so 10 years ago I had to sell my 1978 20 foot I/o hydrodyne with a 305 chevy. I always regretted it but had no choice. I never dreamed that 10 years later I would be at my moms house and look over the fence and low and behold her neighbor had my old boat. so im goin to look at tomorrow because it is FOR SALE. , I do not believe it has been stored properly in a manner deserving of that boat. it is uncovered in the yard. for how long not sure but thinking for several years though. I know it has a cracked exhaust manifold and that they took out the seat and screwed FISHING boat seats to the floor and the ski pylon is missing. so here is the advice I need, any way I can tell if the stringers and everything are still good, im sure there are some soft spots in the floor but I really don't know exactly what to look for. I want this boat back but if its gonna be a full out restoration then not sure I have time for all that. any input is appreciated
If it is a 78 it is not a 20. It sounds like an 18. You have not given much information, but I would guess it will need a floor and stringers. The tow pylon for that boat will be very difficult to find. I/O transoms are sealed and tend to last. If you like, I can explain how to check out the core. Where are you ? jim
Columbus MS. and I really don't have much info to give at the moment. have only got to see it from a distance going to look at it tomorrow.
I really believe it is a 20 foot. not trying to argue because I may be wrong but I remember the registration which I still have somewhere for some reason, and it says 20 I think. but if you could tell me anything about checking the core would be great.
I don't think we have a member near you. Ask for the original seats and pylon. The I/O seats are the the best Dyne seats in my opinion. Tap on the hull below the spray rails with something that will not mar the finish. I use the butt end of a wooden hammer handle. A dry hull will have a sharp sound. A wet spot will sound dull or dead. If the hull is good and if you plan to do the work, it is worth fixing. A professional floor and stringer job will be 2-3K. Just a guess. Exhaust manifolds are around. Do not try to start it before a new water pump impeller is installed. jim
Jim, I had new floors and a new transom put in my 18 twin rig project by John at Dyna-Ski along with new carpeting and rub rail and it cost me $4,500.00. (John does it right and pulls the deck to put the new floor in.) I also went with a 3" transom because of the twin Black-Max's going on it. Repairs on these old boats don't come cheap. Anyone looking at one of these that have been left outside uncovered is looking for trouble. Floors..stringers... transom..interiors...gagues...controls all could end up costing a lot of $'s Bob
ok so I looked at it. has soft spots in floor near drivers seat and on each side of engine cowling towards back. it is a 20 footer. mr jim this boat looks very similar to yours except this one is blue and has or should say had a seat in front of the ski pylon. to be honest I couldn't tell anything for sure by knocking on the sides of the boat with a wooden hammer. it all sounded the same to me, not sure if that's a good thing or bad thing. but anyway im still undecided about getting it. kinda scared because I loved this boat and I want it back so bad but at the same time don't really wanna get into a complete hull overhaul. been going back and forth on whether to buy newer model mastercraft but at the same time I don't want the same boat as everyone else. I used to love it when people would stare at the boat when you rode by whether you were pulling three skiers or not.
