Classic AquaSport
General Aquasport Forums => Aquasport Discussion => Topic started by: beast819 on July 28, 2007, 08:01:52 AM
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Hey everyone I haven't seen much out there on the Aquasport 175 Osprey and was hoping some of you could share your experience with this boat. I am looking to buy a used 1999 with a 90hp Johnson and any tips or advice would be great. I'm glad I found this place and hope everyone can get out on the water this weekend.
Ant
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Welcome aboard Ant :!:
The 170/175 "family" here is strong and growing every day.
I have an older 170 and can only speak from my experience with it. She has been everything I asked for in a no frills fishing boat. She does have the low freeboard in the back that was common in those days and she's not the driest boat in sloppy weather. But overall she's a great inland boat and I've owned her for 19 years now.
The changes that became apparent in the later boats, like the one you're looking at, I'm pretty sure came from requests from the owners of the previous models. Now they have nice deep sides, closed in transoms or have some kind of protection back there to give you a safer ride and feel.
I think you can't go wrong with what you're looking at. The members that have newer models I'm sure will join this topic to help you out. Feel free to ask any other questions you have.
Again, welcome aboard.
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Thanks rick! here is a picture of the little guy im about to get. (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/193588621428_1.jpg)
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I am about to head over to yulee, fl to get a 1999 AS 175 boat and was hoping someone could give me some good advice for a first time boat owner. What should I beware of on my first purchase and is it a must to have a boat survey done on a boat of this size? Please let me know your opinions.
Thanks,
Ant
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A boat survey is probably unnecessary. It's probably a fair gues that the boat has lived in dry storage. The hull looks good from the picutre. Look for any stress cracks in the gel coat on the deck and an spider webbing. There likely won't be any because of the dry storage thing.
If have the option of taking it for a spin do so. It'll likely plain easy and have an excellent cruising speed with a 90hp on the back.
Pay attention to how the motor turns over. You don't want it to do any hard starting or throttling forward. It should probably run pretty good with that little johnson on the back.
Did the 90's still use the VRO oil system?
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Thanks CThomps I appreciate the advice. I'm not sure what oil system the 99 has but if anyone else knows please chime in.
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From the picture that looks like an almost new boat.
Did you have any others?
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here are some more photos.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/193588621428_2.jpg)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/193588621428_3.jpg)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/193588621428_4.jpg)
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Yeah that looks like a brand new boat.
Just see how it starts and runs. Play with the electrical to make sure everything turns on and off. Check the lights. Check the pumps. Etc.
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If you plan on insuring the hull & motor, your insurance company may require a survey.
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Looks well maintained and little used. Are the spots on the front casting deck that I see right above the GPS, in the plexiglass or on the lid of the casting deck? Kinda looks like it's in the windsheild.
Looks good though.
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Again Thanks for the advice. The boat is currently having it's survey done and I will be on the road tomorrow night to fetch the boat. I'll let everyone know how the trip goes.
Ant
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This boat will serve you great for a bunch of years to come. That boat practically looks brand new. Good luck with your trip and keep us all posted with pics of this beauty
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This just in. I spoke with the marine surveyor a couple of minutes ago and he has looked the boat over on land and said it is in immaculate condition. Only found little things such as a bulb out, wear on the flip flop cooler seat and instrument panel. Engine test produced 130 and 135 on the compression check. So far everything is looking good. He is taking it out for a sea test now and will let me know the results later today. Tune in later for more action.
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Nice. That'll definitley be a great boat. I bet you find you don't need another boat for a long long long time once you have this one.
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I received my report after the sea trial and everything is still looking pretty good. Engine report was awesome "Surveyor noted that the 90 johnson was very strong, started with ease and control/feel was solid".
Issues(which I feel are minor): bait well pump did not come on, anchor light did not come on, fuel gauge was at empty but the surveyor was not sure how much gas was in there to begin with so this might not be an issue, stereo did not power, and hairline crack on the t-top frame that connects to the port side of the console. Other than that everything was reported to be like new. I'm hoping the minor light and stereo issues are just user error or minor maintenance things that come with owning a boat. All other gauges, finder, vhf, and nav lights worked fine.
I think this boat is in much better condition than my truck. Lets keep our fingers crossed that she can make the trip. lol
ant :D
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WE ARE BACK!!!
Ok it was a long long haul but we made it safe and sound. I arrived at the broker and it was raining that morning but we were still able to get the boat out on a small creek just down the street. The moment I throttled up I knew she was coming home with me that day. I had some trouble with my truck getting back to a friends house in Lakecity and figured I needed to look over my little old truck before I continued home. I noticed that my belts were wasted and I was also in need of a new clutch fan since mine had seized up. After I replaced the parts I probably gained about 15 hp and the truck ran like new. Had no trouble pulling the 175 home to gulf breeze. However, the truck sucked down some gas like a hoover. Got home and went straight to the boat ramp. Boat fired up first turn and ran awesome. Here are a couple more photos I would like to share. See you on the water.
Ant
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/1935aqaWashDown.jpg)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/1935aqaTow.jpg)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/1935aqaAnchored.jpg)
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Congrats. on the new addition to the family! Looks great...
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Congrats!!
Good boat
Wise decision.
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Thanks all! It feels great to be apart of the Aquasport family.
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Probably just some wiring issues in the console that are keeping the other stuff from working. It seems like I've had to rewire just about everything on my boat at some point.
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Thanks guys.
Since I brought the boat home I have been able to get the anchor light working which just had some corrosion built up on the rear bulb, the fuel gauge which was also corroded and broke off of the tank. I ended up soldering it to the sending unit and it works now. Also the live well pump/ light is working now. I had the switch on wash down so it was never on the live well. lol The stereo/speakers are no good though.
Ran it pretty hard yesterday in the chop with the lady and two dogs. Boat moved and jumped over rolls nice. Only thing I noticed was that it seemed to lean left a lot which could have been due to the dogs moving a bit and the lady sitting up front. Would there be any other reason why the boat would ride slightly to the left? It did straighten just a bit better if I trimmed the motor a little.
Thanks,
Ant
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It is most likely normal. With the narrow beam that the 170 & 175 have, movement to either side by 1 adult will be noticeable. My 170 was the same way, just told folks on my boat where to stand so it evenly divides the weight :wink:
Congrats on the new boat. It looks really nice :!:
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That boat will give you years of fun.
I took my 170 out yesterday morning and what a joy it is; so peppy and nimble and easy to fish from - really let me know how much work the 230 really is to take out and use. And I bet I used 1/2 a gallon of gas as little as I used the main motor - used the electric trolling motor most of the time I was out. Great boat, easy to launch single-handed.
As for the leaning, when on plane I can drive my boat without touching the steering wheel - just move a little in the boat and then back to straighten her out.
Congrats!!
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Anyone know if there is a bow cushion for the 175? Just curious because the lady ask the other day so I figured I ought to start looking into it.
ant
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Nice rig, beast!!!!
You might want to adjust the little zinc tab on the engine. It works wonders to correct the pulling to one side.
If the whole boat is leaning to one side, you may consider adding trim tabs. They make a considerable difference in the ride of these boats, bothfor rough water handling and for correcting weight related trim issues.
They are the best $400.00 I´ve ever spent.
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thanks Miguel. Can you explain the adjustment that can be made with the zinc tab? Also do you have any links for trim tabs or recommendations?
ant
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There should be a small "fin" that hangs down off the cavitation plate, just behind the propeller. This can be adjusted left or right to compensate for any pull in either direction.
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LilRichard got it...... I don´t remember which way you turn it, but you can easily find it on the internet. I believe you turn it in the direction opposite to the steering pull.
As far as trim tabs go there is a big ol´ question: Electromechanic or hydraulic. I went with hydraulic tabs (Bennet M-80´s) . The caveat is having to run hydraulic tubing all the way to the pump. In my case, the pump is located inside the console. One thing is certain: Bennet has THE BEST customer service in the world. They went as far as sending me extra tubing for free, as the supplied length was not long enough to reach my pump.
I´ve heard good things about LENCO tabs too. Those are easier to install, as only electrical connections are required.
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Anyone know if there is a bow cushion for the 175? Just curious because the lady ask the other day so I figured I ought to start looking into it.
ant
My wife liked to hang out on the casting platform and lean against the front locker wall. I don't have a cushion up there either. Without a cushion it's ok to hang out up there when stopped but not when you're underway. Even though I told her that the bow is the bumpiest part of the boat, and that there is a nice plush cooler cushion right in front of the console and one right behind the console, she still insisted to sit up there while underway, with "her" dog. One day the inevitable happened and we hit a wave a little hard, which bumped/bruised her tailbone and now she doesn't like to go in the boat at all. :cry:
You'll have to have a cushion made if you want her to go out with you. (or you'll have to get a bigger boat for the missus - ie 230!! :roll: )
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I'll second what the others said.
170's are in a class by themselves. Easy to launch/retrieve single handed. Routine maintenance is simplified since you only have to deal with 17'. Very nimble boat under way. Spray coming over the bow is a problem heading into a stiff wind but can be controlled by matching your speed to the sea conditions.
Concerning the foredeck cushion, you'll have to have one made... thicker the better for comfort. If you wife likes to sit up there (like RickK said, worst place to sit in any sort of chop), keep the speed down. Comfort up there has more to do with the throttle than the cushion.
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Great comments thanks again.
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Beast,
That's a nice looking boat. I'm anxious to get started on my project 17' AS in the next month or so as soon as it cools a bit.
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I have had mine for about 3 years now. My son and I love it. We have added a t-top, leaning post and trim tabs and it is exactly what we need.
We can fish, fish some more, and then fish. We can take the kids tubing. We can take the family out to the beaches. I cannot say enough good about it.
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m72/vettert/BOAT-TRAILER2007.jpg)http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m72/vettert/BOAT-TRAILER2007.jpg
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swflcracker where did you get your t-top enclosure? Awesome looking boat. I really like the hull painted blue!
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At Hot-tops in Fort Myers. I will get you those pictures of the transom this evening showing you the tabs. And thanks. She isn't much...but she's mine. Something I can pass on to my son.
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Here is how I put them on...
(http://i101.photobucket.com/albums/m72/vettert/IMG_0144-1.jpg)
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That is a great shot from behind.... :shock: Did you install the tabs yourself?
The question that I have is how the heck do you run the lines all the way to the center console? I can see that on the right side if your looking down into the hatch located at the transom there is a tub that runs towards the bow of the boat but looks like it would be impossible to feed anything through there. If this is a fairly straight forward install I might have to order a set of tabs here in the near future.
Thanks,
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There should be a tube on the right side that has all of your wiring, steering cable, etc that starts in your console and ends up starboard/stern. Some AS had removable plates. Mine simply has a 3" tube. Using an electrical fish, I ran nylon cord through to pull with, secured my cord to each of the cables and pulled them through to the console. The installation is quite simple. I went with the Lencos because I wanted something that would not take up a lot of room. With the Bennetts, you have to mount the resevoir tank and then worry about filling it, etc. Lencos just were a whole lot easier. I actually went over to their factory in Stuart. Clean, clean operation and they were quite nice to me. I was quite impressed with their operation. Depends on who you talk to but about 50% like the Lencos and 50% like the Bennetts. All in preferences. The tabs made such a hugh difference in the way my boat sits, handles and travels. It would be well worth the addition. Can't say enough about them.
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That is some beautiful rig!
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I second the opinion on tabs.
Beautiful boat!!!
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Thank you very much. It will be passed on to my son...after I fish as much as I can.
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Nice boat there cracker.
HotTops has done 3 bimini tops and a leaning post for me.
They do good work.
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Just curious, cracker: What is your performence with the 90 and that T-top?
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Nice rig SW. I think that is a factory gel color, correct?
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Jim over at Hottops is good people. He did both the top and the leaning post.
Yes it is factory color...
Runs, with two people, full load of fuel, gear, etc. about 38 top end on the GPS at 5200.
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cracker did you have to move your swim platform to mount your tabs?
Ok after running solo last night for the first time I am still getting a darn lean to the left. I tried siting on the right side of the boat doing about 30mph and still barely leveled out.
I was thinking about it for a while last night and wanted to ask you guys if you thought the swim platform could drag enough to cause this symptom/lean?
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here are some more photos for you all.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/1935IMG_1695_copy.jpg)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/1935murphy_boat001.jpg)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/1935IMG_1689_copy.jpg)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/1935IMG_1712_copy.jpg) :)
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Hey anyone know if you can get these plastic trays from the factory or somewhere? (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/19354249_3.jpg)
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The platform does have some effect. Main thing is is when you are planing off, the fuel shifts in the tank and "wobbles" around causing some off center. Between that and the ttop, the boat noticed that quite a bit in addition to porpoising. When I added the trim tabs, it stopped all of this.
It is quicker to plane off and once running, very simple to even it out on the horizontal aspect of how the boat is running. Simply put, they made a hugh difference.
As for the platform, simply had to cut a 2" hole into the rear part of the platform itself and the tab actuator fit right up through it and then mounted to the transom. It is clear of the platform and does not interfere with using the platform in-out of the boat. Didn't have to move the platform at all.
Also, where did you get the rod holders on the front rail? I take my older brother out who has had both knees replaced and he fishes from that point all of the time. He was wanting some rod holders.
As for the trays, haven't seen any around. If there is a place to get them, someone on this Forum will let you know. Good people here.
And, great looking boat. You appear to use it just like I do. Fishing, having a good time at the beach, with the family and my dog. The 17.5 is really a great boat...by yourself or with the family.
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Nice pix 8)
Hey anyone know if you can get these plastic trays from the factory or somewhere? (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/19354249_3.jpg)
Remember Ant, there is no "Factory" anymore. We might see them in a surplus place down here (since they were made here) in the future though. If I see anything, I'll let everyone know.
Someone mentioned this earlier - have you tried to adjust the anode that is right above the prop - looks like a little skeg? That might help with the lean.
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Thanks for keeping me informed rick. :P I am such a newbie with this boat stuff but have gain a ton of knowledge by joining this site.
I have yet to adjust the anode and will try it out tonight after work and let you know. I thought that it would only correct pulling not leaning so I have not tried. If I'm leaning to the left should I turn the little skeg towards the right?
Ant
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Hey there, beast....
I may be going out on a limb, but here´s my opinion. IMHO, the swim platform does not have produce the lean unless it is in contact with the water while on plane. That should not be the case.
I think that these boats where not meant to have T-tops (even tough I would have one if it would fit in my garage), and they may be making your boat a little top heavy. Any slight imbalance in the weight of the top may cause a lean to one side. Keep in mind that our boats are somewhat narrow and therefore naturally tipsy.
I again recommend installing trim tabs. I went with hydraulics and it took about 6 hours of labor, not including the time it took for all the sealants and epoxies to cure. I did it all myself, and only needed help to fish the hydraulic tubing thru to the console. Lenco´s should be a lot easier to install.
Either way you decide to go, you´ll notice a huge difference in the handling and sea handling abilities of your boat. :D
I also cut a notch on my swim latform for installation of the actuators.
P.S. I really like your boat. It looks amazingly clean. I just wish I could have a T-top..... Do you have performance numbers?
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Only thing I know is that the other day with two dogs and the lady my top end with the wind at my back was about 36mph. I do believe the ttop adds a lot of drag and also makes the boat somewhat top heavy. I am going to save up for the lenco tabs but for now im trying to get my anchor light to work with my navigation lights. Boat wiring is so fun.....not. I don't under stand how I can have power going to the same switch and once i flip it up(on) nav comes on but anchor does not power and then I switch it down(on) and just the anchor powers on which is correct. Wonder if it could be a bad switch... hmmmm. Thanks miguel.
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I agree with Miquel although I have a huge windsheild that I thought was affecting the performance until it blew out and I found that it didn't affect it one bit.
Lights: Is the anchor tied to both contacts? If you move the anchor wire to the other contact, does it work?
I had a bad switch recently - half of a DPDT was bad.
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Rick,
I believe the anchor is tied to the contacts but have not pulled the switch to confirm. I'll try to get a picture up later tonight so you can see what im working with. What a mess though. Anyways I did get my flood light to work again and did so by taking what looked to be a positive wire from another contact that didn't have a switch. So im not touching that thing again and everything else seems to work the same so far. Ill let you know how the anchor light comes along. I'm dieing to get this light thing sorted out so i can go out in the evening when it is much cooler. August is soo hot! :wink:
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August is soo hot! :wink:
Amen.
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Need some advice. How would you go about replacing the fuel sending unit? Mine is corroded and I cannot get the screws out and not sure what to try next. I want to replace it because the post where the positive wire attaches has broke and I cannot attach the line anymore. I'll see if i can get a picture of it.
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I just had to do mine. Go down to Home Depot, Lowes, local Hardware Store and get a screw extraction kit. I think mine cost me around $10. Then spray down the screws with Breakfree or some type of metal loosening spray and let it sit for a day after you spray the screw heads down.
Make sure the area around the old sending unit is wiped down and if you can, shop vac it to keep any metal, rust, etc. from falling into your tank.
Make sure all of the power to your boat is OFF before you begin to make sure sparks don't occur. Whenever I work on a fuel line, tank, etc., I always get a small fan to blow the fumes away from me. Remember, it is not the gas that will get you, but the fumes.
Follow the instructions on the screw extraction kit in removing the screws. When you get the screws out, vacumn again and then pull the unit straight up out of the tank. MAKE SURE THE OLD GASKET PIECES DON'T FALL IN THE TANK.
When you pull the unit up, you will probably have to tilt it for the float arm to clear the opening and just remove it out all of the way.
The new unit should line up with the screw holes. I believe there is five of them. Just make sure you purchase the one that looks like your old one. I think they are pretty much standarized.
Follow the instructions on the new unit as you might have to trim the arm size down for the float. And, don't forget the gasket.
Find your wires and hook back up according to unit as to ground, power, etc. I put my connectors on and then sealed them with the liquid electric tape stuff. It dries and seals them up pretty good.
Good luck.
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cracker great post thanks! I did exactly what you said and have successfully installed the new sending unit today. Man the screw extractor is a must have. I did have to trim the sending unit because it was a universal that would fit up to 12". So I trimmed it about half way and made sure it wouldn't hit the bottom of the fuel tank. Rewired and fit pretty good. And it works!
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Rick I noticed that you are running a johnson 115 on your 170. How does it preform vs 90hp? I know both blocks are the same and was just curious to hear you and others opinions. Is it possible to modify the 90 with 115 carbs?
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The 115 performs nicely - hovers at the 40mph mark. She handles like a dream. Never had a 90 on her, did have a 110 - no big change there.
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Ok I got my photos to upload. Here is the unit I had to replace. The new one looked a little different. Instead of having a angled lever it had a straight 12" lever which I had to modify.
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/1935IMG_1715.jpg)
(http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/1935IMG_1717.jpg)
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Jeez, that one's been through the wars... Looks like it put up a good fight getting it off.
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Thank god for this guy....
(http://z.about.com/d/homerepair/1/0/V/3/-/-/screw_extractor.jpg)
I would have lost the battle if I didn't have this weapon.
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What's a real treat is when the Easy-Out busts off in the hole...
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Took the boat out last night and ran the heck out of her through some nice consistent chop. Man this thing performs awesome under not so perfect conditions. I usually cruise around 20-24 when it is a bit choppy out but last night I was by myself and figured I wanted to see what this boat could do. The ride felt much better at 30MPH than the slower speeds and plowed through all the waves like a champ. With a little bit of playing around with the trim I was able to top out at 38MPH on the fish finder. Wow what a difference it makes trimming you can feel the hull lift and less drag.
However, I could not get a great RPM reading from my tach. At WOT it was decreasing to about 3900 and if I pulled back on the throttle the RPMs went up to about 4100-4200 ish. Seems very strange to me because I know at WOT the motor was definitely screaming much louder than when I pulled it back. Actually now that i think about it I don't think the tach ever made it about 4300 RPMs. Hmmmmm.....
Anyways I figure I would share my little experience.
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Did you trim it out once on plane? My 90 tops out at about 38, on the GPS at about 5200 rpms.
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yes i did trim. My tach seems to be inaccurate.
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Has anyone upgraded or changed their prop on a 170/175 with a 90 johnson? I'm wanting to hear some feed back on this topic. Is there a prop that will preform better than the stock and so on.... Let me know your opinions cause I enjoy talking boats.
Thanks
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My 1999 Johnson 90hp with the setup that I have, will run about 37-38 mph (on GPS) at 5200 top end with fuel, gear and three of us. It currently has a 14 x 17 aluminum prop on it. I will be interested to see what the Members say as I have been researching putting a Stainless steel prop on it.
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Nice pix 8)
Hey anyone know if you can get these plastic trays from the factory or somewhere? (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/19354249_3.jpg)
Remember Ant, there is no "Factory" anymore. We might see them in a surplus place down here (since they were made here) in the future though. If I see anything, I'll let everyone know.
Someone mentioned this earlier - have you tried to adjust the anode that is right above the prop - looks like a little skeg? That might help with the lean.
Did you ever find new trays for the rear?
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I have not heard from anyone yet??? It would be nice to get my hands on a pair or just one.
lol- looking at the photo more that is a dumb dumb place to put speakers. Who the heck thought of that position geez.
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Helps drown out the noise of the engine :lol:
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well my engine plays beautiful music @ WOT!!! :P :shock: :shock: :P
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Nice pix 8)
Hey anyone know if you can get these plastic trays from the factory or somewhere? (http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/data/500/19354249_3.jpg)
Remember Ant, there is no "Factory" anymore. We might see them in a surplus place down here (since they were made here) in the future though. If I see anything, I'll let everyone know.
Someone mentioned this earlier - have you tried to adjust the anode that is right above the prop - looks like a little skeg? That might help with the lean.
Did you ever find new trays for the rear?
Hi
My name is Javier and I own a 1992 175 with a 90hp Yamaha and I missing the tray as well, wbut I have friend who is going to built me the trays with fiberglass, i just need to find an original to use as a mold
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welcome to the forum Javier!email this place with the pic and ask if they have them,measurements would help too,http://themarineconnection.net/
or you could make some from thin plywood and glass over,good luck,let us know how it goes! :cheers:
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i have the same model except mines looks older lol, had an old 70 hp jonson when i bought it. killed that crap and been having a 115 mercury. had this boat for over 5 years now. durable boat great boat to fish out of. yes it tends to lean to the side but thats expected. you have a great boat for years to come
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Use to have blue paint. till we got the lift :cheers: . if im not mistaken mines is 85' or mid 80's . Great boat alot of memories made,Never really had any major troubles with it
(http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa68/hialeahnero/BOAT_zpsbcebbeb2.jpg) (http://s200.photobucket.com/user/hialeahnero/media/BOAT_zpsbcebbeb2.jpg.html)