Newbie-Looking for info on a 230 Osprey

[JB]

I have been a long time lurker, and have really enjoyed this site. I inherited my Dad's 1974 19-6 back in 2004, and have been slowly upgrading her ever since. Just replaced the original fuel tank this weekend.

I really enjoy offshore fishing, and have been looking for a little bit bigger/more offshore friendly boat for about 6 months now. I found a 1992 Osprey 230 for sale, but can not find out very much information on the boat.  The boat has an engine bracket/swim platform, with twin Yamaha 130s on it.

Is anyone familiar with this model? I have multiple questions:

What is the deadrise? How is the ride?
Is the engine bracket a factory option?
Does the boat have a baitwell?

I have searched through the resources section on this site with no luck. The specs on the Aquasport site only go back to 1993. Any info you guys could provide would be greatly appreciated.

[GoneFission]

I think you will find very little difference in the 1992 and 1993 models.  These are Genmar boats, and not quite what might be considered "Classic Aquasports" - so you might not find as much info on this site as the earlier models.  

Twin 130s have always been a great power combo with the 222 and 246 CCPs and later big Ospreys, as well as the 22 through 25 XFs.  Twin 150s were also an option on the later boats, but usually the 150s were 6 cylinder engines, whereas the 130s might be 4 cylinders - putting less weight on the transom where it ain't needed.  

Hope this helps - good luck!

[RickK]

Welcome aboard JB   
I agree with what GF said - you'll probably not see any difference between the '92 and '93 boats.

[JB]

Guys,

Thanks for the info. I agree, there is probably little difference between the 92 and 93 models. Aquapsort does not appear to have made any significant changes between the model years. What threw me off was the 230 Osprey specs on the Aquasport site show the boat with a notched transom. The same model year Expolorer has a full transom with a single engine mounted on a bracket.

I am a big fan of the full transom/engine bracket setup, assuming it was done properly. This looks like a factory option on the 92 hull. I know there can be issues with adding a bracket on a hull and changing the center of gravity of the boat.

RickK, it looks to me like your 92 Explorer is the same hull as the Osprey model. Is that correct? Looks like both boats have a 19 degree deadrise. How does your boat ride  in a 2-3 foot chop? I need something with a little deeper V than the 12 degrees on my 19-6.

[RickK]

I am a big fan of the full transom/engine bracket setup, assuming it was done properly. This looks like a factory option on the 92 hull. I know there can be issues with adding a bracket on a hull and changing the center of gravity of the boat.

Maybe I haven't looked enough - I've not seen a factory enclosed transom on a '92 Explorer.  Mine is more that a notch - it's wide open.  I was a little concerned at first but have never had a problem - plenty of freeboard in the back,

RickK, it looks to me like your 92 Explorer is the same hull as the Osprey model. Is that correct? Looks like both boats have a 19 degree deadrise. How does your boat ride  in a 2-3 foot chop? I need something with a little deeper V than the 12 degrees on my 19-6.

One of our members - Fishhead - converted a '92 or '93 Osprey into the boat of his dreams with a wheelhouse and such - see his gallery.
This year Osprey and Explorer use the same hull.  I would say that the boat rides ok in 2-3 ft waves but you're still gonna get beat up.

[JB]

I found this brochure in the photo gallery section. Shows a 230 Explorer with a full transom and an engine bracket. I also found one on the Aquasport/Genmar site for a 1993 model (site appears to be down right now; can't get the link to open).

http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2777&title=aqua-pig-230-explore&cat=561

Looks like the bracket was a factory option for the 92/93 model years. The boat I am looking at has the original Yamaha 130s, so I am hoping the bracket was a factory installation and not an aftermarket modification. The engines are V-4s, which I believe weigh about 360 lbs each, so hopefully the boat sits high enough in the stern and will still self-bail.

RickK, are you happy with the ride of your hull? I figured the 19 degree deadrise would give it a pretty smooth ride in a chop. Have tried to get offshore several times recently in 2-3 footers, and had to turn back because we were getting pounded in my old 19-6.

Jim

[GoneFission]

You will find a big difference in how a 230 Explorer handles rough water compared to a 19-6.  They don't call them Explorers for nothing; I've heard of several docked in the Bahamas that made the trip from Florida on their own hull.  The Beaufort Search & Rescue group here in NC uses a 225 for their work - it had better be good!  

130 V-4s are just about a perfect power match as well.  

Good luck!

[RickK]

I found this brochure in the photo gallery section. Shows a 230 Explorer with a full transom and an engine bracket. I also found one on the Aquasport/Genmar site for a 1993 model (site appears to be down right now; can't get the link to open).

http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=2777&title=aqua-pig-230-explore&cat=561

Looks like the bracket was a factory option for the 92/93 model years.

Guess they did offer it.  I've seen plenty of 230s around here and all were open in the back like mine.  My buddy has a '94 250 Explorer with factory bracket so I knew they offered them, just didn't know they did on the 230s that early.

The boat I am looking at has the original Yamaha 130s, so I am hoping the bracket was a factory installation and not an aftermarket modification. The engines are V-4s, which I believe weigh about 360 lbs each, so hopefully the boat sits high enough in the stern and will still self-bail.

You should be fine with those motors.  I have the factory original '91 250 Yamaha and she runs great (knock on wood).  It's a beast, taller than I am and probably weighs close to 600 lbs.  So your 2 motors might weigh more but should still be fine.

RickK, are you happy with the ride of your hull? I figured the 19 degree deadrise would give it a pretty smooth ride in a chop. Have tried to get offshore several times recently in 2-3 footers, and had to turn back because we were getting pounded in my old 19-6.
Jim

When I test drove the boat it was howling down the river and whipping up the waves 2-3ft, if I remember right, and she handled it perfectly - could hardly feel a thing.  On the flip side I took my neighbors out one day and we were out in 2-3 ft seas and it beat us up pretty good - enough for me to turn around and head back.  So I guess it depends on the timing between waves and a few other things.

Overall I love the 230.  I've got her decked out for camping, in fact we're going camping this Friday in her for the weekend. Can't wait and neither can my wife.  (oh yeah, the dog can't wait either)

[JB]

Guys,

Thanks for all the good info. I called the seller today to try and set up a time to come and check out the boat. Unfortunatley, he sold it this weekend!

So, the quest continues. I am looking for something in the 22-25 foot range capable of some more serious offshore work. I definitely want the security of twin engines. I am hoping that between the sad state of the economy and $4 gas that I can find a deal.

Of course, if I find what I am looking for then I will need to sell mine. No room or $$$ for two boats.

First my GPS went down, and then I discovered my gas tank was leaking, so I have been out of commission for a while now. Have a few details to finish up on installing the new tank, and hopefully I can be back on the water this weekend.

[RickK]

Lots of good boats being sold off now.  Keep your eyes open and you'll find the right one.  Maybe the sale will fall through on the 230?