I looked at the V20 today and was surprised by how clean it was. Cleanliness aside, it definitely has some issues. The Good:The engine cranked right up, but I didn't run it too long because it was running on muffs and no water was coming from the pisser. I remember my old 200's on my Grady wouldn't pee on the muffs either, but I didn't want to take a chance. Regardless, the engine was real clean, ~120 on all cylinders and ran pretty smooth. It's a 175hp Mariner, inline 6, so I imagine that boat will scoot across the sound pretty swiftly Also, the large hatches in the deck were very solid and from poking around in the bilges, the stringers and glasswork look really good for a boat of that age. No standing water and really clean as far a bilges go.I really like the layout of this boat. It really feels much bigger than 20' because of all the cockpit space. The BadThe deck is shot. I guess 30+ years of owners changing seats and layouts an never sealing the holes really can do a number on a plywood core deck :) There were several areas around former chair locations that felt like I would fall through if I put my weight on it.The transom is not healthy. It has the ubiquitous 3/16" stainless plate that was somebody's idea of a transom repair. That's not so bad, but the transom is so soft, even that thick steel place is actually starting to bow outward. That definitely needs to be fixed before she can be splashed. The trailer has no title which means I'd either have to get a new one or play the "homemade" trailer game with NC DMV to get it on the road. Other than that it's in good shape with nice long bunks that support the boat under the stringers from the transom all the way up to where the bottom makes its upward curve. Outcome:I'm going to think about it. Guy says if I don't want it he'll probably just fix it up himself and keep it for a while, so there's no rush for me to make a decision. I know in my price range I'm going to be buying a bit of a project, but I was hoping to get something with the deck and transom solid enough to get me through this season. But overall, its a project I feel I could do, I'd just rather be fishing in April/May instead of doing a transom/deck project. I'll keep looking in the meanwhile
Not sure where the one in Tampa is but I'd be happy to go take a look at it for ya.Marc (flounderpounder) is right about the Merc not peeing until the t-stats open. My Merc does the same thing.
I love this forum!!! Thanks for all the responses guys!!!Gran - Thanks for checking. I'll still get you that beer when I head out to the coast to fish my new Aquasport (once I find it of course) :)BlueAgave - I actually reached out the owner of that boat in Rising Sun. Haven't heard back from them, but I sure hope to. I'm actually going to be in the Philly area on business this week, and Rising Sun is just a hop, skip and jump from there. FlounderPounder - Thanks for the info on the Mercs. I've only ever had OMC/Johnsons so the black (well grey in this case) motors are foreign to me. That boat in TX would be perfect as I have a line on a nice Mariner 150 for $1500 here locally. I'll call him to see what's what with that one. The boat in Tampa looks AWESOME if I could get it in my price range. Marc- I'll give the guy a call and may take you up on your offer to check it out for me. Just FYI. I've decided to pass on the V20. I don't mind a transom/deck project, but I at least want something I can put off until the fall. I know that's a LONG project when you can only work on it a few hours in the evenings and I really want to see some water time this year. That V20 wouldn't be safe to splash until that work is done, so I'll keep looking. While I liked the boat, I really like the idea of an AS anyway. So I think I'm holding out for an Aquasport. I thought about a Mako as well, but those things are so $$$ even when they're trashed. I just don't get it Once again, thanks everyone. I can't express my gratitude enough for the warm welcome y'all have shown me!
Jasonjust read your post, and the non-indication on the pee-stream from the engine. Just something to keep in your head for future engine check outs, the Merc/Mariners because of the cooling system routing did not pee until the T-Stats opened, which is around 140-150 degrees. The one I was working on a few weeks ago, did this, and I investigated it, the thing actually had a little steam coming from the indicator tube a few seconds before the stream started. But this is normal for that engine. I didn't care for the looks of it either, but that's the way their made. Marc
It's all in a Day's work on the CAS forum, we love spending other people's money.. huh Scott??
