Soft Floor Test

[SkunkBoat]

Originally Posted by bgreene

3. Transom bows out or isn't straight.

Be aware....
The V20 transom is not flat across. It is designed with a flat section where the motor mounts that is set back from the corners and raked rearward from the keel. The wood in the transom was three pieces, not one flat piece all the way across.

[bgreene]

Yes and can still be warped even though 3 sections.
Trust through clarification as Reagan said.

[THEFERMANATOR]

You can also use a rubber mallet to check integrity. You you give it a light smack and listen to the sound, wether the hammer bounces back, and how much the panel moves. Remember, you're testing, not demo ing it, so just a light smack. You'll get a feel for it after a few minutes and can tell when you hit a sud spot or a bad spot by how the hammer feels when it hits. But ONLY use a light black rubber mallet.

[reelapeelin]

Walking around on it will tell the tale...if you're looking at a cuddy with a full windshield, get up on the bow deck ahead of the windshield and walk around there as well including around the bow rail mounts My transom test is tilt the motor up and apply your weight across the lower unit...no noise means its OK...snap crackle pop and the owner's freaking out, walk away.

It's not just these boats...I considered a 19' Grady recently...30 year old boat...soft as it could be and with a fuel tank issue...a lot depends on how the boat spent those 30 years...tied up at a dock or covered on a trailer

Take your time selecting and don't fall in love with a particular boat...until AFTER you buy it...