Took a ride yesterday

[bgreene]

This is interesting. Is your V an I0 ?

When I took ownership of my V21, I found the ride quite average, until I added the trim tabs. With the tabs, I'd classify the ride as quite good.

No V hull will cut through head sea like a 23-24 degree deadrise hull, but this type hull will also likely roll on the drift, while the V is stable.

Seacraft's original 21' " cuddy" was and still is an impressive hull. The bow rested 4'-5' off the water surface. It had a very huge, deep entry and then tapered at the back for stability.
For whatever reason, it was discontinued, and only a few remain.

Outboard V20 - V21's ride well....I'd say B-B+.........with tabs.......C without.

[RidgeRunner]

Youve been drinking the Classic Seacraft Coolaid. Not to knock them. The ride is incredible for the length. BUT They do not have near the room of the V-20. While the picture isn't absolutely conclusive, trust me.. Suwannee Nov. 2013 014.jpg

[RidgeRunner]

As to ride quality of the V-20. Love it and I second that tabs make a difference. Stuff that sharp entry ento a wave and slice her up... Overall, the 20' Wellcraft is a great riding and behaving hull. Better built boats can be had. LOL! But you get what you pay for. A fully restored Hermco transom bracketed 23' Scepter with a hardtop OR the 27' Tournament with the small cuddy up front and twins.. What a boat, I think Todd finally sold his... I'm a regular over there, hard to argue with something that clearly works.. VDR hulls in gerneral..

[RidgeRunner]

Having said that, and I haven't been on much so pardon me for running on.. It would take a design change in the hull to make it any better. Either making the deadrise more, making the beam less, or putting two hulls under it like a cat. LOL! Since none of that is cost effective, there are just some things that need compromise. Pick one that you like, use it as often as you can. Key West boats seem to ride very well, for a price point a little under Pioneer I think...

[wellcraftv20step]

bgreene, yes it was an I/0 as someone in our little v20 family once told a critic on another forum " the v20 is not a magic carpet it's a great boat and like any other it has its limitations!!! That's actually the single thread that brought me over to this board years ago.. Anyway I have spent the day looking at boats, I am so confused ,I'm finding it difficult finding one that I'm certain I'm not going to find fault with somewhere along the next ten years,, I pretty much see this as my last boat..one thing I think I'm sure of is that I have grown very fond of the outboards, the I/o's are out ,to much trouble and maintainance...

[bgreene]

Originally Posted by wellcraftv20step

bgreene, yes it was an I/0 as someone in our little v20 family once told a critic on another forum " the v20 is not a magic carpet it's a great boat and like any other it has its limitations!!! That's actually the single thread that brought me over to this board years ago.. Anyway I have spent the day looking at boats, I am so confused ,I'm finding it difficult finding one that I'm certain I'm not going to find fault with somewhere along the next ten years,, I pretty much see this as my last boat..one thing I think I'm sure of is that I have grown very fond of the outboards, the I/o's are out ,to much trouble and maintainance...

It's tough to find a 20 -30 year old boat that hasn't been degraded by water saturation...
Fully restored can be found, and a couple of freaks now and then that were kept on trailer, such as mine but it's a hard find.
There's no such thing as a perfect boat, just what's best for you at the time.

[wellcraftv20step]

I'm actually thinking of going new... But that freak boat you mention recently came and slipped through my fingers, a24 Rampage, it had been for sale months ago .i called on it but the owner informed that he decided to take it off the market, he did however promis me that when / if he put it back on he would contact me immediately and he did.the boat had never been fished on ,just taken across the bay for dinner and drinks and kept out of water behind his home . As it turns out he got fed up with the craigslist guys not showing up and decided to use it for trade on a new 30 ft luxury boat but wasn't happy with what the dealer offered on trade.he then put it back on Craig's list the day before his new boat was to arrive and at 3000.00 lower than the original asking price ,and as he promisd he contacted me .i had a commitment the next morning but told him I would be their at lunch time with asking price in hand! He called me at 10 am to tell me the boat was sold.. I can only imagine what that buyer paid for the boat with owner being under the gun time wise , That was my freak boat.

[wellcraftv20step]

Just wanted to show some pics of my new ride..

[Destroyer]

Damn... SHE IS A BEAUTY!!!! I've always loved the walk-around design. The best of a cuddy cabin and a center console all rolled into one. Nice find.

[wellcraftv20step]

thanks Paul,