Choosing the right style boat?

[chasintails]

Hey guys, I'm new to the forum but have a few questions for everyone. I know a lot is based on personal preference but it helps to hear everyone's opion and advice.

First, I'm debating the new vs. old theory right now. I'm currently running a 17' Action Craft bayrunner (although it's not much of a bay boat). I'd like to move more towards an actual bay style boat so that I can fish the flats as well as run the beach for cobia, tarpon and kingfish. On a nice day, I'd like to go hit the stream out of Fort Pierce/Stuart and fish the blue water. With the purchase of a "do-it-all" boat (I know there really isn't one), I will be getting rid of the Action Craft. The other option I've thought of is keeping it and getting a strictly offshore boat but I like the idea of only having one boat.

I'm fairly keen on the 22' - 24' range, which led me to take a hard look at the restored flatbacks, both Aquasport and Proline, Dorados, Action Craft Coastal Bays, Schaefers, Gause, etc. I'd like to keep my price range under $30K so that eliminates a few of my choices above.

I'm also leaning towards some type of tower with or without controls and a half t-top to shade the main console. I'd also like a Porta Bracket and a decent livewell attached to the leaning post.

Additionally, I need to make sure the boat is trailerable with what I have now, a 2008 Nissan Pathfinder 4x4. I believe the tow capacity on it is 7,000 lbs. From what I've read, the Aquasports are fairly light so weight shouldn't be an issue.

What should I look for in a restore? What are the pros and cons to the brands I've listed, excluding the ones out of my price range? Should I consider something else that I haven't mentioned? What's the major differences between the Proline and Aquasport FBs? Should I consider the Osprey with a little bit of deadrise?

Thanks in advance for everyone's advice. I want to start putting together my thoughts so I can purchase in the coming year. Thanks again.

[ANTIBLING]

I wouldnt think a flatback would be even considered for offshore, you'd get beat to death. Avenger is a decent boat, similar to dorado and shaeffer. Check the Tampa bay area craigslist, I think there's one on there for 30k with a full tower.

[GoneFission]

Look for a 222 Osprey from 78 to about 88.  The 222 actually has less draft than the 196 by an inch or two.  You could take it offshore and it will handle chop better than a flatback.  You should be able to find a very nice 222 Osprey for less than 30K.  

Good luck!

[chasintails]

I looked around a little and couldn't find any photos of the older Osprey 222's with a porta bracket and/or tower. Do they have the same lines as the flat back except for the deadrise at the transom? Most of the Ospreys I saw had the oversized looking cap that I'm not really a fan of.

[fitz73222]

Hey Chasintails,
I`m partial to the 73`- 75` 222, mainly because I have one and have loved that design for the last 35+ years. I have a folding tower on mine and it works great. Basically, your standing right above the t-top on a starboard platform and superstructure, so your eyeballs are about 13 feet above the water. Mine is also a Cobia spotter boat. I was very surprised how stable the boat is with one or two people in the tower, maybe attibuted to 12 degree deadrise as opposed to the later model deeper vee`s that have a little more roll in seas. I guess the only problem with that vintage is that they are all ready for the rebuild shop; I`ve got a year or two max out of mine before she heads there. I agree the FB`s might not be the best heavy seas boat and Aquasport started messing around with the "chubby cap" design on late 70`s and up models and broke up that nock down pretty sheer line.

Fitz

[chasintails]

Thanks Fitz, glad to hear someone else is partial to the earlier lines like I am. I guess the years you mentioned are the years to key in on an Osprey. I'd still love to see pictures of one if you have any. I haven't been able to find any that have been redone as I'd like. In fact, I'm having a hard time finding any for sale in those years.

This looks like one, but it's listed as a 1972 http://www.hammerheadlivewell.com/class ... ort-hd.htm .

[fitz73222]

Hey Chasintails,
PM me and send me your email address and I`ll send you pictures of mine. I haven`t mastered the photobucket here yet. My 73` is still original except for the t-top / tower and leaning post.
Fitz