1984 V20 Upgrade Santa Barbara [Archive]

DustyCajun

03-28-2014, 12:36 AM

New member here. Me and my buddy Hoober were out having a few beers at a local German pub in Santa Barbara a month ago and decided to go check out a 1984 V20 Steplift cuddy cabin that was for sale at the harbor. One look at the hull and the wide open fishing platform in the stern and we’re off to his house to get some cash! Beers and boat buying, what can you say!

5428

The boat was used by the Santa Barbara Sailing Club as a race spotter, thus the huge S B S C letters on the hull.

5429

It was a dirty, oily, greasy mess with about 20 pvc tubes mounted everywhere to hold race flags.

5430

We have been spending the last 4 weekends getting her ready for spring fishing in the Santa Barbara Channel. Sanded off the letters and cleaned up the hull. Have not had the time to get to the bottom paint, that project is on hold.

5431

Can't figure out how to get more than 5 images on here, so will post more on reply.

DustyCajun

03-28-2014, 12:42 AM

The old cabin door was shot, the black plexi glass was melted.

5432
Took the door apart and put some beech wood veneer in place of the plexi. Added stain and varnish.
5433
Cleaned up the hardware and mounted the door, it came out nice.
5434

Added a new slammer door to the rear battery area as the old wood door was toast. Also mounted a center rod holder down the middle for bounce ball trolling for halibut.
5435
5436

DustyCajun

03-28-2014, 01:12 AM

Installed diamond plate rod holders on the sides. These covered up most of the old holes left by the flag holders. These are also used for bounce ball trolling.

5437

5438

Installed two new rod holder sets on each side transom.

5439

Replaced the old wood kicker plate that was on the stern and installed the
kicker motor.

5440

Removed the old dashboard and all of the old wiring. Put a piece of Starboard in and mounded the compass, GPS fish finder and fuel gauge. More to be added here.

5441

Destroyer

03-28-2014, 03:12 AM

Dusty, you are on the right course for sure. Got a good boat at (I hope) a good price, and you're moving ahead at flank speed on restoring her. Would you please explain to me (and some of the rest of us I'm sure also) what "bounce-ball" trolling is? I really don't think I've ever heard of it and i'd like to know how it works. In all cases, welcome aboard, don't be a stranger and keep up with the pictures...we love boat porn around here, especially of V20's. Beer and boats.... a winning combination. :beer:

DustyCajun

03-28-2014, 09:51 AM

Thanks for the welcome Destroyer. Got the boat for a steal. I have to say this site has been great for research and inspiration in getting this project going.

Here is a basic layout of the bounce ball set up. Fished in 60 to 100 feet of water with a whole squid or sardine pinned to the hoochie.

5442

It is a proven winner for Halibut fishing along our central coast.

5443

We are going after them on Saturday.

Can you tell me how to get the photos directly inserted into the thread?

phatdaddy

03-28-2014, 10:20 AM

welcome dusty, you are indeed lucky to have come across an 84 V, as we all know. that is the best year.

you need to upload photos to photobucket, then copy the link for forums to your post & it will show up as the pic.

Destroyer

03-28-2014, 10:53 AM

welcome dusty, you are indeed lucky to have come across an 84 V, as we all know. that is the best year.

you need to upload photos to Photobucket, then copy the link for forums to your post & it will show up as the pic.

Dusty, thanks for the diagram of the bounce ball rig. We don't have Halibut here on the East coast, but we have Fluke, which are cousins of them. Going to have to try it and see how it works.

As to your question about posting pics, Phatdaddy was right on the mark with his reply. Open an account with Photobucket, (www.Photobucket.com) then upload your pics to your account there. Follow the directions on that site for copying your photo here. Just make sure that your photo has the tag [img] both before and after it's name. As an example [img] my boat [img]. This site reads that tag as a photo and displays it as such.

Oh, and don't listen to phatdaddy (or anyone else for that matter) about which year hull is the best. Everyone knows that the best V20 hull was the 1978 issue and the best V21 is the 1996. Cheers.. :beer:

charlie_the_tuna

03-28-2014, 11:18 AM

I noticed on those halibut, some are left sided and some are right sided. I find that odd.

GREYWOLF

03-28-2014, 12:09 PM

Welcome dusty
You are doing a lot of work fast . congrats on the find you will love these V20 boats for fishing they are very stable and dry boats , I see you already have tabs on her they make the ride even better, I also agree with phatdaddy 1984 is the best year :nice:

willy

03-28-2014, 12:48 PM

Good job on the reworking of that beauty, except for 86 and especially 92 it was probably the best year

RidgeRunner

03-28-2014, 02:08 PM

You had me at "hoochie".

Welcome to the site. Nice fish those halibut. Cousin to the flounder I assume. Good eats.. Keep up the great work on the V. I like the door a lot. Bright work makes a boat, and anyone that has ever refinished one can attest and appreciate the fact that it is tedious work.

DustyCajun

03-28-2014, 02:11 PM

Destroyer - I have seen some articles on the inter-web thing of east coasters using the Halibut bounce ball rig for Fluke. You should check it out.
http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f9/big-fluke-halibut-secrets-9555.html (wlmailhtml:{B89BAA15-1C88-42B6-8C80-B61DC12DB685}mid://00000094/!x-usc:http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f9/big-fluke-halibut-secrets-9555.html)

You need to slow troll this rig at 1.5 to 2.5 knots which usually requires a kicker motor.

Charlie Tuna - the California Halibut’s eyes can be either right-sided or left-sided, unlike other species of flat fish which are left-sided.

Greywolf, - We took the V20 out for a test run last weekend. She ran great, got her up to 35 mph on the existing 115 HP Mercury. Even managed to get some blood on the decks. Only issue was a list to the port side due to the kicker motor, so we picked up some Nauticus Smart Tabs to trim her out.

5444

Installed and ready for action on Saturday. Anybody out there use these?

5445

Based on popular opinion, it appears that the best year of the V20 is coincidentally the year you own! So 1984 it is.

SkunkBoat

03-28-2014, 04:29 PM

....So 1984 it is.

Yes, It is!!!

:beer:

Destroyer

03-28-2014, 09:03 PM

Destroyer - I have seen some articles on the inter-web thing of east coasters using the Halibut bounce ball rig for Fluke. You should check it out.
http://www.sportfishermen.com/board/f9/big-fluke-halibut-secrets-9555.html

You need to slow troll this rig at 1.5 to 2.5 knots which usually requires a kicker motor.

Dusty, the link didn't work, so I fixed it for you here. That's a great read. THANK YOU for posting it. Since I'm a Downrigger fisherman anyways, that method is going right into my "must use" book for future reference. My kicker is a 9.8 Mercury engine, so slow and steady is not a problem. I may give that "toad" method a try also. Looks fun. :beer:

DustyCajun

03-30-2014, 11:39 AM

The new smart tabs worked great yesterday. Much easier to get up on plane, solved the list issue and increased fuel economy.

Next up, new rod box inserts for the gunnels, ordered and on their way!

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/WellcraftBox1_zpsfc1bb7ab.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/dustycajun/media/WellcraftBox1_zpsfc1bb7ab.jpg.html)

The boat came with none.

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/RodBox1_zps2f759ce8.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/dustycajun/media/RodBox1_zps2f759ce8.jpg.html)

DustyCajun

04-01-2014, 07:52 PM

Next project, a custom filet station at the stern. Used some of the old PVC tubing from the sailing club flag holders for the base of this station. The legs of the filet board unscrew from the top for easy storage.

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/WellcraftCuttingBoard_zpsf9c91e07.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/dustycajun/media/WellcraftCuttingBoard_zpsf9c91e07.jpg.html)

Nice to clean the fish at sea and not at home! Sits at a perfect height to cut fish.

bradford

04-02-2014, 09:47 AM

Cool, Welcome Dusty!

DustyCajun

08-07-2014, 09:15 PM

Have not posted progress in a while. Installed a new Bimini Top

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/009_zps5e8116da.jpg?t=1407463456

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/005_zpsfdb88ebb.jpg?t=1407463445

And a bow railing
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/008_zps55371fca.jpg

With a new Windlass for the anchor
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/006_zpsdc6d2bc3.jpg?t=1407463463

Added the rod boxes on the sides

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/003_zps27f062dd.jpg?t=1407463429
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/004_zpsd80ddb40.jpg?t=1407463434
And just put down a top coat on the deck. Still needs another coat.

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/001_zpsabc7e86c.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/dustycajun/media/001_zpsabc7e86c.jpg.html)
The boat has been producing the fish.
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/029_zpsf809bcee.jpg

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/031_zps6b08567e.jpg?t=1407465181
Filling holes and painting up next after the summer season is over.

Destroyer

08-08-2014, 01:18 AM

Dusty, those are some great pics... thank you!!! The rod holders look great, the anchor windless is first class ... and the cleaning station is a great idea... all in all you're making her into a very valuable and useful boat, and she looks great. Well done sailor...well done.

spoggy

08-08-2014, 02:09 PM

Welcome dusty! Nice work so far. BTW, 1977 had the best hull and interior layout. Don't feel bad, I'm sure that 84 will work for you :nic:

charlie_the_tuna

08-08-2014, 10:21 PM

where are your running lights??

DustyCajun

08-08-2014, 10:39 PM

Thanks for the input guys, the boat has been great. Many coastal trips up the line from Santa Barbara with several overnighters to sit on the White Sea Bass bites.

We have been using the suction cup mounted LED running lights as all of the wiring was shot and ripped out. Another project

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/RunningLights_zpsf99d1ae2.jpg?t=1407555213

reelapeelin

08-17-2014, 01:11 PM

bradford

08-20-2014, 07:04 PM

Floundazilla!

DustyCajun

03-06-2015, 07:08 PM

Been away from this site for a while. Been working this winter on the 84 to get her ready for the Rock Fish opener, which in these parts is March 1. Took her out for a quick half day and found the rock fish with an added bonus of teaming schools of Bonito crashing bait and birds.

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Rock%20Fish%20Opener%202015_zpsxfjhcg9v.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/dustycajun/media/Rock%20Fish%20Opener%202015_zpsxfjhcg9v.jpg.html)

Also took the 84 on an overnighter up the line to Gaviota at then end of last year. Very comfy with 2 guys, one in the cuddy and one outside on the fold out.

The reel went screaming off at 4:00 AM with this toad White Sea Bass.
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Sea%20Bass%203_zpspbws8a52.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/dustycajun/media/Sea%20Bass%203_zpspbws8a52.jpg.html)

Will post pics of the boat progress once we get the cover off for the next trip.

phatdaddy

03-06-2015, 07:20 PM

jeez, you are gonna slay some fish when you get it like u want it. nice job

we used to have huge schools of bonita, but never really fished for them, considered a trash fish, unfit to eat. kinda like bluefish, guys up on the east coast love them, down here they go in the crab traps. we eat a lot of mullet, but south of sarasota, they turn their nose up at them.

cool fish, nice job

DustyCajun

03-06-2015, 07:41 PM

Pdaddy,

The only way to eat the Bonito is to:

Gill it, Gut it, Ice It, Filet it, and smoke it!

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Smoked%20Bonito_zpsfyouugqq.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/dustycajun/media/Smoked%20Bonito_zpsfyouugqq.jpg.html)

Old saying in Mexico: If it smells like Bonito, don't eat'o!

phatdaddy

03-06-2015, 07:52 PM

making me hungry

DustyCajun

05-14-2016, 10:48 AM

The fuel tank finally gave out. Yanked it to find holes in the side. Can't believe we didn't blow up!

Used Acetone to help strip the foam as recommended on another post.

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Wellcraft%20Fuel%20Tank%20%202_zpsh79zedgw.jpg[/URL]

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Wellcraft%20Fuel%20Tank%20%203_zps8np3tjcx.jpg[/URL]

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Wellcraft%20Fuel%20Tank%20_zpsymjjdybt.jpg[/URL]

Used the diagram of the tank that was posted by Tal Willis to order a new tank from Moeller. Here are the specs for future reference.

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Wellcraft%20Fuel%20Diagram%201_zpsvn7ubhmi.jpg[/URL]

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Wellcraft%20Fuel%20Diagram%203_zpsne43lw4k.jpg[/URL]

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Wellcraft%20Fuel%20Diagram%2020002_zps0pxzswnu.jpg[/URL]

Doing some more upgrades while she is in dry dock.

Greyduk

05-14-2016, 01:35 PM

What tank did you order from Moeller? Just one of their stock tanks?

SkunkBoat

05-14-2016, 05:25 PM

we used to have huge schools of bonita, but never really fished for them, considered a trash fish, unfit to eat. kinda like bluefish, guys up on the east coast love them, down here they go in the crab traps.

Phat, those are Oceanic Bonito not Bonita (aka False Albacore/Little Tunny). Everyone agrees that bonita are bait but Bonito have lighter meat and are edible (not to my taste...). Bonito are toothy and have striped backs. Bonita have three dots on the belly and make great strip baits for flounder.

and Dusty, we need to see more fish pix of those West Coast doormats.

SkunkBoat

05-14-2016, 05:32 PM

Used the diagram of the tank that was posted by Tal Willis to order a new tank from Moeller. Here are the specs for future reference.

Are they putting any baffles in the tank?

DustyCajun

05-15-2016, 09:51 AM

What tank did you order from Moeller? Just one of their stock tanks?

The tank is a custom order replacement aluminum tank with blueprinted specs to match the existing tank.

DustyCajun

05-15-2016, 09:53 AM

Are they putting any baffles in the tank?

As far as I know, there are no baffles in the tank. Did not seem to be an option on the Moeller order design page.

DustyCajun

05-15-2016, 10:12 AM

.

and Dusty, we need to see more fish pix of those West Coast doormats.

SkunkBoat,

Here are a few photos from a trip we did on the V20 from the Goleta Pier boat hoist. Big Halibut and White Sea Bass on that one.

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Hali%201_zpsqhv0fjab.jpg

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/WSB%201_zpsnasgic0j.jpg
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/WSB%20Hali_zpsakz3d9hz.jpg

DustyCajun

05-15-2016, 10:21 AM

As I mentioned before, we are doing some more upgrades while waiting for the new fuel tank to arrive. First and foremost is the new tower and top with rocket launchers, radar mount, and light mount. A great product from Fish On Arches.

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Wellcraft%20Arch_zpskh6wbciv.jpg

http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Wellcraft%20Top_zpsfz94lvw4.jpg

Installed a new grab bar for the passenger seat.
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/wellcraft%20bar_zps8r8gwhw3.jpg

And new support struts for the front windshield.
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Wellcraft%20struts_zpsmsumusfz.jpg

Still need to get her painted one of these days.

DustyCajun

07-12-2016, 12:04 AM

Checking in again after getting the V20 out on the water with the new gear

Another photo of the new top
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Wellcraft%20Top%201_zpsynvpdvfb.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/dustycajun/media/Wellcraft%20Top%201_zpsynvpdvfb.jpg.html)

You can see the arch, rod holders, bimini top and bait tank in this shot.
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Wellcraft%20Top%202_zpsgiegnl8k.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/dustycajun/media/Wellcraft%20Top%202_zpsgiegnl8k.jpg.html)

New rod holders for bounce balling
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Wellcraft%20Rod%20Holder_zps3tefijb9.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/dustycajun/media/Wellcraft%20Rod%20Holder_zps3tefijb9.jpg.html)

Radar mount with a great light kit that illuminates the entire deck.
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Wellcraft%20Light_zpsqxihfhf9.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/dustycajun/media/Wellcraft%20Light_zpsqxihfhf9.jpg.html)

Here is a twist that has worked out great. Put hinges and a bar on the front sliding door so it can be opened up and locked when accessing the cabin. Left it open at night for fresh air while sleeping. It still slides when down. This has been great.
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Wellcraft%20Lid_zpshwzfmdbj.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/dustycajun/media/Wellcraft%20Lid_zpshwzfmdbj.jpg.html)

It still catching Halibut and Seabass.
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Wellcraft%20Seabass_zpsmtvhjpsf.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/dustycajun/media/Wellcraft%20Seabass_zpsmtvhjpsf.jpg.html)
http://i1288.photobucket.com/albums/b495/dustycajun/Wellcraft%20Halibut_zpsgmwt2q5e.jpg (http://s1288.photobucket.com/user/dustycajun/media/Wellcraft%20Halibut_zpsgmwt2q5e.jpg.html)

Been on some overnighters with the new set up and it is running sweet. We get a lot of "Bad ***" comments at the harbor when she rolls out.

Next up a new power plant. Looking at a Honda 135. Thoughts?

Greyduk

07-12-2016, 09:12 AM

DustyCajun, I was looking back at your info about replacing your fuel tank. Do you mind if I ask the cost. It may be a situation that I need to address. Thanks.

bradford

07-12-2016, 09:46 AM

Badass fishing machine Dusty, I like it!

Destroyer

07-12-2016, 11:01 AM

bgreene

07-12-2016, 03:06 PM

Here on the east coast, a halibut ( fluke ) of that size is mostly a once in lifetime goal.....or catch.

I've described California as " earth on steroids" because everything is grand.
Trees to over 350' tall, mountains, hottest desert on earth, huge cliffs, fantastic for growing wine ..........on and on........

I've been there twice, both from San Fran northward, not south yet.

Anyway, congratulations on your boat, fishing, and thanks for posting.
Bennett

DustyCajun

07-13-2016, 12:52 AM

DustyCajun, I was looking back at your info about replacing your fuel tank. Do you mind if I ask the cost. It may be a situation that I need to address. Thanks.

The tank from Moeller was $640 plus shipping of $190. It may be cheaper to ship to you as I am on the west coast. They do a great job on the fabrication and parts.

DustyCajun

07-13-2016, 12:59 AM

I love that front hatch idea with the hinges.. I need more info cause I have an anchor windlass I want to mount and yours looks near perfect. That arch is bada$$ all the way... what was the damage ($) on it if I can ask? :head:

Destroyer,

You can price the arch system at Fish On Sports. We got the combo arch/visor package and added the Captains package for the extra rod holders and radar mount. A great company at a good price.

http://www.fishonsports.com/

The only issue was the side mount with the spacers they provide. The V-20 has flared sides and we had to manufacture some spacers to mount the arch to the boat.

SkunkBoat

07-13-2016, 08:39 PM

Next up a new power plant. Looking at a Honda 135. Thoughts?

You'll get more bang for the same buck with a Zuki DF140 or better a DF150.

I don't know if things have changed but Honda was always way pricier than Zuki, Merc, Yamaha. They used to be the only 4 stroke in town but now everyone has a quality 4 stroke.

I think a 150 is the perfect motor for a V20.
I run a DF 140 (zuki did not have a 150 when I repowered in 04). It is really good, top speed ~36 to 38mph, when its flat enough to do that...

Jeb

07-14-2016, 06:16 AM

Dusty, thanks for the diagram of the bounce ball rig. We don't have Halibut here on the East coast, but we have Fluke, which are cousins of them. Going to have to try it and see how it works.

I just saw- on a striper forum - that a 50 lb halibut was caught off Cape Ann in recent weeks. So - maybe its worth targeting them (?). Just an FYI.

Glad to see another '84 cuddy on here. My setup is very similar to yours and I'm loving it. EDIT: Looked at the rest of the sick pictures you posted. My setup is NOWHERE NEAR what yours is. Yours is unreal.