1997 Osprey 175 with 90 hp johnson

[aquadoug]

I am looking at a boat to possibly buy.   Wondering if I would like the 1997 Osprey 175 I am considering.     The specs seem to indicate that it is a much heavier boat by 300 to 400 pounds compared to other boats being made today.  Is that  good thing or a bad thing?   Also, I see a lot of threads on here about the foam in the floor stringers getting filled with water.   Is that a problem I am going to have with a 1997 aquasport.    I was wondering if that was a condition that affected only older boats using an older formula for the foam or would a 1997 have the same problems.   Do they make boat with foam in the stringers that do not absorb water?  I do not want to buy a boat and have to tear out the floor.  Thanks for any info you might offer.   My previous boats have all been aluminum and I am thinking of moving up to something a little more comfortable for the wife and kids than a jon boat.

[Capt. Bob]

Aquadoug,
Welcome aboard.

About the 175.
First, members with this hull will be speaking up shortly (the 170 group is a rowdy bunch) so let me say this.
A heavier hull often rides better but with a 175, the extra weight doesn't mean a lot. You can power with a smaller engine (very important these days) and the ride will be light years ahead of a Jon boat type hull.
No one here, (that I'm aware of) is having to re-build a 1997 hull. The foam gets wet in the stringer system when it hasn't been properly built or is old and fatigued. It isn't something I think you need to worry about at this stage in the hull's life.  
Just to put it in prospective, my old 1986 170 is still on its original floor. Come to think of it, so is my 84 CCP.

Good luck.

[Marcq]

Aquadoug, hey welcome man :) if you are concerned about having water in there, have the boat weighted and compare with the spec of the boat, that should give you an indication if you she's carrying extra weight

Not sure how they were made in those years, but mine is built like a tank, still as the original deck and everything, and I love the way she rides even with a small engine

If the boat was well maintained (easy to see), you have nothing to worry about( mine looked like crap when I first got her), go for it and join the rowdy bunch ;) You will love that boat, she's big for her size, every time somebody sees mine for the first time, there first reaction is "that's a big boat" :)

Go for it
Marc..

[SnookinGood175]

I love my 1990 175.  I have a 2000 90 hp Johnson on it that pushes her around 38 at the top end and cruises around 27.  As they said above, as long as it has been taken care of properly there shouldn't be any issues.  I am not sure if you fish shallow water or not but I was very surprised with how shallow the boat floated for how big it is.  She also handles chop very well.  I fish in Tampa Bay and I think it is perfect for the area that I fish.  If it is in good shape I would say go for it.  There have been a few for sale around here for really good prices.

[RickK]

You'll like it but depending on how many kids you have it will get small fast. It's perfect for 2 people to fish out of, 3 max.  It will feel like a yacht compared to the jon boat.
I've had mine for 20 years and won't part with her.

Go fer it. Oh, and welcome aboard. :!:  :!:

[Miguel]

Welcome....
I have a 1985 model 170 and love it.  Keep in mind it is not a "big" boat but it will take you to the fish and back safely.
My boat replaced a 16 ft Starcraft aluminum boat.  I can tell that you will notice a huge difference.  Having said that, as was mentioned before by Rick, it is perfect for 2 people to go fishing and not more than 4 for cruising.