Wellcraft V20 Pilot house

[scook]

That's some beautiful work. Just dreaming, I'd like to see the back opening gusseted enough to be really strong and stiff against lateral loads (maybe it's already that way since you obviously know what you're doing) and then do a welded rod holder setup and separate brackets for radar and whatever else you want on top. It looks like you pretty much have enough ledge all the way along the sides that it could be a walk-around - if that's true, a rail along the edge of the top would really make it work. One other thing I'd like would be sliding openable side windows - quick and easy comfort adjustment without messing with side curtains. Have I got it up to a $50,000 custom job yet?***129299;

[bradford]

I'd keep the arch. Boat looks great. If you're thinking of doing another check out the design on Shamrock Mackinaw models, always liked their look.

[Big D MacG]

Sliding would have been nice but the price was crazy.

[scook]

My fishin buddy got a pair of sliders from a wrecked RV. I don't think he gave much for them - he went scrounging and got lucky I guess.

[Big D MacG]

I hunted high and low for sliding windows, came close on a couple. I wedge the front door open if gets to hot. Would need sliders first and build pilot house around them. As it is the front is the full hight of a 4x8 sheet of aluminum. Also I was trying to find sliders with the slope of the front window. Custom-made windows were around $1,200. I almost sloped the window forward but made problems with the door swing.

[Pep930]

Hello,

First time posting or replying I'm pretty new here. Signed up and got real busy at work so have not had a chance to be on much. I have 2 v20's an inboard v8 and a outboard 140 Suzuki. Not as much of a following here in Northern Ca but I do spot others from time to time.

Would you be interested in selling the pilot house or detailed plans if you have them? Great looking boat either way I have always wondered what it would look like done right

[bradford]

Welcome Pep.

[Big D MacG]

I know I said earlier that I would be interested in selling pilothouse but when I add things up it would not be cheap. I built it by the seat of my pants with no plans. First off you need to find a good fab shop with a sheer and bender. I had a shop bend the front and both side for me and the bill was $700 not including the aluminium. I made him use the full width of the sheet for the front and then cut and bend the sides to match. Once I had the 3 pieces home I cut out the windows using a 5 inch hole saw to get the radius and a skill saw to cut the rest. The sides side pieces have 1 inch bends on all four sides and the front piece only folded on top and bottom. After cutting windows out I measured the holes and ordered tempered glass witch was cheaper. In the end I would just find a glass shop to cut safety glass, a little more money but fit the first time. The glass and rubber to mount glass was around $1000. They wanted around $700 to paint but found good deal on powder coating but was still $600. At this time I don't think I want to build another one. It was a good project and not all that hard to do if you have the time. Take the windshield off find a good sheetmetal shop and show them the pictures. Sheetmetal shop, powdercoat shop, glass shop and some upholstery work for the side windows.
My bill was.
$700 aluminum
$1000 glass and rubber
$600 powder coat
#700 sheetmetal shop
$300 hinges bolts and rivets
$200 upholstery
2 guys for 20hrs
I think it would be worth $5500