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

[phatdaddy]

Welcome to the site, and to the boating world. Wellcraft is no better or worse than any 36 year old production boat. I d look at the transom for cracks in the corners or flex when handling the motor. Look for soft spots in the deck and up on the cap. I m guessing it has the original fuel tank, so stick your head up under the console and see if it has a gassy smell and check out the wiring while under there, look down in the bilge and check where the stringers meet the transom.

That vintage Mercury is not that bad, do a compression check, make sure it s firing on all 6 cylinders and the stator is charging the battery. Check out the steering, make sure it s smooth and not binding.

For that price, u don t get too much anymore,
Hopefully some of the other members will add what i forgot
Good Luck

[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.

[Pipe_Dream]

Newboater, do your due diligence on this boat like phat said and maybe you'll do well. If after those steps it checks out ask the seller for a test run. For that price if you get a solid hull you're doing okay, and if the engine gives you a few seasons you're doing really well. These are great old boats and if you find a solid one you can pretty much keep it for life. I've been in mine for close to 30 years.

newboater and spiguet: welcome to the site!

[oteps]

Walk around in the boat to feel for soft spots. Look for holes drilled or cracks in the fiberglass, water leaks in there.

[jamesbalog]

Reality is it***8217;s a 36 year old wood cores boat. Unless it was redone it***8217;s most likely wet. Wet and rotten are two different things though.

As others have said check for soft spots in the deck, thump on the transom with a hammer and see if it sounds solid or hollow. Hollow=bad. See if there***8217;s any flex when bouncing on the motor. Check what stringers you can get to.


Check the compression on the motor. Cylinders should be within 10% of each other.

If all that passes take it for a ride, don***8217;t buy it if he won***8217;t take you for a ride with cash in hand. Run it thru the whole rpm range, turn it off let it sit 10 mins then do it again


Good luck