Storage

[Mac_Attack]

As I have said before I'm looking to buy a V20 or V21 this spring and I'm trying to learn all I can about the different models. What are the storage differences between the model years? I leaning towards a cuddy but I'm still interested in knowing the storage options a Center Console has to offer. Which models have live wells and or coolers. Thanks Bill Mc

[Brian_M]

Hello,

I have a '76 V20 w/165 Mercruiser...no bait well, there are two storage panels under the deck on the centerline, about 16" by 3 feet long, covered with a wood removable decking. Both drain to the bilge.

The cuddy cabin is sort of short for laying down, less than 6 foot on each side of the cabin, and no storage under the benches...

Brian

[chumbucket]

Well, IMO, if you're looking for storage room, go with the cuddy cabin. I personally don't care about all the storage space. I seem to have enough for my needs with my Center Console. Starting up at the bow, it's got an anchor locker. Then in the raised deck, it has a very deep storage locker, then a fish box/livewell that's about 48" x 20". A cooler seat in front of the console. A small storage hatch behind the back rest on the front of the console, a door for access/ some storage underneath the console itself, small sliding door storageunder the helm station that also houses the stereo and fuse panel, a small flipdown door box on top of the console where I've installed my VHF (good to toss cell phone and other small items for quick access). Then the flip back cooler seat that's very good sized, and then two more hatches behind the cooler seat (actually, one is more for access to the bilge). There are two jump seats at the stern on either side with storage beneath albeit minimal because of dual batts on one side and oil resevoir on the other (that side houses my safety flares and equipment). On top of the stern there are two small removable plastic boxes with hinged lids. I keep dock lines on one side and the other is usually used for fishing items I want to get at quickly. You can see most of these in my pics in the gallery.
It actually has a lot of storage room for a center console.
But, for the truly dry storage and ease of access, the cuddy is probably the way to go. You can just toss all your stuff in without worrying about packing everything.

[macojoe]

I have the same boat as Brian with the deck hatches covered with wood covers. And the small cuddy. But you can fit alot in that cuddy if your not going to be laying down in there!! And all stays nice and dy!
With the cuddys you have a ton of floor space to fight them fish. I have removed the back to back seat and add a 2nd captins chair to the other side.
I to had the 165 IO but have removed it and added a bracket with a out board now. So I have ben able to add another 25 gas tank to the back were the old engin use to be so i now can carry 65 gal gas insyead of 40 gal. That is the only thing that this cuddy model that they had only a 40 gal. and made for short trips.

Go cuddy young man!!

[Mac_Attack]

Brian, Chumbucket, and Macojoe, Thanks for your replies. CB and Mac I've looked at both of your boats and I wish I could have one of each. I have a 16 foot Gruman center console now and really enjoy fishing in it, but I like the idea of being able to put my rods and tackle box in the cuddy and making a fast get away after a long day on Lake Erie. CB, your boat has an amazing number of storage spots, are any of these absolutely dry or do you have to cover the entire boat. Brain and Macojoe do the outboard V20 cuddies have larger gas tanks and do they have any in floor lockers. Thanks again! I love this wed site. Bill Mc

[Seakindly]

Lots of storage on the 94 v21.

Cuddy cabin has 2 large removable floor panels for underfloor storage along keel. this space extends aft of the cuddy door to the 60 gal poly tank. This fits 3 milk crates and a porta potty.

Beneath the port double seat is an insulated fishbox which drains thru-hull on the port side.

Beneath the back half of the starboard double seat is an aerated livewell that is fed water via a thru-hull on the hull bottom and drains thru-hull on the starboard side. Beneath the front half of the starboard seat is empty space. I am thinking of cutting an opening and installing a hatch to recapture this wasted space.

There is storage in the stern corners. Batteries to starboard, and oil tank and fuel filter in the port side.

My friend, jaysea, has added a shelf around the upper wall of the cabin of his v20 that is great for keeping this and that handy, but not underfoot. Any v-20 cuddy can have such a shelf, thanks to the highly flared bow.

Of course, the dash behind the windshield is huge and you can store all sorts of doodads there with good protection from wind and spray.

The bracket-like molded transom on the v21 creates a large deep well, that provides storage for all kinds of slimy stuff.

The foredeck on the cuddy is huge and once you are at your destination you can throw all kinds of stuff, like coolers and portable gas tanks, up there.

There are also side panels for rod storage, but they only work well for short rods, gaffs and boat-docking poles.

When we are sharking and hooked up, we can clear rods in a hurry by throwing them into the cuddy with the hatch open.

I am also considering cutting into the cuddy bulkhead and installing a tackle locker in the cuddy wall in front of the port seats. The locker would only take up about six inches deep of the cuddy space. But that is a project that is at least a year or two away.

Yep, lots of storage space on the v21 cuddy. Check out the pics in my gallery and you will see what I mean.

[macojoe]

On the newer V20 outboards they have floor tanks of 60 gal gas tanks I think??
The older one has two 20 gal side tanks. I have noticed that the newer do not have the 2 floor boxes that Brian noted. And I love theses floor what I cal fish boxes!! I can hold 100 pounds fluke each box with no deck cluder.

[Mac_Attack]

Seakindly, when you and Macojoe write I swing to the cuddy side. When Chumbucket writes I get the feeling I should stay with a center console. Now I know what it feels like to be a metronone. I have noticed on some boats they have an access door cut in the side of the back to back seat pedestal. It would add a little storage. Macojoe, a 100lbs of fish. Last year our daily limit on walleyes was six. A good eating size walleye weighs in at 3 lbs. This year they have lowered the limit to 5 fish. 3# x 5 = 15# x 6 fishermen = 90 #s. Could I fit that many on a V20 or V21. Here it is almost time for the kickoff and I talking fishing. Only in America!
Thanks Bill Mc

[chumbucket]

Mac, I waited until after the game (excellent game, I just don't have any fingernails left ;D) to respond. The large storage locker just behind the anchor locker stays very dry. The only water I do get in there runs down from the wet anchor rode so I put some of those interlocking raised deck squares and nothing gets wet. Both the front cooler and the helm cooler/seat stay perfectly dry as does all the console storage. All the others get just a little bit of water from time to time but really not much to speak of so only things that are not effected by the occasional dampness get stowed in them.
Hope you find the boat you're looking for.
I have to say that most people seem to be the happiest with the cuddy models. They seem to be the easiest to work with for most people.

[macojoe]

Mac, I do the Fluke and Strippers comercial. I am aloud 200# Fluke a day and 40 stripers a day.
200# of Fluke is almost a daily thing in June and July. 2 years ago the Bass were near 40 everyday also!! Let me tell you when you have 200# Fluke and 30 bass in the boat all at the same time, Theres not much room for walking!! ;D But I will take it!!

[chumbucket]

MJ, you're getting me dizzy with excitement! ;D I can't wait for the season to begin. I need it bad and I know for sure, you do too. 8)

[Seakindly]

I always wondered what happened to all those little fishies I threw back. ;)

[Seakindly]

Mac,

When I was a young buck, from 15 to 30, I worked open 20 footers with only a tiller, because I needed floor space.

As a sportfisher, I enjoyed stand up center consoles.

I ain't gettin any younger, and I can't tell you what a luxury it is for my butt to sit down behind a windshield, have a cuddy cabin and a bimini top and full enclosure depending on the season.

I like the v20/21 cuddy because with the walk thru windshield and sliding hatch, a solo captain can launch, dock, anchor, or fight a big fish all around the boat on the drift. Unlike a walkaround, I know I am gonna stay in the boat.

Everybodies needs are different. You will have to first determine your needs before you can make the right choice.

Or get both. ;D

[chumbucket]

Or get both.

See, now you're talking some real sense. ;)

[macojoe]

You right CB!! I need to fish soon!!
Just got back from the Doc. and he says all looks good!! The hole in my neck should be closed in about a week to ten days and I have this IV bag for another 16 days.
Then i have some stuff to get done in a hurry!!

Get Both!! always good to have a spare!!

[chumbucket]

Glad you finally got some good news for a change.
Phil saw his shadow today. Six more weeks of winter? Someone's gonna get hurt around here!!!!!!!! >:(

[Mac_Attack]

It would be nice to have that delema, but I can only afford one. The way I see it I can't go wrong either way. Now I just have to find a nice one. The V20 on the home page is listed on Boattrader but never show the motor. Does any one know about this boat?
Thanks Mac!

[macojoe]

Well Mac, I would be looking for a nice boat but in my experince don't put to much in the motor!!

I have see a few persons get lucky!! But most boats are for sale because they need some work that someone else does not want to do, usually the motor!

Be reay for some work to be done after you buy the boat. There are alot of boats out there and take your time and look good!! Have the motor looked at if you want it to be good. If you want to just by the boat then don';t worry about the motor.

These boats are best with 150hp or better IMO.

[bigshrimpin]

Mac - I just grabbed that picture from BoatTraderOnline when I was making the site. Maybe someone from NC has looked at it.

[labii]

*I was going up to take a look at that boat before I bought mine . The dealer sent some pictures to me and it looked ok . If it was ok it should have sold by now . This one just went up for sale . It is about a block from my office I will try to walk over this afternoon and look it over .http://www.crockersmarine.com/Pre-Owned/V-20.html * also a 20 http://www.atlanticmarinesales.com/

[Seakindly]

Mac,

You should add your location to the space beneath your user name.

I can see from your profile that you are from Michigan.

That is good for your search for a niceboat.

You should be able to find a v20/21 that has only been used in sweetwater. If I lived in Michigan, there is no way I would travel to Rust City for a boat.

[Brian_M]

I agree! a 20 year old boat used in fresh water is a better deal than a 5 year old salt water boat....drove to Kansas from Virginia to get a fresh water boat and it was worth it

[Mac_Attack]

Thanks for the advice Seakindly. I changed it. In the past 6-7months I have found only 2Michigan or Ohio V20s listed on the web. Called on both but they were already sold. Seems like most of the V20-21s are on the east coast, Floriida or Texas. I did find one on the East Coast where the guy said it was only used in the bay. I question the salinity of bay water. I'm set on a V20-21 I'll find one.

[Seakindly]

Mac, before computers there were these bulky things made out of trees with words on them. Some of those words were ads for boats 4 sale. ;)

Seriously, why not go down to the library and look at some classifed ads from October from your local newspaper and your local fishing weekly. You just might run into a v20/21 that was advertised, but didn't sell, so the seller said screw it - I'll wait till spring to advertise it again when more people will be looking to buy. You just might get the jump on a nice v20/21. 8)

[macojoe]

When I converted my V20 from IO to outboard I tryed to sell all the IO stuff in the fall and got nothing!! then did again in the spring and sold all in a week!! I had a guy that must have had a old copy of the want ad and called me in Aug. to see if i had the stuff. This 4 months after it was all gone.
So try to call them old ads like seakindly said, there might be one waitting there for you??

[Mac_Attack]

I have checked our local papers for boat ads. I did not check the Detroit News or Free Press though. Those two papers and the Union had a long bitter strike. I had cancelled my subscription supporting the workers. Enough of that, should not talk politics when I could be talking boating or fishing. You two are right! I'll go to the library, find back issues and maybe find my nice boat. Thanks! How do you cook fluke? Bill Mc

[macojoe]

I cook it all kinds of ways!! I love to fry it like fish and chips!! But I like to make a seafood stuffing and wrap it in the fluke and bake it with butter and lemon. Also good in the micro wave !! Belive it take some chips and crumble them on top and mic it comes out fast and good!!
Also like rolled up with a piece of Bacon some times to!

Wow guess whats for supper tomorrow!! Just told the wife to take it out!! I have one of them Vacum pac machines and itworks great!!

[bigshrimpin]

MJ - Have you ever eaten fluke raw (hirame)? . . . I love it. It's not surprising that the best bait for fluke is fluke.

[macojoe]

Never!! I draw the line at raw fish :P I have a Asian friend that has wanted me to do Fluke and Tuna, and I just can't do it. Maybe if I was dieing on a deserted Island I might but other wise no deal !
I have tryed raw little necks, and can get all I want for free as my friend has a grant were he growes them, but again I did not like it. But with a little bacon under the broiler ;D !! Thats the way.

[Seakindly]

Macojoe, which machine do you have, and when did ya get it?


I was thinkin about gettin one last year.

[macojoe]

I have the Food Saver Bag Vac. It is about 4 or 5 years old now. It works great!! You will need to learn some tricks. When putting fish in dry with paper towle first and try not to let the part of the bag that is going to seal get wet, or it won't seal.I will do things like sauce, or stew when I make a big pot. But you should freeze it first in a container then seal in bags. this way the machine doesn't suck up the juice and not seal. Same goes for things that will get squeezed when vac is running.
I use mine alot!! you can boil bags, mic, freeze in them.
I will take a stew and put in a bag and freeze then throw hole bag in boiling water to heat. Open pour to bowl and eat!!

[Seakindly]

4 or 5 years of frequent use with no problems sounds like a reliable machine.

I noticed that sears is marketing these machines under the kenmore name. I wonder if they are made by the same manufacturer?

[macojoe]

Sears makes nothing!! So I am sure it is Food Saver.
I like mine. It can be a pain in the being when your are learning. Like I said if you get a little water or juice next to where you are going to seal it won't and you be screaming!! I almost brought it back to the store when I first got it for that reason.
I put everything in them bags!! stuff for the boat xtra clothes, rigs I made, spare spark plugs, evt ect
You also have to watch for sharp things like bones and stuff. Just a little pin hole will make it not seal.

[Mac_Attack]

Thanks for the advice Seakindly. I've been to the library and looked through last fall's Sunday editions of the News and Free Press - no V20s or 21s. I'm from a fresh water area and know nothing about the problems caused by salt water. Please tell me. Thanks Bill Mc

[bigshrimpin]

Mac -
Here are a few options: Some really nice boat here!! Unfortunately all except one are in Florida

1995 v21 steplift with 2000 honda 130hp $12,900
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/5/6/65112656.htm

1992 v20 steplift with 1992 Yamaha 150 $7000
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/3/8/65114238.htm

1989 v20 steplift with 1993 Yamaha 200hp on a bracket $7995
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/7/8/62084878.htm

1988 v20steplift full transom OMC Stern Drive $5500 (price is high)
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/6/2/64534062.htm

1993 v20 Center Console with 1992 yamaha 150 $9995
http://adcache.boattraderonline.com/6/7/8/65112578.htm


http://www.ocala4sale.com/Automotive/boats.htm
wellcraft openfisherman, 95 200 hp johnson, allum. trailer, t-top, coolers, fish box, bait well, lights,3 batteries, minkota 50 lb. trolling motor, great groper, red fish, trout and bass fishing boat or just playing on the lake.$7900 obo. [xp.8] call (352) 427 5876 [email protected]

http://www.ocala4sale.com/Automotive/images/jbboat.jpg

[macojoe]

I would go for the $5500 with the full transom!! Nothing like a dry boat!! That full transom is a great thing to have.
This is how mine is now since i added the bracket.

[Seakindly]

Mac, do you have local/regional weekly fishing magazines. They would be a great place to check the fall ads for a v20/21.

Salt water is very corrosive to any metals, even marine grade aluminums and stainless steels. Even if you religiously flush and wash after every use, it will still take it's toll after a while. A well cared for used saltwater boat can still be a good one to get, but my point is that since you are living in Michigan, you should be able to find one that has been used in freshwater. It can be worthwhile to travel inland, as BRIANM did, to get one; but not so nifty to do the reverse.

In my area, a boat that has been used only in freshwater commands a higher price, and it's condition can justify it.

Good luck!

[bigshrimpin]

http://www.ablboats.com

There's a 1990 v20 in Ohio here with a 150 force . . . Uhhhh there asking like $8000. I'm sure that price is negotiable.

[macojoe]

yea and BEWARE of Force!!

[Mac_Attack]

The boat in Ohio looks clean and its a freshwater boat that only 3hours away! Macajoe or any one else what's the problem or problems with Force?

Thanks Bill Mc

[chumbucket]

Well, let's see. Where to begin? It was called Chrysler Outboard back in the day :P Then Force. Very cheap components were used and not very much corrosion resistance. Mercury bought the Force Outboard Motor division back around the very late '80's to early '90's. Cheap components continued to be used to offer a price point outboard to the market. It allowed dealers to offer boat, motor and trailer packages at boat shows for what seemed like an extremely good deal. Many a glassy eyed boat show attendee would unassumingly sign on the dotted line not knowing what they were getting themselves into. With all the problems, repairs and replacements, they could have bought a better package from the start.
In my opinion, (for what that's worth ???)only buy a boat with a Force motor for the right price with the intention that it'll need to be replaced in the very near future. This is in now way meant to badmouth Mercury Marine motors. Only the Force motors. Unless you can buy it right, keep looking.

[Mac_Attack]

Thanks Chumbucket. On that same site they have a V20 with Mercruiser 170 HP IO any downfalls you know of with the IOs. Bill Mc

[Brian_M]

Hello,

I have a straight 6 GM engine 165 hp I/O. The boat is a '76, original engine and outdrive. So far so good with the set up although some Mercruiser parts for the drive and associated hardware are difficult but not impossible to get.

Mercruiser has a system of upgrades they recommend when a specific part is obsolete. Good news is there is a support system and most everything can be fixed, Bad news is cost. I replaced the shift cut out switch and needed to replace the hydraulic manifold plate and trim/tilt assy to "upgrade" the switch. Very nice set up when all done, but really didn't want to get that far into the system. I'll post some photos of the boat soon...

[chumbucket]

Don't get me started on I/O's. ;D Actually, many people prefer them and also have very good luck with them. They're just not my first preference. Been there/done that.
As Brian_M stated, and depending on the vintage of the drive, there are pitfalls. But, with Mercruiser, nothings totally dead. Can usually be repaired or upgraded with some ease. Best to shoot for a Merc Alpha drive if possible. Abundant parts availabilty. It's the pre-Alpha's that are getting scarce.

[Seakindly]

Mac, go to www.iboats.com and search in the outboard repairs - force column. Tons of good info on Force. If only used in fw, corrosion should not be much of an issue. Try to buy the boat without the motor. If package only - pay accordingly. Plan on replacing force after you kill it. You won't be able to sell it for much by itself. The seller probably knows all this by now, so work it out if the hull is good. Sounds promising. :)

[macojoe]

I have a buddy with a 1994 Force 150hp with a blown powerhead for parts!!