Do these V's float when water filled ?
 

V20's and V21's ? I have a V21, wondering if it would float assuming I took on waves sufficient to fill the boat with water.

Not a position to be in - but would be good to know - will it sink to the bottom or float and provide something to cling to in worst case scenario.

Depends on the year of the boat.
My production year did not require it. I believe it was about 1977 or 78 USCG mandated the floatation requirements.
Problem is usually most of the boats roll over when swamped.

I don't know, but here is what I think. On the self bailers I think if the deck filled with water it would turtle because it would then be top heavy = all that water up high and a big void below the floor. Not sure what she'd do - sink or float after turtlage. Now if there was a leak and the below deck filled with water I do believe she may still float upright. Forgot the plug in my old V20 one day. Key word, one day. Only takes once to make you remember that. Anyway water came to the top of the in-deck fish boxes and the transom was about 1" from dipping below the water. She was pretty much slam full and 3 POB. Had to reach down there and screw in the plug, then pump out water for 30 min. Enjoyable! In my defens - that old V had 2 plugs. One was underneath. I assume a PO installed it in order to get every last drop out of the bilge. I only forgot the one I couldn't see. :hide:

mine was a 1976, go here and read, my report is on page 2 http://wellcraftv20.com/community/sh...t=10+foot+wave

That is a good read MJ.


I think the Whalers float upright with rated capacity without the plug. Never tested that claim.

Yeah, from what I've seen the Whalers and most low gunnel boats lend to stay upright when swamped.

Sounds like it may float.....

Now you got me wondering about whether or not to foam fill my V.

The Coast Guard has boats that are self righting. But hull design, watertite doors, and tons of weight down bottom make it so. Its all about center of gravity.

A cubic foot of foam provides 64lbs of bouyancy. 40 cubic feet of foam should keep a V20 afloat if filled with water. ( i wont use the "u" word)

If you take a wave over and fill the cockpit with water, your best bet is probably to get it on plane, and get the scupppers above the waterline. Problem is, these scuppers suck. A squid will clog them. Hell two acorns will almost stop it up.

in 1976 they did not have scuppers in the i/o any way! i just got lucky and stayed up right, the hull had a few air traps in it and it stayed good. that was my last trip in the v20, after 9 years i sold it and got the sea ox! i was ready for a larger boat any way, all the places i was going really called for it..

Pete's pictures here tell the story...this is the '84 hull I am enjoying the hell out of right now...


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