Hello Everyone

[fdlock890]

My name is Rick Loughry, and I just signed up on your site. I live in Las Vegas, NV. I currently have a 2007 Aftershock 21' Jet Boat that I built from a bare hull. I am on here to learn about v-drives because I have now got the v-drive itch (really bad)!! I am hoping to build a Schiada or the likes in approximately 6 years or so. The boat I currently have will become my boys boat when they turn 18yo and I will begin my next project. I am hoping to learn a ton about which hulls work the best, and what works. I hope to have a few beers with some of you at the River. I usually boat out of the Needles area, or at Lake Mead (if it is a day trip). Well hello to all.

Thanks:
Lock

[hm66Howard]

Hello and welcome. This is the place to be. I saw some v-drives on the Vegas craigslist. Get ready for the "ditch pump" jokes!:D

[fdlock890]

Thanks, and I will try and not cry out loud.:) Yes I would agree, this is the place to be, I have been looking around, and WOW so much info.

Thanks Lock

[RiverRacer]

Welcome aboard!..

[Terrible toy]

Hi and welcome also. Which hull works best, boy are you going to get opinions on that.:D

[FC-Pilot]

Welcome. Rick you have found one of the greatest v-drive sites in the world. That is impressive that you rigged a boat from scratch. That is quite an accomplishment that is something to be proud of.

Wow! Bill (Terrible Toy) is right. Before we can give you any info on what hull will work best for you, you need to decide exactly what it is that you want out of the boat. There are a number of different hull designs and each one works great for what it was intended. Terrible Toy has built and designed drag boat, GFinishline has done everything from drag boats to blisteringly fast family cruisers, and RiverRacer is the master of circle style boats. Between those three and some of the info from others you have an incredible wealth of knowledge to pull from. So the real key is to figure out what you want out of the boat and what your "realistic expectations" are and they will get you pointed in the right direction.

[pwderman]

Welcome aboard and we're glad to see your coming over from the dark side.....:) :cool:

[dipship]

Welcome I Am also new what this group has solved in one day has save me lots of time.(Don't repeat this but I also have one of those squirters)If I can be of any help.let me know

[SPUN1]

Welcome to the site. I also owned a Eliminator pump boat in the past but now prefer v-drives.:)

[fdlock890]

Well thanks for the warm welcome!!! Boat people are the best!:D Thanks for the kind words FC-Pilot. I had a great time building my boat, and wow did I learn a few things!!! So now for my V-Drive project. I am looking to build a Blistering fast cruiser. I have been looking at Schiada's, but they are so expensive, and I would like to get a bare hull and build it. I have also been in touch with Rex Phillips, and he said he would build me a Connolly. I am looking to build a 21' so that the lake would not be out of the question. I had also called Billy at Dunsmore Marine in Boulder City, and he perferred the Schiada hulls because of the 15 degree bottom, and how they handle the chop. Any and all help/opinions would be a great help. Thanks again guys.

Lock

[FC-Pilot]

If I were to look for a new hull I would probably go with a Rayson Craft in stead of a Schiada. The Schiada's are cool, but cost so dang much for a new hull. I would see about getting one for D'Cuchi (is that how you spell it Art?) as they seem to be a little faster of a hull. The Schiadas are great for ski racing and running through the chop and smoothing it out for the skier, but the word on the street is the Rayson is faster (and probably considerably cheaper). There are a handful of them that run in the GN class so that proves they are fast and can handle. I have yet to see a Schiada run in the class.

Just so you know that is just my worthless opinion and I am sure George and Art could give you better insight.

Paul

[fdlock890]

Thanks Paul, I agree about the cost of a new Schiada $22,000.00 to $26,000.00 according to Lee and depending on what work is done to the inside of the hull. Does Art build the Rayson Craft hulls, or can he get a Schiada hull? Do you have any contact info for him? Do you know much about the Connolly Hulls. I think the fastest recorded 21' v-drive was a Connolly at 126 and some change. Thanks again for your help.

Lock

[FC-Pilot]

Art (RiverRacer) is one of our resident encyclopedias. He does not build them, but has an in at the shop that builds them.

Paul

[Roaddogg 4040]

I would suggest that you take a look at the DCM boats that they are building in California. They are really nice looking and the glass work is superb! They have a new v drive that they are building now. There is a thread showing the progress over at Performanceboats.com and one at RiverDaves Place.com I think that you will be impressed with the looks and the performance of these boats. IMHO.

Maybe someone could post a link for me as I don't know how to post them...

Steve

[fdlock890]

Thanks Steve, I have been watching the progress over at Performance boats, and WOW is that boat AWSOME!! The only problem I have is the bow. I hate to sound vain, but I just do not like the bow, it is too round for my taste. The machine work on that boat is INCREDIBLE!!!! I will try and post a link here.

Thanks;
Lock

http://www.performanceboats.com/html/forums/showthread.php?t=6842

[rduncan]

Lock,
Being a Schiada owner I have made my choice, but a Rayson Craft or a D'cucci would be second choice. Sometimes it would be nice to have a higher freeboard on busy weekends,thats why I only get the boat wet on Mondays. Here are two samples that caught my eye.

RD.

[fdlock890]

Thanks RD, is that your Schiada (the red one) in your pic section? That ia a beautiful boat!!! I have not heard of the D'cucci boat. Would you have any information / pics of this boat? I have seen that Rayson Craft before (not in person), and I agree with you. It is an awsome boat!!! I am looking to find a project boat, and go from their, but who knows. Have you ever ridden in a Rayson Craft or D'cucci? I am just wondering how they handle the rough water vs. your Schiada? That is my hesitation on going further with the Connelly hull. It has a 11 degree bottom (I think), and I am concerned that it would not handle the rough water very well. Thanks for all of your help.

Lock

[RiverRacer]

but I just do not like the bow, it is too round for my taste.

I'm with ya a 100% on that one!..

[fdlock890]

Thanks RR, I was sweating that line.:D

[RiverRacer]

Thanks Paul, I agree about the cost of a new Schiada $22,000.00 to $26,000.00 according to Lee and depending on what work is done to the inside of the hull. Does Art build the Rayson Craft hulls, or can he get a Schiada hull? Do you have any contact info for him? Do you know much about the Connolly Hulls. I think the fastest recorded 21' v-drive was a Connolly at 126 and some change. Thanks again for your help.

Lock

Ok, just to set things straight I do not lay up hulls of any kind, I don't have any molds but I can rig any one up though!.. Joey Cucci(D'Cucci Boats)has the molds for the Raysoncraft 21' GN(legally) and will build a boat turn key if so desired!..

[boatpoor]

So where`s the Connolly mold?

[RiverRacer]

Thanks RR, I was sweating that line.:D

Why sweat it, opinions are like a$$holes everyone has one right, LOL, we're probably the only ones that have the same one, but it's still ugly IMWO!..:D:D

[fdlock890]

Lmao!!!!:d

[fdlock890]

Hello BoatPoor, the Connolly mold is owned by Rex Phillips, and he lives/work in Mesa AZ. He travels to Lake Havasu quite often. I spoke with him on the phone, and he seems like a great guy. I am not sure if I want to build the Connolly yet, but it is in the running. I hope this helps.

Lock

[boatpoor]

Thanks Lock, I last heard the molds were in Orange County somewhere. Don`t forget about the Vector, it`s a pretty good riding boat too.

[fdlock890]

Thanks I will keep that in mind. I had purchased a 1988 21' Hallet Vector, and the hull was under catalized according to my gelcoat guy, so I called Hallet, and they were less than helpful. I was not asking for anything, I just wanted to let them know what was floating out their. I guess I would not blame them.:o Man this is getting tuff....

[fdlock890]

Thanks for the info on the Rayson Craft. I will call him on Monday, and see what he has to say. I have read some threads over on PB about which was better, the 20' or the 21'. What do you think? Thanks again for your help!

Lock

[Nailhead]

That is my hesitation on going further with the Connelly hull. It has a 11 degree bottom (I think), and I am concerned that it would not handle the rough water very well. Thanks for all of your help.

Lock

I checked the bottom on our Connolly. its right around 5 degrees.

[Roaddogg 4040]

I have been told that Joey Cucci also has the mold to the Rayson 20' GN boat also. They are both great boats and is just depends on which one you one you like the looks of the best. Personally I like the 20'GN boat better than the 21' but they are both great boats. As far as the bow on the DCM goes that too, is a mater of personal taste also. That is why they make all different kinds of boats...:)

Steve

[fdlock890]

Thanks for checking the bottom degree Nailhead. I was told it was 11 degrees, and 5 degrees is just a tad less angle.:D So then I guess the Connolly is like a 21' flat bottom. That is GREAT information!
Thanks for your help,
Lock

[fdlock890]

I have been told that Joey Cucci also has the mold to the Rayson 20' GN boat also. They are both great boats and is just depends on which one you one you like the looks of the best. Personally I like the 20'GN boat better than the 21' but they are both great boats. As far as the bow on the DCM goes that too, is a mater of personal taste also. That is why they make all different kinds of boats...:)

Steve

Thanks for that information, Steve. I agree with you, I like the 20' GN better also. I will be calling Joey tomorrow, and I will let you know about the mold situation. I have always read about how great the Rayson Craft boats are. Thanks for helping me get the information on these boats. Joey is located in Havasu according to what I found on the internet. Is this correct?

Thanks Lock

[fdlock890]

Well I spoke with Joey today, and he seems like a really good guy. He does have the 21' mold, and he has access to the 20'GN also if anyone is interested in building one. I am going to make a trip down to Havasu next week and take a look at some of his work. Thanks for the help guys. I will keep you updated.
Lock

[RiverRacer]

Well I spoke with Joey today, and he seems like a really good guy. He does have the 21' mold, and he has access to the 20'GN also if anyone is interested in building one. I am going to make a trip down to Havasu next week and take a look at some of his work. Thanks for the help guys. I will keep you updated.
Lock

Joey is a good guy, his dad and I been friends for over 30 yrs and I've known Joey since he was in diapers, and he is as good as his dad and they will go out of their way to do things right!...

[fdlock890]

Thanks for the info. I seem to like Joey more and more, and I have not even met him yet.:D Thanks for your intrest.
Lock

[Roaddogg 4040]

I don't think that you could go wrong with a boat from Joey. They are great to work with and they won't screw you. Good luck with what ever boaot you choose. My vote is for the 20 GN though.:)

Steve

[Moneypit]

A few weekends a year Joey can be found running "around" in a v bottom cruiser, a yellow one. Maybe he would consider giving you a ride so you could check out the handling, and the ride if he happens to run into any rough stuff........MP

[fdlock890]

Thanks MP, I guess I will have to stalk Joey until I find him in his boat.:D Then I will try and sneak a ride. Thanks for the info. Lock

[RiverRacer]

It's not his boat and I doubt Ted would put a passenger seat in for demo rides, just have to go to a circle race and watch him kick ass!..

[fdlock890]

Maybe I can duct tape my a$$ to the bow? What do you think?:D Man I think I would go broke just paying for enough duct tape to cover my a$$!:p