possible 1978 project for $50

0

077tango

New member
Found this today, sparked my interest.Appreciate your comments and I do have a couple questions:

if trailer is usable looks too short can trailers be lengthened? Looks to me 3-4 feet is needed
Transom looks very shallow, is this the normal depth.
Here's the description.

WELLCRAFT 1978 STEPLIFT V-20, HULL ONLY, PROJECT.

I CAN'T FIND TIME TO FINISH THIS PROJECT, SO MAYBE YOU CAN.

ONE OF THE BEST HULL DESIGNS EVER (AS FAR AS A DRY RIDE IS CONCERNED).

HULL IS IN VERY GOOD CONDITION. ALL WOOD HAS BEEN REMOVED FROM TRANSOM AND IT NOW NEEDS TO HAVE THE TRANSOM CAVITY FILLED WITH A POURABLE CERAMIC COMPOSITE TO MAKE IT INDESTRUCTIBLE FOREVER (OR AT LEAST FOR A VERY LONG TIME).

CUDDY CABIN.

GOOD WINDSHIELD GLASS.

TRAILER INCLUDED, BUT YOU'LL NEED TO SUPPLY WHEELS AND TIRES.


Thanks for your input.
 

Attachments

  • wellcraft 1.jpg
    wellcraft 1.jpg
    617 bytes · Views: 71
  • wellcraft 2.jpg
    wellcraft 2.jpg
    1.2 KB · Views: 75
  • wellcraft 3.jpg
    wellcraft 3.jpg
    1 KB · Views: 71
Can’t see the pics too well. As for how to fix that, I can’t tell you. Since the photobucket scheme I haven’t figured out how to put pics on her me.

Anyways as for the boat, once again I can’t see the pics to give an accurate opinion about the trailer. The transom is set up for a 20” shaft motor which for lakes and inland stuff I think will suffice but being that the transom is already gutted you might as well build it up to a 25” or even close it off and invest in a bracket.
 
Imgur for posting photos

You have some adjustment on most trailers with the tongue , winch post or axle location.

But the trailer could still be too short, worst part of any deal is usually the trailer
 
There is a post in "How To" for How to post pix with imgur

http://wellcraftv20.com/community/showthread.php?t=22480

Looks like you copied and pasted thumbnails, not the full image.

78s didn't have overboard draining decks.
Probably has a 20" transom, saddle tanks.
I would raise it up to 25".

I did a pourable transom. Look for thread here tagged transom and look at my you tube videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEz94NbKCh0&t=2s and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Oe_ZmPOUCNc

Trailers are almost always cheaper to buy new than replace 2 axles, springs, brakes, hubs, actuator, lights, wiring, rollers and u bolts....oh and 4 TIRES.

That said, You gotta make the call based on condition. From what I can see its a double axle, probably long enough unless someone cut the tongue.
 
Last edited:
hopefully pictures work

Appreciate your comments
 

Attachments

  • picture 1.jpg
    picture 1.jpg
    45.1 KB · Views: 44
  • picture 2.jpg
    picture 2.jpg
    13.3 KB · Views: 38
  • picture 3.jpg
    picture 3.jpg
    44.1 KB · Views: 42
Yes, the trailer is DEFINITELY to small for that boat. There is no real space left up front by the winch to move the boat forward. Plus, it's a painted trailer already showing signs of rust. So figure on the cost of a new trailer along with the costs to repair the boat. Keep looking is my advice
 
Yep, someone cut the tongue and that trailer is worthless anyways (except for holding a boat in your yard)

No one can tell from pix how the deck is, the stringers, the gelcoat.

Is it worth it?
If you have some experience with fiberglass and are going to have fun rebuilding it for a year and you are going to use it for 10 years after you buy a motor and trailer, and be the guy who rebuilt the '78 V20 because its cool....

If you just want to go boating...pass.
 
What a shame, that was a great boat once, I have a 78 too, maybe you should part it out, bow rail wind shield etc, it's a real shame to see that old girl like that
 
I don't know step, looks like it has been scavenged pretty good already. And he will still have the costs of tires to tow it, hardware, wiring, plumbing, landfill costs after, and a possible ticket for unsafe vehicle on the way home. Lots of better opportunities if he just keeps looking and hanging around here
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top