Side Support on 77 MA
 

I have an opportunity to buy a 1977 20' MA whose hull seems solid as well as the decking however...

The side supports are in poor condition and the motor(1998 Evinrude 115) seems to have some problems with shifting in and out of gear and reverse.

Welcome insight, suggestions etc.

Pics showing supports and other noted deficiency areas. Specifically the side support have come unattached to the interior side of the hull making for little contact between the top cap and the main hull.

Really looking to determine how much work will be required to get her sea worthy and SeaCraft!

My supports look like that on my 20 MA. I think it's fine. The hole draining to the bilge in the splashwell isn't good, but an easy ish fix.

I am very slowly working on an improved splashwell door. We will see if I get it done. The extra height of the MA makes it less sexy than a SF but a lot safer in a sea. Move batteries forward and she will drain at the dock.

Oh yeah, my transom is shot. But I just plated it. With two c channels of 6063 aluminum.

I have a set of those if you end up getting the boat. They are thick chunks of teak for sure. I was going to go back with glass boxes instead of the wood supports so I never used them.

I have 77MA that came with the original splashwell that i want but maybe some one could make a mold from it for all those wanting one

Insight
 

I appreciate the insights, I am leaving towards pulling the trigger, using it for the rest of the summer and working on it over the fall/winter.

Does anyone have any specific things I should inspect before final sale? I am going to be calling the mechanic and going over hours, preventative and corrective maintenance.

Scuppers, faulty electronics, etc???

I would do a compression check on the motor and or a leak down test (better way to check cylinder condition).

Check the transom to see how soft it may be and check for moisture.

Check the decks for rot or moisture and soft spots.

Look for structural damage such as cracks along the steps and chine.

Check if possible to see how water logged the foam in the stringers may be.

Check if possible the condition of the fuel tank- Pitting of metal or foam around it holding water up to it.

Check the coring in the cap to make sure it is not rotted or soft.

Look around the scuppers to see if they may be leaking in to the bilge of the hull.

Verify that all the wiring to pumps lights ect work correctly.

Good luck,