Is this a good buy?

[macojoe]

Jetstream, were are you from?? We can all keep a eye out for a boat in your area, and let you no when we find something!

Pleanty to do around!! You will get one!!

I'm in RI. I am expecting a call from a guy to tell me more about his "looks and runs like new" 1979 with a 1991 merc 150 OB. , new Bimini and some minor electronics. No trailer..but wife said one might be available. Listed for 9500 lol. I am more educated now. Power in knowlege and all that! ;) I WANT one though. To Seakindly, thanks for the reply, without any malice I just want you to know that I had a 1984 V-20 with an '84 merc 115 O/B with a dole-fin, and a 1998 single axle, no brake trailer (from a dealer, ? legal)
But it ran very well and such. Could it have been faster out of the hole ect? Maybe, but it was OK to me and I like speed! Trolled with it too with no fouling. Why did I sell it....what a stupid a**! Had a radar and gps too. Oh well.
Thanks all.

Update, the owner of the '79 says that his boat has the original fuel tank and all decks and stringers are sound as far as he knows. He does have a 2001 2 axle (this time whatever I get will have that-thanks Seakindly) to go with it. Told him the price seems too high, especially with a 12 year old motor, but he wants to show it and have me make an offer. I am looking forward to seeing it since it is set up fairly well for fishing with rod holders, a gps chart plotter, and some other stuff. Macojoe I keep staring at that icon!:D

[macojoe]

me to!! I am waiting for her to have a accident and have one or both fall out!! ;)

Jetstream,
you could be alright with a 115 if you weren't in strong inlet currents or running far offshore. But it would be a strain on the motor over time. A low pitch/high diameter prop could pull it off.

But a single axle trailer that is definitely of insufficient GVWR for a v20 is out of the question. Unsafe and illegal to operate. Any dealer that would sell such a package is a damn fool lookin for a lawsuit.

PS -- no malice perceived or intended. This site is about fun things to know and do. ;D

[macojoe]

Well a single axkle trailer is not the end of the world!!

I have been using one for 6 years!! Only had one problem with it and that was my error!

Alot of V20 oners have sigle and get buy fine! But if you are a heavy user like me , then you will want to look into a heavier trailer when you can.

I just bought a tandam and love it!!

[Brian_M]

My V20 came with a single axle trailer, 16" tires. It seems easier to handle in tight spots but the tongue weight is a bit high, I can't adjust the boat/axle any more so i have to live with it....

Well a single axkle trailer is not the end of the world!! *

It very easily could have been.

What is your trailer rated to carry? GVWR minus trailer weight.

Bottom line -- if not about 4000 lbs, then you need a new trailer for your V-20.

[macojoe]

well 3500 will do!!

Hull I/O is 2200# dry,
400# avrage motor= 2600#
65 gal gas 455# = 3055#
10% gear 400# = 3455#

Now if you are buying a new trailer then Yes get at least 4000, I have 4200 as does SK

But if you just bought it and short on cash a 3500 single will get you thur!! Just make sure you maintaine all the grease points and tires and you will be fine!!
I was for 6 years and there are pleanty of others , some on this board that are using singles with no problems.

Good Luck!

Boring update- Saw the 79 V-20 cuddy last night. "boat is in great shape, I take care of my things" I was told. So I went to have a look. Here is a sampling: Rotting below deck bulkhead, "new" enclosure was 2 years old and looked like 8, dead batteries, chipped gelcoat everywhere, fuel smell in the tank compartment and weird winged little bugs throughout the wet tank insulation. cracked windshield from some custom drilling gone wrong. soft feeling front deck, corroded and bent up bow rail, trashed seating, and a nice coating of spray painting mist over everything to sweeten the deal. I may bite at this one ;)