Boat Purchase

[Peter Berdos]

Hi,
New to this site - first post.  I am considering purchasing a 1974 22' Aquasport, with 1992 130 hp Yamaha, two axel trailer.    Haven't seen yet, look and take a ride tomorrow.  The present owner has had it for 30 years, serviced motor each year, soft spot on floor, electronics not functioning.   I would intend to use on Buzzards Bay & surrounds as pleasure boat, no commercial work, looking for safe and dependable weekend boat.  Asking price is $3,500.  Any suggestions on what to look for, be concerned about would be appreciated. 

Thanks,
Peter

[dbiscayne]

Nice simple decent sized boat, if it's ready to use & in good shape thats a good price.
so much to look for on something that old, I'd start with the test ride - try to run over boat wakes/waves at an angle, see if the boat feels like its twisting or shuddering.  Sometimes the stringers will separate from the hull & give you that feeling.  Sometimes not.  At least the stringers are all fiberglass, no rot worries.
Does it take unusually long to get on plane?  Hopefully the foam in the hull isn't soaked with water, look for added accessories screwed to the deck & not sealed good, loose console or seating, all will eventually let water into the foam.  If the foam is wet, the wood cored deck is probably on it's way out.  If the deck is really spongy, theres probably water in the foam.
With only a 130 it's not going to be too quick anyway but should manage with the right prop, check the prop size I'd guess something around a 15" pitch would be close to right???  Will the engine rev up to recommended RPM's?
Bilge pump wiring, condition of the control cables, binnacle, hyd. steering system if it feels notchy its on its way out, water pump strength, engine compression test, paint peeling off cylinder heads from overheating???
The trailer - lights, axles, cross members, winch stand, general hardware, tires will dry rot before the tread wears down so don't count on tread wear to judge the remaining tire life look for cracked/dry rotted sidewalls.  if you plan on bringing it home make sure you've got at least 2 good spares & a way to change tires on the road.

[Capt. Bob]

Excellent stuff. I'll add this.

https://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=10634.0

[boatnamesue]

The Yam 130 carbs are slightly adjusted by manufacturer to produce a tad more hp than the Yam 115, barely noticeable.  Meaning, the 22-2 is underpowered with a 130hp.  It will be sluggish to get on plane and due to the lack of power, you'll no where near experience the performance capability of the hul. 

With that said, a well maintained Yam 2 stroke is a gem that will be reliable and run like a beast.  Guess it depends on how much money your budget allows for fixing up the hull.  But if patience allows, id bet you could find a similar condition hull with a newer engine w/more hp thats sale price is similar.   

[slvrlng]

I have a 2003 175 Johnson carbed 2 stroke and I love this motor on my 1983 222. 0 to 30 is really quick and trimmed up until it starts to porpoise at about 44 mph on GPS. The 1974 hull was rated for 230 back in the day but that is 230 at the powerhead not at the foot. The 130 will move it but sometimes its nice to blow by trouble and not let it catch you LOL!!!!