Do these V's float when water filled ?

bgreene · #1 07-05-2012, 02:53 PM

V20's and V21's ? I have a V21, wondering if it would float assuming I took on waves sufficient to fill the boat with water.

Not a position to be in - but would be good to know - will it sink to the bottom or float and provide something to cling to in worst case scenario.

tsubaki · #2 07-05-2012, 03:04 PM

Depends on the year of the boat.
My production year did not require it. I believe it was about 1977 or 78 USCG mandated the floatation requirements.
Problem is usually most of the boats roll over when swamped.

Blue_Runner · #3 07-05-2012, 03:08 PM

I don't know, but here is what I think. On the self bailers I think if the deck filled with water it would turtle because it would then be top heavy = all that water up high and a big void below the floor. Not sure what she'd do - sink or float after turtlage. Now if there was a leak and the below deck filled with water I do believe she may still float upright. Forgot the plug in my old V20 one day. Key word, one day. Only takes once to make you remember that. Anyway water came to the top of the in-deck fish boxes and the transom was about 1" from dipping below the water. She was pretty much slam full and 3 POB. Had to reach down there and screw in the plug, then pump out water for 30 min. Enjoyable! In my defens - that old V had 2 plugs. One was underneath. I assume a PO installed it in order to get every last drop out of the bilge. I only forgot the one I couldn't see.

macojoe · #4 07-05-2012, 04:47 PM

mine was a 1976, go here and read, my report is on page 2 http://wellcraftv20.com/community/sh...t=10+foot+wave

RidgeRunner · #5 07-05-2012, 05:43 PM

That is a good read MJ.

I think the Whalers float upright with rated capacity without the plug. Never tested that claim.

tsubaki · #6 07-05-2012, 05:53 PM

Yeah, from what I've seen the Whalers and most low gunnel boats lend to stay upright when swamped.

bgreene · #7 07-05-2012, 07:30 PM

Sounds like it may float.....

cterrebonne · #8 07-11-2012, 08:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RidgeRunner

That is a good read MJ.

I think the Whalers float upright with rated capacity without the plug. Never tested that claim.

Keywest boats will. All the dealers get a dvd in the showroom that had the owner of the company in a cc model with the drain plug out riding in a lake and then he stops in the lake and talks to the camera man about how the boat wont sink.