20V or 22V??

[bundy]

hi guys,
i am a new member as i am currently about to buy a 22V or 20V.
would like to get your opinions and feedback if possible.

lookings at 03-04 models, as they are in my price range.
just the general stuff;
like what engines and gearbox combo's run the best?
what to look out for in the boats when buying?
what colours hold up the best?
what options i should look for?
any usual damage i should look for and how to go about it?
what the difference in fuel ecconomy between the boats is?
what has been the mechanical problems with these boats?
and on the controls whats the best layout/setup?

these are just afew questions..
i have done my research but would like to hear from the people that know tige' best.
regards bundy

[ajholt7]

I am not real familiar with those year models but, I know the vinyl used to be an issue. I have an 08 20v and love it. If I would have had the funds for a 22 when I bought mine I would have. I couldn't even find very many used 22's for what I bought my 20v new for. Mine has the 320hp Marine Power engine. Where are you located?

[goose69]

I was in the same position you are in last year. I tried out both and my kids (teens) liked the shape of wake on the 22v better, so i got a 22v. Mine is a 2003 and it had less than 70 hrs on it when i bought it. Mine has a merc 350 tow sport 4.5gal/hr @22mph top speed 43. The options mine didn't have that i wish it did are: Hot Shower, heater (air), and plumbed ballast.

Problems to look for:
----------------------
Vinyl (hopefully has been replace)-i replaced all the back seat skin after i bought for $200
Steering Cable-if it is stiff be prepared to replace.
Speakers-if orginal Clarion will probably be toast.

[chpthril]

like what engines and gearbox combo's run the best?

In that year, they could come with either a 1:1 or a 1.4:1 gear. It really doesnt matter, a simple prop change will compensate for any shortcomings i.e sluggish hole-shot when loaded up w/ballast or to low a top-end for foot'n. When buying new, go with as big a motor as possible, but then again, in the last number of years, the torque on the these power plants has been awesome, so there wasnt a need to get the biggest engine available. These could have the same engine, but my guess it that the 20V may have the smaller of the 2 engines. Either way, prop change will help a ton if needed.

Other then that, there is not an option out there that cant be installed on either one. So go with the one that is the best fit for your family, looks to be the best cared for, and more closely matches the asking price. But, I would lean awfully hard towards the 22V, just cause most people get 2ft'itis in a year or so. If towing and storage is not an issue, then the 22V would be at the top of my list, and the 20V would have to find a way to bump it

[KonaKing]

Well said CHP. The one option you can not add to the 20v is 2 more feet. Go with the 22v. You wont be disappointed.

[Jason B]

I have the 20v. If you put 4-5 buddies in it it gets cramped-fast! I am saving for a 24'. In that age range you won't have a huge price diference between a 22 or a 20. Get the 22' from the start and be done with it. I've never heard anybody say "my boat has too much room." I always bitch about my boat being too small.
Wish I would have saved for a bit longer and got a 22'

[HippoBoatamus]

When just my wife and I go hit the water for a date night, romantic picnic, or whatever, we never say our 24V is too big. We can both lay on the back deck and look at the stars, lay on the seats and stretch out, and hell even the floor is big enough for us to both lay on together.

When we invite everyone to the lake, we are glad to have the room. You only regret not getting a bigger boat, you won't wish it was smaller.

[KonaKing]

When just my wife and I go hit the water for a date night, romantic picnic, or whatever, we never say our 24V is too big. We can both lay on the back deck and look at the stars, lay on the seats and stretch out, and hell even the floor is big enough for us to both lay on together.

When we invite everyone to the lake, we are glad to have the room. You only regret not getting a bigger boat, you won't wish it was smaller.

"its to big" I've never heard that.

[Joeprunc]

Wait a second I was always told bigger isn't better, its the way you use it..?..??

[murphini]

You will never* regret a 22footer over a 20 footer, while there may be many times you'll regret having a 20 instead of a 22.

All things being equal that extra 2' x 8.5' makes a huge difference.

*Actually, the only time you'll regret the 22 when you realize your there is such a thing as a 24. We went from an old 20'I/O to a 24ve 3 years ago and I'm glad we made the jump over the 22

[Dave S]

How many people are in your crew? If it is more then 4-5, get the 22' We looked hard at 20V's but then decided they were way to small for the people we take (5-7). We got a 21' Z1 and it is perfect for us.

[goose69]

The other only down fall I know about a 22 over a 20 is a 22 won't fit in a garage.

[Carter13]

The other only down fall I know about a 22 over a 20 is a 22 won't fit in a garage.

This is a big one IMO. I would not own a boat that doesn't fit in my garage and would have to be left outside or have to pay to store it.

[KonaKing]

The other only down fall I know about a 22 over a 20 is a 22 won't fit in a garage.

That depends on your garage. My garage is 26' deep and it fits great. Even a 20' wont feet in a standard garage of 21' x 20'. unless you angle it in.

[Paublo]

All are good points and I'll add a few more. In '03 they used wood and '04 was no wood in the boat construction. A few late '03 model year boats had no wood. In '04 Marine Power motors became available but some dealers still ordered the Mercury power plants. On the standard set-up the Merc was 315hp and the MP was 335hp that year. I've spent a lot of time in a friend's '03 20V and owned an '04 22V for 5 years- They are both nice boats but you will enjoy the 22V much more for many reasons. The beam on the 20V is 96" and 102" on the 22V. The length is actually only 20" more on the 22V, but it feels much bigger.