Intro
 

Hi All, wanted to introduce myself; longtime fisherman/ boater in RI. Have had many boats...never had a Steplift...now they have caught my eye and i am aggressively shopping!
I am sure I'll have lots of questions.

If anyone has any leads on east coast feel free to pass along...I am willing to drive for the right boat.

Thx, Bill

Hi Bill,

Welcome aboard !

Be sure to check out the classifieds and boats for sale sections of the forum as you continue your search. Good luck !

Best,
John

Welcome!! Sorry it took so long but you are here, enjoy!

Hi Bill,
Welcome to wellcraftV20!
Keep an eye on Criaglist.
There was one list in CT that was a theft recovery and it was missing a motor but it was a late model V21. Can't say it was worth repowering or not.

Welcome, tons of V20's out there, shop around for the right one, if you dont you'll spend too much for what you get and a sweetheart deal will come up next week.

Also, looking for a cuddy, center or dual console? Advantages to each.

Thanks Guys!
Looking for a cuddy (or possibly dual). I'm all set with center consoles (see sig).

Bill

Welcome aboard Bill. This is the time to buy since many people are upgrading or downgrading. Are you looking for an I/O or an Outboard? How much are you willing to spend? The V20 and the V21 are great boats but they do have some known issues. Be especially careful about rotten transoms. (This holds true for any boat actually) People drill into the transom to mount a transducer or something and they don't properly seal the holes. Over time water gets inside and rots out the wood. Take a rubber hammer with you when you go looking at a boat... smack the transom with the hammer, listening carefully at the sound it makes. A solid transom will make a sharp report, but a rotted transom will make a dull sound. Don't just hit one place... rap the entire transom. Also, if the boat is an outboard raise the engine, then push down on it near the prop. Observe the transom as you are doing it. Look for any flex, especially near the top cap. Walk all over the deck, feeling for any soft spots in the floor. The deck should feel rock solid under your feet. And flexing could mean that the underflooring or the stringers are rotted.

Bill,

Where in RI are you? I'm in Stonington CT and have a 1978 V20 steplift cuddy sitting on a 2012 Loadrite dual axle trailer. It currently does not have a motor which is why it has been in my yard for a few years. I have been debating if I should sell the boat. Let me know if you are interested. The trailer is registered in CT. I purchased it new before my motor seized.

Thanx Carl, I am prepared to make an offer on one down the Cape this weekend...but you never know!
Can you email a couple of current pics?
I may take a ride to CT.

[email protected]

Thx

Welcome
 

Bill,

Welcome to the Forum. Good luck in you search for a V20. They are great boats. I keep mine in Jamestown. Maybe I'll see you out in the bay this summer.

George