2000 Aquasport 215 Explorer

[ShawnsIronman]

After about 3 months of trying to find the right Explorer I found the perfect one in Louisiana.

I would like to introduce you to my 2000 Aquasport 215 Explorer that I picked up over the holiday. Since she does not have a name, we will be having a christening ceremony to name her Lone Star Catch!

I plan on making a few modifications, but all in all this boat is in great shape. Here will be our modifications:

• New Interior Upholstery
• Replacing Electronics with Simrad NSS7 Evo 2 & 4G Radar
• Replacing Johnson 175 with Mercury Verado 250 on Armstrong Widebody Bracket
• Replacing Canvas T-Top
• Wetsand and Wax, Wax, Wax
• Replacing Bilge Pumps

I will be adding pics as we fix her up, but here are a few to start:

[RickK]

Congrats on the find - she looks to be in good shape 

[ShawnsIronman]

Thanks Capt. Rick. Yes, she is in great shape, clean, and the engine runs really well. It has a new head on it with less than 50 hours, but the cowling needs a little work. I will be putting it up for sale soon.

[Fishnchip]

Looks great!  I'm considering one with the 150 but want to know if the decks are balsa or composite?  It seems like a good deal but I've had balsa core issues on other boats that get expensive to fix.  I know the transom and stringers are composite but the deck is a question.  Also, what's included with the tournament package? 

[RickK]

The boat will have end-grain balsa sandwiched between glass for the sole and as coring for the cabin top and walkway around the cabin.  Any hole needs to be treated correctly or rot will take place.
Here is a link to a page from our '00 catalog that explains options
http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11970&title=00catpg29-fando&cat=749

[Fishnchip]

That's a little disappointing.  I was hoping to find a composite cored deck that wouldn't rot.  Thanks for the info.  Looks like the one I found is a bare bones "base model".

[RickK]

As far as I know they used end-grain balsa to the end. The problem with composites is they don't hold a screw as well and it takes fore planning for reinforcement for screw locations.
You can always replace the floor with a composite - I did.

[wingtime]

There are thousands upon thousands of boats that have end grain balsa for core material.  Most of them hold up just fine.  The only reason rot is a problem is simply poor care, and knowledge of how to maintain it.  As long as any screw holes are properly beded and sealed it should not be a problem.  Explorers don't have any factory holes in the sole that penetrates the balsa core.  The only place that MIGHT is in the screws that hold the deck plates in place.  however most of them have a circular area with no core where the deck plates are installed.  Just walk on the deck with bare feet.  If it is solid then check all the screws and bolts for caulk.  Then check them on regular basis.

[RickK]

I read in the in-flight mag today that balsa has a really high flotation value, maybe why they used that. (Guess I can learn something while on a flight )

[Aqua215NY]

Hello all. Question on the circumference of the deck plates on a 1999 215 Explorer. How big is the area surrounding the deck plates that DOESNT have the core?  as mentioned by wingtime. I have one mid deck and one aft. The one mid deck is a little soft surrounding the plate and I am not sure if its been like that or if I am just noticing it now. Its been a while since I have been on the site and its great to read some of your guys posts. Thanks