Storage
 

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

Re: Storage
 

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

Re: Storage
 

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.

Re: Storage
 

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!!

Re: Storage
 

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

Re: Storage
 

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.

Re: Storage
 

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.

Re: Storage
 

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

Re: Storage
 

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.

Re: Storage
 

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!!