Re: 20ft Master Angler
That's interesting Tuna. Bought my 1979 20 MA in 1996. Had no clue of the internet nor this site. She had a "rigged" 1985 Merc 200 BlackMax. I did not survey her, but did seatrial her myself in Sarasota. Dragged her home with an old Toyota 4X4, launched her with a boatload, cooler to match, and she BLEW!!! (Spent two seasons with local experts trying to rebuild her). Three years later I could afford a new transom, complete rewire, new Johnson 175 2S, and though I can't remember originally, she was not self-bailing. If she was, I never noticed...like 20 minutes before she smoked. Didn't have the money, nor the information, but raising the transom and floor seemed unnecessary at the time. Rerouted the floor drains into the bilge (I know!), and had additional pumps placed in her. Still 'til this day, not sure that she really sits real deep in the stern.
If I were not to raise the transom, I think I would try an inexpensive manual jack plate, find her sweet spot, and set it and forget it.
Right now she's blistering quick, doesn't draw anything alarming, doesn't sip fuel, and smokes very nicely. But she's propped right, handles like a dream, and ocassionally flies. I love it.
Note: Not sure of what appears to be original 68 gallon fuel cell. Has abrupt 90* on top of tank where fuel line feeds to outboard. Taller than floor hatch allows, hence, only soft spot in entire floor. Everything else solid. Happy Thanksgiving! Part II.
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