Has it ever been done?? Well it’s about to happen.

[3 Squids]

So since I sold my last V I’ve been looking for another one to tinker with. I’ve wanted to start from scratch and build a boat exactly like I want it. I’ve compiled some parts and the main thing I was missing was a hull. I have a console, motor, poly fuel tank, t-top, leaning post, rigging etc. I have a pretty good start. I’ve been looking for a V and either they are way to nice for what I want to do or too far away.

Well I compromised and I think you all will like what I have going on. Technically I’m not building a V-20 center console. Instead I came across a 1994 V-21. I’ve never seen one of these in person but it appears the only difference is the set back transom. Now as many of you know they didn’t make a center console 21. And to cut up a perfectly good Cuddy boat would be ridiculous. However this one has already been gutted. The cap is gone so basically what I’m looking at is a v-20 hull with a set back transom.

As far as condition the boat seems solid as a rock. The stringers and transom sound solid when hitting them with a hammer. I recall from my last V that thumpy, wet sound when hitting a wet or soft spot and I can’t find any. The deal I got is the boat and trailer for $200. The trailer is in pretty good shape and made the 40 mile trip home with no issues. The boat also has a nice looking poly tank in it so I feel I definitely got my moneys worth. I now have 2 big poly tanks and can probably sell whichever one I decide not to use for $200.

My plan is to put in a new floor to the hull sides much like a skiff, or like a center console from the early 70’s. It appears the original liner floor sat a couple inches above the stringers as there is a very high build up of whatever they use to adhere it. My plan is to put the new floor right on top of the stringers as they still appear to be higher than the water line. The console has a seat on the front and the leaning post will be the only seating. I want the boat as open as possible to make more room for moving around while fishing. I have a couple marine bean bags I’ll just throw in the boat for the kiddos when needed.

Then the big project is going to be building a cap. I want it to be flat and low profile, really showing the profile of the hull, much like the flatcap V’s. I would love to come across an abandoned flat cap V-20 from the early 70’s and salvage the cap but I doubt I’ll get that lucky.

Anyways I’ll try to keep you guys updated and will try and post some pics. I’ve been trying for a while to post some but can’t figure it out. I use my phone so I guess I need to try on the laptop.