Looking for a V20

red342 · #1 02-22-2011, 08:15 AM

Hello:

I am looking to purchase a V20 sometime REAL soon. I have been doing my research and this site has been a home run. Most v20's that I see for sale around here (Long Island) are in 78-84 year range. My question is, based off all of your experience and knowledge, what can I expect from the transom and stringers? I am not new to boating so I am aware that maintenance, weather and age all play for different answers, but based on the construction and or quality, do these tend to last from these years or would it most likely be they will have to be replaced?

Thanks

Rob

reelapeelin · #2 02-22-2011, 08:59 AM

You are right about weather and age...these hulls are robust enough as they are, but if neglected, can become problematic...and keep in mind this can be said about ANY boat...nothing comes to mind that's a chronic weak link, although we do see soft gas-tank covers from time to time...good luck in your search and let us know how it works out...

red342 · #3 02-22-2011, 12:29 PM

Thanks for the heads up! I have no problem ripping out the floor and tackeling the transom, I just dont want to if I dont have too. Some times you say "oh I bought a so and so from 1979" and everyone will say DEF repair EVERYTHING.

Anyone else purchase a older model v20 that held up over the years? And if not, how much did you have to refinish?

Thanks again,

Rob

Blue_Runner · #4 02-22-2011, 01:01 PM

Factory floor was ok on my '75. Looked rough due to gelcoat spider cracks but solid. Someone did a shoddy job on repairing the transom so I had to drop $1200 there. Could've done the work myself but did not have time/place/glass skills back then.

Destroyer · #5 02-22-2011, 02:58 PM

I have a 78'... Floor and transom are nice and solid. Previous owner did his maintenance and made sure all penetrations were properly sealed. May not be the prettiest V20 around, (can you say Lumberslinger?) but it's a good solid boat. Just do your homework when you buy one. Walk on the floor bouncing on the balls of your feet as you do. Look/feel for spots where the floor feels soft underfoot. Do a bounce test on the engine on the transom. Look for any flexing. Check any holes in the stern. Make sure they are all sealed. (that last one can be misleading, if he sealed all of them the week before, so don't go by that 100%) In short, use common sense. And don't be afraid, if you find somethng wrong, to ask about it or to renegotiate the price. The worse that happens is you find a different boat. There are lots of them out there. You just have to look.