just bought a 1986 v20
 

Hello, I Just purchased a 1986 v20 with original 150 yamaha 2stroke. i'm moving up from a smaller 16 searay (115 hp) bowrider that i had for two or three years. launching this weekend. what can i expect? i fish out of sandy hook NJ area and needed something as my 16 could only be out in one foot or less seas (not a good boat for fishing). i hear these V20 boats are good fishing boats, is this true? and what problems are instore for me.

i appreciate any advice/guidance.

You'll love the boat. The 150 hp is a perfect match. Beautiful ride and very dry too. Enjoy.

You now own a great boat that you will certainly enjoy. Not only are they seaworthy but,Wellcraft presented a patented hull design that is not manufactured anymore which makes the V-20 unique. The V-20 takes a sea different than any other boat I've ever been in and I'm sure you will see the difference. I now own my 2nd one. They are great Bay boats.

Welcome to the site...you're going to enjoy your V20!!...we have lots of members in your area...but I'd stay away from most of them...(JK)...after 10 years w/one, I just added trim tabs to mine...unbelievable improvement to the V's ability to take a chop...

Post up some pics when you can and let us see yer new love!!...

Welcome to the site...you're going to enjoy your V20!!...we have lots of members in your area...but I'd stay away from most of them...(JK)...after 10 years w/one, I just added trim tabs to mine...unbelievable improvement to the V's ability to take a chop...

YES...your new V is an EXCELLENT fishing boat...will get you to and from the fishing grounds and provide stable fishing platform while there...trolling, casting, live-bait or cut-bait...if you need any tips on setting up for fishing, SOMEBODY here has probably already done it, so don't hesitate to ask...

Post up some pics when you can and let us see yer new love!!...:nice:

SVEN, WELCOME and CONGRATS on a GREAT adoption !!!!!
You will love the V20 !!!
If you fish, then you will love it more.
If you like taking the kids to the water, you will love it some more.

I, as a good an honest comrade here, will tell you that the issues I have with mine :

* Water leaks into the Cuddy Cabin, so protect your cameras, wallets, etc. when you leave them in there. On mine, water leaks through the screw holes that hold the black rubber trim around the edge of the hull, whatever thats called. Problem can be fixed with some care and sealant.

* The C. Cabin roof ( bow/front floor ) sags, and gives you an unsafe feeling when walking on it, I fixed mine, can give you ideas.

* Floor is very slippery, must add anti skid paint or something like that.

Other than that, is a great boat !!!, but on top of that, you have great people here that threat each other as Family and are very good friends !!!

Welcome to the V20 FAMILY !!!!!!!

Welcome Sven, I will likely be seeing you on the water. I fish Raritan Bay environs and am out of the Keyport area where I am now on a rack there.
Last year I was on a rack in the Atlantic Highlands.
Great area to fish and play. Night fishing is gorgeous with all the lights from the city.
You will love the boat, I am on my second. The 150 is a great match, that is what I have a 1992 Yammie.
Where are you coming into the water from, are you in a slip, rack or launching at the Highlands? I have done all three for years.
You did good getting the V, it will handle all but the most extreme seas better than a lot of hulls, it is an older boat so over the next couple of years prioritize things you need to be done safety wise and want to be done enjoyment wise and get them done.

Hey, I have an '86 with original 150 Yamaha that has been at my mechanics now for 2 weeks getting the carbs rebuilt.....I better give him a call and make sure he didnt skip town!!! I think I saw your boat posted for sale because I joked with my wife that I hope that guy isnt selling my boat!!!.

I also had a bow rider (18') for a few seasons and moved up to the V-20 for the exact same reasons. So far it is a great boat!
I'm sure I will see you out there as well as thats where I go most often!

:thre:

Welcome to the site and congrats on the "new" boat.

The bigest problem I have with mine is that I don't get to use it often enough.

Hey Willy, I'll let you know the next time I come up to Cliffwood Beach to visit the in-laws. I usually stop in at Mike's for a sub. You just can't get 'em like that down here.

Sven
 

Thank you all for the nice welcome. I'm a bit stunned by the popularity of this one particular model of boat. It must be pretty good. I almost went with a Grady overnighter 20, but that one had a few more years on it and i liked the bigger stern fishing area on the v20 over the tiny walkaround on the grady. Plus the v20 at over 300lbs lighter I could probably get away with using my merc 115 if the yammi dies out on me.

Looked and sounded good last weekend, but that was on the hose. Well just have to see. Only had maybe one or two square feet of some floor softness towards the helm. The chairs and flooring around the chairs all seemed solid.
I slip in Red Bank and will post some pics when i get it in the water.

some older gentleman once told me at the marina that one can get hooked on the water and it can get bad....I now know exactly what he meant.

Welcome to the site! Like the others have said you will love your V20. Be careful and good boating! Billy Mac:beer:

Red Bank is a nice area, so how long of down river you got before you can hit the bay?

There are a BUNCH of junkies around here.:hide:

http://C:\Users\Glen\Pictures\2009-0...boat09 011.JPGcant figure out yet how to post a pic. working on Got the boat in the water on Saturday and had it out early Sunday and loved it so far. Navesink was white caps on Sunday and it ran smooth as anything. Amazed how quiet the 150 yamaha is. My 1990 115 merc (which always ran great) was three times louder at least. Blues all over the river. What a fantastic fishing boat. Cant wait for the fluke. My 9 year old had a blast.... Got him home to his moms house just in time for mothers day covered head-to-toe in blue fish guts.....

Willy, I'd say about 6 or 7 miles to the bay from Red Bank. its about 3 miles to the oceanic bridge and another 3 or so to Bahrs.

Hey jjjtronics... Could use your idea on the saggin' cuddy!! It's not bad yet, but with some more walking on it I'm sure it will be a problem. Thanks.