New owner - any startup advice?

[scook]

I just acquired a 1985 V-20 (built August '84). The previous owner fished the boat in California, brought it to Oregon, had some work done on it and after the engine quit (in the Columbia River), he decided to buy a new boat. He was offered a low trade-in, and decided to send it to a good home (me) instead. He says he loved the boat and that it handled better in the ocean than his new 23' Striper.

I haven't gotten the manuals and misc. paperwork yet, but want to start looking it over for needed repairs. I would welcome any comments, e.g. are there wood stringers in the hull, are they a problem, if so, are they repairable, was the fiberglass good when this boat was built . . . are there any things that I should pay particular attention to? Is this an "unsinkable" boat? If not, can foam be added?

The hull looks very good (very few little dings), has no bottom paint, and was recently cleaned. The cockpit has a lot of holes with no screws in them, some of the wood is loose or gone (I can fix that), the electronics are old (I'll get specifics on that) and the engine will get a going over.

I'll try to get some photos to post.

It sounds like some of you guys know these boats pretty well. I'm no boat expert, but I think the hull is a thing of beauty - looks like it should ride smooth and have a very dry ride. I'm really anxious to get it out in the ocean and catch some Salmon, but I want to be able to come back too.

Thanks for any help.

[Blue_Runner]

Welcome to the site Scook. What kind of engine is in the boat? Inboard or outboard? Horse power?

Fill those screw holes with Marinetex. The stringers are wood for sure. The glass should be just fine. Also, there have been some to do the foam floatation. I'd want to make sure that the foam couldn't get wet though. Won't it get water logged? I've heard "closed cell" foam won't water log? I'm not the expert on that 8)

[macojoe]

Welcome to the site!!

Sell now before you are hooked!! Cause it will only cost you money money money!!

[scook]

Thank you guys for the quick response.

Blue Runner
It's an I/O, I think a Merc - I'm taking the day off today and will go get some pic's and see if I can get a ser. no. and other info. off the engine.

I went to the Marinetex web site and will read up on their stuff.

I'll definitely do my homework before any foaming for flotation - I suppose it might hold water against something else (like the wood stringers???) that could be a problem.

Macojoe
I AM hooked. My daughter wangled the deal (got the boat free from the guy) for a birthday present. I'd be REAL unpopular if I sold it. I have a pretty decent shop, my son is an auto mechanic, I like to fool around with this kind of project and I'm kind of a glutton for punishment.

[macojoe]

well the boat was made with floation so it will not go to the bottom but it will go down!

I/O SUCK!!! Mine was a I/O when I got it, 165 mercurser I have added a gill bracket and a 175 Yamaha and couldn't be happier!!

It is a pretty easy conversion if you have some basic skills and a few friends to help you out.

You will love a outboard on the full transom boat!!

[fillet1]

Scook-

Welcome and great deal!! Dont let MJ scare you about the i/o. The ob/bracket is the way to go imo, but the i/o will be fine. Mj ran his for a while with the i/o before converting.

There is lots of great info here! 8)

[macojoe]

Yes I ran mine for 4 years, payed big each year in repairs!! Could have converted 3 times for what it cost me to keep her going!!

Live and learn!

[scook]

The eng. is a Merc 170, and there's oil in the water. I imagine it's a head gasket, but don't know anything about this eng. yet.

I really like the idea of an outboard (room in the cockpit & quiet). I'm also getting some pressure from fishing buddies to get it running to take advantage of this season, and I don't disagree with that.

We have the skills, but don't know squat about the process. Where can I get info about converting, where to get a bracket (or make one), etc..

Can you tell me how to post pictures on this board?

I don't suppose either of you guys are thinking of moving to Oregon any time soon?

Thanks again for helping a greenhorn.

[macojoe]

it pretty easy to convert the way I did. Look around in the local paper or ebay or want ad's for used bracket. You can get a good one for around the $500 mark.
New they go from $800 to $2000, depending what you want.

Easy to fill the hole if you have a good transom also.

As for the water in the oil could be a gasket if you are lucky!!
Are you raw water cooled?? I was and the head rotted thur and was getting water in the #2 cylinder and in the oil, The # 2 plug was rotted right off from the salt!

Go here to learn the easiest way to post pic here

http://www.wellcraftv20.com/cgi-bin/...num=1108430327

Anything else just ask!!

[jaysea]

HI ,IS YOUR 470 MERC FRESH WATER COOLED, MINE IS ,TAKE A COMPRESSON TEST,AN GO FROM THERE TO THE EXCAUST MANIFOLD AN TEST THEM.