New member, new V20 owner

[Cali-V]

Hey guys I thought I would join the forums and say hi since I just bought an '82 V20. It is a bit of a basket-case but overall a good boat.

The good: I cannot find any rot or blisters, nice gel-coat below the rub rail, V20's seem to be a little harder to come by here in southern California so finding this one for a mere $400 w/trailer was awesome!

The bad: ugly paint above rail, missing cuddy door (The slider still there in good shape though) rod boxes both cracked and one not even mounted (seems typical?) and a few other things one would expect of a nearly 30 year old boat.

The ugly: Yes, why the boat was so cheap! Number 1 piston is pretty much melted and now rusted to the cylinder wall. The previous owner said it over heated in his driveway while flushing it out. He thinks the water pump caused it and it does make a horrible "nails on a chalkboard" screech when turned. However I am worried it could have been an impeller/outdrive issue.

Which brings me to my question, rebuild, repower, outboard on bracket? the motor is a 350 mated to an OMC 800. I have no experience with the OMC but have not heard great things plus parts are expensive compared to Mercs. I should mention I have experience with mechanical/structure/fiberglass work so I am not too worried about the work involved. So what would you guys do? I am leaning in the outboard conversion direction but a rebiult motor and going through the outdrive might be the least expensive. The boat will mostly be used for bay and inshore fishing here in San Diego.

Thanks!

[usmma2013]

It'll be hard to find parts for that motor/outdrive combo I think.
Since you have experience with this I'd go with a bracket and a nice 150-200hp outboard, it will be more expensive upfront but easier and cheaper to maintain and winterize. And you'll gain deck space.

[phatdaddy]

welcome west coast, sounds like you got a deal. mine is an 83, so i'm kinda partial to that vintage. i'm sure more mechanical minds will chime in, but i'd look at the bracket w/ outboard configuration. i never have liked running hot salt water through a car engine.

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by phatdaddy

welcome west coast, sounds like you got a deal. mine is an 83, so i'm kinda partial to that vintage. i'm sure more mechanical minds will chime in, but i'd look at the bracket w/ outboard configuration. i never have liked running hot salt water through a car engine.

Hi Cali-V... Welcome to the site.

I'm with pretty much everyone else on this. Seal the transom. Mount a bracket and put a 150-200 hp outboard on it. You'll be a tad a** heavy, but trim tabs will take care of that. In the short run it will cost more.. In the long run it will save you money.

The only way I'd recommend a rebuild is if you found a complete yank out/drop-in engine in good shape for a really good price.

[spareparts]

throw the 800 drive away, don't waste a dime on it. OMC couldn't make them work for any amount of time, I've rebuilt them, but never gave a warranty. glass up the transom, find a bracket, bolt a 150 on the back and go boating. the OMC stringer drive is proof positive that they don't drug test engineers

[willy]

Do as suggested here, unless a good I/o set up is located on the cheap or you are very comfortable with the work and maintanence.
If you go with a bracket two suggestions, one do not go over a 150 with the bracket, and preferably a two stroke like a ETEC, keeping weight as your prime consideration.
Two, make sure you go with a bracket with positive flotation, it is very important.

[Fishwhisperer 180]

I was stationed in San Diego, Point Loma for three years punching wholes in the sea. My civilian boat at the time was a 18 Hobie.
As far as your new asset, Shop the choices. Make a Repair Order and cost out time, parts and materials of each option. Then weight the benefits of cost with your ideal set-up.
With gas prices as they are a lot of people are unloading their boats. Boats that have problems are the first to go ( like yours for example). What I'm leading to is the fact that I have never seen the pick-in's this good. There is New old stock, used parts, New new stock, etc... You might come across a deal that you can't pass up.You have to get online and get just as good at finding the the parts (at the right price) as you are at putting them together.
The crew here does a great job in posting info on anything you might need. Between landing her for $400 then joining this forum your well on your way.
If you should decide to stay with an I/O consider a fresh water cooling system if not currently outfitted with one.
Please post pics of the project so we can pick up some tips. Congratulations and good luck.

[Cali-V]

Yep, pretty much the answers I was wanting to hear! Just needed some back up. I guess if I had the money, I would opt for a bracket with the large platform (would be great for swimming and spearfishing) and a shiny new four stroke. Since that is out of budget a compromise might be a float bracket without the platform and a used two stroke. I have seen the little box style one that Stainless Marine makes for a good price. I started shopping around for used outboards after I got home and will make some calls tomorrow for prices/options. Lots of boat snobs in this area who think nothing of re-powering at a cost more than I make in a year! There are definitely deals to be had.

Anyone have any idea about the door? I could probably make something but could use a close up picture of the door and top connection. I'll start cruising the gallery now.

Thanks again guys! Got to love a website dedicated to one make/model of boat.

[Genie Aye]

Cali-V

Welcome aboard!!

I bought a V-20 2 years ago (before the boat market crashed), tough to find these on the west coast, and am still working on it--I rewired everything--replaced the motor--twice (Ouch)--and had a new top built--added Lenco trim tabs and am very happy with the boat--still working on a radar arch and a live well for tuna.
I have run 65 miles off the coast multiple times and I am very confident in her abilities. Put good electronics on her and away you go. These are a sweet boat--but need's the trim tabs in my opinion.

I would replace the I/O with a bracket and outboard--2 stroke--4 strokes are aweful heavy. The newer two strokes pass emmisions for Ca. and are great on fuel burn. Search and you will find what you want for what you want to pay. Good luck--
post pictures before and after!!

Genie Aye

[reelapeelin]

Cali-V...welcome to the site!!...a two-stroke 150 will be ideal on a bracket...one thing that's come up here about bracket installs...make sure you go w/a 25" long shaft motor and not a 20" short-shaft as the shorter motor will have a tendency to bury itself in the wake when coming off plane...

Rather than a new door, have you considered having a canvas snap-on cover made for the cuddy entrance?

Pictures of the conversion if ya can...we love good boat-porn around here...