repowering my V20. need some advice

[macojoe]

so here are my questions
1. first off, since my transom needs to be replaced already, cant i just build it up to 26"?

I have never in my life heard of a 26" shaft and I doubt that they would have made them for any special reason. Of coarse I could be wrong, but they are short 15", Long 25", and extra long 30"

2. is putting 2 115hp mercs on the back of a V20 two much weight for this boat (i have looked at plenty of picks of these boats and i have noticed that my transom is much wider then most since it originally came with twins. so space is not a problem.)

Transoms are the same size on these boats no matter if they came twin or single, but might have been configured different.
At 348 pounds each I would say 696 pounds is a bit much, and if you do it, you better get some trim tabs!!

3. since i plan on fishing several miles out in the gulf of mexico and some times useing my boat to pull skiers, would a single 115 be under powered? (i figure it would)

There are a few that run 115's here and say they get pretty good numbers, but pulling a skier, I don't know?
150 is the min size motor for these boats IMO for what you seek.

4. how much does it cost to professionaly repair my transom and how much to convert one motor to sync with the other?

More then I can afford! The transom is easy enough if you follow what the people here have done, and if you have the time and heart you should be able to get that done yourself!
As for the motor one or more of the motor heads will be by soon I am sure.

5. right now i am in a position to spent some money on this boat, but is 15K plus rediculas for an old V20. (the guy at the dealer with these motors was trying to tell me this is too much money for a 30yr old boat and that he could sell me a brand new one for 18K. of coarse this was a little 18' center consel kenner with a tiny 90hp evenrude on the back. i cant go in the gulf or pull skiers with that thing. altough it would be a nice fishing boat for the flats but i plan on doing more then that.)

I no longer have a V20 but mine was a 1975 and was a great boat and still lives some were on the N Shore of Mass. I had it for 10 years, and you will not get another boat New that will have the space and versatility as this boat! It is a well built boat great for what you want built strong to last!! There are many 70's boats on this site!! So if you are willing to work at it and get her back in shape you will have a classic boat, a family heirloom, and the ability to say you did it yourself. And it will last another 30 years for your kids!! For much less then the 18K for a new crap box!!

The only reason I got out of my V20 is I moved up to a larger boat with more room for off shore fishing, and if I ever get my engine problems fix I will be doing just that!!

Good Luck!