New Member - 1970 22-2 Flatback

[yodaddy]

Greetings all. I'm a newbie here, having just come into possession of a 1970 22-2 flatback. The boat looks all original (except for the transom) in comparisons with pictures of similar boats on this site. The hull is in perfect condition, apart from a hideously finished transom. The transom job looks like , but it is strong. I can extend the 25" outboard fully out and wiggle up and down on the lower unit and don't see any flex in the transom. The floors and casting deck seem to be original, and are pretty solid, with the exception of sags between the stringers between the console and the helm seat, and directly behind the helm seat. Are these plywood cored floors, or ?

I'm new to Aquasports boats, but not to boating.  I'm not sure what to do with this boat, and wanted to get some advice before I break out the tools and start going crazy and ruin a classic in the process. If I were to try and sell this boat would it be worth more in it's original state than if I redid the floors?

I fish 30+ miles out in the North Atlantic, and am wondering how bad the ride and seakeeping is going to be in this boat. Does anyone run these boats in big water?

Here's what the old girl looks like -

[RickK]

Welcome YO  :!:  :!:
You're right,that transom looks a little rough    Is it made of concrete?    Hey if it's solid that's a great start  
The good thing about the PO raising the transom to 25" is that you have more freeboard - not sure I would want to be 30 miles out in a bad sea in the boat though.  The flatbacks seem to just go faster through the water up to speed instead of popping up on plane,plus there is no deadrise to break up the waves. I would think that the boat is a nearshore boat rather then a deepwater boat.  Of course back in her day when there wasn't this type of boat in a greater deadrise I'm sure it was still taken way out like you're talking about - on a good day.

[Skoot]

Bro you got a sweet boat there, but Seriously?????  An Aquasport Flatback is Obviously not an offshore boat.

Like Rick said, maybe on the perfect day.  This boat would make a perfect flats/midshore boat.

good luck and lets see more pics.

[pete]

About adding value by rebuilding,it doesn't add value to anyone but you.People who restore these boats do it because they want to restore a classic,not to increase its value,you just won't get back what you put in to it in $,but you will in satisfaction and pride of ownership,good luck with her and welcome!

[yodaddy]

Welcome YO  :!:  :!:
  Of course back in her day when there wasn't this type of boat in a greater deadrise I'm sure it was still taken way out like you're talking about - on a good day.

My thoughts exactly. I fish the Gulf of Maine out of Portsmouth NH, so don't have any flats or soft water to play in. I'm curious if any flat back owners can speak to the boat's handling ability in the rough. No need to go fast, just want to make it home at the end of the day.

[yodaddy]

Bro you got a sweet boat there, but Seriously?????  An Aquasport Flatback is Obviously not an offshore boat.

Like Rick said, maybe on the perfect day.  This boat would make a perfect flats/midshore boat.

good luck and lets see more pics.

I don't have flats or midshore as an option, so either this old girl can get the job done for me, or it'll be for sale. I plan on a maiden voyage in a couple weeks, and will report back how it goes.

[yodaddy]

About adding value by rebuilding,it doesn't add value to anyone but you.People who restore these boats do it because they want to restore a classic,not to increase its value,you just won't get back what you put in to it in $,but you will in satisfaction and pride of ownership,good luck with her and welcome!

I was asking if cutting up the original decks would decrease the value, along the lines of how cleaning up or modifying antiques can decrease their value.

[fitz73222]

My experiance has been that Aquasports in general, particularly the flatbacks and 12 degree deadrise early 22-2's were better suited for Atlantic use than gulf use. The gulf gets the very nasty short 3-4 ft chop that will leave your kidneys in your boots at the end of the day. They seem to run very nicely in a bigger rolling sea. Considering these are only 22 foot boats, you have to pic your days anyway. Most of time as you probably know; knowledge of your boats limits; your skill and being able to read water is the difference between a miserable day and good day. Take it out and run it if you can and decide for yourself.

[yodaddy]

My experiance has been that Aquasports in general, particularly the flatbacks and 12 degree deadrise early 22-2's were better suited for Atlantic use than gulf use. The gulf gets the very nasty short 3-4 ft chop that will leave your kidneys in your boots at the end of the day. They seem to run very nicely in a bigger rolling sea. Considering these are only 22 foot boats, you have to pic your days anyway. Most of time as you probably know; knowledge of your boats limits; your skill and being able to read water is the difference between a miserable day and good day. Take it out and run it if you can and decide for yourself.

Roger that about picking your days. I currently fish a Wellcraft V20 offshore, so am well aware of small boat limitations. What I'm looking for from others familiar with the flatbacks is how they handle in various sea conditions. The hull looks like it would take a good sized sea head on, but I'm thinking it would be a flat out bitch running slow in a following sea. I've read about the tendency to bow steer, which could lead to getting sideways on the face of a big roller, or bow punching the trough or the wave in front of you. Like you said, I won't know for sure until I try it.

[gran398]

That V20 Wellcraft of yours has a cult following around here...people that own them love them.

Sounds like what you're looking for would be a great running deep V...an old 23 Seacraft or 2400 CC Hydrasport come to mind. Or an old SeaVee. Something known for a soft entry.

[yodaddy]

That V20 Wellcraft of yours has a cult following around here...people that own them love them.

Sounds like what you're looking for would be a great running deep V...an old 23 Seacraft or 2400 CC Hydrasport come to mind. Or an old SeaVee. Something known for a soft entry.

Yeah, I'm part of the V20 cult over at wellcraftv20.com. Fine boats, and I have 2 - an '83 cuddy, and a '74 cuddy.

I've always wanted a CC, and came into this 22-2 a few weeks ago. I'm thinking it can get the job done, and use much less fuel in the process compared to a V20. I grew up on Casco Bay in Maine working out of skiffs and lobster boats, so a pounding doesn't concern me, as long as the boat can take it and get me home.