Is the aquasport 222 a gulf boat?

[Good Rev]

I love the lines of the classic aquasports.  I have heard they are one the all time best hull designs.  I tend to be offshore (in the gulf) more than inshore and am wondering if this the the hull for me.  I am looking at a 1976 222.  Most of the rebuilds I have seen on this site seem to be as bay boats.  The 222 I am looking at is an inboard and would be an easy conversion to an outboard configuration using a bracket.  I also have been looking at 1974 24 aquasport sea hunter but it is an outboard and would involve alot more work to get it in shape.  Any opinions on the offshore abilities of these models would be appreciated.

[Capt. Bob]

I love the lines of the classic aquasports.  I have heard they are one the all time best hull designs.  I tend to be offshore (in the gulf) more than inshore and am wondering if this the the hull for me.  I am looking at a 1976 222.  Most of the rebuilds I have seen on this site seem to be as bay boats.  The 222 I am looking at is an inboard and would be an easy conversion to an outboard configuration using a bracket.  I also have been looking at 1974 24 aquasport sea hunter but it is an outboard and would involve alot more work to get it in shape.  Any opinions on the offshore abilities of these models would be appreciated.

Yes they are a nice design but any 22' boat leaves something to be desired and the Aqua is no different. The early ones were designed during an era of relatively low HP ratings for outboards and as such are light. They performed well on the Atlantic side where there were areas of protection and somewhat deeper water closer in. The Gulf being shallow for a good ways out has a tendency to get "confused" when the wind kicks up. I've seen waves coming from several directions at once and it tends to beat the lighter Aquas around. My CCP is no exception. You have to slow way down and really "drive" the boat in this type of sea.

My buddy had an 84 CCP for many years and when he finally sold it and bought a Hydra Sport (24'-26') he stated that compared to the Hydra, the CCP rode like a "65 Chevy with four bad tires". That was to be expected though. The Sport is a much heavier hull, longer and a newer design.
That stated, if I spent a lot of time in the deep Gulf, I'd be looking for a larger, heavier hull or really limit my trips to... 5-10mph.. 1-2' seas..days.
It's the long ride home that does you in.

Good luck.

[RickK]

Welcome aboard Good Rev  :!:  :!:
The inboard model is a rare model that is sought after and cherished.  I think any of the Osprey models would be considered a "close to shore" boat even though I've been out 10 miles in my 170 (that's another story).
The 240 Side Console or "Sea Hunter" has some length that will help it handle heavy water but in an Aquasport line I think the bigger CCPs are what you're looking for in a deeper water boat- they have more deadrise and freeboard especially along the sides.  See if you can find a 250 CCP or even the '94 250 Explorer for a totally different hull design from any other in the family (another rare model - only made 2 years).  Look in our photo gallery (if you haven't already done so) and on the first page all the models (that we have literature on anyway) are broken out by size.

[Skoot]

I've always considered the older/classic 19-6 and 22-2 a Mid-Shore boat.  Sure you could take them offshore, you'd just have to pick the right day/conditions. (sorry rick, but im going to 1 up ya.)  Ive had my 19ft Carolina Skiff with a 50hp 20miles offshore. Fished the Pinellas II all day.  That only happened once.

I think Capt. bob said it best
"That stated, if I spent a lot of time in the deep Gulf, I'd be looking for a larger, heavier hull or really limit my trips to... 5-10mph.. 1-2' seas..days.
It's the long ride home that does you in."

[Good Rev]

Thanks for the good advice guys.  I called about the 222 inboard and it has had some renovation done already and from the pics seems to be in good shape.  It is very tempting but he is asking alot for it ($12,500, it does have a newer motor) and I am not sure it will do exactly what I want.  It does look sweet though.  I may go look at it this weekend.

[RickK]

You wouldn't happen to be in CT would you?

[Good Rev]

No, I'm in the panhandle of FL.

[Good Rev]

Does anyone happen to know anything about Stamas boats?

[Capt. Bob]

I think of yachts but here's some history http://www.stamas.com/history.html

[seabob4]

Does anyone happen to know anything about Stamas boats?

Worked for Stamas from '00 to '05.  Any questions?