Information/ issues with 1996 245 Osprey

[Jk23]

Looking into purchasing a 1996 245? Osprey.  He says it’s a 25 so I’m assuming he’s referring to the 245.  Is there anything specific that I should be looking for when going over the boat? It currently has a 2005 Yamaha 250 4stroke on it but other than that have been unable to get much more info..  Any information/ guidance would help greatly.  Thanks in advance.

[Capt. Bob]

Here's a start.

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

Here's what we have on this model.





General hull construction

[wingtime]

1996/97 were the change over years from wood cored transoms to poured composite. Some 97s had it some don't.

The deck is usually cored with end grain balsa. We know from a member that worked at the plant that they sometimes used plywood in the deck if they ran out of balsa. Pay attention to the deck and any fastners that penetrate the deck. Make sure they are all tight and properly beded and sealed. This includes T-top mounting screws, leaning post screws, console mounting screws etc. Any one of these fastners is a possible point for water intrusion into the core. Over time due to vibrations etc screws can loosen and allow water to get into the core and start to rot it. Unfortunately most owners don't know they should be checked and periodically resealed. 

We have seen Ospreys in the forums that have had soft decks so it is a known issue (nothing more than other brands of boats from the era)  The Explorers  (walkaround) version of the same hull have had no known soft deck issues for the simple reason that design has zero fastners from the factory that penetrate the deck.

That motor should be a good match for the hull.

[Jk23]

Awesome.  Thanks for the info, much appreciated.

[Jk23]

Spoke with the seller today and he said there was a soft spot in the deck in the bow port, any idea on the repair process is with these boats? He said he was told it was a spring in the bow which needed replacement.

[Capt. Bob]

He said he was told it was a spring in the bow which needed replacement.

That's a new one on me.

[RickK]

If he is talking about just in front of the console, that is possible. It's not a mechanical thing, it is "spring in the floor".

[Jk23]

Yeah my real concern is that there may have been water inside the boat for a period of time and with all the hurricane sandy boats in my area it’s a possibility it went under even if only partially.