. $1000 would still be a great deal assuming hull is in decent shape. That Seadrive hull is "the Hull" to get .... if you are planning to do a restore - my opinion.

As for how that Seadrive set-up will handle - I dont think it would ride any different than a regular outboard model. You will enjoy, however, the extra room in the cabin and the less noise due to the engine behind the transom. Good luck ! Oh, - and if you dont buy her - let us all know where she is at :)

Sounds like a good deal..if the motor runs thats just another plus and if it blows up put it on ebay and part it out...Frank

[msbhammer]

Bluerunner is selling his. Somebody might already be interested in it, but check it out.

Here are some pics of the boat tell me what you think.

https://home.comcast.net/~jamesproct..._found_her.htm

[chumbucket]

Looking past all the cosmetics, if the hull checks out; why not? Lotta work to be done though.
Is that a Cox trailer? Looks like one. If so, you should be aware that they are getting very difficult to find replacement parts for. When rollers and roller brackets need to be replaced, you generally need to be a little creative in making other types fit. Certainly not a deal killer unless they need to replaced right from the gitgo. You could be looking at several hundred right there.
You've got to decide how much work you're willing to put into a boat to get it for the right price. Some people are more comfortable spending a bit more and not be faced with a "project" boat. If you like that sort of thing, pull the trigger and welcome to the fold. 8)

[macojoe]

Looks good, needs some TLC but for a grand, should be good!

As for the motor, use it till it is dead and then convert!! I converted mine fro a I/O and it was pretty easy!!

But a Seadrive is much easier then the I/O!!

If the motor doesn't run then you will need a season to replace the bracket, motor, and interior, Which isn't bad Cause when you are done you going to have a nice machine there!!

There are used brackets around for different prices ($300 to $500) New will cost $800 to $1600 depending what you want?

Good used motor about $2000 to $3000

so for $1000 boat + $2500 motor + $800 bracket = about $4000 + or - and you will have a good boat.

This assumes you will be doing all the work? It not hard! As far as the rest seats and stuff, a little at a time, she will go toghter faster then you think.

[Blue_Runner]

$1000 is a good deal for that. No doubt. If you coud get the motor running you could probably get $1000 out of it and have the boat and trailer for free to repower or whatever you want.

Blue