Thinking about buying a '71 V20, looking for tips

[Franco]

YEAH, YOUR RIGHT, I FORGOT ABOUT THE NEW RAMP, CRAB CREEK I THINK IT'S CALLED. ONLY THING I REALLY MISS IN VIRGINIA IS THE STRIPPER AND TUNA FISHING.
IT SEEMS LIKE THERE ARE HUNDREDS OF FREE RAMPS TO DROP IN HERE FOR FREE, MILES OF RIVERS, FLATS AND 2 INLETS FOR NEARSHORE AND OFFSHORE HERE.

[macojoe]

Well, I just called the boatyard about the V20 I was looking at online. The reason the boat is being sold without the motor is because the motor is locked up. I hope they pull it if I decide to buy the boat. The guy on the phone said the boat was "way over powered". I don't know if I agree with him, but I'm sure I could get away with less than a 150 if I want to.

Well hope that the motor is on there when you go check it out!! It will be good to be able to move it up and down to see how the transomm is!!

150 hp is over powered for a V20?? This guy has no F#$K idea wf=hat he is saying!!

150 IMO is the smallest you want to go on these boats!! it is the perfect match!!

I have a 175, I was looking for a 150 and came across this for a good deal and bought it.

There are guys here that have 200!! And even twin 140's!

But thats a good thing, that he no's not what he says!! Maybe he will sell real cheap!!

Good Luck!!

Macojoe, I noticed that from some of the reading I did on this forum before I called. I think he was more interested in trying to not discourage me with having to buy a higher horsepower motor (In other words....more expensive!). He may be one of those "anti-horsepower" types......Sounded freindly and professional enough over the phone, but we'll see later today (if I can sneak out of work early enough) or tomorrow. In the mean time, I think the boat bug has bitten me bad. Instead of thinking about work, I can't stop thinking of what I want to do if I get this boat....especially after reading a lot of these forums.....Heeeeeelllllllllllllppppppppppp Meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee! ;D

P.S. I'll probably be asking a lot of questions on this forum in the near future! :)

[Franco]

WELL ASK AWAY, ALWAYS LOTS OF OPINIONS HERE

OK, I just looked at the boat. All in all looks pretty good for the money. The transom seems a little soft, but no sqeaks or craking noises. It did seem to give a little more than I wanted. Also, the floor between the front seats (where the floor drops down) looks a little suspect. The sides look like they are bowing out (I hope that makes sense, it's a little tough to describe) The gelcoat (or maybe it's just paint) needs some work. The front eyelit for the tow strap is broken. The plus is the floor was rock solid, I was amazed give it's age. The boat didn't appear to have any bad repairs done to it. I'm going to talk to my cousin who works at a local marina about the transom and some other repairs. Hopefully I buy this boat tomorrow. Don't think I can do much better for the money even though I'm already looking at a laundry list of things to do to it, but first things first.....Need a trailer. By the way, I noticed it had a fuel cap on both sides of the boat. Am I correct in assuming it has two fuel tanks??? If so, anyone willing to give a little insight (capacities, locations, how to switch between the two...if that applies, etc)? Thanks, Jeff

[macojoe]

!t has two 20 gal gas tanks. One on each side.

If no one ever messed with it, then they are hooked toghter and will drain a little weird!!

I hooked a shut off and drain one at a time now.

One thing about them saddle bag tanks is that wellcraft saw fit to put the Vents to low on the sides and when they are full they will leak gas out the vents everytime you stop or go!

You will have to move them up on the side more! I put mine up on the Gunnles up were the side windshield sets on, no more leaks!

As for the transom you can cut the rear cap off and take a Chain saw and cut all the wood out between the skins. Then fill with Secast, It will make life much easier!! and that will be the last time yo will ever have to worry about it!!

One step at a time, get the boat and then pick what you are going to fix first!

Everyone here has done one or more of the repairs you are going to do!!

So there will be pleanty of info!!

Good Luck

[reelapeelin]

Mjs right about the fuel vents, but also for another reason...high wave action + sharp turns = water in the gas tank...or it did for me...


You might have found a diamond in the ruff...

Look back at MJ's post about parts...see budget boats for trailer... :D...