The V will be perfect for your young family and the price is sure right. You will be amazed at how easily it will clean up. The cuddy is perfect to put the youngun's down for a nap on a hot day. You can even buy one of those scoop type things made of fabric (I know there is a nautical term for them, but I cannot remember it) to pull a breeze down into the cuddy cabin. The V is a terrific all round boat for just lazy cruising, skiing, tubing and, of course, fishing. I hope you get it and make many good memories with your family out on it.

Nipper,

Thanks for the advice and the kind words. Everyone on this forum/site has me excited for my purchase. It has a Yamaha 150, but I don't know if it's a 2 stroke or a 4 stroke. Any insight?

Sounds like ahelluva deal to me...assuming as mentioned above the hull is solid, deoxidizing the gel coat and some TLC will have her back in shape in no time...

I raised my two daughters on regular boating and it's made water puppies of them both at 19 & 21...the first rule w/kids is proper flotation devices at all times when around water...boat doesn't move till everybody's wearin' one...no exceptions...keep an eye on them...if you are driving the boat looking forward as you should, mom needs to be watchin' the kids at all times...and vice/versa...

If this is your first boat and exposure to boating, for your kids' safety sake, take a boating course...

Good luck and post us up some pics when you can...we like the good, the bad AND the ooglie

If original to the boat, it's a 2 stroke...GREAT motors!!...

Absolutely wonderful advice. I grew up on boats and my father was ALWAYS very strict with me and my siblings on all of our boats. Life jackets and safety were his priority and they will be mine as well. I love that you jumped on this though Nd know tht I have already signedus up for a boater safety course. My wife grew up on boats as well so whe will be the eagle eye safety coordinator. Slow and easy.

Sounds like you're making all the right decisions. If it's a V21 you're a lucky guy..they are highly sought after. As just metioned above by Reelapeelin.. Life jackets are a MUST. Kids learn by example, so that means you and mommy too. If (like me) you find the regular red jacket bulky then buy the kind that Kyackers use..They fit around you, have large cutouts for your arms and a zipper to close it around you. I use one like that myself. And while we are on the subject of safety.. a few things you need. FIRE EXTINGUISHER(S) one is good, two is better 3 is best. The fire dept doesn't make house calls 20 miles offshore. THROWABLE SAFETY DEVICES (cushions or rings) Flares, (Air and hand held) Distress flag, Audible signaling devices. (Horn on the boat, whistles on your life jackets)
VHF Radio, CB Radio. Compass, and lastly, thought not necessary, a second engine is not a bad idea.... Let me explain... Redundancy is always a good thing when you are talking about safety. That way if something fails you have a backup. That thought extends to engines as well. You don't need a second engine (unless you're trolling for fish), but if your big engine fails you need a way to get home. The little trolling motor has saved a lot of us a lot of times. Yes, you can call Sea Tow, or the Coast Guard or just signal any boat nearby..but can you rely on them being there when you need them? I've been a sailor for over 45 years, starting when I was 17 and in the Navy. The one thing I've learned above all others is that the ocean is a wonderful mistress, but she will slap you down with horrible results if you take her lightly. Like the Boy Scout motto says: "Be prepared."

A few words from the heart... Am I trying to scare you? Yes. Am I trying to save your life? Also yes. We want to be talking to you, not about you. Safety is ALWAYS your number one when you go out on a boat.
Welcome to the website. :beer: There are a bunch of great guys here that can give you more information in an hour then I can give you in a day. Listen to them and their experience. And SEND US PICTURES!!! :love:

Well guys after all of your advice i scooped it up for $2500. It is a 1993 V21 in decent shape. It runs perfectly, the steerings a bit tight but I'll grease it up and see what happens. Dirty and in need of some seats but overall its a perfect little boat for a beginner. I look forward to spending my long weekend cleaning it up and doing some fishing. I appreciate all of your advice and help and I will post some before and afters soon.

Congratulations...good luck with it....and if you dont post pics we throw you out of the club.

Duly noted.

You know the luckiest part about all you've posted...you said your wife grew up on boats...BOY!!...did YOU marry RIGHT!!...:beer: :clap::beer:


...and oh, by the way...take your dad out, too...sounds like he steered you towards a great deal on a great boat!!...:sun: