Has it ever been done?? Well it’s about to happen.

[3 Squids]

So since I sold my last V I’ve been looking for another one to tinker with. I’ve wanted to start from scratch and build a boat exactly like I want it. I’ve compiled some parts and the main thing I was missing was a hull. I have a console, motor, poly fuel tank, t-top, leaning post, rigging etc. I have a pretty good start. I’ve been looking for a V and either they are way to nice for what I want to do or too far away.

Well I compromised and I think you all will like what I have going on. Technically I’m not building a V-20 center console. Instead I came across a 1994 V-21. I’ve never seen one of these in person but it appears the only difference is the set back transom. Now as many of you know they didn’t make a center console 21. And to cut up a perfectly good Cuddy boat would be ridiculous. However this one has already been gutted. The cap is gone so basically what I’m looking at is a v-20 hull with a set back transom.

As far as condition the boat seems solid as a rock. The stringers and transom sound solid when hitting them with a hammer. I recall from my last V that thumpy, wet sound when hitting a wet or soft spot and I can’t find any. The deal I got is the boat and trailer for $200. The trailer is in pretty good shape and made the 40 mile trip home with no issues. The boat also has a nice looking poly tank in it so I feel I definitely got my moneys worth. I now have 2 big poly tanks and can probably sell whichever one I decide not to use for $200.

My plan is to put in a new floor to the hull sides much like a skiff, or like a center console from the early 70’s. It appears the original liner floor sat a couple inches above the stringers as there is a very high build up of whatever they use to adhere it. My plan is to put the new floor right on top of the stringers as they still appear to be higher than the water line. The console has a seat on the front and the leaning post will be the only seating. I want the boat as open as possible to make more room for moving around while fishing. I have a couple marine bean bags I’ll just throw in the boat for the kiddos when needed.

Then the big project is going to be building a cap. I want it to be flat and low profile, really showing the profile of the hull, much like the flatcap V’s. I would love to come across an abandoned flat cap V-20 from the early 70’s and salvage the cap but I doubt I’ll get that lucky.

Anyways I’ll try to keep you guys updated and will try and post some pics. I’ve been trying for a while to post some but can’t figure it out. I use my phone so I guess I need to try on the laptop.

[Destroyer]

Sounds like you have a well thought out plan in place. Just a slight piece of advice. Look carefully at the inside of the transom where the set back "bubble" it comes through the transom. See that 1" gap on either side? My advice is to fill it and then glass over it to either side of the stringers back there for much needed and added strength. The general consensus of thought is that the reason these hulls are only rated for 200 HP outboards is that the original construction of the way the bubble is attached through the transom made it unwise to rate the hull for a higher HP engine. Just my 2 cents, but that's what I did with my 96 V21 when I had the deck off it.

[3 Squids]

Originally Posted by Destroyer

Sounds like you have a well thought out plan in place. Just a slight piece of advice. Look carefully at the inside of the transom where the set back "bubble" it comes through the transom. See that 1" gap on either side? My advice is to fill it and then glass over it to either side of the stringers back there for much needed and added strength. The general consensus of thought is that the reason these hulls are only rated for 200 HP outboards is that the original construction of the way the bubble is attached through the transom made it unwise to rate the hull for a higher HP engine. Just my 2 cents, but that's what I did with my 96 V21 when I had the deck off it.

I’ve had this plan together for a couple years now just never had the time or money to do it. Time is still hard to come by nowadays but because of that I can finally have a little cash flow to put towards it.

I need to do some cleaning up back there and figure out exactly what’s going on. There’s just globs and globs of the filler material everywhere around the transom. I definitely need to clean it up then look into doing as you say. It’s already this far apart, I might as well get it right now.

[3 Squids]

Also what bubble are you referring to? I will try to snap a few pics of the transom and maybe you could point out to me what you mean.

[3 Squids]

test pics

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[3 Squids]

Ok so I figured out how to attach thumbs so I guess that's better than nothing. Here's some more of what I'm starting with. First order of business is getting all the foam out and covering her up and possibly putting a dehumidifier in her for a while to try and get her dried out good. Then I guess I'll put some new foam back in her and get the floor sealed up. I've read in a few places that a pressure washer is the best way to get old foam out. Anybody else have any suggestions let me know.

Also I'm planning on stopping by our local fiberglass shop and ordering supplies. I'm thinking about getting 5 gallons of laminating resin and 5 gallons finish resin and a whole bunch of cloth and mat. After I get the floor in and cap supports I may save myself some trouble and take it to my guy and have him chop gun the whole inside. He recently did a boat for a buddy of mine and I guess they put the white gel coat right in the strand and it looks great.

Ok, not sure why but the pics are upside down, but the first ones weren't. Ill figure this out one day.

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