Issue with capsizing a V-20 (or 180 Fisherman)

[wespants]

I love the looks of the V-20 CC and Steplift, and I am considering purchasing one of these, or more likely due to cost, a 180 Fisherman. However, I have heard that there were some issues with these boats (the V-20s) capsizing in moderate seas due to swells picking up the flared bow and flipping them over. These boats tend to have the beautiful lines of the sportfisherman boats, but in a much smaller scale. From what I have heard, this design actaully became counter-effective at the smaller scale making them dangerous. However, I can't find hard evidence to back up the hearsay. So, my questions are as follows:

Is this true about the V-20s?

If so, does it apply to the 180 Fisherman as well (the older models ~ say 1980s)?

I really like these boats and I am not picking on Wellcraft at all; just trying to ensure the safety of me and my family. Any help is appreciated!

 

[douglloyd]

Re: Issue with capsizing a V-20 (or 180 Fisherman)

hearsay

 

[SuperNova]

Re: Issue with capsizing a V-20 (or 180 Fisherman)

Yeah, Pure B.S. Have had several small (17 ft range) Boats with flared bows--no instability issues at all--in fact they were made to handle rough water and the flare helps disperse the water that would otherwise come in over the bow......there is no substitute for competent boat handling though...........
--
Stan

 

[Black Snow Slide]

Re: Issue with capsizing a V-20 (or 180 Fisherman)

I have a Wellcraft 180 Sportsman 2007 with a E-tec 115hp. This is the same hull as the 180cc. The flair of the bow is great because it directs the spray out and down to give you a nice dry ride. When drift fishing I have been out in 2-3 footers and have not had any type of issue, even when a larger boats wake is thrown into the mix. When a large wave does hit the reverse chime (bow flair) you do notice the boat lift hard and rides over the wave. If it didn't then wave would come over the freeboard. It is a very stable feeling when this does occur. It takes about a 4'+ wave to make this happen. To have a wave so big as to give you the feeling its going to flip. Take a look around and you will notice that no other boats are out there and you shouldn't be neither.

Take one out for a test drive and do it on a choppy day. For a 18' boat you will be pleasantly sup prised.

 

[dpfundst]

Re: Issue with capsizing a V-20 (or 180 Fisherman)

I have the 17ft CC Fisherman, my buddy has the 20ft version, very stable boats, can take a wave, especially the bigger 20ft.

The flared bow pushes the water away. A lot of the more current boat designs have moved away from this flared design, which is too bad.....