1974 V20 cuddy console modification

shep65 · #1 10-19-2013, 10:54 PM

Hello V20 gods ... I was given a 1976 V20 Cuddy back in August and planning on restoring her .. I like the whole set of this boat except the height of the steering wheel . I've searched this site and cant find where anyone has done this or even complains about the height of the wheel . I've always owned center consoles and like to stand when i drive ..To make this modification i would need to move the wheel back about a foot so i wouldnt be eating the windshield . Anyone ever seen something like this done ?

PS ...I've never been on a V20 Cuddy before .... Is it comfortable with the set up as is ?

spareparts · #2 10-19-2013, 11:03 PM

would a tilt wheel and a sliding seat base work for you?

phatdaddy · #3 10-20-2013, 07:53 AM

mj had a seat that flipped up for a leaning post and down for a seat, maybe he'll post a shot of it.

macojoe · #4 10-20-2013, 08:59 AM

ask and you shall receive! lol

shep65 · #5 10-20-2013, 09:31 AM

MJ , I like that seat ... dont you have to lean forward to steer ? That exact seat or something very close is what i'm after but what about how close your face is to the top of the wind shield when standing ?

PS... These decisions are a long way off for me .. I just demo'd the transom and floor and will begin rebuilding hopefully during the winter months .. (in garage)

This site is awesome and I've been looking at this "boat porn" just about every night .. I pretty much have a blank slate sitting there and have a lot of decisions to make .. Even thought about using Kracker Jacks site as a "how too" and replicating his boat ... That dude is a craftsman !

macojoe · #6 10-20-2013, 05:59 PM

When standing I am taller then the windshield, seat moves back for more room, but i normally have it turned away and lean on the back of seat. I loved it, wish I had a tilt steering wheel, would have made it so much better.

pintailkilla · #7 10-20-2013, 08:05 PM

What make and model number is that folding seat ? Very nice ! Thanks.

macojoe · #8 10-21-2013, 08:31 AM

the seat is a Todd but it had no number and I got it used??

spareparts · #9 10-21-2013, 04:59 PM

go to teh next boat show in your area and start looking at how different boat manufactures have their seats and helm arranged, it will give you some good ideas, don't just look at fishing boats either, some of the plush ski boats(Sea Ray, Chapparal, etc..) have some nice set ups at the helm

shep65 · #10 10-21-2013, 08:37 PM

yea i've been walking around the docks looking at some boats for ideas ..my problem is going to be in building it .. I want to make something like the helm on a center console but want to keep it simple and not some huge overbuilt console ..The only thing i dont like about this boat is the steering wheel height and where the windshield is when you lean forward to steer.so i'm thinking if i move it back a foot or so and mount the steering wheel at an angle the whole boat will be more comfortable. i fish in the Chesapeake bay and sitting while cruising on chop is tough on an already sore back . It's one of the older steplifts that the cap lifts off.. Not the whole floor like on more recent models .. i want to still be able to take the cap off.if necessary . i'll be thinking more about it once i get the cap back on ..was hoping someone has already don this so i could start thinking about it ..I might even convert it to a CC.