Can you Tell Me About This Boat?

[chackett]

Hi All,

I started contemplating getting this boat back in March of 2012 (even started a thread here about the internal gas tank back then). Well, this past spring break, I finally went down and picked up the boat and hauled it back to Atlanta (Alpharetta to be exact) from Bluffton, SC.

The HullID marked it as a "F20" .. if I can I'll post a pic. I had to do all sorts of work on it to get it operational. I rebuilt the carbs on the Suzuki DT200 that's on it, replaced most of the fuel lines under the cowling, new plugs, batteries, etc. But I think I have it mostly running now, with the possible exception that I think water might be getting into the internal gas tank.

I believe someone told me previously that this hull had a metal gas tank. If that's true, then a previous owner replaced the tank with a plastic one. There's a porthole in the floor that provides access to the sending unit, and the tank is clearly plastic (brownish plastic).

While I was working on the boat over the course of 4 or 5 weeks, I was working off a small external gas tank. One of the first things I did when I got the boat home was to siphon off as much gas from the internal tank as I could. There was a lot of water in the tank, but that wasn't too surprising to me since it has previously sat uncovered for at least a year.

Anyway, once things were running, I added 20 gallons of fresh fuel to the internal tank and headed to the lake. I should have tried siphoning the internal tank again first, because after I got towed back to the ramp, the following day I siphoned about 6 liters of water off the internal tank.

It's definitely possible that the first time I siphoned gas out of the internal tank, I didn't get all the water. Since that time, I have also cleaned and sealed the sending unit area with silicon.

Is water getting into the internal tanks a common issue with this hull? Any suggestions as to where to start with figuring this out? There is a large cutout area on the floor that I am assuming provides access to the tank, but getting to it will require removing the leaning post, and at least unbolting and moving the center console, which is a colossal PITA. So I thought I would ask for suggestions first.

 

[macojoe]

Well it is possible you did not get all the water the first time?
Also it might have been getting in the sending unit hole?? was there a gasket on it before you sealed it?
On mine, (1975) it was the vents being to low on the sides and when going thur the water the splash would push water in the vents. Just relocated them no more problems!
Could be a cracked gas tank or someone screwed something to the deck and into the tank? Been done before!

But I would check all other stuff before you have to get to the tank as you said its going to be a PIA!!

Good Luck

 

[chackett]

Thanks for the reply. I appreciate it. Do you know anything about this hull? It's stamped with "F20" but there's not much information that I have been able to find on it.

As for the water, it's definitely possible that I didn't get all the water the first time. I really hope that's what it is. Where the sending unit is, there was no gasket, either when I removed it or when I replaced it. When I removed it, there were bits of caulk and stuff on the bottom of the face of the sending unit that I figured was no good. I cleaned it up really well, making for a nice smooth contact surface. I screwed it back on, and sealed it up with a good amount of silicon. Hopefully the lack of a gasket will be overcome with the silicon. If not, I can remove it and add some sort of gasket.

I can see what you mean about the vent being placed in such a way that water could splash up and get in there. I can also see how it could be possible that someone put a screw into the floor that punctured / pierced the tank. Particularly where the leaning post is attached, that is something I'll need to check for sure.

Thanks for the ideas... I'll keep you posted.

Chris

P.S. Here is a link to a (large) picture of the hullID

 

[colinm]

The Boat is a V20 Fisherman,,,,,,
I have an '82.

 

[chumbucket]

The "F20" designation was assigned by Wellcraft showing that it was built as a V20 Fisherman model. I had a 1987 with the same F20 designation and still had the fisherman tag on the side of the hull as well as the original brochures and owners manual. They came from the factory with aluminum tanks (or at least mine did).

 

[reelapeelin]

I may have missed it but I didn't see mention of a water separator...hope you have a fresh one in the fuel line...when I got the hull I have now, there were concerns about water in the tank...w/Spareparts help, we worked through it w/out having to remove the tank...hopefully he will see this cuz he circulated and filtered the gas in/out of my tank over time w/a pump/filter gizmo he put together that did the trick...water being heavier than gas will sink to the bottom, so if you can pull from the dead bottom of the tank, it may be possible to clear all the water out, then treat what remains w/a fuel/water treatment...there are several on the market...

Sounds like you might be doing a little striper fishing on Lanier...

 

[chackett]

Thanks for all the info ya'll.

Reelapeelin - definitely looking to do some striper fishing on lanier this summer season. My dad and I bought this boat from a fellow at BaldRidge about 2001 ish. We fished the lake for about 4 seasons and then my dad dragged the boat to Bluffton SC when they moved there. It was mostly neglected until this past spring break when I brought it back up here and started getting it back into shape.

Also .. there is a water separator in the fuel line, but I'm 100% sure it needs to be replaced. Also, here are some pictures of the "gas" I siphoned off the tank just before I took it out for a spin this past Wednesday.

Chumbucket .. thanks for that explanation of the "F10" designation. I wondered why everyone calls it a "V20 Fisherman" when it clearly is stamped "F20" and the sliding window on the console says "Fisherman" on it. Do you know any resources where I could figure out the year from the HullID?

Here is the "gas" I siphoned:

Jar1 (all water with sliver of gas at top):

Jar2 (little less than 50/50):

Jar3 (all gas with sliver of water at bottom):

 

[chumbucket]

The last two numbers of your hull ID designate the year of build.

Here's a link to our site history section.
http://www.wellcraftv20.com/gallery/history

 

[Destroyer]

Chumbucket beat me to it, the last two numbers of your hull VIN number are what designates the year. So according to your photo, your boat is an 89. Nice looking boat. I'd look at the vents personally. I've had similar experience with another V where the water was coming it that way. Moved them and the problem went away.

 

[RidgeRunner]

Welcome aboard.

I have a 1983 F20. All info here is spot on.
I see your Mason jar of water/gas. Even the third one with a sliver of water is way too much. The pick-up tube that goes in the top of the tank extends down near the bottom so that little sliver will be the first thing to be sucked up. Once the water makes its way in the carbs, well you got a little more work to do. Carb cleaning will be in order if the boat has sat for 2 years anyway.
Reel has a point, even the pickup tube does not make its way to the dead bottom of the tank. That is where you need to go to get all the water out.

 

[chackett]

Thanks RidgeRunner,

I guess I should provide a little more detail. When I initially got the boat I siphoned off all the gas / water I could, until I was not able to siphon any more liquid out. Over the course of the next 5 weeks or so, I worked on engine and anytime I ran it, I ran it on a small external tank.

Once I got the motor running well, I put 20 gallons of fresh fuel in the internal tank. The next time I took it out, I started on the external tank, but when I switched to the internal tank, I couldn't get the motor to turn over. That's when I got towed back in (Thank you Boat US!) .. the day after I got towed in .. that's when I siphoned off the three mason jars I posted pictures of.

I probably siphoned off another 2 or 3 jars until there was no water in the tank. Then I ran the motor on the muffs for about 30 minutes total (10 minutes on, 10 minute rest, 10 minutes on, etc..) on the internal tank.

The following day I dropped the boat in the water and ran the remainder of the 20 gallons from the internal tank off. I'm really hoping the last bit of water I siphoned was just water that was left over from the first time I drained the tank and didn't get all the water that's in various places in the tank.

Thanks everyone .. really glad to be here.

Chris

 

[macojoe]

When ai got mine I drained as much as I could then thur the sending unit hoe I soaked up the rest with a rag till dry, then I knew I was god!

 

[aussie]

when cleaning fuel tanks I always add 1 litre of mentholated spirits to the tank--water mixes with metho and metho mixes with fuel I guess you all know that

 

[spareparts]

I've got to do some repairs to my fuel polisher, but all it is, is an electric fuel pump hooked to a water separating fuel filter. I hook it up to a hose with an extension of rigid line that allows me to "aim" it. I pull the fuel sender out an look for water on the bottom, you can vacuum it right out with teh pump, after I think I have it all out, I just hook it up to teh fuel outlet and let it cycle the fuel right back into the fuel fill. I've actually hooked it up and trailed the boat around the neighborhood to slosh it all around to get all teh fuel cleaned.

 

[bcraigan]

I have a dual console I'm getting ready to work on and it has a plastic tank also if I remember right... It is around a 1986 model but i'll have to check for sure. It was originally a sea drive but has a gill bracket now. Nice looking f20 you got there. I'll be pulling the gas tank soon so I'll let you know what I find. Thanks for the post and the pics. Looks great.

 

[chackett]

Thanks bcraigan. This boat definitely seems to have 9 lives. My dad and I bought it about 13 years ago. The hull is in surprisingly good condition considering it's age and level of neglect. I would say it was uncovered and unused in Bluffton SC for a period of two to three years. With only a very minimal amount of use.

It's been fun working on it. Although honestly most of what needs attention is the Suzuki DT200 on the back. It's really only needed a good carb job, couple of fuel lines replaced, some new plugs and it's pretty close to being good to go.

I think my next couple items to address are going to be cosmetic, like getting a new canvas for the T-Top and repairing or replacing some hatches. If anyone has a good source for repairing or replacing hatches on these boats, I'm all ears. Even if it's just a good build thread, I would appreciate any pointers.

Thanks again!
Chris

 

[chackett]

Hi All,

I thought I would give an update on this boat. I spent most of the winter last winter working on the motor. I was able to work through all the water in the fuel problems as well as a bunch of other things. Here's what I've done so far:

1. Replaced fuel lines under the cowling (several broken or rotten)
2. Resealed all the holes in the floor (like where the leaning post is screwed in)
3. Removed, cleaned and resealed the sending unit (BTW, in another thread I was asking about the gas tank. Must be a replacement, because it's definitely plastic, and seems fine now).
4. Replaced the deck-fill
5. Replaced the fuel vent with a "splash proof" type vent.
6. Removed, cleaned and rebuilt the carbs on the '86 Suzuki DT200
7. Replaced the plugs multiple times
8. Removed the old steering cable and replaced with teleflex cable and installed a new no feedback helm unit.

The boat and motor has been really strong since about mid-way through last season. I've been out just about every week this summer (maybe 10 times) and everything has been very solid.

Now I'm on to doing some cosmetic stuff like replacing broken hatches, doing some gelcoat repairs, maybe painting / sealing the floor. There are lots of spider web type cracking. Nothing structural, but just cosmetic.

Anyway, just thought I would give an update. really been enjoying the boat.

Chris

 

[Destroyer]

Hi All,

I thought I would give an update on this boat. I spent most of the winter last winter working on the motor. I was able to work through all the water in the fuel problems as well as a bunch of other things. Here's what I've done so far:

1. Replaced fuel lines under the cowling (several broken or rotten)
2. Resealed all the holes in the floor (like where the leaning post is screwed in)
3. Removed, cleaned and resealed the sending unit (BTW, in another thread I was asking about the gas tank. Must be a replacement, because it's definitely plastic, and seems fine now).
4. Replaced the deck-fill
5. Replaced the fuel vent with a "splash proof" type vent.
6. Removed, cleaned and rebuilt the carbs on the '86 Suzuki DT200
7. Replaced the plugs multiple times
8. Removed the old steering cable and replaced with teleflex cable and installed a new no feedback helm unit.

The boat and motor has been really strong since about mid-way through last season. I've been out just about every week this summer (maybe 10 times) and everything has been very solid.

Now I'm on to doing some cosmetic stuff like replacing broken hatches, doing some gelcoat repairs, maybe painting / sealing the floor. There are lots of spider web type cracking. Nothing structural, but just cosmetic.

Anyway, just thought I would give an update. really been enjoying the boat.

Chris

 

[chackett]

So first .. the broken fuel line. When I would run the motor, it only seemed to be able to idle. And it would only run while I was priming the bulb. I think priming it made enough gas "jump" across to the intake side to keep the motor running. Made a for a nice explosion hazard under the cowling.

Then some dirty carbs, jets and floats. I removed and scrubbed these about 5 times. Eventually I brought them to a local shop that put them in their ultrasonic hot bath, and then I installed rebuild kits and she ran so much better after that. They've been good ever since.

Oh yeah .. and then a picture of the carbs half taken off, but not disassembled. I circled a place where there is a small metal tab that was missing. Couldn't figure out what the heck they were. Then I noticed they are directly above some teeny tiny intake holes in the body of the throat of the carb. I assume the tab is to prevent fuel from shooting straight up and out of the carb. I couldn't find any replacements, so I made my own out of a beer bottle cap. Had to secure it with some small bits of jb weld. They're holding up great.

"I have uploaded the maximum number allowed" of 5 attachments.

 

[chackett]

More pictures ..

I made a new switch panel out of lexan I bought at Home Depot and bent to shape with my torch. Came out better than I expected. I am painting the inside this weekend. The old one the previous owner made is also shown.

Finally a few pictures of the wife enjoying the finally floating and running boat.