Has anyone removed the hood?

[Larryrsf]

Seems someone could easily convert a Wellcraft V20 to a more modern configuration by removing the cover over the cuddy cabin-- and adding seat backs. We could walk all the way to the bow inside the boat. We could easily create 4 more seats in front of the windshield. Our boat would look more like a Triumph, etc.

I would love to see a Wellcraft V20 converted like that. Would it be worth more or less? Obviously we have an OLD boat with little value except to the few fisherman who value this hull design. Maybe water skiers and pleasure boaters would see the value in a more modern interior design??

Larry

[phatdaddy]

are you talking about the dual console models?

[smokeonthewater]

if you cut out the top of your cuddy you will absolutely destroy the value of the boat and it will be a much bigger job than you think.... If you want an open bow sell the cuddy and get a dc or cc model

[bradford]

That guy Lumberslinger did it with good results.

Why would you want a boat that looks like a Triumph?

I haven't fished off mine in 7 years and value it quite a bit.

[Larryrsf]

Originally Posted by phatdaddy

are you talking about the dual console models?

No, just the old V20 Steplift with right hand drive. It looks like it would be easy to remove the top (the hood) of the cuddy cabin and convert that area to open seating.

[Larryrsf]

Originally Posted by smokeonthewater

if you cut out the top of your cuddy you will absolutely destroy the value of the boat and it will be a much bigger job than you think.... If you want an open bow sell the cuddy and get a dc or cc model

I own this boat and got it for almost nothing. From what I see here and elsewhere, the old boat alone, no motor or trailer, has little value in its original configuration. So why not enhance its value by making it fit the most common usage for small boats? I suspect most people who buy small boats intend to use them for skiing and just riding around with their friends rather than hard-core ocean fishing in rough water.

What might be really nice would be a removable bow cover from windshield to bow point. A hard convertible top, so to speak. We could have it both ways!

Larry

[rb437]

Originally Posted by bradford

That guy Lumberslinger did it with good results

I think you'll find that Lumberslingers boat came from the factory built as a dual console model and is not a modified cuddy cabin. There are not many of them out there. If they are as desirable as you suggest, I think Wellcraft would have built more of them. I also don't think you will improve the resale value with the modifications you suggest. However if it works for you, go for it. As you noted the value of an old cuddy hull is not much so you don't have much to lose. Of course if you can find a dual console hull, you might save yourself a lot of work to get what you like.

[smokeonthewater]

to each their own.... a DEEP V wide flared boat is not particularly well suited for use as a ski boat... they are built for rough seas... You can get a FAR better ski boat with a flatter bottom (more speed and efficiency) with better seating than any V pretty easily....

What you propose CAN be done but I think you'll find that it is a lot more work than you think..... You may well increase it's value to you but no way will it's market value increase.

I still think it's a bad move BUT I along with everyone else here will do my best to help you should you choose to prove me wrong.... Best of luck!

[Destroyer]

If you want a walk through with front seating, just find a dual console V and be done with it.

It's true, these boat hulls are not worth a lot when they are sitting as just a hull that's been neglected for 10's of years in a backyard.... But then again, neither is most any boat hull. Mako's, Robalo's, Chris Craft, you name it...

BUT

I've seen several V's on eBay and CL that have been fixed up really nice that have gone for thousands of dollars just for the hull. Like everything else in this world, when you are selling a product, presentation is everything.

In all cases, you get what you pay for.

[Larryrsf]

Originally Posted by Destroyer

If you want a walk through with front seating, just find a dual console V and be done with it.

It's true, these boat hulls are not worth a lot when they are sitting as just a hull that's been neglected for 10's of years in a backyard.... But then again, neither is most any boat hull. Mako's, Robalo's, Chris Craft, you name it...

BUT

I've seen several V's on eBay and CL that have been fixed up really nice that have gone for thousands of dollars just for the hull. Like everything else in this world, when you are selling a product, presentation is everything.

In all cases, you get what you pay for.

My question was whether anyone had made such a conversion. I would love to see photos.

I think our deep V hull design has value in rough water. Today I was able to maintain 20MPH at 3000RPM in fairly rough water, heavy chop and a few large wakes. I kept the bow down and avoided pounding by trimming the engine all the way down. I saw the heavy Coast Guard boats doing the same thing-- at about the same speed. The Wellcraft deep V splits the waves if you go the correct speed.

Nobody skis on the San Diego Harbor, I suspect the water is nearly always too chopped up for a comfortable ride.

I am a SCUBA diver and have dove repeatedly here and everywhere including in S. California, but not lately and I wonder whether that was healthy? That marine growth doesn't look too appetizing! Gotta be a lot of poison stuff in that water! Swimmers and divers always ingest at least a little. There were times when divers were warned that we should pump up on anti-biotics for ear infections and other potential sickness. Better to ride on top of it than swim in it! ha

Larry