1974 Aquasport 222 Rebuild Captain Joe

[Tampa Bay Mike]

I would go with the 200 if you can. I went with a 140 on mine to save weight and it's been a great motor but there have been times where I've wanted a little more torque. (With two or three people it's perfect but I had 8 on board for the 4th and it was a little sluggish.) The 150 and 200 zukes weigh about the same and I haven't heard many people say they wish they had less power.

[Capt.Joe]

Believe it or not I’m still getting the boat ready for the water hahaha The boat got a custom leaning post seat and was in the process of getting a custom tower. My suzuki engine came in so I brought the boat over to the shop to get it all outfitted, then I’ll bring it back to get my tower.

Since I’m at this point my question is should I move forward with the porta bracket or should I go with an Armstrong bracket?

My concern is the leverage on the transom from the porta bracket. I feel the leverage would be distributed through the transom and hull better if I had the Armstrong. Hopefully someone has some insight on this concern.

More pictures to come in the near future!

[Ulysses485]

Progress is progress is how I see it. Getting the shiny stuff is good motivation for me at least. I would personally think a porta bracket would serve you better with that hull. However, I can't remember how high your floor is. I assume you raised the stringers a few inches? How tall is it from the main deck to the top of the cap at the transom sides? I see you went with the DPI hatches. I am doing the same with my 81' 222 Refresh in the console and for the Bilge.

[Capt.Joe]

I raised the floor a good 2-3” if I remember correctly. The DPI hatches are nice and solid. I wish I decided to go that route before I tried to glass my own hatches lol

[Ulysses485]

I think you will be fine as far as self bailing is concerned. I would think that you would be ok with either a porta bracket but I feel like I have seen most install knees that running taller than the tops of the stringers to support the lever on the transom from the motor hanging on a porta bracket. I think it would come down to how much glass you have on the transom and the tabbing from the stringers to the transom. I hope that helps.

[RickK]

Good advice about the "knees" from @Ulysses485

[Capt.Joe]

Thank you all for the advice! I’m sorry I haven’t posted my rebuild in awhile but it’s still coming along strong.

[Capt.Joe]

The motor is finally hung and all of the rigging is almost complete. Can not wait to get the custom tower finished and this boat on the water.

[Capt. Bob]

Lookin' good. 

[RickK]

Nice progress Joe 

[Ulysses485]

Coming along beautifully! Well done sir! Suzuki 200 looks good on there! I’m sure you are ready for it to be on the water!