Why Aquasport?

[Island Trader]

New person here.  I just sold my 17' Carolina Skiff for the following reasons, wet, hard ride in chop and not fast enough (25 mph cruise).  I knew this before buying however I had different boating needs then.

I have never owned or ridden in a AS however I like the lines of the older models...17 and 19 and now I am actively looking.  Any difference between the 17 and 19 besides 2 feet? Are there certain years to stay away from?

Back to the subject title why should I get an AS, instead of a Mako or Seacraft?

Thanks, don't hold back, I like information.

[saabmarine]

I've had a 1966 Aquasport 222 and a 1972 Aquasport 240.  The 222 of that era was a very shallow V and a fairly rough ride in any kind of chop.  Although a very stable fishing platform and a great boat besides the ride.  The 240 was a deeper V and handled the seas much better and that was a great boat too.  That being said, I recently switched to a Mako 254 with a very deep V and I couldn't be happier.  It's so soft in the chop and a fairly stable platform to fish from.  In the forums at classicmako.com I see a lot of people are very happy with their smaller makos from the 80's.  The new Mako's are supposed to be cheap quality but I have never set foot on a new Mako to confirm.

My vote is go Mako but you won't be disappointed in an Aquasport either.

[GoneFission]

If you are looking to go more offshore, look toward the deep-V Aquasports - the CCPs and WAC/Express Fisherman/Explorers.  CCP stands for Center Console Professional and is designed to better handle rough water.  CCPs include a rear splashwell, bigger fuel capacity, big fish boxes (coffin), and a deep-V 20 degree deadrise hull.  The WAC (walk around cuddy) or Express Fisherman (XF) or later Explorer series have 360 degree fishability with the advantage of a small cabin with bunks, sink, and potty for the occassional overnighter.  The Explorers use the 20 degree deadrise hull as well and work well for offshore use.  CCPs came in 20, 22, and 24.5 foot versions; WACs came in 20 and 24.5 foot lengths.  The Beaufort Search and Rescue here in North Carolina actually have a WAC they use for ocean rescue!  

The 170/196/222 (later called Osprey) series with the semi-V 12 degree deadrise are great combination boats - they can get in skinny water (draft is 7.5" for a 170 and 9" for 196 and 222) or go offshore on nice days.  However, a 12 degree deadrise boat is not going to be as good in chop or rough water as a 20 degree will be.  The draft on the CCPs is 12" for the 20 and 24 footers and 10" for the 22 foot version.  

Hope this helps; see ya on the water!

[jdupree]

10-4 on what Gonefission said.  The CCP'S are built like tanks.  I have the 20' foot version and love the ride.  Best riding boat I have ever owned.  The high freeboards will keep you safe and dry.  The coffin box will give you great storage/seating.  

As Gonefission said, unless you go with a deep V plan on getting wet on those choppy days no matter what kind of boat you decide to buy.

[scuppers]

I believe a Mako is a heavier boat than the Aquasport. I'm referring to the older Aquasports. It is my understanding that the orginal Aquasport design was a scaled down version of WWII PT boats, I've been told it was the same designer & he was employed by Aquasport back in the 1960"s. I cant' say weather this is true or not? However it would make alot of sense if it is true. The flatbacks are wet and hard riding in a chop, but they are very fast and economical! the difference between a deep V and a flat bottomed fastback is this: a deep V is around 1,000 lbs heavier and can run thru a chop at a decent speed, but if it really gets rough out there, that deep V will become a displacement hull and wallow where the flatback has a big  flat stern to stabilize the boat in heavy seas. One more remark concerning speed & economy. My 1970 22' Osprey will do 49mph with a 140 Evinrude sport. I'd like to know of any deep V that can come close to that performance! Scuppers

[GoneFission]

Actually the Makos and CCP Aquasports are surprisingly simlar in specifcations.  Comparing a 1980s 224 with a 1980s 222CCP finds:
Both weigh the same - 2200 lbs
Mako rated for 240HP, AS rated for 245
Lengh, Mako - 22'7", AS - 22'2"
Beam - both at 8 feet
Hull type - both deep-V

Looks pretty close to me - but I think the Aquasport is prettier!  

[CThomps]

Hey Island Trader,  I've got a place on Little Gasparilla Island.  So i'm right in your area.

I've got an '86 AS Osprey 200.  It's been a great boat since I bought it in '94.

The main thing I love about the older aquasports is the simplicity.  Not many frills.  It plains on low power and at low speeds.

I'm planning on clocking mine this weekend with the 150 Mariner I have on it now before I get around to putting a smaller more efficient 115hp of some variety.  

The boat used to beat me a bit when competing with the big boats that used to take up all the space on the ICW.  But if you just slow down and drive responsibly the ride is far smoother and dryer than your 17skiff could ever dream of being.  My work boat is a 17' Semi-V skiff so I know the pain associated with skiffs.  

But now that gas prices are so high the big ICW cruisers are starting to become a bit rare.  Captain Sea Ray has been down sizing to a bay boat.  

As far as fishing local waters in our area the AS is hard to beat especially if you're looking for an older reliable multi-use boat.  We've used mine for ski'ing, fishing, and taxi service for many years now.  It handles chop well and runs shallow.  

Mine is currently in need of some love.  But probably $1K and a new motor and the boat will look like new.  The new motor is in the planning stages.

[blindmullet]

Actually the Makos and CCP Aquasports are surprisingly simlar in specifcations.  Comparing a 1980s 224 with a 1980s 222CCP finds:
Both weigh the same - 2200 lbs
Mako rated for 240HP, AS rated for 245
Lengh, Mako - 22'7", AS - 22'2"
Beam - both at 8 feet
Hull type - both deep-V

Looks pretty close to me - but I think the Aquasport is prettier!  

Yep, and mako had wood stringers and AS has the foam ones.  Mako stringers rot and AS come unglued...  It's all a wash...Ford Chevy :)