new 222 rebuild

[Outfishing222]

Wanting to keep this rebuild going and start where the previous owners left off.  My plans are to have a few areas on the hull fixed, sanded ,and then have the hull painted.  Once I have it back from that being done I will re work some of the electronics and audio.  The chart plotter needs updating and I would like to add a trolling motor.  The two rear speakers are blown and need to be replaced, I'd also like to get rid of the two bazooka style speakers on the console.  The last project I am still back and forth on is removing the tower.  I've only had the boat out a few times with the tower and it almost seems more hassle than its worth…we'll see.

Anyway since I both have no business painting or have the time to do it here is a picture dropping the boat off to Ed at Epic Marine Manufacturing.  I will update as I get pictures of the progress. 

[Outfishing222]

So its been a few months and I have got most of my projects complete.  The hard work was all done with this boat and it was really just the work of personalizing it for my style of boating/fishing that needed to be done.  Ive uploaded to pictures to show the progress.  The first one still has the full tower which I was still undecided on (especially after trying to catch bait at the skyway).  The second is how the boat looks today.  I modified the tower and converted it to a half tower.  After making the new removable stand which spans across the two sections of ladder I only lost a height of 2 feet of sightline, and approximately 3 feet of clearance.  The best part is no more unfolding and folding!




Ive upgraded the electronics to the new Simrad GO7, I've added a Motorguide Xi5, replaced the rear speakers and put in a new 1600 rule tournament live well pump.  I also recently added a recessed cast net bucket/storage in the forward center hatch.  I am loving this boat more and more.  I will keep the Mercury 150 optimax until it blows (only has 350 hours) and then the plan is to replace it with a suzuki 200 or 225. 

[CLM65]

Beautiful boat!

[RickK]

Very NICE!!

[love2fish]

love the color. that's becoming EPIC's signature color. anymore pictures of the tower? I have a halftower on my 222 and absolutely love it- wayyy easier than a full-folding tower in my opinion.

[Outfishing222]

Here are a couple more pictures of the tower conversion.  I made it as simple as I could so for about $30 and an hours worth of work it could be converted back to a full tower.  The floor of the tower was removed along with one aluminum support brace that supported the floor.  Once that was out of the way the upper control station was mounted using the piece of aluminum I had cut as an internal brace.  The seat was then removed from the old upper tower and was fitted to the new opening.  An old piece of marine fabric was cut to size and sown to cover the hole where the floor used to be.  It has snaps on each side so it can be easily removed when the upper station is in use.  As for something to stand on a new removable stand was built out of two pieces of boxed aluminum and the old floor from the upper tower.  It stretches across the tower from side to side and rests on top of the "ladder" braces.  This is easily removable as well so when the upper station is not being utilized it stays in the front storage compartment out of the way and leaving an unobstructed view while driving the boat from the lower station. 

[Outfishing222]

Here is a few new pictures of the boat.  Its been getting more use now that I have decided to keep it.  Still some things that need attention but my list has dwindled way down.  I am flush mounting the simrad this week to clean the console up a little, and I need to inspect the trim tabs as I believe the pump has failed.

[HawgLeg]

What model rub rail is on this boat?

[love2fish]

I use to live in that neighborhood. boat looks good!

[Outfishing222]

What model rub rail is on this boat?

Maybe Shine can answer that for you, he put it on during the original build in 2007. 

[Outfishing222]

I use to live in that neighborhood. boat looks good!

Thanks, yeah that neighborhood is nice…i live south in Lakewood Ranch but when I used to live in Parrish I would put in there every time. 

[Outfishing222]

Finally built the tower stand and then decided to flush mount the Simrad. 

[Outfishing222]

Time for a re-power on the flatback.  I am leaning towards a Suzuki 200.  Anyone have experience with this motor on the boat and if so should I save myself a grand and go with the 175?

[Outfishing222]

Forgot I never updated this thread that the tower has been removed.  For my style of fishing in the Tampa bay area this was the right move.  I miss how the tower made the boat look but it is much more functional now. 

[Outfishing222]

Well I took the plunge and repowered the boat.  Brand new Suzuki 200.  Other than a quick lake test when I purchased it I haven't had it out so I can't comment yet on the performance differences but man is it quiet!  I also had the dash cleaned up with two new dash panels and a new layout for gauges, switches and the binnacle. 

I am currently working on getting the trim tabs working again.  Replacing the old insta-trim motor with a new bennett motor.  I didnt want to mess with switching the actuators and tabs out since whatever I purchased would mount differently.