Mako 20' 1976...?

[H.M.S.]

Hey

Looking at a Mako 20' 1976 CC with a '96 225HP Evinrude. The package looks good on photo - CC - T-Top etc. but just want some advice on the 'older' Mako hull. I've heard the older Makos are a more solid boat, but 1976?
Any top tips that I should look for in this hull, proceed with caution, stay clear or anything else?

Thanks

 

[mthieme]

Re: Mako 20' 1976...?

Yes they are better than the newer ones.
My neighbor has one (not sure of year) and it is a good solid boat.
He has a 150 on the back which is more than sufficient.
The worst thing I can say about it is that it's a bear running cables from the CC under the floor back to the stern.
What price?

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Mako 20' 1976...?

good heavy boat.

Buying a boat

1st you need to decide what you want to use it for, fishing, cruising, or water sports.

2nd how many people adults, children you want on board of the average outing.

3rd outboard, inboard-outboard, or inboard power plant.

4th Budget, what you want to pay, and what you are willing to pay, when you find
Exactly what you want.

You can hire a marine surveyor, to inspect the boat, or you can do it yourself.

You are mainly looking for soft spots in the deck, transom, cracks, all signs of a rotten, under frame. You walk all over the deck, that a mallot, or hammer with wooden handle, using handle, tap all over the transom, a shape rap is good solid base, a thud, is questionable base.

The motor should be clean, no spots where the paint is discolored, or pealing from heat, having run hot. (This part for outboard motors Compression should be atleast 100psi, and within 10% of each other,)
Spark on all cylinders, good pee stream, check lower unit for water in oil.

The overall condition of the boat will tell you a lot, as to how it has been maintained.
boat motor combo, A 30 year old may be in better condition, than a 3 year old


Join us on May 15th. http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=291501

 

[H.M.S.]

Re: Mako 20' 1976...?

Thanks all

I'll be seeing it this week.....nice looking boat, looking to get it for around 3-3500. Advertised for 4500 obo.....dual-axle, nice accessories: t-top etc.
We''ll see ............want a boat but will wait for the right deal.

Looking for a day-fun boat, me fishing mostly bays and coastal, fun for the kids: tubing, snorkelling etc.
19 - 22 foot-ish with an o/b - outings of 2 to 6 or 8 folks - now we live in the US and particularly Tampa, Florida, it seems our families want to come over more and more - I guess it is pretty cold right now in Europe!

Cheers

 

[capt sam]

Re: Mako 20' 1976...?

if it's in good shape that's an awesome price, you will be very happy with that hull.

 

[dingbat]

Re: Mako 20' 1976...?

I have a friend who is restoring one of similar vintage at the moment. Great hull but he found a lot of rot in the transom in the area of the motor mount and the stringers had seen better days. Check these areas very carefully.

For the price they are asking I'd be suspicious.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Mako 20' 1976...?

in Florida it is very common to find great older hulls, that have been repowered like that one.

i was in the Evinrude shop not long ago, there was a mature Wellcraft, getting refitted with twin 200 ETECs. you know that man like that hull to put that much money into repowering it.

 

[H.M.S.]

Re: Mako 20' 1976...?

thanks again all...

taking it out for a trial on a lake this week......we'll see how she performs and I'll take alomg my best mallet.......!
She does look nice though....

 

[joe09]

Re: Mako 20' 1976...?

it is a good old boat.the thing i dont like with them is the low sides,you could put a rail up,to keep kids from falling over.also the low transom in a following sea.

 

[H.M.S.]

Re: Mako 20' 1976...?

anyone know of a decent mobile mechanic/hull type guy/gal in the Kissimee/Lake Toho and Nona area....?
I've scheduled to see her Friday afternoon.......I'll do a web search but a recommendation speaks volumes in this modern day of cowboys and wide-boys!

Cheers

 

[H.M.S.]

Re: Mako 20' 1976...?

thanks Joe09

good point - I'd be making it kiddie-proof almost immediately althought my 2 are 6 and 8 and are water-babies....i'd just be a little happier. Probably need to have something fabricated.
We'll see, if the deal goes down!

Cheers