'86 V-20 on Ebay

[fillet1]

Barhopp -

The one I bought is how I expected it to be. Needs a little work to get it to my liking, but is mechanically sound. There is nothing worse then a hull with transom/stringer/deck problems and a questionable motor.

You gotta realize that when looking at 20-25 year old boats for 3k -5k that they are never going to be perfect in any respect. I dont even think its worth hiring a surveyor to inspect any boat in this price range, cause there are always going to be problems.

I say pick the boat by the motor first, then check the hull to make sure there arent any problems that cant be overcome.

First thing i did on any boat that I looked at was grab the lower unit of the engine and lift it up - If the transom moves I looked no further and left. I cant tell you how many times that I drove an hour to look at a boat, got out of the car for 30 seconds, checked the transom and left. Usually the ones that move have significant cracks in the corners of the engine well and or a large piece of aluminum on the transom in a makeshift attempt to stiffen it up. Stay away unless you want to replace the transom. For a 3-5k boat its not worth it to me.

If it passed the transom test, I then would go aboard and
Jump on the decks - do they flex like crazy, make cracking noises or squeeze water out of any cracks? Are the decks soft?
Check where the seats are mounted. Also look for any deformities or bulges in the deck.


If yes, I would leave. Note when I say "decks" i mean the deck of the boat, not the hatch covers, fuel tank cover etc. Those are much easier to repair if needed, and usually flex a little anyway. Cutting up a rotted deck is much more involved.

You are not going to have much access to the stringers, and neither would a surveyor. Observe what you can and look for rot, cracks, or detachment from the hull.

Then i would check the hull bottom for any damage or evidence of significant repair.

Ignore superficial things like seats, electronics, bimini tops etc. A boat with nice electronics and a shot transom is worthless to me. Solid boat and motor first, everything else is icing on the cake.

After those things are ok to me, the rest I can work with if I have to. Spider cracks, crazing, electrical mess, ugly rubrails, corroded metal, chips, gouges, screw holes etc mean nothing, its all part of the fun!!

BTW airborne jarhead's v-20 looks nice if you like an I/O!!

Thanks fillet1 I'm going to see the boat tomorrow and will give her a good once over. I try to do things in a pattern so I don't forget anything and it's pretty close to what your procedure is. You’ve given me some good pointers, I’ll use them all. About jarheads boat I’m leaning towards an outboard. Hopefully I’ll get a boat for the up and coming season.

[Parrot6909]

I got a boat load of pictures from the seller last night. The old bracket holes worry me, you can see where there is staining coming out which means it was either recently removed and not filled, or its been off for a while and the water is dripping down into the transom. The close up pictures to the boat showing the keel area looked a bit scary as well. Looks like its hit the trailer a few times and not been repaired.

On another note, found two other 20's that may be of interest to you (provided you want a nice "project"). There is an 82' that needs a transom replacement but does have a nice 175 Evinrude on it....seller is open to offers, just not in to the whole gutting process at this point. There is another that needs a transom and floor on Mantoloking Rd in Brick. Seller wants 4900 or b/o...has a 1995 175 rude on the back with 250 hours. Again, too much for that big a project (at least for me).

Let me know what you think of the one on ebay...i'd be interested to hear what you find. I did put in a bid last night but have decided to keep my current 18' instead since I can't justify the $$ for one I can't see first.

fillet1 I got to give it to you you know your stuff. I am the seller of the boat on ebay and figured I would chime in to let you know where this boat stands. The motor was checked when I had a power board replaced and compression is fine. As for the bolts on the back of the transom they were for a motor mount from the guy before me and he installed the bolts but forgot to use stainless. These bolts are up above the water line. The transom is strong and does not have any cracks in it. Floors are all solid. Of course you get a flex when you step over the gas tank because there is removable foam under the gas tank hatch. To all who is bidding the boat needs a little tlc but overal is very nice I would keep it but I have a newborn and can't see it sitting around and going to waste. Thanks and happy sailing.

[chesapeake724]

So Parrot, I'm guessing you went to see it and liked it enough. Congrats in order? ;D

[jaysea]

did any body check the sellers feed back on that boat,he sold it last month for $1300,an the deel went south.ebay#4518189009

[Parrot6909]

Didn't see that in his feedback......Thanks for the congrats, I think... :-/ I didn't get a chance to see the boat in person (yeah, yeah, I know) but I did get a ton of pictures and I have a buddy who is a merc mechanic.....The thing that concerns me right now is I have another member of this site who has gotten a second chance offer on the same boat! ??? What is that about? I talked to Mike and he said that we could finish the deal on Thursday. Unfortunately I don't have his e-mail address or phone number here but what looked to be a great Monday doesn't feel so great anymore. I have been all over the place trying to find a good hull for my wife and 2yr old. This is not making me very happy.....hope there is an easy explanation around all of this and I'll have my baby in the water shortly....fingers crossed guys! I am not judging the seller at all, just seems a little weird with the IM and the ebay feedback stuff......I'll let you know what happens, but I really want this boat! ;D

[reelapeelin]

Parrot...I know you want this boat and this is easy for me to say, but don't let your zeal for this particular boat blind you to problems...I don't know this boat, there may not be any problems...just sayin' keep your eyes open... ;)

Hope it works out your way... :D

[Parrot6909]

I know, I know......See, I have been (as have a lot of us) looking for this particular boat for what seems like forever. Its frustrating to drive an hour or two and get out, take one shake on the lower unit, watch the transom sway and get back in the truck. I am an honest guy and I trust other ppl. Most of the V20's I have viewed have been accurately advertised (all but one) and the seller of this boat has been extremely helpful. I hope there is a simple misunderstanding here. He seems like a good guy, I'll keep you posted!

[CT_V-20]

I'm sending positive mental thoughts. And for what it's worth, as the father of a 4 and 2-yr old who both love their V-20, it is a perfect boat for the little ones so all of your effort is worth it whatever the outcome.