How stable is the V20 at rest?

#1 04-10-2007, 09:59 PM

The Bertram ad in the for sale section prompted a question: how do these boats perform stability wise while anchored or drifting in a swell. I know every boat is a compromise, a 24' Carolina Skiff will slap some on the trip out but I hear it is stable as all get out to fish from once there. I'm interested in yall's opinion on this, especially from those that have fished from different hull designs. Thanks doods!

Fire

tsubaki · #2 04-10-2007, 10:07 PM

The cuddys being the walking area is 5/8 to 3/4 of the boat rear of the bow is fine. Don't know about dancing on the bow rail.

Airslot · #3 04-10-2007, 10:10 PM

Well, it ain't no Carolina Skiff, but then when compared to the 24 Albe, you'd think the V-20 was a C. Skiff...

I find that I can fish in up to 3'er with some comfort. If I have a need to fish I can tolerate a bit more ;D

Why don't you come down and find out fer yourself ;)

#4 04-10-2007, 10:23 PM

Airslot: believe me, nothing would make me happier right now!!!! When we have greenup/rain and people stop trying to burn their houses down with "Spring cleanup fires", I'll be there. Right now, the boss says 30 minute response time 24/7 so it's off to eat more smoke. Good thing I love my job, wouldn't trade it for anything. (get some)

Thanks for the comments so far. I priced a new 2480 CS with 115 Etec and aluminum trailer for under $21K. I'm thinking I'd take a slight beating on the ride out and love it once I get there. Wondering, to what extent the V20 would be the other way around.

Airslot · #5 04-10-2007, 10:27 PM

That is a nice rig your looking at. I guess it depends on where your "home port" is going to be. What is 80% of your fishing? That CS is going to be cold and wet for all but 5 months of the year ;)

Many of my good friends are firefighters. My wife put the kabosh on me joining the VFD about 10 years ago. ;D

#6 04-10-2007, 10:47 PM

Let's see, home port: Buckingham County, VA... lol. I plan to use it for stripers at Smith Mtn Lake, Chesapeake, and rivers that drain into the Bay. I usually make a trip or two to Hatteras also. We have an area office with quarters (free) on the Eastern Shore so it would only make sense for a trip there also. I like to troll for stripers and anchor with live eels and peelers too. Throw in some flounder, croakers, and perch jerking while drifting about rounds my dreams out. No wait, may as well add trolling the edges of the grass out at the Stream for Mahi.

I looked at a "project" V which would naturally need repowered with a bracket. I'm the type that would "need" a 200 etec to hang on the bracket. When looking at 13-14 for the outboard going on an older boat, I looked at the CS option. No rotting stringers or transom to worry about and fuel tank etc is easy access above decks. I'm concerned it would slap like a mutha though.

Thanks for keeping me going on this dream to own a nice V!

Air: Wife is smart, most of us are a little "off!" She's looking out for you. My world is a great place to visit but you wouldn't want to live there!! haha

Airslot · #7 04-10-2007, 10:57 PM

Fire, your no more "off" than the rest of us. For me it was about time, as in, there ain't enough for her now, so don't even think about it ;D

Sounds to me like your....like me, you need about 4 boats to do all you want and do it well. Pick your compromise buddy, what'll it be. That C. Skiff will be good for most of what you mentioned May through October. They will beat you in the bay year round, but excell in the backwaters. Not being wealthy enough to own all the boats I want, I flats fish and tuna fish in my V, and everything in between ;D. Sometimes I even just like to take her for a ride, if the fishing is reel slow ;D

Stinky_Hooker · #8 04-10-2007, 11:00 PM

I will speak only on what I know to be true....a buddy has a CS 21 and in anything other than slick itll beat your brains out! :o

#9 04-10-2007, 11:05 PM

Air: *I hear ya, several boats are needed for sure!! *I like how versatile (sp?) the V's seem to be. *I can appreciate the CS for the workhorse that it is but it's got very little "soul" IMHO. *I've got a 14'CS, 17' welded CC superjon, and kayaks. *I'm selling the superjon to finance the more capable saltwater boat. *We'll see what I end up with. *Thanks for sharing your experiences. * *:)

Stinky: that's what I'm afraid of, thanks man!

2ndchance · #10 04-10-2007, 11:09 PM

All boats are a comprimise.The deeper the V the better the ride, the shallower the V the more stable at rest. I personally prefer the softer ride. I can stand a little roll at rest. If it's so bad that I can't stand in the boat I need to have the TV remote in my hand. Just MHO.