1980 Welcraft Retail Price List

[labii]

I just came accross a 1980 specs. and retail price list . Both the Fisheman and Steplift listed for $6295 W/O motor . The I/O from $11945 to $13095 depending on H.P. At those prices I would take a new one today and not even ask them to come off of the price a dime . I am going to send this list along with the option list and 1980 catalog to Bigshrimpin for him to post.

[reelapeelin]

Thanks, labii...specs are always fun to read...yeah, if they could make that hull and sell 'em less than 7 grand they'd be layin' up a lotta "glass"... ;D...

How much involved to dismantle a V20, pull new molds from it and go to layin' up our own?...we might even be able to actually SELL some... :o...think about it...NEW V20s fresh outta the mold.... ;D....

[JeffXJ]

I think you would have to talk to Wellcraft first before building their boat :'( ..... But it could be done. My brother-in-law manufactures molds for new boats, aircraft, etc. (which is where I plan on getting some good help from ;D). I could get him to make a mold.....hmmmm ::)

I think Wellcraft tried to bring back the V20 a year or two ago :D.....I'm not sure what happened, but I noticed it's not in there new lineup. :( Might have had something to do with the pricing along with it not being much different from their Sportsman model. ??? When I looked at a brand new one last year (I think, maybe year before. Time flies when your having fun!) I wasn't all that impressed. It had the same euro transom as their other boats and not near as much cockpit space as the old V20... >:(

[macojoe]

It was a total hunk of $hit!! And people who new the old V20 did not want anything to do with it!!

When they said they were going to reintroduce it they should have just made one from the old molds with some new tech stuff in the inside!!

[shicks007]

If you could, it would be sweet to have an early 70's hull and a v-21 transom with all updated deck and cockpit space.

[chumbucket]

Well, I don't think anyone will be rushing to make a new V20/V21 hull made from the model we all know and love unfortunately. Whatever patents were held on that particular hull design, I'm sure have more than likely expired. And, even if one were still current, a slight modification to the hull would get around that.
The Steplift" that Wellcraft came out with last year was a thinly veiled attempt at trying to lure loyalists to buying a "new V21/V20 Steplift" when in actuality I think any traditionalist could see that it wasn't even close.
I realize that time marches on, unfortunately in some cases, but call it something else. We consumers aren't as "oblivious" as they think we are. >:(

[labii]

I think Macojoe put it best with regards to the new V21. I was told by the former Wellcraft dealer here that the old school V21 was still his best seller up until the time the killed it off. I guess it just looked out of place in the line with all of those trendy euro's.....

[Jester]

First it was T-shirts.... then hats..... now molds of the hull.... nobody can say this group doesn't take the initiative!!!

Mold an old V-20.... sounds like a worthy cause to me.... preserving a hull design for future generations!!!

And once we have the mold.... well a Kevlar/Carbon composite boat can't be far behind can it?

[reelapeelin]

You guys are hittin' all around what I'm talkin' about...WE, collectively design a boat using the v20 hull...WE put in all the stuff we want in a boat(maybe a full transom for instance)...WE leave out all the Euro-design crepola we don't want...I'm like CB...whatever patents existed on the hull have most likely expired...that Wellcraft took it outta production demonstrates they are no longer interested...they are convinced the market has dried up for this boat and maybe in the numbers they would need for production, it has...

BUT,...Limited production of this boat would certainly fill a "nitch" market...look at the success of this board and we're a small number of all the V20 owners still out there...

Hey, MJ...we'd make 'em w/ tackle drawers built in under the port dash....60 gal belly tank...full transoms w/ aluminum brackets...full flotation...all the stuff...big, open dash for electronics...

Anybody?...

[macojoe]

I am all for it!!

But we are forgetting one thing!!

MONEY!!

Who is doing the backing for this project??? Its not cheap to start making boats!!

[reelapeelin]

See, MJ..there you go w/ the negative vibes...think positive...as in "I'm positive I ain't got the money!"...

I don't know, but this is a pretty resourceful crowd here...first, who's gonna donate his boat to be dismantled...yes, you on the third row... :o...

JeffXJ...ask you're brother in-law what it'd take (on a shoestring)...

[JeffXJ]

Hmmm....something to think about, although he might call me crazy (to say the least) since I just bought my project ::) . Here's the website for his family business. http://www.dlba-inc.com/ .

[Franco]

I'm in, I got a few bucks. And I want to include a few ideas....... when it's time

[Vic]

Guys, I talked to a local guy that builds his own boats and molds he said about $3000.00 and the mold is ours. He said that he would have to have a pristene boat to mold from. I'm in.

[knightfisher]

Ok i have come up with a idea on a new invention i am going through invent-tech and we have been working on this for about 6 months now, it is for boats i can't say what it is right now but it is going to the patent office this week and starts marketing to manufacturers next week. I have sunk right at $10,000 on this idea so far and if all goes through like we are hopeing it will i will be more than happy to pitch in on an idea like this. My dream having our own line of boats.

[axespino]

I have two 1973 V-20's that don't run. One was a I/O redone to put a outboard and the other is a outboard. May be willing to donate one for the cause, but it is located in Palacios, Texas. That is a little bit of a drive from YOU ALL.

[reelapeelin]

Vic, didn't think we could get mold for THAT!...3 grand is great...Axespino's got a full transom V20...would the 3 Gs get hull AND liner molds?...

[fillet1]

I'd like two tackle pods behind each pedestal seat. One side loaded with tackle drawers with a sinkin the top, the other with a livewell box in it. If you have seen what a 28 carolina classic has in it, thats what I'm talking about.

[Pipe_Dream]

How cool! I'd consider investing my savings into something like this. Goodness knows the bank isn't paying much interest on my $260.45!

[Blue_Runner]

Ok, ok, how much should I write the check for? I'm convinced. Heck, this has been done before! I own what is called a "Popcraft" which is a 17ft boat made by Thunderbird. Well, in the 60's when fiberglass boats were gettin real popular, some "fly-by-night" boat builders (reminds me of us) were buying Thunderbird boats, rolling them over and making their own molds, copying T-bird. T-bird had a solution to the problem. They went out and did the same thing to the guys that were doing it to them! The difference being that they had deeper pockets and were able to produce lots of the competitors boats for way cheaper than they could make them. So, T-bird's "Popcraft" was born. "Popping" was a word they used for this technique of copying the molds by using a competitors boat. By the way, Eddie Smith - owner of Grady White boats (and from my home town mind you) was the one who told me about this! He also invited me down for a tour of the Grady White facility any time I wanted to come....anybody want to join me?? Let's go "pop" some V20s!! And V23's, and V25's, and V30's - anybody getting wood but me?

[buckleyjr]

You could make two packages available:

The "MJ" package has all Starboard accents, pulpit, access hatches, tack boxes, etc. *A fishing machine.

The "Emmit" package has all teak and is more of a mix between cruising, family use, and fishing.

[reelapeelin]

BR...can't believe it...I had a '67 17' T-Bird when I got my V20...had a 140 Rude...whadda great boat, but just wanted bigger when I found the V20... ;D...

I've also heard the pop-a-hull story...that was a hull worthy of being copied!...

let's say we got a final V20 design, have the molds made...who among us KNOWS how to gel-coat and lay-up and all...here's where we CANNOT scrimp....this is where a reputation can make or break...we need somebody who REALLY KNOWS how to do this and not get spider-cracking and all the common fiberglass probs we all hear about...

We certainly can't use Wellcraft name...MIGHT be able to use V20 if it's not registered or copywrited...IF we can use V20...how's this sound..."The V20 Tribute"...naaa!....

Yeah, let's take that Grady tour...might pick up some pointers... ;)...

[macojoe]

Let the fishing begin!!!!!!

So we can all stop Dreaming!!!

[Blue_Runner]

RAP - you are lyin - there's no way you had a 67ft T-bird 17 footer before you went V20. Norfolk-and-way! That's too creepy. I've said before that we think alike about certain things.

Mine's a '68. You don't see many of them. In fact, I've never seen one that looked like mine.

It truly is an amazing hull. I took it to Murrell's last weekend with a buddy. One day we had 25mph winds blowing 1-2 ft chop across and against the top of 3ft swells and my little 17 (70hp) jumped right on top of that crap - never, EVER, has gotten me wet.

In the 5 years I've owned it I've only taken 1 wave over the front (down at Hatteras Inlet - can you say "SCARY") which was about 7ft high. Actually, the wave didn't come over...it was after we went over the wave the front of the boat slammed down nose first on the backside and water came over the front but just rolled around the windsheild and down the side.

I'll miss that boat once I have my V20 ready. Best boat I've every owned.

You still got yours? Bet it would really haul with that 140! My 70 pushes mine over 30.

[Mac_Attack]

MJ you truely are the voice of reason! I was just getting my check book out. Bill Mc ;D

[reelapeelin]

BR, if I'm lyin' I'm dyin'...boat had a trough down the gunwales from the bow-deck to the transom...we called it the pi$$in' trough...we took that boat 35 miles outta Charleston w/a hand-held GPS...went TO a wreck...caught fish and headed back...SILK til 5 miles out then all HE_L broke loose!...takin' breakers OVER the WINDSHIELD...took my hat off my head, but that hull shed water and popped back up like it was solid CORK... :o...

Rode like a DREAM in reasonably rough water too...as amazing a 17'er as the V20 is a 20'er... ;D...

[Blue_Runner]

Yep, mine has the pissin trough too! LOL

35 miles - '67 17fter :o

RAP you are lucky to be here to tell about it! That and you've got some extremely large reproductive organs ;D

[reelapeelin]

Mac, dreams usually preceed reality...

[Franco]

Lets get back to planning the boat. It's gonna be built by commity. That could be good or it could be bad. I have a few requests. A full transom center console with a bracket and single outboard. Hawse pipes in the corners - live bait well in the transome, salt water wash down - stainless steel rod holders - 6 of them if you please. get rid of all the norton snaggers. Real scuppers and plastic - not wood hatch covers. I'm still in by the way

[macojoe]

I would like to keep my saddle bag gas tanks, and add a third tank were the I/O would go.

I would like my floor fish tanks insulated and plumped to the bildge.

[Franco]

Why the saddle bags MJ ? Mine is in the floor.

[macojoe]

because with the floor tank you don't get the 2 in floor fish box's, And I love mine!! I can hold 100 pounds + ice in each one. Thats 200 pounds of fish not taking up floor space!!
But they are not insulated so the ice goes kind of quick.

See I use my boat for commercial fishing, and I need the space.

[Franco]

makes sense to me. But if we mad a centerconsole, we could put in a big fish box in the forward section in front of the console, insulated of course, and expand the indeck box (like I have) back to the engine box area. Fill the rest with foam

[reelapeelin]

Well, looks like we'll have several models to choose from...CC, cuddy fisher and cuddy cruiser...all w/ full transoms, aluminum w/flotation brackets...I'm thinkin' reconfigure transom to include BIG built-in bait tank recirculating AND raw water, 60 gal belly tank w/ rod holders in gunwales...CC has a bench w/ built-in tackle drawers...cuddy fisher has Capt chairs on boxes w/ built-in tackle drawers...cruiser same except coolers instead of tackle drawers...

83 seems to have been a good year to base this boat on, but we gotta make dash w/ big electronics room to mount...

Bimini standard, curtains optional...

lots more to think about, but one standard throughout all models...QUALITY construction, fit and finish...gotta be right or see MJ's description of Wellcraft's reintro attempt...it's all for nothing if we scrimp on QUALITY... ;)...

[knightfisher]

SO HOW DO WE GET STATED I'M READY!!!!!!!!!!

[Franco]

looks like we are already started. We know where to get the mold made. Now we have to hire someone experienced with building a boat. Still gotta figure out the core material for stringers and deck. Maybe we should each take an engineering task and work on them. One guy figures out the plumbing requirements - bilge pumpa, wash down, baitwell, etc and put a parts list together. One guy does wiring, another does fuel system and then we get them together and post them here for approval, the more eyes the better. I could do the wiring/electrial stuff.....

[buckleyjr]

I work at PR/IR Firm and could help in some marketing and press if this actually came to something. *I wonder if something like this has ever been done - outside of boating community even. Great example of the power of the Internet, community, and pulling different people together from various backgrounds with a common interest. *Great consumer PR angles, not just boating....

Seperately, check out this site, I have been watching him build this boat for a while. He advertises on boats.com. *

http://www.avidboats.com/

The key thing about this approach is he designed the boat and is taking orders before he actually made the hull. *

[Blue_Runner]

I liked that guy's slogan:

"Where technology meets tradition"

Hey for the center console model I could help out with marketing too. I bought the web domain www.centerconsole.com a couple years ago but I've yet to put a site up. I imagine it gets a certain amount of traffic without even advertising. I've always wanted to use it as a one stop shop for people looking to buy/sell new and used center console boats. I'm just too friggin busy to develop my dreams. Heck, I got too many dreams!

[macojoe]

$3000 for the mold. But we are going to need at few mold's!!
One for the hull,
one for the CC cap,
and one for the Cuddy Cap,
Then the Molds for the floor, seat boxes, and anything else we want to mass produce.

Then were are we going to build this thing??

going to need like $500,000 just to get going!! and thats the cheap side of things!

ButI like it

[labii]

It may just be cheaper to see if wellcraft will sell the old molds and rights to the boat . They bought it back in 1970 and have made the boat for almost 10 years .

[Franco]

I CAN COVER THE MOLD COST - WHO'S IN?

[Blue_Runner]

Stinky has the ideal hull to use for the mold IMHO. Its all slicked up and already flipped over 8)

Stinky, you gonna donate your "baby"? You can have her back you know. And a twin sister to boot ;D

[CT_V-20]

MJ, I've got a floor tank and two in deck fish boxes. So does fillet from what I remember of his pics. One tank is cheaper than three and less to break too.

[macojoe]

Thats new in the 86, cause are 70's don't have them!

Were is the tank?? what size are your floor tanks?? What size gas tank?

[Franco]

Under the center console, *80 gallon tank. For the new model I mean

[Vic]

MJ, I like the 60gal fuel tank forward it helps me plane out faster. RAP I think we could design our own cap because if Franco wants real scuppers we gotta bring the floor up a little and that would bring up the cap the same so you have the same gunwale height. How about a molded and plumbed live well/ cooler. That has a removable cushion behind one of the chairs, and tackle storage behind the other. Stretch the hull out to 23' still trailerable and alittle more fishable with a 200 hp motor. I bet I could build one for about $10,000

[CT_V-20]

It's 60 gallons MJ and it's located between the helm seat and the port side lounge. Never seen it though, I'm scared to look down there what with all the foam issues raised on this page ;).

I'm not sure exactly what size the fish boxes are. The one in the middle could easily hold a few cases of beer and lots of ice. The one aft is round and could probably hold one less case of beer and two less bags of ice than the one amidships. ..... of course I'm speaking hypothetically here ;). oh yeah, and i've heard mine aren't insulated either so you have to drink the beer fast to keep ahead of ice meltage

[reelapeelin]

Obviously there are many, many design details gotta be worked out here, but I really like the idea of a large insulated plumbed baitwell built into one side of the the full transom...with a big insulated cooler w/ drain built into the other side...both with lids that DON'T LEAK....

The idea of stretchin' the hull and makin' her a little longer sounds good...somehow "V22" has a nice ring to it... ;D...

But one thing...this is a LONG-TERM project...if we expect quick results, we're gonna be disappointed...does anybody know of any "drawing" programs that would enable us to start putting some of these great ideas into scale so we can see what's gonna fit and how best to lay this puppy out?...

[Vic]

RAP, You can do alot of drawing on plain old microsoft publisher. With a little practice. 3D drawings would be tough though. I think the best way is to get a hull take a blank off of it and cut out the transom of the blank, stretch and shape it. Frame up around her and start laying the glass to it. The first hull off of it will need some grinding and shaping, but with anything you work out the bugs. I like that V22 sound.

[Franco]

hey RAP, I just downloaded a cad program, I'll get my kid to shop me how to use it. He took mechanical drawing in college. At least he has a clue

[steplift20]

What gets me is that the v20 is a perfect boat, Think about it. Why would anyone discountinue it was a bad call. its like when your working for a company and everything is going good then they hire some college guy to change things.he starts to change things , it doesnt matter if it turns out good or bad he cant go in there and say hey guys you dont need me everything is good so what he does is take the v20 and says we are no longer going to sell that boat because the people dont want that design anny more well i got one thing to say to that guy,,,,,,**** YOU ******* YOU DONT KNOW ****,,,,and that my friends says it all.Thank you steplift20, and as you can see by my name ....I LOVE MY 1978 STEPLIFT CUDDY WITH THE 150 MERCURY OUTBOARD. thanks guys, hey who knows maybe some day we will all meet at atlantic hightlands nj for a steplift shootout fluke or blues tornament, sounds good to me. latter

[reelapeelin]

Vic and Franco...thanks, Guys...I'll take a look at MS Publisher and Franco, let me know what you turn up...

labii said something above re Wellcraft's molds...Hmmm...wonder what they're reaction might be if we approached them about usin' them for "LIMITED" production?...

Haven't spent time around V20 w/ scuppers...am I gettin' the idea Wellcraft didn't set the floor high enough above water-line for scuppers to drain fully? Do they generally work or we gotta modify?...

[macojoe]

Relax steplift20!! You are going to blow a gasket!!

Like with everything, Time goes on and with time taste change!

Theres no doubt that these are great boats!! And I am sure that Wellcraft knows it also!

But for Wellcraft to stay in the game they have to give the boaters what they want, and at a good price.

Today boats are lighter, faster, sleeker, and to do this they have to change alot of things!!
People want bait tanks, seats, molded this and that and to do it for a good price they have to cut something else??
These new boats are going with composit fillers that are much easier and cheaper then to have some guy hand laying fiberglass.
I don't blame Wellcraft for it one bit!! Its the boaters them self. They asked for and they got the new boats of today, for better or worse.

We are just a hand full of guys that love what we have and would like to keep them around for a long time to come, But for a big company they can't cater to a small group!
They will go out of bissnes real fast! My boat is 30 years old, and if they sold new boats, to let say the 300+ members here and they lasted 30 years what would they do?

I don't no if this idea of building are own boats will ever fly??
But if it does it will be a great way to sell a new boat to people that want to have a soild fiberglass hull!

But it all comes down to cost!! If you can't do it cheap anough it won't sell!
And getting started with a $3000 mold is just the tip of the iceburg!! Theres a long long long way to go before this ever ever gets going!

I hope for all those who want to do it, they some how can! But the odds are aganist it!

[reelapeelin]

MJ, you crusty old so&so&so&so...when you're right, you're right...am I right?...chances of one of these hulls ever seein' light of day are 50/50 at best, but it's created a lotta buzz and gotten some GREAT ideas flowin'...personally, I believe it'll happen...but not in an instant...if several of us were in the same town w/NOTHING else to do, then instant...how did the man eat the elephant?...ONE bite at the time!... ;) ;D...

[Vic]

Hey guys, Let me put my two cents in. I'm a custom woodworker by trade. Been in it for 11 years as an independant. It seems everytime someone tells me that something will be too expensive and nobody will pay the price, its always the opposite. Think about it this way. If people want average stuff there is plenty out there. If there is a small market for upscale boats, the only ones that will have them are the porche, and mercedes guys. They buy them for their handling and the prestige of having one. Its like buying a Grady, or a Harley. If we do it right to the last screw, and sell one to some wealthy guy. He'll tell some people and it'll definately be seen, because nobody buys nice stuff without showing it to someone, and a fad will be started. The phone will ring off the hook. Nobody will have time to go fishing because of working on building boats and then take the company public and retire in the keys with Hatteras's. 8) Well maybe V35's

[WiseGuy]

Don't know about those porsche guys, but I want one. :) :D ;D
Brand spankin new with so much gloss that I need sunglasses and the cockpit seating and tackle lockers that I design :) :D ;D

[reelapeelin]

VIC...YOU A GENUS!!!...you hit the nail right smack on the head...that's the "nitch" market I refered to earlier that'll buy this boat...IF we do it right with QUALITY in mind...

From a design standpoint, I keep thinkin' 60% of the width of the full transom can be plumbed baitwell(25-30 gals) w/ remaining 40% insulated cooler...insulated fish-box in floor ahead of transom w/ 60 gal belly tank forward of that...port-side dash has chart-holder and MJ/CB-Style tackle drawers, starboard dash is large, open and ample FLAT surface for mounting electronics...

All this and more based on a 22' version of a late 80s/early 90s cuddy w/ flotation aluminum bracket...MAX HP...250

CC version has tackle drawers in port side of console w/ chart-holder under electronics bow(hinged and drops down for viewing), door on starboard console for access...
For THOUGHT...it seems to me that most CC's consoles are too far aft and kill more space where you need it in back of boat....sooooo, I propose our CC has the console farther forward than is typical to open the space to fight the fish...not TOO FAR, but some...

QUALITY w/out COMPRIMISE...

[cruiser37]

Hello Guys,

Let me know if I can help. Hatteras Yachts is located in my home town and Grady White is 45 miles away. I'm sure I can find someone that can spray gelcoat or Awlgrip (use to be Imron) the big boys are using awlgrip over gelcoat at this point. Consider me in on your initial investment up to $2000, as long as the wife doesn't know who cares!

MOD

[reelapeelin]

Well now, there you go...thanks , Cruiser...I guess that's a next step...PLEDGES...

I recall Franco saying he could cover cost of a mold(hope he wasn't just joshin')...and several guys sayin they were in...

At this point we don't need the $$$, rather get an idea of REALISTICLY how much we can gather...if we have a sum of money to draw from, it will hopefully spark interest from other areas and demonstrate we are serious about this project...

So as not to put undue pressure on anyone, PLEDGES to my PM...not amounts you'd like to contribute, but amounts you really can invest in this project...

Post here that you have made a PLEDGE to my PM...no amount too small and certainly none too BIG... :o...

Let's see what we can do... ;D...

[Franco]

I'm still in, I have a small retirement account I have to transfer soon, I'm willing to gamble with some of it. I could afford to cough up $3,000 to $5,000 in this venture. But we gotta do some serious planning. We goota come up with a wish list on stuff for the boat, decide on materials ( type of cloth, resin, core material, etc) and then develop a business plan. We can start a small corp and own shares based on each persons investment. lETS DO THIS

[Vic]

Well first lets Incorporate. 8) Then we will sell actuall shares to those who want to invest. Then we will really knows whos in. ::) Hopefully we have a CPA on the board here. He can keep us out of trouble. :-* Then we can find a cheap place to manufacture, ;) and then get started. Or maybe we start garage style. Then out grow it. You know all the corporate fishing trips and oceanographic research may take alot of our profits. :) In the begining. :D

[reelapeelin]

Vic...there you go w/ the word CHEAP...it'll KILL this project... ;) :)...ECONOMICAL...that's what we gotta be thinkin'....no CHEAP...

Anyway, you're right about we gotta find a place to manufacture...several posts back, someone mentioned Eastern North Carolina's mfgring of boats...Gradys, etc...I got to thinkin' that there are probably retired guys in that area who used to work for those mfgrs or that have left those companys for other reasons, but have the knowledge and skills to layup a bullet-proof, no cracks hull...the GOOD STUFF... ;D...

Is there anyone in that area who can do some nosin' around and see if we can locate our man?...

[Franco]

I was nosing sround looking for boat builders that could do our project, nothing yet but this link looked interesting:
http://www.polyumac.com/home2.htm

[reelapeelin]

Franco, you're readin' my mind...seems to me w/ all the alternatives to wood these days, why use it?...my cut at it would be to go wood-free throughout the hull...

[macojoe]

Wood free is the only way to go!! I would not want it any other way!

[reelapeelin]

MJ, looked pretty sunny in the no-wax photos from earlier...winter still hangin' around up there?...

MJ endorsed...no wood...how can you fight w/ that?...

Hey, MJ...4 more posts and you'll have as many posts as the year model of your boat...has anybody else done THAT?... :o...

[macojoe]

1

[macojoe]

2

[macojoe]

3, I did it!!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v131/macojoe/ebbdc72e.gif

[Blue_Runner]

Does Ray Hunt have any grand-children?

I'm in NC, I know a guy that used to lay up boats. I'll ask him if he knows any old codgers like the one's we're lookin for.

[Mac_Attack]

1

[Mac_Attack]

2







I'm tired already, I guess 1990 will have to wait its turn. bill Mc ;D

[reelapeelin]

Patience,Mac...you'll get there... :)...

Yeah if we can find someone who's been in the business of layin' up hulls we can sure call on his experience... 8)...

Congrats, MJ!...

[fillet1]

Wow, I typed a long response to this thread yesterday and forgot to post it!

There are lots of boatbuilding folks up here in Jersey. Viking, Egg Harbor, Cavileer, Henriques, Post, Ocean Yachts, Topaz, Silverhawk (sold to topaz?) Pacemaker (defunct) Jersey, True World Marine (Moonies!!) etc etc. I believe the Old Pacemaker plant is used by independent manufacturers - I think Jersey Devil 36 used to be built there.

My suggestions for a new V-20 would be:

Make the hull a little "Taller" above the waterline. This way the decks can be higher which will allow for larger real scuppers that will drain overboard.

The layup of the hull should have no wood and have a heavy layup schedule. Blackfin -like. Heavy, solid wave smashing hull.

Big cleats, heavy bowrail, Hawsepipes in corners of transom.

The gunnels will have to be wider and overhang the cockpit.

Gasketed hatches with gutters wiith drains. Macerator for the fish box.

I like the older style hulls better in the looks department. (Although a carolina shear line would be cool!)

[reelapeelin]

Wow, I typed a long response to this thread yesterday and forgot to post it!

Oh wow, Man, I've done that...

That'd be great if we could keep older style (early 70s) and upgrade to taller sides and beefier gunwales...

[Franco]

Maybe we shoud thro $20.00 each in a pot and buy some lottery tickets 400 plus members times 20 bucks is $8,000.00 dollars worth of lottery tickets - couple of million dollars should get the project going strong

[reelapeelin]

I'm for it...need to lay down some guidelines, like 1st mil goes to boat then divide remainder equally among participants...which lottery?...do you wanna handle it?...if not, and nobody else, then I'll do it... ;)...

Great idea, Franco...it's a LONG shot, but it's A shot... :o...

[Franco]

I COULD DO IT NO PROBLEM, WE COULD DO THE FLORIDA LOTTERY HERE - BUY IT FOR SEVERAL WEEKS, MAYBE A WHOLE YEAR OR SO

[reelapeelin]

Franco...I guess start a thread tellin' the guys what we wanna do...I'd suggest following Chesapeake's lead on t-shirt payment...post on board, then follow-up on PM...whatever winnings, if any, 1st priority is to the boat and overage is split equaly among donors...Florida Lottery...any other details?...

might wanna see how much actually comes in b4 deciding over how many weeks we buy...

[Franco]

GOOD IDEA - WILL WORK ON THE DETAILS TONIGHT WHEN I GET HOME FROM WORK

[reelapeelin]

Zoundz gud... ;D...

[Pipe_Dream]

Fillet, I like just about everything you suggested! Especially being able to raise the deck some and make the scuppers work better, but just a little curious about why you would widen the gunwales? I know I'd like them a bit higher, but why a big overhang?

[reelapeelin]

Pipe, the idea of stretchin' the hull to 22' has been kicked around...he may be thinkin' "proportionally" increasing gunwale size w/ some toe-space...I wouldn't think very much increase...more height than thickness is what I THINK he's got in mind...what say ye, F1?...

[Franco]

Man I hope this idea didn't die on the vine. I hope it's just that summer is here and everyone is out in thier boats!!!!

[fillet1]

Pipe and RAP

I am talking about making the top edge of the gunnels (ie where you mount rod holders) TWICE as wide as they are now. The extra width would be added to the inside edge of the gunnel, so it now overhangs the cockpit. The edge would come down 10 inches or so.

The gunnels would then allow the flush mount of holders in different positons- meaning you can rotate them to angle the rods over the side rather then straight back. The overhang gives you much better balance when leaning overboard - no need for toe rails, lets you mount hawse pipes for lines and you can add coaming pads to it for comfort..

You could then eliminate the rod boxes because you can simply mount holders on the liner under the gunnel.

[Franco]

F1, I'm with you. I even may have a line on a builder willing to take on a limited quanity buils. Here if Florida the are lots of skilled people, as far as boat building is concerned. I have made a few contacts and a couple seem promising. I'll continue putting out feelers. How many guys would be interested????

[phester]

franco, is there yet a headcount? You got to be in it to win it!

[Franco]

Hey Phester. I opened another topic I'll check both postings, I was going to let them run till the end of the month. Whoever is in will be in, if we get lucky and hit the biggun, We can start building "em. Then those that didn't join can buy one "RETAIL"

[mirage2521]

We would need to mold more than one cap wouldnt we....Cuddy, center console....etc

[reelapeelin]

If we can do both at once, it'll be great, but I guess we'll start w/ a cuddy if we can do only one at a time... ;) :)...