1978 V20 Steplift trying to find leak?

[BeachBum]

Hey all,
Found some time this past weekend to do some testing.
First I filled the under cuddy up with about 8-10 gallons of fresh water. And no leak. Next step was floating the boat and the leak emerged. Turns out that the to factory through holes to the right and left of the transom have lost there seal/life and is letting water in it took on exactly 12 gallons of water floating for 2 hrs. Somehow the water is making its way to the bow through some channel in the bottom of the boat.

Next I used a hand operated fuel pressure tester and put it to use, needless to say I was not suprised when it did'nt even hold pressure. Looks like a tank replacement is in my near future.

I don't have the funds right now for a decent bilge pump but that and a new tank and all the fix'ins to install are on my wish list.

Question: Has anyone ever altered the cuddy or floor on one of these boats to increase the size of the cuddy, this expansion is a later hope/dream/envision that we might turn it into some sort of small kitchen (very small lol) later in its life. Just throwing it out there?

On a side note would anybody happen to have the dimensions/specs for the 1978 V20, my wife and I are discussing a Bimini and potty later on after the major repairs are complete and I would like to get some dreaming oh I mean pricing done on a few items and those specs would come in mighty handy. I have taken some of the measurements myself but they are ruff at best.

Thanks in advance for all the help guys.

[BeachBum]

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CC Lower Compartment.JPG

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[Blue_Runner]

Cool, glad you found the main source of the leak. Sounds pretty substantial.

Instead of enlarging the cuddy, get a full enclosure. For cooking there are all sorts of propane (or elecric if dockside power) grills to choose from. Leave the cuddy for stowing and snoozin. Just an idea.

[BeachBum]

Blue Runner, what is a full enclosure?
Thanks

[Cam]

A full enclosure is where you have a top and curtains on the front and the sides. Then the last is a zippered curtain on the rear (at the end of the bimini top). When you are zippered in, you are completely out of the elements. You see them mostly up north.