Newbie saying hi and sharing p

[reyb]

Well, I figured I might as well introduce myself and my V20. I stumbled upon this website a while back ago but hadn't posted anything since now.

So, I bought my '89 V20 a couple of years ago and from when I got it it has gone through the following:

o I almost sank it when the boat had a lot of water in it
from a recent raining; I usually leave the plug in.

o I lent my boat to some friends and they ended up cap-
sizing it. When I bought the boat, it did not have a
splash board. The previous owner said he had never
needed it, but I guess when you have 4 adults fishing,
a 35 gal bait tank and some decent wakes, it makes it
easier for water to come in from the transom area.

o Made a splash board for it but I find that water is still
getting in from under the board. I'm gonna have to
redo it or something to make a better seal.

o The boat originally had a sofa type seat which I replaced
with individual seats; a lot more comfortable when
fishing.

o I replaced the dual axle steel trailer with a dual axle
aluminum trailer that I found for $1k. This trailer has
smaller tires, but I really like the idea that the trailer
itself won't rust. One drawback to the aluminum
trailer is that it floats and tends to drift to one side
when I'm taking the boat out of the water.

o Fabricated a bait tank(~35 gal) leveraging one of the
rear floor storage compartments. I had a bait bag that
hangs off the rear of the boat,but it could only hold
1/2 of bait. It's really nice having a bigger tank.

One thing I wouldn't mind having is a T-Top, but man are
those things expensive. I thought about building one but
my mig welder can't weld aluminum and it would cost too
much to make it capable. The idea of using plain steel
comes to mind, but I worry about the weight. Aluminum
is supposed 1/3 lighter that steel, so doing the number,
if an aluminum T-Top weight a couple hundred pounds
would make a steel one 600 pounds...big difference. Oh
well, on to some pictures :)



http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/10187523_1.jpg

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/10187523_2.jpg


http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/10187523_3.jpg


http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/10187523_4.jpg


http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/10187523_5.jpg


http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/10187523_6.jpg

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/P1017614.jpg

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/P1017613.jpg

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/P1017612.jpg

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/P1017611.jpg

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/Bad_day_1.jpg

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/Bad_day_2.jpg

[macojoe]

Welcome to the site!!

Hammer is going to love you, a newbie that posts pic!!

For a boat that has almost sunk, and has capsized it looks pretty clean! Guess I would also with that much water ;)

[tsubaki]

Welcome to the site
:o
Heck of a way to start out posts ;D but a good one!!
List where your located in your profile.

[Pipe_Dream]

Welcome, reyb.

Those are some interesting photos. That's only the second time I've seen a V go belly up. You say you almost sank it when you left the plug in and it rained. Did you launch it with a bilge full of water? No bilge pump?

[Sean]

Welcome to the site!!! Thats a nice looking live well/bait tank, good job and oh ya I love those last two pics ;D ;D

[Franco]

Welcome aboard FNG, glad to have ya. Love the livewell and the rest of the boat too. Where ya from?

[reyb]

Thanks for the welcome. :) I'm located in San Diego, CA.

Let's see...questions/comments:

o Yeah, it's always nice to have pics when posting and what
really drove me to post pics was the bait tank. :) I really
like how it turned out. I went fishing last week and had
just a 1/2 scoop of sardines and I think only a few died
while fishing the whole day. With the bait bag, at least
half would've died.

o bilge/rain water: So, I launched the boat that day and
when I was walking up to the dock I did notice that the
rear was sitting kind of low, but didn't think that much
of it. While going to the bait barge I noticed how the
water level of the bay was almost the same as the
floor. I opened up the rear hatch and that puppy was
full of water. I turned on the bilge(2) and escaped
capsizing the boat myself. The bilge pumps are
connected to a float, but the wire had corroded. I had
since fixed that connection, but during that fishing trip
mentioned above, which was the first time I went out
with that new bait tank, there was a lot of water
coming in from the back at time and I had to manually
turn on the bilge pumps. I thought I was "covered"
with the float connected but later on I had noticed
that the wired had corroded again, so there was no
automatic bilge pumping.

Geez I'm wordy. ;D

[C YENSEN]

welcome aboard.....love the bait tank......looks like you need some new friends ::)

[parishht]

Welcome to the board,
that bait well is really nice. ;) ;)

HMMM, San Diego, I should get you hooked up with my sons,
Naah, they are up in Los Angeles, one in Lomita and one in Marina Del Ray. ;) ;)

[Bygracealone]

Hey Reyb,

Glad to have you on board.

Man, you've had some serious adventures in that V.

How in the world did it capsize? Water looks fairly calm in the pic.

Nice recovery nevertheless.

[reyb]

I think the contributing factors for it capsizing were:

o 35 gal bait tank placed at the very rear of the boat. 35gal
x 8.3(?)lbs = 290lbs.

o No splash board. Some of the boats/yachts that go by
can cause a decent wake. 1 if not 2 foot "faces" some
times.

o Bilge pumps not hooked up to the float

o A little naivete' on my friends part. There were 3 onboard
with one of them, if he were awake at the time :), being
aware of not letting it happen. He got comfy on the
sofa seat and dozed off. When he woke up he saw his
brother sitting on the back of the boat with his feet up
on a cooler because he didn't want his feet to get wet
due to the water in the boat. :D His reaction was
something like "Dude, we're taking on water and we
need to get going(so as to stop the intake of water
and to give the bilge pumps a chance to pump)!". By
that time it was too late. The outboard was submerged
a little and they couldn't get it started. The boat
slowly filled up with water and turned over. Oh well,
at least no one was injured, but they probably lost
about $1k (or more) of equipment.


Two more pics of my trailer with the small wheels/tires :D

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/P1010002.jpg

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/P1010001.jpg

[randlemanboater]

Welcome to the site reyb, or should I say, welcome to posting.

Did you have to replace the motor after the "trick" boating or were you able to salvage it?

Also, did you have to replace your friends?

[reyb]

We were able to salvage the motor. We started it right up
after the incident, but it sat a while afterwards and when
we got to working on the boat we ending up having to
remove/clean the carbs and the starter. Other than that,
it was good to go.

These guys I've known since grade school. :) It's only a
boat and would not hesitate to lend it to them again.
Although, they have their boat up and running now with
one of those new E-Tec 250 HP motors. I wouldnt mind
having an E-Tec myself. :) Coincidentally, there's a V20
for sale in our local craigs list for $16.5k and it has a
200 E-Tec.

[tsubaki]

As far as the trailer and wheels are concerned, that's the way to go. If the tires are the ones rated for 940lbs.
When I change mine to tandem, I'm considering the same thing.

[reyb]

The tires are rated at least 900+lbs. I don't know how much
the boat weighs, but approx. 4k lbs carrying capacity of the
tires should be good enough. I was looking for a galvanized
trailer but saw this aluminum trailer for only $1k. I had to
drive to Vegas and back to get it, but it was well worth it.
I do think about selling this boat to get a bigger one, but
I really like the small "footprint" the boat/trailer has and it
should just last a really long time. Fiberglass(boat) and
aluminum(trailer) just doesn't really wear out like wood
and steel. Did I mention I really would like an E-Tec? :D

[msbhammer]

Welcome to the site. Wow, a newbie with fresh pics. in the morning. ;D Thats a 25" transom, you should never get water coming over the transom.
Did you mention something about a bench seat you yanked out. ;D

[reyb]

"...you should never get water coming over the transom."

Interesting. So, what I have in the rear of the boat, at least on my last trip, is:


o Two full 5 gallon gas containers (10 gal x 6.3(?) lbs) =
~ 63lbs

o ~35 gal bait tank (~290 lbs)

o 3 batteries :). 2 dedicated for starting and the misc.
electricals and 1 dedicated for the bait tank. I estimate
the batteries to be about 75+- lbs total

So, the total is around 428 lbs. Add a couple of adults
back there and that's an additional 400lbs, which bring
a new total of around 828 lbs. I have since removed the
two 5 gallon gas containers and I'm thinking of moving
the batteries in the center console.

[bradford]

I'd ditch one of those batteries, move the other two forward to the console or maybe even further if possible, ditch the extra gas cans, and tell one of your friends to fish off the bow. * ;D ;D

[Bygracealone]

Yeah, Hammer is right. It should do much better at keeping the water out. I would definitely distribute that weight differently.

[msbhammer]

You left out the bench seat. If ya yanked it, I want it before Blue here's about it. ;D ;D ;D

[reyb]

Yeah, I debated on whether or not to get a third batttery
but thought that you can never have enough. I just don't
like that sound when you try to start and you don't have
enough juice. :) I guess I will move the batteries forward
into the center console and try and lose that 20lbs too. ;D

Last trip I was fishing mainly up front due to the water
issue.

Sorry about the bench seat. I referred to it as the sofa :)
That thing was heavy. My buddy wanted it so I ended up
giving it to him, but he eventually just tossed it. I wondered
if it was a factory item.

[Bygracealone]

That big ol' sofa seat looked like something you'd see on "pimp my ride" ;D

[macojoe]

Why not move the bait tank up in front of the console, that gets the weight midship, cureing a host of problems.

How about some details on hat tank?? How is it filled, how is it drained, whats in it for a pump, whats it made of, how did you seal it, and any pic's of the inside?

I am going to need a new one for the 23 footer.

Thanks

[reyb]

I thought about using the area below the front seat, but I
didn't want to give up that storage. Also, there was that
floor storage just behind the chairs that wasn't used at
all; what a waste. The storage holds about 17 gallons.
It is recommended that one scoop of bait requires 20
gallons. I figured if I'm going to build a well/tank, that
I shouldn't skimp on the size. Basically, what I did was to
build a cover for the floor storage and sealed it with
silicone. I already has a through-the-hull connection for
the bait pump and I just rerouted the hose. Also, that
floor storage already had a drain. Researching bait tanks
I found that they are made out of polypropylene. Lucky
me there was a local plastic store and they had some
polyethylene. Again from research, this stuff is supposed
to be better. I measured, cut, screwed the stuff together
and used silicone. I spent probably around $150 max
for it. I think a good thing about this bait tank is that
not only does it carry sufficient water, there is more
room for the fish to swim around. Oh yeah, it is also
recommended that the water flow is counter clockwise. :)
The polyethylene I bought is 1/2" thick. I thought it
wouldn't be strong enough, but I'm very impressed. I
stood on top and it feels very secure and stable.

I'll take more pictures of the bait tank and post later...

[tsubaki]

(quote)Oh yeah, it is also
recommended that the water flow is counter clockwise.

Jesus, was there a particular song they prefer? ;D ;D

[reyb]

I had to do my due diligence, because I didn't want to
drill a 1" hole on the wrong side of that storage
compartment. :) I also read a comment about clockwise
versus counter clockwise and there was something to the effect
that for the Northern hemisphere it's counter clockwise
and in the Southern hemisphere it's clockwise. Sheesh
it's a freaking science!!! ;D

[tsubaki]

Around me, bait is lucky to get water. Usually it's a ziploc bag in the cooler. :D

[willy]

Welcome Reyb, the expression is " May you live in interesting times and may you live an interesting life" You are well on your way brother.
A couple of observations, your hull should have a knee wall about 14 inches high around the motor well , at the back of the cockpit, right?
If it does and you are getting water over that knee wall that separates the motor well from the cockpit you are in a dangerous area.
Do you dunk your motor pretty good when drifting in a chop?

You have floor drains in the back of your cockpit correct?
Does water flow in from them when at rest or when there is a little chop action going on while drifting?

When you get out of the water on the trailer and you pull the garber plug how much water comes out?
Assuming you have not capsized it on that trip? ;D

Where does that bait well drain to? I am assuming you have a hose or pump at that drain on the floor, right?

The reason I am asking all these questions is you have a beautiful V, but you should not be having those kinds of water problems, relocating weight sounds like an immediate first move but there may be more to it and if you answer those questions the guys on this site can help you sort it out.

You are talking about two footers and being only the second V I have ever heard of getting capsized, that is very serious and I would hate to see you or someone else for that matter get hurt. Let us know. ;)

[msbhammer]

Do you have outside scuppers...that slow the water down from coming into the splash well. ???
Good Post from Willy, are your deck drains working and where do they drain to ?

[Hammerhead]

Welcome reyb. You're a good friend. I have the same kinda ol'time buds I can't help but, forgive the dummies.

I agree with movin' some the weight forward. Ditch the 3rd batt at the very least. Nice pic tho'. I'm really surprised the boat floats so well. I think my '77 would'a been on the bottom.


Watch those waves. They can grow on ya quick. Ask MJ.

[reyb]

A couple of observations, your hull should have a knee wall about 14 inches high around the motor well , at the back of the cockpit, right?

I don't know the correct terminology, but I think what I
call a "splash board" is what you refer to as a knee board.
I made one since the boat didn't come with one. It's
around 20" high I think. Water doesn't come over it, but
it definitely seeps through at the bottom. The floor of
the splash well is not completely flat so there may be
a 1/4" gap. I plan to get some weather stripping to make
a better seal or make another splash board that won't
have as much of a gap.


Do you dunk your motor pretty good when drifting in a chop?

I don't believe that the motor gets dunk pretty good, but
I think a decent amount of water is coming in the splash
well which results in a decent amount of water, for my
liking, seeping under the splash board. Once it seeps
under, there is another rear rectangle hatch that leads
to...shoot I don't know boat terms...the gallows. :) ( it
is where the bilge pumps are), then the water goes in
there. Another thought of mine is to make that hatch
water tight.

You have floor drains in the back of your cockpit correct?
Does water flow in from them when at rest or when there is a little chop action going on while drifting?

Yes, I do have those drains. I believe those are called
"scuppers" as mentioned in another post? I had to
google what scuppers are. :) I'm thinking that some
water might flow in when there is a bunch of water
that has seep into the gallows :). I've seen the drains
not draining at all due to all the water that has made
it's way down below deck. At that point, I have both
bilge pumps going and I move forward towards the bow.

When you get out of the water on the trailer and you pull the garber plug how much water comes out?
Assuming you have not capsized it on that trip? ;D

There's not a lot of water because I'm on top of turning
on the bilge pumps often.

Where does that bait well drain to? I am assuming you have a hose or pump at that drain on the floor, right?

I have a connecting hose that goes to the bottom pvc
elbow. In turn. that hose goes through a hole I drilled
at the bottom of the splash well. There is a gap in that
hole, so that is something I can improve on.


You are talking about two footers and being only the second V I have ever heard of getting capsized, that is very serious and I would hate to see you or someone else for that matter get hurt. Let us know. ;)

I'm sure when my boat capsized, that it was a gradual
event. With their 35 gal bait tank back there and at least
one adult, I'm sure water slowed filled up below.

Here are more images of the bait tank as promised:


http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/P1010003.jpg


http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/P1010004.jpg


http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/P1010005.jpg


http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/P1010006.jpg


http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/P1010007.jpg


http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/P1010009.jpg


http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc289/reyb1234/P1010011.jpg

[willy]

OK sounds about right, a couple of suggestions.
Move at least two of those batteries forward into the CConsole.

Make sure the live well pump and thru hull it takes water from are water tight connections and not filling your bildge inadvertantly.

make a slide type hatch or some other set up that will keep water from coming in around it but still removable for engine tilt and also for when the on coming waves are bad and you are taking water over your bow you can remove it so water flows right out your boat.

determine if you have scuppers that have a short hose section and drain directly to thru hulls located just above the waterline outside. The thru hulls will be on the side about a foot forward or so of the rear corners.

If those scuppers drain to your bildge you can change them to the outside draining version that was on most V20's after a certain year, my 1985 had them. But some did not. (don't ask me why)

If those scuppers do drain to the outside thru hoses first make sure those hoses are not cracked and that the thru hulls are not leaking and that the connections to the back of the scuppers are still tight. All three were common problems on all boats including the V's
Second if they do drain to thru hulls see where those scupper drain holes(the thru hulls) sit when you are on the boat loaded ready for bear. If they are below the water line you have too much weight for the hull. Some rode right on the water line and when the boat bobbed and weaved in the chop it would take in water and then it would flow out. some sat right above and occassionally would take water in but it would flow right back out.

If your scuppers are taking water in, and they are the kind that drain to a thru hull via a hose you can take two of the inexpensive toggle type garber plugs and put them in the scuppers so water will not come in. But you MUST remember to take them out if you are taking on water from other places such as big waves etc. You should also take them out if you are moving because they will drain the boat if water is inside.

You should also have two holes in the motor well that drain out the transom, make sure they are free flowing and not blocked up by debris or wires to transom mounted accessories. You can also buy replacements that are one way with a flap.

After doing those things you should be high and dry as long as the motor and people and weight of the bait well are not overloading the hull, if they are you will have to be real careful where you go and with what type of load.

One question I was thinking about, how does your boat ride at cruise, is she high in the bow, arse heavy? Do you have to trim the motor all the way down to put the bow down into the waves?

[reyb]

Thanks for the info. I'll get the details about the scuppers
tomorrow. As for how the boat cruises, I haven't really
noticed anything out of the normal with regards to the
bow riding high or the arse being low. Now that I
remember, the boat might of had a slight problem
planing out in the beginning and throughout the day but
it was barely noticeable and things seemed to be fine
once I got going. However, at the end of the day, in the
bay, the boat didn't want to go at all. i believe I ran the
bilge but I'm not certain. I had the motor trimmed all the
way down and when I gave it a fair amount of throttle,
it just seemed to cavitate. I tried adjusting the trim and
nothing. Even more throttle and nothing. I ended up
more or less idling back to the dock. I think I'm going
to have to take the boat out tomorrow to see if I can't
narrow things down.
It was really weird

[nmoss]

I had a similar issue with my V20 Center Console. One of the plastics drains that empties into the splash well cracked and the hose had deteriorated. So water that came in from the splash well was going into the bilge. Also check the thru-hull and hose upfront and make sure it is not cracked or dry rotted.