Considering a V20 as a first boat! What to look for?

[spiguet]

Hey! I'm new here also and picked up an '86 V20 back in May. Same deal, first boat, for me and family to use in the bay and coastal waters. Being only a few months ahead, I can only relay my experience in that it's been more of a hobby project fixing it up than actual boating. Little fixes here & there, troubleshooting wiring and what not. So depends on what you're looking to do.

The original Johnson 140, compression was good, started & would go at speed well, but wouldn't stay running at idle. Others tell me that's typical for old 2-strokes. Had the carbs re-done and got it running nice. Then last week it just crapped out mid trip, piston blown or a bearing or something. Probably due to age, my bad luck and inexperience. Now I face the rebuild & repower or sell and get a newer boat crossroad. I do like the boat, but not sure it's worth putting 10k+ into a new outboard or not.

But, the boat rides great in waves, on the lake, had it out on quite a few trips over the summer and was loving it for fishing, snorkeling, tubing and all that. It's a spacious boat. Hope that's helpful, good luck with your decision.