New and in need of help...

Hey all,
I know you all have answered these questions hundreds of time but, here it goes. I am looking for a boat, The wellcraft V20 is very interesting to me because I like the look of the boat, it has a vintage real boat look. Not this plastic molded bow rider lake boat. Also I have heard that it is a solid hull. So here are my questions.
Would it make a good lake boat, for fishing, cruising, lake exploring, Etc...
I won't ask the inboard/outboard question.
How much does the boat and trailer weight? Could I tow it with my 2000 Jeep Cherokee
How wide is the boat and trailer?

Thank for you help

[macojoe]

Welcome to the site!!

There are a few here that use there V's on lakes all the time!

They are all used different!! Fishing, cruising, exploring, skiing, Ocean, offshore, they are good for all and more!!

Weight, Boat is about 2300, motor 400, trailer 1000+, gas 60 gal 400# Total 4000+ #

Will you be able to tow with the Jeep, Sure for close runs, but if you have to travel to far I would be thinking something bigger.

This boat has a lot of room and can be configured what ever way you want, for what ever you want to do!!

When Looking look for soft floor hatches, and transoms. All can be fixed and all here has most likely fixed what ever it is you would have to fix, and can walk you threw it.

I am sure others will chine in, and any other questions just ask!! Wellcraft did not make this hull for 25+ years for nothing!!
;)

[reelapeelin]

Beantown, 80% of my boat's use is on Lakes Hartwell or Murray w/ some saltwater in N FL and NC .... one of the great aspects of the V-20 is its versatility ... depending on how you set it up, it can be used for lots of things ... I've got a ski-pylon for mine for the kids in summer; that comes out, put on the rod-holders and bait-tank, and I'm striper-fishin' ...


...if there ever was an "everything boat'', the V-20 is it ;) ...


Does your Jeep have the factory tow-package? ... what motor?... that makes LOTS of difference...how far do you tow?...hills? ....my rig on the scale is 4650 lbs...

[turbinedoctor]

The 84 center console weighs 1920 + 60 gal fuel + motor+ trailer.

This is my first boat and I am glad it is. Have used it for crusing and fishing. Lots of room.

[randlemanboater]

Hey Reel,

I'd like to hear/see the way you did the ski pole and you bait tank. Both of those are things I've been thinking about. Is there a post about them somewhere?

Thanks for all your replies,

It looks like it would be a great boat for me.

Reelapeelin, I will be using my boat on Hartwell and Murry too. My Jeep has a the straight 6 engine, but I don't think that it has the tow package. Max towing is 5000 I was told. but its is a smaller Jeep. I may need to trade it for a Grand or a Wagoneer. Have you seen any forsale around the Hartwell area? What is the best place to buy a used boat in the SC upstate?

How wide is the V20 and how wide is the trailer. I have a narrow driveway and was wondering if it would even fit?

Thanks for your help.

[THEFERMANATOR]

You CHEROKEE will be fine towing it, just add a good size trans cooler and get the max cool radiator installed as well. This will run you around 250-300 in parts. Also get a quaslity trailer, this will make a night and day difference(good aluminum with brakes). I'm a former JEEP tech(car accident took me out of that trade) and can personally attest that THEY ARE TOUGH!!! I'm currently driving an 88 CHEROKEE myself and my last one was a 97 and before that I had an 88 COMANCHE pickup(notice a theme). I also have a 95 diesel SUB sitting outside, but the JEEP will do 90% of my towing needs. It's only real weakness is the short wheelbase, and around 89 CHRYSLER down-sized the brakes and they weren't the best for stopping.

I've personally towed with the 97 a WELLCRAFT 248 that was outfitted with with a bracket twin 225 EVINRUDE loopers and 200 gallons of fuel onboard. Pulling it wasn't the problem, STOPPING WAS!!! Hence why you really should have trailer brakes. We also towed a PRO-LINE 231 cuddy with it as well, same scenario.

Upgrade your cooling system to take it, if you have alot of miles do the shocks and such and use a good trailer and you'll be fine. But that's just my opinion. As far as the boat goes, I'm still rebuilding my engine.

ON EDIT: I wouldn't trade up to the grand to tow a V-20. The wheelbase is just as short and the only advantage would be the option of a V8 unless you went with the 99+ which finally got larger brakes than the CHEROKEE had(the early body style G.C. used the same basic brakes as the smaller JEEPS). And the old WAGONEERS will eat you alive in fuel costs.

[reelapeelin]

Bean, I'd think (never measured it) trailer is 8.5' wide, could be 9' ...beam on V-20 is 8' and my fenders are a little wider...if ya want to stay w/ Jeep, get the biggest V-8 they offer w/ a tow-package ... I-26 and I-85 have some long grades to pull at speed ...

Here's the ski-pole

http://www.overtons.com/modperl/over...8746&fcat=


and here's the bait-tank

http://www.fishing-boating.com/livewellsystems/

Lake Hartwell Fishing & Marine (off exit 14) stocks this tank...you shouldn't need bigger than the 20 gal as they're very efficient and will keep 4-5 doz herring well...


Good luck and let us know how it goes... :D ...


As far as findin' a V-20 in the Upstate, you'd best watch this board and be ready to do a little travelin' ...some good "ready-to-splash" boats and some good "project" boats are here from time to time ... gonna depend on what ya want and what ya gonna spend...I know where's one at Lake Murray, but I don't know what you're lookin' for...

[randlemanboater]

Thanks.

Wow, Great info. Everyone.

I will let you all know how my search is going, and when I finally get one. I hope to have one by April. Thanks for all of your help.

Bean