Hello nice Aquasport people
Heliraf here, a newbee. A long time ago I was reading David Pascoe's excellent website Yachtsurvey.com and read an article about an Aquasport boat which he reviewed, and I remembered he was quite impressed with it, and the name stuck in my head. So when I saw an 1993 Aquasport 210 Explorer for sale on an auction website that specializes in government owned items, six months ago, I got interested, and ended up buying it, sight unseen.
Auction was up north, Washington state, and I live in the Los Angeles area, and on top of that I work abroad a lot, so I got my friend to pick it up, and keep it on his property for a while. A few weeks ago I managed to drive up and tow it down. But I didn't have the time to really check it out thoroughly or clean it up, so I just cleared up all the little bits and bobs that were laying around, took the owner's manuals, and took a bunch of photos, overall and inside hatches etc. to look at later, and here I am, at work abroad again, thinking about what I bought, and though I'd ask the experts for your comments and opinions and run a few questions by you.
So, it's a 1993 210 Explorer, has a 2007 Suzuki DF200 Four Stroke on the back with 728 hours, and sits on a galvanized two axle trailer which is in good shape. Trailer has rollers not bunks. Boat used to operated by Washington Dept. of Wildlife, or Fish and Game or something like that. Engine seems to have been maintained regularly, going by the notes on the filters etc. Came with two stainless steel propellers. Boat has some extras. There is a big solid double-bar thingy protecting the engine, there is a painted arch with lights and a Furuno radar, and sounder unit, big screen on the panel, electric winch, which I guess was used to pull up crab pots and the like, there is a brand spanking new enclosure from the windshield to the back of the storage lockers that the seats are secured on, and there is this diesel heater unit made by Webasto. Has trim tabs. I wouldn't say the boat is in great condition, but not bad either. When you get government employees using it for a job, they're not exactly going to spend a lot of effort on the Pride-of-Ownership thing. Once I get to spend some time on it and change out some weathered hatch lids and doors and so some scrubbing inside and out, I think it will come out pretty good.
I have explored this site and have come across some great threads, like Rick's 230 - She's finally home!! But I'll go ahead and ask some questions. All replies appreciated.
What is this Spray Core/Omega Chemical thing I read in the brochures which I found on this site? Sounds pretty good.
I seem to remember, from surfing this site before, that Aquasport became Wellcraft, or something like that. Is my boat a true Aquasport or is a Wellcraft in disguise?
Right, here's a good one. What's so good about Aquasport? Is there anything that makes them stand out from the hundreds of other makes? What do you guys and gals like about them?
My one is quite an old boat. Is it likely to have wet stringers or transom?
What are the specific things I should take a look at, from your experience? Weak spots, common problem areas? I have read the post "Used Aquasport buyers bible". Anything else come to mind?
I'm thinking a 200 hp is an OK size for this boat. Would you agree?
Any idea what sort of fuel consumption I might expect? I guess it depends on how I drive it of course. What is a common economy RPM to use? I'm expecting it to be quite a nice and economical engine, I got talking to quite a few people on my towing trip who came up and told me they had a similar Suzuki and how much they liked it.
I'm guessing the fuel tank is aluminum? Do they cause problems eventually? Any idea what the size of tank might be, in there right now, in gallons?
I'm guessing that if I unscrew the long panel that runs between the seats, it should be right there and not too difficult to replace with a plastic one?
Are there any places that might sell parts for Aquasports, or is it a case of using generic parts and surfing Ebay? Can't think of anything I need right now, except new name graphics for the side, as these ones are quite scratched up, and also a center piece for the v-berth which is missing, but I'm guessing I could make this quite easily out of Starboard. V-berth cushions are also missing, but I guess they can be easily made.
Anyone used one of these Webasto diesel heaters? What do you think of them? Looks like they are quite popular in semi-trucks for when they park at night, so as not to keep the main engine idling.
I'll be looking for a recommendation for a windlass sometime, as it doesn't have one. Also, a recommendation for an anchor that works well and fits.
Are the through-hulls pretty good or cheapo quality and to be replaced?
That's pretty much all I can think of right now. If you have the titles of any other threads about this or very similar model, let me know and I'll look them up.
Thanks!
