V-20 Mods for ANYTHING BUT FISHING

[thewaxmania]

So here's the deal. I love the V-20, the Hunt design, the lines, the open-nes, etc. But I don't fish. Its not that I haven't fished, its that I don't like it. I have no interest in fishing and the boat will be a no-fish zone. My plan is to outfit the boat with seating and coolers that will make the boat comfortable and relaxing to go out for the day and have some burgers and drinks. A small picnic boat. The Hunt Harrier 25 is what I REALLY wanted, but I was about $150,000 short so I'm building my own :).

I've drawn up some plans for a dedicated helm station with a cabinet underneath for dry storage, a cooler station (perhaps also built into a cabinet), a flush mount table stand with a small stow-able table, various seating options, a stereo system, perhaps carpeting down the line. I planned on capping over the rod holder holes (holders are destroyed anyway) with some HDPE, eliminating the outrigger mounts, possibly installing two "bridges" between the engine cover and the inside of the gunwales and having cushions available to make a sun-deck and making the boat generally more comfortable.

I'd like some ideas, suggestions, or recommendations as to what else I could. I haven't seen a lot of the things I've mentioned on other boats, because, I generally think people like fishing a whole lot more than I do. Like, for instance, the two boxes with hatches on the transom to either side of the motor, which would otherwise be used for bait or the like...what could I retrofit those for?

Thanks.

[bradford]

Interested to see your plans. I haven't fished in so long it's a sin, but love the lines of our hulls. I would think you could easily build a bench across the transom with a sundeck above it. Whatever you do don't chunck those bins in the transom storage compartments, they can be a sought after commodity for someone who needs them. My Chris Craft Scorpion has a small sink in the port side just behind the wind sheild, might be an idea. Check out the gallery section and look at the 250 Novas for other ideas.

[RWilson2526]

I always thought one of the bins in the back would be good for a wash down hose for cleaning up getting back into the boat from sand or mud (would work on fish blood too just in case one happened to commit suicide and jump in the boat.).

[charlie_the_tuna]

ok, we're gonna have to ask you to leave now. it was nice while it lasted. don't like to fish??? good day sir. I SAID GOOD DAY!!

[Destroyer]

LOL Don't listen to Charlie. You don't have to leave. However, I DO have the names of a few psychiatrists that you might want to visit.

[1BadTitan]

I feel u man... I dont do the fishing scene either. Mine is for the family getting out to the local islands for some R&R. Check my past threads, I built a rear bench seat for 3, installed a decent sound system, alot of cool lighting, removed the rod holders in the gunwales and replaced with covers, turned the fish box in the floor into anchor storage, cut the bow rail down to 8" etc. Its now my custom party barge... The rod holders were gonna come out and extra cup holders were going in their place, but I kept them in case I decide to sell her one day.

[thewaxmania]

One thing someone mentioned is that I should be considerate to the layout of the boat as to not put too much weight on one side or the other so that logical and most common setup for cruising would lead most of the weight on the starboard side behind the helm station. I think that makes good sense. I am considering placement of seating and coolers/storage so that I don't wind up making the boat very heavy on the starboard side when there are only a few people on the boat. Does that make sense or am I not talking about much weight. I'm a small guy, only weigh 135 pounds soaking wet and I imagine most of the time the boat will be full of ice/soda/beer in a cooler and about four or five other people.

But right now I'm leaning towards a bunch of options for seating. Benches, jump seats, a sun deck, and a dedicated helm station for me. I haven't decided if I want to go for a dual console setup or to make the "passenger" helm station area serve another purpose. I imagine most of the time that person will be facing aft and not looking over the windshield.

[thewaxmania]

Originally Posted by thewaxmania

One thing someone mentioned is that I should be considerate to the layout of the boat as to not put too much weight on one side or the other so that logical and most common setup for cruising would lead most of the weight on the starboard side behind the helm station. I think that makes good sense. I am considering placement of seating and coolers/storage so that I don't wind up making the boat very heavy on the starboard side when there are only a few people on the boat. Does that make sense or am I not talking about much weight. I'm a small guy, only weigh 135 pounds soaking wet and I imagine most of the time the boat will be full of ice/soda/beer in a cooler and about four or five other people.

But right now I'm leaning towards a bunch of options for seating. Benches, jump seats, a sun deck, and a dedicated helm station for me. I haven't decided if I want to go for a dual console setup or to make the "passenger" helm station area serve another purpose. I imagine most of the time that person will be facing aft and not looking over the windshield.

I'll try to upload some of my hand-drawn plans when I get a chance.

[SkunkBoat]

search my posts for "Gunnel box project" and " 'Bout ready"

May give you some ideas.

[booch]

West marine sells a marine version, I just cant get myself to buy one.
Try Birdsall Marine products they may do custom work. I'm looking at there bench seats that fold to keep the cockpit open when needed.