Is this a good deal?

[reodds]

The boat is FANTASTIC for your family. It is stable, smooth in ride, high enough freeboard, and shallow enough draft to easily maneuver in the shallows. The flared bow really does deflect the waves, and regardless of what some may say, the boat is dry - especially compared to bow riders of the same size. It is a true "wash and wear" boat, with no extra "fluff" to get in the way. You can put a few solid folding chairs in the stern for the "older folks" to sit on, and remove them when not in use. I really never fished it further than about 10 miles offshore, but it was always good. The boat can very easily set up to fish very well, but also a great day boat.

I have taken the boat to NYC many times (great ride!), and used it to pull skiers in the bays. It is easy to take to short beach, although I like the beach just south of the loop bridge better!

I know you and your family to love it.

[briguyny]

Roger,

That's exactly what I (and especially my wife) needed to hear. It looks relatively easy to take care of. NOT TOO BIG, NOT TOO SMALL and as this will be my first time boating it looks easy to hang out on when I run aground the first time! I also have a dog and it looks like there's enough room for him as well, as well as easy to clean up after he splashes around everywhere. I know the beach you mentioned though we never went there growing up, we also go to "garbage cove" just passed Zach's Bay.

[nipper]

The V will be perfect for your young family and the price is sure right. You will be amazed at how easily it will clean up. The cuddy is perfect to put the youngun's down for a nap on a hot day. You can even buy one of those scoop type things made of fabric (I know there is a nautical term for them, but I cannot remember it) to pull a breeze down into the cuddy cabin. The V is a terrific all round boat for just lazy cruising, skiing, tubing and, of course, fishing. I hope you get it and make many good memories with your family out on it.

[briguyny]

Nipper,

Thanks for the advice and the kind words. Everyone on this forum/site has me excited for my purchase. It has a Yamaha 150, but I don't know if it's a 2 stroke or a 4 stroke. Any insight?

[reelapeelin]

Originally Posted by briguyny

Nipper,

Thanks for the advice and the kind words. Everyone on this forum/site has me excited for my purchase. It has a Yamaha 150, but I don't know if it's a 2 stroke or a 4 stroke. Any insight?

If original to the boat, it's a 2 stroke...GREAT motors!!...

[briguyny]

Absolutely wonderful advice. I grew up on boats and my father was ALWAYS very strict with me and my siblings on all of our boats. Life jackets and safety were his priority and they will be mine as well. I love that you jumped on this though Nd know tht I have already signedus up for a boater safety course. My wife grew up on boats as well so whe will be the eagle eye safety coordinator. Slow and easy.

[Destroyer]

Sounds like you're making all the right decisions. If it's a V21 you're a lucky guy..they are highly sought after. As just metioned above by Reelapeelin.. Life jackets are a MUST. Kids learn by example, so that means you and mommy too. If (like me) you find the regular red jacket bulky then buy the kind that Kyackers use..They fit around you, have large cutouts for your arms and a zipper to close it around you. I use one like that myself. And while we are on the subject of safety.. a few things you need. FIRE EXTINGUISHER(S) one is good, two is better 3 is best. The fire dept doesn't make house calls 20 miles offshore. THROWABLE SAFETY DEVICES (cushions or rings) Flares, (Air and hand held) Distress flag, Audible signaling devices. (Horn on the boat, whistles on your life jackets)
VHF Radio, CB Radio. Compass, and lastly, thought not necessary, a second engine is not a bad idea.... Let me explain... Redundancy is always a good thing when you are talking about safety. That way if something fails you have a backup. That thought extends to engines as well. You don't need a second engine (unless you're trolling for fish), but if your big engine fails you need a way to get home. The little trolling motor has saved a lot of us a lot of times. Yes, you can call Sea Tow, or the Coast Guard or just signal any boat nearby..but can you rely on them being there when you need them? I've been a sailor for over 45 years, starting when I was 17 and in the Navy. The one thing I've learned above all others is that the ocean is a wonderful mistress, but she will slap you down with horrible results if you take her lightly. Like the Boy Scout motto says: "Be prepared."

A few words from the heart... Am I trying to scare you? Yes. Am I trying to save your life? Also yes. We want to be talking to you, not about you. Safety is ALWAYS your number one when you go out on a boat.
Welcome to the website. There are a bunch of great guys here that can give you more information in an hour then I can give you in a day. Listen to them and their experience. And SEND US PICTURES!!!

[reelapeelin]

Here's a pic of my two daughters on left and right w/two of their friends...this was several, several years ago on my first V at Lake Jocassee...I remember it like it was yesterday...we had a BALL!! ...wish I had some digital pics of when they were your girls' ages...they are grown up and off at college now...take pictures of them...LOTS of pictures...

[phatdaddy]

great shot reel, reminds me of my kids many years ago. we would go to the island and meet several familys for a day of fun & sun. it seemed the kids always hung out on the bow of the V.

[briguyny]

Hey all, just took my V21 out on its maiden voyage. There was an unepected air show going on over our heads with jets everywhere, it was great being out on the water for it. Really sea worthy and faster than I tought it would be. The steering is tight and it pulls to the right but I'll look into it and see what's going on there. Other than that all is well and I look forward to fixing her up and getting back out there.