Considering a V20 as a first boat! What to look for?

[newboater]

I am a complete novice to boating and am looking for my first boat. I found a 1984 V20 Center Console which looks to be in pretty solid shape. The guy is asking about $3500 and says it runs well and is a good boat. I don't live on the coast, so it's primary function would be to take our 3 person family out on the surrounding lakes and fishing with my dad.

I'm in no way expecting this to be a new boat, but how do I check on the status of any inside wood? Also, what should I look for when inspecting the boat? Anything to check that is specific to this model or for a boat of this age?

The other worry that the boat has the original outboard motor on it, a 200 hp Mercury Blackmax, which I've heard terrible things about. The owner didn't mention any rebuilds or anything about the hours in the ad, but he's recently replaced the impeller, housing, wiring and ignition switch.

What are your thoughts on this boat? I like what I'm reading about the v20s so I hope that this may work out, although I am worried about an older boat as my first boat.

Thanks in advance!

[phatdaddy]

Welcome to the site, and to the boating world. Wellcraft is no better or worse than any 36 year old production boat. I d look at the transom for cracks in the corners or flex when handling the motor. Look for soft spots in the deck and up on the cap. I m guessing it has the original fuel tank, so stick your head up under the console and see if it has a gassy smell and check out the wiring while under there, look down in the bilge and check where the stringers meet the transom.

That vintage Mercury is not that bad, do a compression check, make sure it s firing on all 6 cylinders and the stator is charging the battery. Check out the steering, make sure it s smooth and not binding.

For that price, u don t get too much anymore,
Hopefully some of the other members will add what i forgot
Good Luck

[spiguet]

Hey! I'm new here also and picked up an '86 V20 back in May. Same deal, first boat, for me and family to use in the bay and coastal waters. Being only a few months ahead, I can only relay my experience in that it's been more of a hobby project fixing it up than actual boating. Little fixes here & there, troubleshooting wiring and what not. So depends on what you're looking to do.

The original Johnson 140, compression was good, started & would go at speed well, but wouldn't stay running at idle. Others tell me that's typical for old 2-strokes. Had the carbs re-done and got it running nice. Then last week it just crapped out mid trip, piston blown or a bearing or something. Probably due to age, my bad luck and inexperience. Now I face the rebuild & repower or sell and get a newer boat crossroad. I do like the boat, but not sure it's worth putting 10k+ into a new outboard or not.

But, the boat rides great in waves, on the lake, had it out on quite a few trips over the summer and was loving it for fishing, snorkeling, tubing and all that. It's a spacious boat. Hope that's helpful, good luck with your decision.

[Pipe_Dream]

Newboater, do your due diligence on this boat like phat said and maybe you'll do well. If after those steps it checks out ask the seller for a test run. For that price if you get a solid hull you're doing okay, and if the engine gives you a few seasons you're doing really well. These are great old boats and if you find a solid one you can pretty much keep it for life. I've been in mine for close to 30 years.

newboater and spiguet: welcome to the site!

[oteps]

Walk around in the boat to feel for soft spots. Look for holes drilled or cracks in the fiberglass, water leaks in there.

[jamesbalog]

Reality is it***8217;s a 36 year old wood cores boat. Unless it was redone it***8217;s most likely wet. Wet and rotten are two different things though.

As others have said check for soft spots in the deck, thump on the transom with a hammer and see if it sounds solid or hollow. Hollow=bad. See if there***8217;s any flex when bouncing on the motor. Check what stringers you can get to.


Check the compression on the motor. Cylinders should be within 10% of each other.

If all that passes take it for a ride, don***8217;t buy it if he won***8217;t take you for a ride with cash in hand. Run it thru the whole rpm range, turn it off let it sit 10 mins then do it again


Good luck