Questions about a 1977 V20

inaforty · #1 05-27-2015, 05:06 PM

Ok guys we are thinking about looking at a 1977 V 20.
We had a 1987 at one point. What would be the major differences between the 1987 and 1977?

Any input good or bad?

We have a vacation booked in Port Charlotte for next spring (canal home) if we purchase this boat we will be more then likely towing it down to FL next spring to explore the area.

phatdaddy · #2 05-27-2015, 07:57 PM

if it's a ob, probably a short shaft(20") vs 87 which probably was a 25" shaft. 87 should be self bailing, 77 drains to bilge and gets pumped overboard. 77 might have saddle tanks above deck, 87 belly tank below deck.

inaforty · #3 05-28-2015, 12:42 AM

Thanks Phat,

I guess I should probably keep looking.
The boat has a late model power O/B and new aluminum trailer but I'm not crazy about it not being self bailing.

bradford · #4 05-28-2015, 08:02 AM

Is it a cuddy or a center console? 1977 had the newer style cap and I believe self bailing cockpit on the center console models, the cuddy version changed in 1978. Check out the catalogs in the history section.

inaforty · #5 05-28-2015, 11:07 AM

Thanks Bradford,
It's a cuddy model.
Haven't been to see it yet.
It's powered with a 150 HPDI.

Like the idea of the newer power and new trailer with this 1977 boat. However the HPDI require injector and VST service more so then carb motors. Maybe I can find one that is a later model with a carb Yamaha power.

We started looking for something to replace our 15' RIB thinking a fiberglass hull would be safer to trailer over a long distance. First we looked at 17-18' center console boats and then started looking at the V 20's. We got two footitis before we ever even bought anything.

phatdaddy · #6 05-28-2015, 04:14 PM

thanks b, i knew they switched late 70's. should have put a disclaimer on that post. good idea about checking the catalogs. might have the belly tank, i think if it does, i think it's self bailing. if your coming to fl anyway, might want to keep an eye on the local craigslist. course, you probably don't want to spend a vacation working on a new to you boat.

sorry if i threw some bad info to you.

macojoe · #7 05-28-2015, 05:06 PM

I had the 77, it was before they rasied the decks for the belly tanks and self bail, so the have the saddle tanks (which I liked), and drain to the bildge (which I hated) but it was a good boat for the 9 years I had it. but after getting swamped by the wave and almost sinking it was the time to move up to the sea ox! I miss it, or any boat at this point!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!