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.

[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