Im not sure its gonna be a V20 anymore! [Archive]

TXS V20

08-04-2009, 10:04 PM

Nice work!! Nice shop too! Are you gonna replace the original skin or build new deck and glass then paint over ? Have you ever done this before or just going for it? I would like to do similar just don't have the know how/time/equipment/money or room mostly know how. That's why I was hoping you just said what the heck only wood and glass. Please keep the pics coming makes a world of difference.

joe7670

08-04-2009, 10:44 PM

Dude awesome work!

What do you use to initially stick the stringers to the hull?

BenFishin

08-05-2009, 04:11 AM

I had never done anything like this before i had started this FEB. I did a lot of looking around on the internet and sifted through various sights. Everything has been done with West System. (have acesss to port supply acount and have a friend who works there) I make hardly any money and all of it i make has gone into this project. ( my girlfriend bought the motor....shhhh ) I am 23 years old and i have done all the work at my dads house with little help but from my girlfriend.

I placed the stringers onto the hull with west system and 403 additive. Its great for filleting. I put a bead onto the hull in a couple small places and let it set up. (the stuff is strong as mess)

As for the foam. This is the most biased thing i have researched. I bought 2 quart urethane 2lb density kit from west marine just to mess with it. i decided to put it in one of the voids on the starboard side. Well the whole kit didnt even fill the void all the way and it was a pain in the but. i dont have a covered work place, nor a cover so the weather has been a huge factor. Any time it has rained and wood was exposed i let it dry out a long time before i thought of glassing it. I am worried about the foam holding water. I have a drain system made into the side bulkheads but it is useless once i pour the foam in. Feel free to pick me apart on this stuff because this is one area where i have been on all sides of the fence.

I wish i could use the old floor as it is in pretty good shape. Only thing is the previous owner sprayed rhino liner in a puke green color onto it and it WILL NOT COME OFF! I am going to lay a new floor down, one layer of 1208 underside and probably 2 layers on top.

Sorry if there are any typos, im eatin breakfast while typin and gettin ready for work. Keep the questions coming. I like being picked apart because everything i learned has been within the last year. i am by no means an expert.

BenFishin

08-05-2009, 04:17 AM

drains

Joe,
the white stuff is the west 403. takes some messin with to get the consistancy right.

BenFishin

08-05-2009, 04:19 AM

the pic above was one of the first hot days i worked with the west fast and the 403. not a good combination. Made for a lot of sanding.

Do small batches when using the 403/404 with the west. otherwise you will get a mess like the pic above.

RABBITFISH

08-05-2009, 07:42 AM

[QUOTE=BenFishin;145596]

As for the foam. This is the most biased thing i have researched. I bought 2 quart urethane 2lb density kit from west marine just to mess with it. i decided to put it in one of the voids on the starboard side. Well the whole kit didnt even fill the void all the way and it was a pain in the but. i dont have a covered work place, nor a cover so the weather has been a huge factor. Any time it has rained and wood was exposed i let it dry out a long time before i thought of glassing it. I am worried about the foam holding water. I have a drain system made into the side bulkheads but it is useless once i pour the foam in. Feel free to pick me apart on this stuff because this is one area where i have been on all sides of the fence.
http://www.uscomposites.com/foam.html

If you are going to use foam this is the place to get it from, it is less than half the cost of West marine..and several of the repairs by members have used it. In the original layout of the Wellcraft they only used foam in the outside areas of the stringers and in the fuel tank compartment. Foam does tend to give your boat some emergency flotation aspects but also tightens up the hull areas where it goes in to. Main thing that I found when re-doing my fuel tank area was the lack of complete drainage, I had included channels to allow for air passage and drainage all the way from front to rear.. You have a great project going thanks for letting us look in on you. Oh yeah, when you'rd done would you like to sell your boat?? Ha Ha.. P.S. the ClassicMako web forum has lots of rebuilds with pictures and discussions.that's where I got most of my ideas...

Tommy.:thre:

cterrebonne

08-05-2009, 09:46 AM

awesome work, im going to have to do that to my v before i fish in it again.

parishht

08-05-2009, 11:11 AM

Awesome work.

One question, what did you use the pink sheet insulation as a form for?

BenFishin

08-05-2009, 11:23 AM

The pink foam is what i made my insulated fishbox for the transom out of. Ill have to try and get a finished pick of that tonight. It turned out great. Should hold ice pretty well to.

cterrebonne

08-05-2009, 04:58 PM

The pink foam is what i made my insulated fishbox for the transom out of. Ill have to try and get a finished pick of that tonight. It turned out great. Should hold ice pretty well to.

the pink foam doesnt melt like the blue foam or did you use epoxy and that doesnt melt any foam?

Blue_Runner

08-05-2009, 07:41 PM

Hey man, that is just awesome. I like what you are doing with the boat. Keep up the good work and you'll have one heck of a nice boat soon.

bradford

08-06-2009, 12:49 AM

Love that tower and the windsheild knocked off, gave me a chub.:hide:

BenFishin

08-06-2009, 07:22 AM

I was thinking about getting a porta bracket but in reality i am not gonna be able to afford it. I have a bracket that was on the boat before i redid the transom but the way it was set up was for a 20" motor and had a manual jackplate to run a 25" motor. I would like to do away with the manual jackplate. So can i just move the bracket up to use it as a 25" motor? or will that create too much of a moment on the transom? I know there is a calculation for how high to mount it based on the set back but i am just lookin to see if i can use it as a 25" bracket for now. If not would someone like to trade?? haha

BenFishin

08-06-2009, 07:26 AM

Love that tower and the windsheild knocked off, gave me a chub.:hide:
I cannot wait to paint the console... im sure as soon as i prime it i will find 10k imperfections. I have all the flush mount kits for my electronics.

lowrance gps unit and seperate lowrance depth finder that look identical and both will be hooked up to the NEMA 2000 network on my suzuki. i cant wait to do that. also have a vhf that will be flush mounted as well as cd player. Batteries will be under the console. I need to take a pic of the back of the console where the hatch is.

macojoe

08-06-2009, 09:58 AM

BenFishin Something i have been pondering
I was thinking about getting a porta bracket but in reality i am not gonna be able to afford it. I have a bracket that was on the boat before i redid the transom but the way it was set up was for a 20" motor and had a manual jackplate to run a 25" motor. I would like to do away with the manual jackplate. So can i just move the bracket up to use it as a 25" motor? or will that create too much of a moment on the transom? I know there is a calculation for how high to mount it based on the set back but i am just lookin to see if i can use it as a 25" bracket for now. If not would someone like to trade?? haha Today 01:49 AM

You can put the bracket any were you want no need for a new one. As for the height, I believe it is up 1 inch for every 12 inch of set back.
I did not do it with mine I just went to the 25 line and was fine. But you must use a 25" shaft and use the smallest set back you can for the best fit.
I had a 28" set back and it was nice to tilt a V6 all the way up, but after a few others have converted theres we found that the best way is to use a smaller set back, but your is fine cause you can't change it any way.

Keep up the good work, can't wait for the finish.

BenFishin

08-12-2009, 06:40 AM

How long do you think it will take for a piece of ply to dry out fully after it was soaked in rain water for a day? I didnt get hom eto put my crappy boat cover on before it rained and i had a unglassed side bulkhead glued in. it held a pool of water for a good day. Im kinda stressin about it considering i dont have a 100% waterproof cover on the boat. I wish i had a car port type thing to work in. its killing my progress.

Blue_Runner

08-12-2009, 07:47 AM

Ben, pick up a 12 x 24 blue tarp at walmart. That is what I use and it is completely dry. However I have my windshield sticking up which allows the water to run off the bow and stern since it is the high point. I'll try to put up a pic. I've had the boat for 4 years and I'm on my 3rd blue tarp. They last a little over a year before they start to leak. I think they are around $25 and fit nicely.

Sure I'd love to have a custom cover, but they are $$$$$$.

P.S. Put a fan on that wet ply...should help it dry faster.

reelapeelin

08-12-2009, 09:06 AM

Dry time will depend on heat/humidity/wind...BR's suggestion on the fan is a good one, but it shouldn't be a problem after it dries out unless it swells up and the ply delaminates...if it got THAT wet, you probably should replace it...

You can also refer to classicseacraft.com for lots of projects and general fiberglass info there, plus we got some of the best right here on this board as well

You're doin' some GREAT work there, Ben...you may not have started an expert, but you'll be one when she's done!!...THANKS for sharing w/us...great pics!!...

BenFishin

09-28-2009, 09:34 PM

progress update. not many pics as i lost my camera overboard that had a lot of them on it. need finish coat of paint on the console. I have finally gotten all of my electronics and flush mount hardware, hynautic dual station steering, dual morse controls, hydraulic trim tabs plus a few other things. here is all i have of the current progress. almost ready for the floor. Need a little more foam to finish the voids.

BenFishin

09-28-2009, 09:42 PM

couple more i found. and a cobia picture from a few days ago

BenFishin

09-28-2009, 09:53 PM

didnt realize i didnt post any of the fish box. ill have to take some more

RidgeRunner

09-29-2009, 06:44 AM

Wow, I admire anyone who has the intestinal fortitude to take on a project like yours and see it thru to the end.
I wish I had gotten to you before you cut that floor out, I say this because it is a ton of work fitting the floor to the liner. I guess with the Rhino Liner you didn't have much choice. What a project. Great pictures.
I am interested in seing how you reinforce the top of the liner to accept the tower. Amazing work.
I think you should call it SirBenGlassinALot.
You don't know me and vice versa but I know people.
Having said that I offer one word of advise, if the girlfriend bought the outboard she is a keeper, trust me, boats will come and go but a woman like that comes along once in a lifetime.. JMHO
:fam:

NOTHING ELSE MATTERS

09-29-2009, 11:46 AM

Memories, memories, memories, i went thru that 3 times in my life and loved it, hard work but it pays at end when you see the finish product.
You do very good work, keep the pics coming.

BenFishin

10-04-2009, 09:07 PM

outfitted the console with some goodies this afternoon. I am so excited with how it came out. i have put almost as much time into this console as i did on the boat. I was almost about to start thinkin i should have bout one but after seeing it come together knowing i built it, everything is worth it by far. The two units are lowrance gps and bottom machine, both are going to be capable of displaying all of my motor diagnostics digitally. as well as fuel flow and fuel level. the center gauge is the tach/smartgauge for the suzuki. I will get a analog fuel gauge to put above the tach and a volt gauge to go below. Vhf flush mounted to the right and a switch panel. cd player goin either under vhf or in the recess under the console. Of course morse controls for the helm and tower.

RidgeRunner

10-05-2009, 07:24 AM

I like it, I did something similar, the flush mount electronics look sweet.
Q. Is there access to the underside of the console for rigging and such?
How much longer to completion? :sly:

BenFishin

10-05-2009, 02:34 PM

there is a huge flush mount hatch on the front side of the console. ill try to get some pics on it tonight.

BenFishin

10-05-2009, 08:29 PM

I just got an awesome deal from my neighbor on a brand spankin new armstron bracket with a small swim platform. Its brand new and he is givin it to me for next to nothing. Heres the catch i have to sell the one i have now.
So if you know anyone looking for a single engine bracket with a jack plate please let me know. I have pictures of it on the classified section. but im extremely excited about the bracket my neighbor is hookin me up with. Please help me sell the bracket. i need to get this thing done and considering i am a student in college and work full time... i have NO $$$$ what so ever. no help from dad at all. Which does not bother me one bit as this is MY project. Its funny tho i used to ask my dad to help me with something on my boat, but now he is asking me to fix things on his boat and what he should do. Sorry for the rambling by the way, im fired up pretty hot about a hunting in the morning.

steplift20

10-07-2009, 08:30 PM

I hate to burst your bubble but I would have done a better job,, NOT great frikkin job and i cant even plug up a hole in my boat jeessss amazing job

BenFishin

10-08-2009, 06:03 PM

Thanks, if your local im more then willing to help. I live in Virginia.

Joker2

10-09-2009, 02:37 PM

Hey,

Yor boat looks awesome ! I started redoing my 75 cuddy v20 I am handy but I never did a transom and only used fiberglass one other time. I am curious how many layers of cloth did you use on the inner skin of your new transom? also what weight cloth? I am about to get all the stuff I need 105 & 205 & 404 West system, just not sure about the cloth. Also curios about how many gallons of resin did you need on your transom? I sent some pics. Thanks

Joker2

10-09-2009, 02:39 PM

nymack66

10-09-2009, 03:56 PM

Be sure to use a chain saw and mill all that ply wood out in photo 4 of 5 , It work like a champ for me..

BenFishin

10-10-2009, 09:16 AM

The cloth i used is called 1208. It is 12oz cloth woven at 0/90 degrees. and has .75oz of mat on one side. The purpose of the mat is to help pull the resin into the thick strands of cloth. I layed one layer of ply onto the transom and then put a layer of glass on. then the next layer of ply and then two layers of glass. all of the seams or edges i put a strip all the way around. Make sure you you stagger your seams of cloth. Google transom repair till it makes you sick. There is nothing worse then realizing you did something wrong when you are just about done. Make sure you get everything completely spotless before you start glassing. Good luck

msbhammer

10-18-2009, 10:57 PM

Ben, you wouldnt have any KIN FOLK with the last name of SKOOL would ya. You are doing a great job brother. I remember doing my transom in in a week long heat wave. I'm still pulling out fiberglass from my skin 2 years later. Great Job !!.
Hammer.

BenFishin

10-21-2009, 07:12 AM

Grinding fiberglass is probably the worst part of rebuilding a boat. I am actually excited for the cooler months ahead, thank god i dont have too much grinding left.

Jetty Rocker

11-09-2009, 07:31 PM

Great job. What wood did you use for the stringers? Can you use plain plywood? marine plywood (lots of $$$)? 2x6 or 2x8?? Also what was your main purpose for the foam? was it for floatation or to sturdy the floor? I am thinking of tackling my floor and stringers on my V-20 this winter. Once again great Job.

BenFishin

02-22-2010, 03:46 PM

Ive been getting back on the project since i somehow managed to squeeze her in the garage but i figured id update the status of some of the work so far.

BenFishin

02-22-2010, 03:50 PM

heres some more

nipper

02-22-2010, 06:14 PM

Lookin' great Benfishin.

lumberslinger178

02-22-2010, 09:03 PM

Wow Great Job.........

BenFishin

02-22-2010, 10:19 PM

here are some more pics

BenFishin

02-22-2010, 10:26 PM

rebel44

02-23-2010, 06:44 PM

looks good.

what are you coating the wood and glass with..epoxy paint?

BenFishin

02-25-2010, 07:49 AM

The glass is wetted out over the wood with west system and the gray stuff is bilgecoat

captpete13

02-25-2010, 06:54 PM

wow! thats some incredible work. You haven't posted in a while I thought you gave up or something. Keep it up man, looking good.

rebel44

02-26-2010, 08:24 PM

The glass is wetted out over the wood with west system and the gray stuff is bilgecoat

what fiberglass are you using...oz/type.

I'll doing similar to my CC but not so in depth.

BenFishin

02-28-2010, 09:24 AM

Its called 1708.

17oz with .75 oz of mat on the back and the cloth is woven at 0/90

Id recommend getting stuff without the mat. I just got a good deal on this stuff. This stuff also has some sort of kevlar woven into it but its not practical.

BenFishin

02-28-2010, 09:26 AM

pic of the floor being dry fitted

rebel44

02-28-2010, 11:32 PM

bradford

03-01-2010, 11:11 AM

Looks great man, I just might tear into mine! Keep it up, we like the pictures!

Skools Out

03-01-2010, 02:58 PM

why didn't you use kiln dry treated plywood?

msbhammer

03-03-2010, 04:37 AM

SKOOL, Whats up buddy. Hows that V20 project doing.
Hammer.

BenFishin

03-03-2010, 12:53 PM

why didn't you use kiln dry treated plywood?

I used solid core exterior in lieu of treated. Its all biased on whats best to use. For my sake anything is better than the 2 million square pieces it came with from the factory which held up for 24 years. I coated the underside with a layer of glass and 2-3coats of resin on all the end seams. All screws were counter sunk injected with epoxy with a syringe and then srewced down.

BenFishin

03-28-2010, 09:37 AM

some updates

BenFishin

03-28-2010, 09:38 AM

chumbucket

03-28-2010, 10:50 AM

:clap: Man, that's coming along real nice. I miss my V20 Center Console.

reelapeelin

03-28-2010, 04:59 PM

I LIKE what yer doin' there, Ben...the coffin's great and the nav-lights...cool, cool...thanks for the pics...fun to watch :clap:

SkunkBoat

03-28-2010, 09:38 PM

First I want to say that I am embarrassed that I can't even DAYDREAM that much work. You have inspired me...at least to do something mediocre so I don't feel so useless.

:clap:

Second, You will be very happy with that Suzuki DF140. Plenty of power, no blue smoke, and so quiet that you will try to start it while its running! And you turn the key and it starts, every time, and it keeps running and doesn't sputter out...even 5 years after you got it...and you smile and say "I love that motor".

bradford

03-29-2010, 10:38 AM

Looks Great!! :beer:

BenFishin

05-23-2010, 09:40 PM

cant believe i havent posted in a while. Ive been in san diego for work the last month and its killing me not being able to work on the boat. Heres the latest.

BenFishin

05-23-2010, 09:44 PM

....

BenFishin

05-23-2010, 09:48 PM

more sorry if there are some duplicates

BenFishin

05-23-2010, 09:55 PM

....

BenFishin

05-23-2010, 09:59 PM

I had to put the tower in to have a pic to look at while i was in San diego. Ill be back home friday and hope to finish by july

BenFishin

05-23-2010, 10:13 PM

Good friend of mine built the tower. He is absolutely amazing at what he does. Every top he build is 100% custom, no jigs nothing. just a good imagination. A few eveings at his house and some beer and we had a good idea of the top. He took it and ran, and i must say it is absolutely amazing in person. And you have no idea how much room i have. Most fishing room in most 20fters i have ever seen.

RidgeRunner

05-24-2010, 06:54 AM

Nice nice work. The tower is a work of art. Dual controls coming too.
Your glass work is real nice. :clap:
The space is great with a bracket. I am loving what you have done with her.:love:

reelapeelin

05-24-2010, 06:57 AM

Every now and then a real artist shows up around here using a V20 as his medium...the craftsmanship and level of design/execution you have goin on here are amazing...I'd love to see it close up...:clap:

nymack66

05-24-2010, 10:56 AM

Ben you were right and I quote "Im not sure its gonna be a V20 anymore" its now a NEW V , your work is awesome. I wish you were close by I would have volunteer myself to watch a master at work. Good luck and keep us posted..

Destroyer

05-24-2010, 11:26 AM

I'm stunned... mouth agape in awe and wonderment. It's always fun to watch a master at work...Well Done Sailor!!! :clap::clap::clap::clap:

BenFishin

05-24-2010, 12:04 PM

Im by no means a master. There are a lot of things ive learned and would have done differently. But I am extremely happy with how it has turned out so far. I am having anxiety issues right now not being able to work on it.

Blue_Runner

05-24-2010, 01:15 PM

I absolutely love that top! That would be a wicked cobia lookout.

If you ever decide to sell that boat will you sell it to me? :love:

Curapa

05-24-2010, 04:09 PM

Looks awesome man.

phatdaddy

05-24-2010, 08:28 PM

love that top/tower..............looks like salvadore dali meets pipewelders

captpete13

05-24-2010, 08:48 PM

All I can say is WOW! That is one sick boat.:clap: Are you able to fold down the upper station so you can trailer it

Bonita Dan

05-24-2010, 09:18 PM

Nice work there man! Gonna look great with a brand new outboard on the back. Hint,Hint

BenFishin

05-24-2010, 11:36 PM

Nice work there man! Gonna look great with a brand new outboard on the back. Hint,Hint

ive got a new 4 stoke suzuki!:beer:

the tower doesnt fold, i hate noise. I changed my roller trailer to a bunk trailer and dropped it down a few inches. the highest point on tower is 12'1". Limit is 13-6. I was able to do this because my buddy who built the top starts from scratch. I gave him a max height he could go and he went from there. The top of the t-top is actually lower than most. I didnt want an electronics box so that bought me some room to float. if yall need a top built in the virginia area i assure you he will beat ALL prices and most everyones artistic abilities. And a great personality to boot. www.martinscustomstructures.com

he loves v20s. Tell him Ben sent you and i promise you will be looked after!

Blue_Runner

05-25-2010, 07:54 AM

I have a feeling that guy is going to get some business off of this post alone. I sure would love a hardtop on my 21. Kinda would suck at the lake though b/c there are low bridges, one in particular that would cut me out of some good cruising. But it might be worth it?

Ben what is your ECD? Gettin close!

fromthedepths

05-26-2010, 07:40 PM

nice looking boat there ben.keep up the good work.

richardk5457

06-01-2010, 10:53 PM

very good job, you have some good ideas and talent. next stop= boat builder. looks great

bradford

06-02-2010, 08:19 PM

Looks sweet man! Can't wait to see her finished.

BenFishin

06-17-2010, 11:04 AM

primer

Blue_Runner

06-17-2010, 04:12 PM

Is there a fuel tank hatch? Just curious. Primer looks great! :clap:

BenFishin

07-10-2010, 08:02 AM

dont have all my pics right now but heres some updates

Curapa

07-10-2010, 08:58 AM

Nice!

BenFishin

07-11-2010, 07:52 AM

more pics.

reelapeelin

07-12-2010, 08:47 PM

Ben you really do some great work...artiste extraordinaire!!...zackly what kind of fishin you gonna do w/this baby?...:head:

RidgeRunner

07-13-2010, 07:37 AM

Very nice, I love the second (and third) color on the hull sides and the tower is magnificent. You really got her coming together. Are you planning to leave the bow rail off?

BenFishin

07-14-2010, 08:05 AM

Ben you really do some great work...artiste extraordinaire!!...zackly what kind of fishin you gonna do w/this baby?...:head:

probably these guys. Cobia if you dont know.
This is my girl with a 61 caught last monday the 5th. and the shot of the one in the cooler was a 75lb caught this past sunday. Its getting old standing on the top of the console on my duck boat.

BenFishin

07-14-2010, 08:07 AM

Very nice, I love the second (and third) color on the hull sides and the tower is magnificent. You really got her coming together. Are you planning to leave the bow rail off?

yea bow rail is staying off. I want to be able to get a gaf shot no matter where im at on the boat. Plus i think it looks cleaner.

The bottom is gonne be white next year. bottom paint is gonna be gone.

Blue_Runner

07-14-2010, 12:48 PM

So Ben, is cherry kool-aid is the secret to calming a green cobia? LOL :hide:

FRIGGIN nice fish!

reelapeelin

07-15-2010, 05:52 AM

probably these guys. Cobia if you dont know.
This is my girl with a 61 caught last monday the 5th. and the shot of the one in the cooler was a 75lb caught this past sunday. Its getting old standing on the top of the console on my duck boat.

OK...so now I see the need for the tower...NICE fish...lotta good eatin' around your place!!...had some grilled Cobia in a restaurant here recently...sent my compliments to the chef!!...FANTASTIC!!...

Blue_Runner

07-15-2010, 09:31 AM

Reel we need to get a V21 trip together for next year's near shore cobia run off of Cape Hatteras. Mid-May was an all out Cobia massacre this year. It just happened to shut down before we arrived for our Memorial Day trip, although we did see 3 or so but didn't get a shot at em. As it was described by one of the many boats that caught em, "Helen Keller could have caught her limit out there."

You're tall enough...you shouldn't need a tower. :hide::beer:

RABBITFISH

07-17-2010, 01:49 PM

Say, now that you're getting the hang of it, how much would you charge to do mine for me??

ABSOLUTLY AMAZING!!!!!!!

:nice:

BenFishin

07-29-2010, 11:22 AM

Put the rub rail on last night with the help of 3 buddies, 2 stretchers and a pilot hole driller. Its amazing what a black piece of rubber can do to the appearance of a boat. The upstairs helm is in, all throttle controls hooked up upstairs, downstairs and at the motor. Steering is half-way there. Only thing left is a WHOLE bunch of wiring.....

sorry for the crappy pic.