79

[nipper]

Just curious as to why the owner of the 1979 cuddy in the keys proclaims 1979 to be the best model year ever for the v20.

Good question when we all know that "1989" was the best year.

[Mulv80]

Clearly 79' was the best year!

[nipper]

Why is '79 the best year? I noted the owner of the '79 in the Keys indicated lots of freeboard in his V. I have a 1991 V-20 cuddy, and it really does not have much freeboard because of the raised deck. Did the 1979 have the lower deck?

[Blue_Runner]

Hey that high priced one has auto pilot!! COOL! I would love to have that!

NEW SIMRAD AP14R AUTOPILOT

[macojoe]

In the late 70's early 80's Wellcraft raised the decks giving you less free board cause of the coast guard requiring the flotation in the newer models. There for my 75 was the bet year as I had more free board

[Mulv80]

The only flotation in my 79' was the foam around the gas tank. There is no foam between the stringers or anywhere else for that matter. I think thats the big reason why you see alot of the older boats still around. No wet foam to promote rot.

[shubey61]

My 1990 doesn't have that much foam in it either

[bradford]

Originally Posted by macojoe

In the late 70's early 80's Wellcraft raised the decks giving you less free board cause of the coast guard requiring the flotation in the newer models. There for my 75 was the bet year as I had more free board

The newer models built after 1977 also have a higher coaming due to the newer style cap, thus supplying more freeboard. My '85 model has 26" from the deck to the top of the gunnels. Not sure what pre-78 models have???

Also, the only foam I could find in mine was around the factory fuel tank which caused it to rot out beyond belief.

[RWilson2526]

I know I'm new here but that Charlie fella seems like one smart dude. I have to agree with him