'88 O/B V20 restore - *what would you do ?

[brianct12]

Hi Guys,
I am restoring an '88 V20 and could use some advice.

1) the transom hatch covers. *I have removed the existing hardware which keeps the lids closed ... and after the boat gets painted .. figure I will use a different method of hardware. *Can I get away with no securing latch ? *If not, anyone have any ideas for hardware that could be hidden inside that would work, etc ?

2) my right side transom hatch - *looks like it is meant as a live-well ? *Has a sealed storage compartment with a drain fitting / hose at the bottom. *Has anyone with the same set-up used this for a live-well ? *Does it work well ... *or should I just consider it a storage area .. and remove the drain hose ?

3) *Transom drains: *can anyone tell me how far these 2 thru-transom drains sit above the waterline ? *Reason being - *I am going to add a bracket for the O/B and I wonder if the stern will squat lower ... so much that the drains might be below water-line ? *During normal use at sea - *how much water is there coming "in" thru those 2 drains and staying in the transom notch collection area ?

4) *I will be "enclosing" my transom notch when I add a bracket. *Should I worry about being able to get rid of alot of seawater in emergency situations ... say if a few huge waves came over the bow ? *How well do the 2 thru-transom drains and the 2 cockpit floor drains work at getting rid of water fast. * Would you make any changes during a restore to handle water draining ?

Anyone with '88 or similar model year boat ... *who could offer some advice (after years of using your boat) ... *about what you might change during a complete restore ... feel free to comment. * This is the time for me to make the changes.

Thanks in advance, *Brian

ps ... I would post pics here if I knew how ... but I do have pics in the Gallery

[steplift20]

number 1
keep it the same you have to make sure it is locked it if they come loose or come off while at sea you could have some serius problems because they keep the water out of the boat
number 2
use for storage
number 4
dont enclose

if you want a full transom v20 why not buy mine real cheap. all glass work is done, brand new gil bracket is installed, fuel tank is good, all teak is good. all the boat is missing is the bow rail. the original gelcoat still shines.1982 model. windsheild and front sliding hatch are in perfect shape too. the cabin just needs some tlc. i just want to get back the cost of the gil bracket. thank ,vic