Need Help Please Buying a 20' Skippy. What to look for

Trayscool · Nov-03-2009, 12:06 PM

OK so Im gonna pull the plug and possibly buy another boat. Looking at a 20' Skipjack for the 1980's. I know absolutly nothing about these boats other than the usual stuff when buying a used boat. Anything specific problems these are
known for? Thanks in advance....

doughnut · Nov-03-2009, 12:18 PM

I had a 20 I/O Skippy. Obviously, on a boat. . .of that vintage, start with soft spots, check stringers for rot, especially in the engine compartment. Transom rot etc. Those projects can get lengthy and costly to repair. The wiring will be bad if its original, control cables etc. Its probably an I/O, the old ones are prones to problems. I always thought the cool set up would be to rebuild the transom, put a bracket and a 225-250 for stroke on there.

Bizzy · Nov-03-2009, 12:51 PM

I had a 1980 24, and Doughnut covered most of the issues. Wiring and water intrusion are the biggest problems you'll likely find. I'm no mechanic, but I was able to replace the steering cable. Look in the hull for signs that water has been sitting. When you're looking at a hull that old, you're mostly paying for the power, so you'll definitely want to get a thorough inspection of the motor and drive. Then get some small tools and a lot of bandaids, 'cause working on that motor in tight spaces gives you alot of bloody knuckles.

Trayscool · Nov-03-2009, 12:57 PM

I will def be looking for rotten stringers and damage to the hull.. my buddy just paid good money for a boat with bad stringers and now hes in bad shape. not working at the moment so im actually looking forward to rewiring the boat. not too hip on doing any mechanical repairs at the moment so i hope it runs good!

Phat Matt · Nov-03-2009, 01:10 PM

If the skippy has an OMC outdrive..run as fast as possible away form it and keep looking until you find one with a Volvo outdrive. I had a 24 for many years. I noticed the 20...no scupper holes for self draining deck. Make certain your bilge pumps are up to snuff on the 20.
Galvy trailer is a major plus++++++++++

Great little boat. Look up Rock Lobster posts..he designed/built a pilot house for his and it came out great!

Just my .02. Good luck on your search.

Matty

Trayscool · Nov-03-2009, 01:21 PM

thanks man! yea its got the volvo 270. i have been lookin for a while now and finally found one with a volvo that i can afford.

did a search but did not find any pics. there is a couple more pilothouse threads on here too. maybe looking into that later on for sure....

Bizzy · Nov-03-2009, 01:35 PM

I had an open and put a small tower and hartop on it, made a big difference.

Crash · Nov-03-2009, 01:50 PM

Travis

take a look at my post on my skippy 20 rebuild, they are a fantastic boat IMO - do some research before you go the bracket route

Trayscool · Nov-03-2009, 02:26 PM

yea probably not gonna do that anytime soon. this will be my first boat with an I/O so I got a lot to learn.

and your boat is badass. I have been checking out your thread now for months. Possible down the line when I get some more $ together and decide if i wanna keep the 20 or get a 24 ill get a little more serious about building a pilothouse. Your looks awesome!!

Crash · Nov-03-2009, 02:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trayscool

yea probably not gonna do that anytime soon. this will be my first boat with an I/O so I got a lot to learn.

and your boat is badass. I have been checking out your thread now for months. Possible down the line when I get some more $ together and decide if i wanna keep the 20 or get a 24 ill get a little more serious about building a pilothouse. Your looks awesome!!

take your time there is always a better deal around the corner,

Good luck, happy to answer any questions you may have.

robert

Trayscool · Nov-03-2009, 02:56 PM

what is your cruising speed and top speed with that motor setup?
whats your mpg? 65 gallon fuel tank right?

thanks...

Crash · Nov-03-2009, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Trayscool

what is your cruising speed and top speed with that motor setup?
whats your mpg? 65 gallon fuel tank right?

thanks...

got 42 knots in the bay - glass water to fast for me in this boat -kruz @ 28 knots all day long

2.8 - 3 mpg average

50 gallons i am pretty sure ,, have 2ea 13 gallon deck tanks for tuna, strap them up top when they are empty I usually run out of day before i run out of fuel