Found a V20 - A few questions for the experts

tnltracy

Member
Hi Everyone,

I signed up recently after looking at a V20 and deciding this is the right boat for me. I've since been hunting around for a used one, and got a look at one today that really looks like 'the one'.

I have a few questions for the experts however and took a few pictures to support the questions. First off, here's what I 'know':

It's a early to mid 70's hull, Serial # V220320. It has the twin livewell basins in it which I though were introduced mid 70's, but maybe someone can confirm year. Current owner thinks it's a 1972

Motor is a Suzuki DT 140. Serial # 507338 which I believe translates to a 1986 or so model.

Overall it appears solid and floors don't feel soft except for the the front lower section heading into the cuddy area. See picture below. Transom has been replaced, I confirmed via the obvious fiberglass repairs on both sides below the gunnels where they put it back together. Transom is solid.

The boat is partially under tarp now, but I got in and around and looked it over well. So here's the areas I have questions on and would appreciate any input from others' experience:

1) Should I worry about a couple hull repairs that were done at the bow and along a couple areas on the lowest step. The repairs are solid , but could use sanding down to clean up the lines. See first 2 pictures.

2) Theres a few cracks in the floor. Appear to be stress cracks, but one is a bit deeper at the corner of the front lower area at the cuddy See picture 3. All feels solid, not mushy, just wondering if this is 'typical' and should be fiberglassed up to reinforce

3) Transom has a couple 'burst' shaped cracks that don't feel soft, but wondering what the story is there. see pic 4

4) Bottom never painted, I think is a good sign as the bottom overall looks real nice. I know it has been in salt water as there are zincs on the motor, but looks like it was kept trailered as best I can tell. A couple stress cracks I noticed along the starboard lowest step, see Pic 5. Anything to worry about?

My plans are to bottom paint and keep the boat in a slip near my house. This will be a first time activity for me as my prior boat was kept trailered.

I am pretty handy, and not afraid of repairs. More importantly, I want to avoid getting into a money pit. I'm budgeting $1000 on the high end for repairs/ bottom paint, etc to get it ready for the water.

Thanks all. Hoping to be the next proud V20 owner with a bit of guidance from you all.
 

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A few more pics

So continuing with a few more questions pics:

At the rear drain, the fiberglass is split a bit. I tapped it good and confirmed it's solid, but just wondering if this is typical. I expect this needs some fiberglass (gelcoat?), and will be covered by bottom paint. Pic 1, any concerns here?

Front floor cracks. Pic 2, this is in the lower area as you enter the cuddy. Paint has peeled, and you can see the fiberglass. This area feels a bit soft, and the circular crack outlines the area that's soft. Not sure what's below here, but guessing may need to be cut out and replaced?

A couple more pics of cracks in the floor. These seem to be surface stress cracks and not go through the fiberglass. But open to thoughts. Floor is solid in these areas, confirmed by stepping on and tapping around. Pics 3 and 4
 

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If you're looking for a project boat to get into, that might be the one.

The crack in the floor going away from the floor hatch concerns me more than any other you show...

How good are you w/fiberglass...or how good are you willing to be?...unless you're just walking away w/this particular boat for nothing, keep looking around and see what's out there...

And it depends on your situation...if your budget dictates that this is the best way to get in a V-20, then it's better than not gettin' in at all...if you're thinking about having someone else do all the glass work seen here, definately look around...by the time you pay him, you might find a hull in better shape for the same money to begin with...

As I said, it depends on your situation and what you want...to go boating next week, or to start a project...

What ever ya do, welcome to the board and keep us posted on what ya do...
 
Keep looking!! Just to much work there. But the crack between the two floodr tanks are a normal thing, I haqve seen t least 5 that way mine never got ny worse
 
Thanks for the input

One question to clarify. Do you see the work being all in the floor, or the external areas of the hull? I'm comfortable working with fiberglass and working the floor myself, the external areas, if they are of concern, I would leave to others. I plan to have the bottom painted, and figure I'll have that all done at the same time.

I can get this boat with a solid trailer for under $2k, which seems to be a very good price for my area (southern New England). Only hulls I've seen in the same range are non-running inboards, or don't have a trailer.

This isn't my first boat, and I do hope to get on the water by Mid June
 
One question to clarify. Do you see the work being all in the floor, or the external areas of the hull? I'm comfortable working with fiberglass and working the floor myself, the external areas, if they are of concern, I would leave to others. I plan to have the bottom painted, and figure I'll have that all done at the same time.

I can get this boat with a solid trailer for under $2k, which seems to be a very good price for my area (southern New England). Only hulls I've seen in the same range are non-running inboards, or don't have a trailer.

This isn't my first boat, and I do hope to get on the water by Mid June


Going to paint the bottom indicates you plan to keep it in the water...(why would someone paint a hull bottom and keep it on the trailer?)...if that is so, I would make sure the crack at the drain-hole is not allowing water into the transom...
 
for the time nd money you re going to drop in this boat I would keep looking! Have you seen the price of glass and resin as of late?
I sold my V last summer with running motor trailer and all the work done for $3500

Good Luck
 
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