Trying to decide on a new to me boat...

[Pfd161]

Hello all!  Glad to find this great place.  Got a couple questions regarding my upcoming purchase. 

Here are my top boats...

2000 Osprey 205 with a 150hp ocean pro. Around 10 k
http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/bod/5061032789.html

2002 Osprey 205 with a 150 Johnson.  Low hours on both. Around 11 k
http://newlondon.craigslist.org/boa/5053214263.html


Unknown hull age 22 aquasport with 2008 etec 200 looks mint, around 10k
http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/boa/5060221833.html


1998 215 explorer with Mercury 200 hp dfi.  Hard top, curtains, listed at 12.5k.
http://boston.craigslist.org/sob/boa/5058871485.html

My use will be striper fishing off Maine in rivers and bays. Don't deep sea fish but would consider it on a calm day.  What do you think of my choices?  Ty. 

[Capt. Bob]

OK,
I'll go first.

The 205 is a good hull, but has slightly different specs than the larger Osprey's (225 250). Nice lines, and newer hull. I'd guess Craig will chime in since he has (amongst others) this hull. They are nice looking (and I'm betting nice riding hull)

"Ol' Betsy" is an 80's era CCP hull with a WAC cap. Looks like at least an 86 model. She comes with the CCP ride and draft (skinny for its size) and has a great model name: Express Fisherman aka an XF. Newer (for it's age) power and trailer. Looks fairly well kept in the pics. Priced high IMHO.

The 215 Aquasport  is a re-badged 210 coastal Wellcraft. Never rode in one. They seem pretty fast on you tube but they are somewhat smaller than they appear. The "walkaround area" is sacrificed for more cabin space and I'd bet a well made hull though a "pregnant guppy" has at times described the look. Full enclosure is a plus in your area. Looks good in the pics. Not fond of the name but....well that's just me.

In conclusion, I'm a WAC fan and I chased the EX model for awhile (coming off a 222 CCP).
I like the ride of the later model Aquas and I'd lean (if I was looking) toward the 205 if storage and a place to hide was not on my list.

Good luck and welcome aboard.

[Pfd161]

Great reply!!!  Thank you for taking the time. I'm leaning towards the 02 Osprey. One owner, serviced twice a year, said it will go 40 not that speed is a big deal. I really want to put a fishmaster t-top on it if I get it.  Appreciate any more info!

Dennis

[CLM65]

i have a 2002 205.  It has been a good, nice riding boat, but will get a little wet when the water gets sloppy.  I believe the 2002 is wood-free, which is a big benefit.  I'm not sure what year they went wood free, so you may want to look into that if you consider an older boat.  A couple of things to be aware of...the OAL is just under 22', but this includes the pulpit and euro transom.  So inside space is more like a slightly smaller boat.  Also, access to the bilge area is limited.  Changing the macerator pump for the fish boxes is a real pita.  Access to the bilge pump is a little better due to the pie plate in the splash well.  i can't speak about the Johnson, as I have a 200 Yamaha on mine.  I would say a 150 would be the minimum power for this boat.  If you add a t-top, you will lose a little on the top end.  Make sure you take it for a ride, and bring a few friends to see how it runs and rides loaded up.  Good luck!