Outboard for 1970 V-20 Cuddy

#1 04-16-2007, 12:39 PM

Hey everyone,

I recently picked up a 1970 V-20 for $500 bucks...The boat's in rough shape, but it had a decent trailer so I figured it was worth it. So far I've cleaned it up, put a nice dark blue paint job on it, installed a couple of new TODD seats, and done up the brightwork.
Anyways, the boat didn't come with a motor, which is what my question pertains to. I'm a broke college student and don't care about amazing speed, so I want to go with the least expensive option.

How much hp will I need to cruise at 17-20 knts.???

Also, do I need a 15 or 20" shaft???

Thanks for your help guys
-Eric

Blue_Runner · #2 04-16-2007, 12:47 PM

Hello drthigian, welcome to V20 Land. the shaft length will NOT be 15, so it is either 20 or 25. Likely 20 I'd say. Go ahead and measure your transom where the motor would be. Measure from top of the transom to the bottom of the V and let us know how many inches.

Horsepower. I would not go with less than a 115 hp. Also take note that the pre-1986 model horsepower ratings were done differently so a vintage 115 will not be near as powerful as a post '86 115.

Can you tell if the transom is nice and strong? Need to make sure of that before you put on a motor or it will be twice the work.

Finally, let us know your location and we will find the perfect motor for your V. You now have a free staff of "experts" to find whatever you might need for your new ride....

Blue

p-vaugh7 · #3 04-16-2007, 12:49 PM

broke college student.. im a broke 21 year old full time worker.. welcome to budget boat bulding. haha the shaft size you need depends on your transom size. measure the top of the transom to the bottom of the V hull the number you get is the size you need. it is either 20 or 25 inch it will probably be a 20 if i were to guess.. also are there any controlls on the boat? if there are you should figure out what the are for and try to look for that type of motor.. if you switch motors chances are you will need to rewire and recontroll the boat.. i have a bunch of force stuff i am trying to sell now includeing controlls. you would have to get a powerhead for it if you were interested.. and the guys here.. reguire pictures just to let you know. hope this helps

Pipe_Dream · #4 04-16-2007, 12:50 PM

Welcome, Eric! And congrats! Broke college student . . . with a boat?? Good luck with that!

A 150 would give you plenty of speed, in the range you're looking for, and be pretty economical. You could get by with less, but might not be as happy. Shaft length depends on your transom, whether it's been cut or not.

Oh, and Post Pics! ;D

msbhammer · #5 04-16-2007, 04:22 PM

Welcome to the site. Where ya located at ??
Under our for sale section, a friend of mine was selling a 20" shaft 130 Johnson. Also has controls for it as well.
Good luck and post some pics. of your V. ;D ;D

#6 04-16-2007, 06:02 PM

Wow Dr. T... You did a lot of work on that boat yourself, Im suprised, but I bet the Bright work looks fantastic... a good craftsman prlly did some work in it. Whats your plan for seating beyone the two pedastals? Just wondering...

tsubaki · #7 04-16-2007, 06:53 PM

What they said and...PICTURES,PICTURES,PICTURES
Oh, welcome, welcome!!!!!! :D

macojoe · #8 04-16-2007, 07:24 PM

Everyone is right on!! But just remeber getting a big motor is not always on the down side, if you get lets say 115, you will need to push it all the time, adding wear to the motor and using more gas.

IMO 150 is the least you should add! Won't need to push as hard, save on gas cause you no have to push as hard, and at the cheap motors you are going to be looking at, will be about the same $$

Good Luck!!

Were are you? Do you have someone to work on motors for you? Or you do it yourself?

#9 04-16-2007, 07:28 PM

Thanks for all of your input guys...greatly appreciated....So I hopped onto craigslist and bought a wantad today and I found a 1988 Evinrude 150 hp...claims to run well and have less then 200 hrs. The motor has a 20" shaft and comes with controls. $800
Sounds like a good deal to me. Any opinions?

Oh and I am located in Mashpee, MA and hopefully I can get some pics up by this weekend.

macojoe · #10 04-16-2007, 07:37 PM

Hey there!! I am in Yarmouth!! I just bought a 89 175 eveinrude last fall, for $700

Needed some work, but runs like a top now!!

Hear it run!! Do compression test!!, check lower unit oil!! Make sure it ashift thur the gears, All BEFORE BUYING!!!!

I got my motor off cape, but the Cape motors most of them seem to be beat!

Don't be in a hurry!!

Need some help going to look, let me know!!