repowering my V20. need some advice

taqwache · #1 08-05-2008, 01:28 AM

alright, i got a 1978 V20 thats been in the family since 79. originally it came with twin 75hp mercs and once those gave out, we re-powered with a single 175 mariner. the guy that did the swap back in the late 80s, didnt repair the transom correctly where the twins used to be. so of coarse, now the transom is pretty rotten out. anyways, i gave up my plans on converting it to IB/OB and i found a smokin deal on 2 brand new, in the box 05 115hp saltwater mercs for 5K each. when i asked the guy why there so cheap and have been sitting on the shelf so long, he told me because there 26" shafts and will not fit on most boats. well i measured my transom and it is exactly at 25.5". the other problem is that they are not sync to run together so i would have to convert one to rotate reverse.

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

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.)

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)

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

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.)

Let me know what yall think about it.

macojoe · #2 08-05-2008, 02:29 AM

Quote:

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"

Quote:

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!!

Quote:

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.

Quote:

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.

Quote:

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!

taqwache · #3 08-05-2008, 03:13 AM

thanks for your response. the first thing i notice is that you never heard of a 26" shaft and neather have i. the guy at the boat dealer here in houston is the one that told me that they were 26". i asked him if he was sure and he told me yes, so i figured he was right. but you know how salesmen are, usually they dont know S$#t. he might be talking about a 25 or 30 who knows. ill go back this weekend and get a closer look myself and see what i come up with.

taqwache · #4 08-05-2008, 04:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by macojoe

Transoms are the same size on these boats no matter if they came twin or single, but might have been configured different.

well after looking at some more pics closely, this is what i am talking about the different kind of outboard transoms.

these are just the first good pics i could find on the gallery. mine is configured like the second pic with more room for 2 outboards. has anyone used 2 115s before? if so, how do you like them.

#5 08-05-2008, 06:21 AM

I concur with Mac, sounds like too much weight. Plenty of motors out there for under $10000 that you are thinking of spending. Guys on this board are always finding 150hp+ motors for under $5000. Look for a 175hp+ that's what I would recommend for skiing.

These V20 hulls are great and versatile. If you have the time and knowhow, you should consider restoring one that has been handed down to you from family an honor.
You will be happy and proud all said and done

.

macojoe · #6 08-05-2008, 07:52 AM

When rebuilding the transom you want to stay with a 25" transom for a 25" shaft motor, this will be your best option.

Thats what I meant by different configuration transoms. I would stay with a single motor and get a kicker if you feel the need.

Airslot · #7 08-05-2008, 08:58 AM

You guys have overlooked one big thing so far. On a 25" transom you would hang 20" motors if going twins. If you want those 25" motors you would have to rebuild the transom to 30".

spareparts · #8 08-05-2008, 05:37 PM

good point air, personally if i had the money, I'd put a 175 Suzuki 4 stroke on the back of it and take a litle extra money and buy Sea tow to get back in if soemthing goes to crap

Jetty Rocker · #9 08-05-2008, 06:01 PM

I have never heard of 26" shafts either however, if they DO exist, you could probably mount them in the top holes and be okay (for a single engine). I built my transom to 25" them mounted my engine in the second mounting hole which probabaly raised the engine 1-2 inches. Also I have seen and old Maco and an old Grady with 2 right hand engines. However I agree that a single 150 or 175 would be your best option.

Jetty Rocker · #10 08-05-2008, 06:04 PM

I have never heard of 26" shafts either however, if they DO exist, you could probably mount them in the top holes and be okay (for a single engine). I built my transom to 25" them mounted my engine in the second mounting hole which probabaly raised the engine 1-2 inches. Also I have seen and old Maco and an old Grady with 2 right hand engines. However I agree that a single 150 or 175 would be your best option.