1968 22-2 Flatback

[JustLucky]

Hello All,

After owning a 1988 170 Osprey for about 3 years, and reading this forum way more than I'd consider healthy :) , I finally made the leap and picked up a Flatback.  I'd like to hear your thoughts on the boat.  At this point, I'm unloading the tubular bracket and Merc on the back and trying to figure out the best configuration for a new bracket (porta, etc.) and probably a 150 2-stroke yammie.  

There have obviously been some mods made to this boat in the past including the transom, cap, floor work, accessories, etc.  I have to imagine the transom is somewhat solid considering it's hanging that Merc about 2' out.  Like I said, I'm thinking about doing just the repower at this point, although I'm sure more extensive work will need to be done eventually.

Thanks to RickK and all that have contributed so much useful information to this site.

Let me know if you would like to see more detailed pics of anything else.

Steve

Here are some pics from when she first got home.



















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[Marcq]

She looks good man, looks like the console was moved back quite a bit, lots of room up front
Yes more pics please  :)

Marc..

[fabuck71]

Don't change anything and run that puppy til it blows.  Looks good so go fishing!

[LilRichard]

Well someone has done transom work on it, hopefully it is in good shape - just go use her!  I would definitely get a read on the structural soundness though - just for peace of mind.

[Mad Dog]

I agree that you should take it fishing the way it is to get a feel for it's performance.  With the console that far back and the engine on a (non-flotation) bracket, I think you will find that it rides bow up and does not get on plane easily.  Note the Dolfin on the engine.  That tells me the someone did not like the hole shot on it.

Looking at the transom I wonder just how strong it is?  All the rebuilds I have seen where brackets were added the transoms had a lot more reinforcement than this one.

Other than what I mentioned above she seems to be in great shape.

MD  

[RickK]

...I think you will find that it rides bow up and does not get on plane easily.  Note the Dolfin on the engine.  That tells me the someone did not like the hole shot on it.

Remember that these flatback boats don't jump up on plane like newer boats.  They just go faster and faster slicing through the water - unless the bow is up too high, which I think this one will probably be like.
I agree with all about running, at least to see what the "before" is like.  Enjoy it before the wind really turns out of the north.

[ANTIBLING]

Hey justlucky, just like to say that I HATE YOU! I was on the phone with the owner while you were there buying it! I had my keys in hand about to drive down there!

[Marcq]

Hey justlucky, just like to say that I HATE YOU! I was on the phone with the owner while you were there buying it! I had my keys in hand about to drive down there!

He was Justlucky  

Marc..

[compcrasher86]

same thing with mine, there were 8 people ready to buy it within 2 hours of it being on craigslist. Lucky I was there when he put it up and I snagged it.

[JustLucky]

Thanks for the feedback.  It would have been nice to confirm my suspicion that boat sat a little arse heavy.  But between the transom, bracket, 2' setback, console placement, and the bottom paint line I had to imagine the balance was a little off.  I took the first step and sold the motor.  I made it most of the way there this evening but we needed a little more firepower.  The buyer will return tomorrow to finish the job.

ANTIBLING - Don't hate buddy.  We were actually second on the list and the first call/arrival didn't buy it.  I'll take you for a ride when it's done.  :)

I tried to post some pictures of the welding mayhem at the house tonight but I'm having upload issues.  Will post more tomorrow.

Steve

[JustLucky]

I was out of commission for a while studying for an exam and finally got back out on the water this weekend.  After selling the 150 Merc that came with the boat, and realizing now wasn't the best time to lay out a bunch of cash for my ideal setup, I decided to install a 90 Yamaha I originally purchased to put on my 17'.  I looked through all the posts on motors for Flatbacks and I think there was only one person with a 90 on a Flatback, diver I think.  I figured it was worth a shot.  

Took it out this weekend with my Dad for a test drive.  It was slow out of the hole but once it got going topped out at ~28 mph 3500 rpm on the digital tach at WOT.  This is with a 13.25x19 ss prop.  I will need to do something about the prop to improve performance out of the hole and get the top end where it should be but I was thrilled nonetheless.  Any thoughts let me know.  Pictures below.

My Dad is also the proud new owner of a '76 22-2 you may remember up for sale (pics below) and my brother of another '68 22-2.  

[slippery73]

Not bad performance considering your only hitting 3500 rpm. That 90 yammie should be anywhere between 5-6k rpm. Im guessing you will hit 35-36 mph with the correct prop.

[Marcq]

Is it my imagination, your boat seemed to sit low in the water ? Compared to your dad's boat water line
Marc..

[JustLucky]

It does seem to sit a little low in the water.  I though it might sit a little higher with the smaller engine on the back.  Without having gone through the rebuild, I can imagine a number of reasons for it to sit a little low...

I'm working on picking up a used stainless 4-blade 15 pitch that I think will be the right prop.  I'll post up the new numbers once I've tried it out.

[David B.]

Hey JustLucky, how does that 90 Yamaha feel with your setup? It's not too underpower is it?!

-Dave