86-250 Osprey sits low in the water

[Keith Knecht]

I posed this question when I registered for this site, which is awsome, I might add.  I have owned 1-20', 3-222's, a 271, a 281, and now a 250,  all Ospreys.  The 271 and 281 were the biggest Osprey's that Aquasport ever built but that's another story.  My 1986- 250 is powered by twin 140 Johnsons and it sits about 2-3" below the stripes that are supposed to be the water line.  I don't believe it is the origional stripping since one part is red.  It could be applied at the wrong place.  My scupper drains are actually about half way bleow the water level.  I'm concerned that I may have foam that has soaked up water and added a lot to my weight.  The boat preforms well but would really ride bow high without the trim tabs pretty well down.  Anybody ever had this boat with twin's?  How did it sit in the water?  Am I worried about nothing?  I could build the transom up 5" and raise the scuppers and rear deck if it is the nature of the 246/250 Osprey.  I don't want a single outboard so the weight reduction that way is not an option.  Thanks for any thoughts.

[Radioshop]

Sounds like water logged foam or, someone added something aft that wasn't supposed to be there.  Maybe another gas tank?  Either way, the scuppers really should be above the waterline.  Twin 140's (V-4's) shouldn't be that heavy.

[Keith Knecht]

Thanks for the reply RadioShop.  It does have two tanks that are either 60 or 90 gallons each.  The second tank does extend back a pretty good way.  I'm sure that was a factory option.  The 271 and 281 that I owned had dual 125 gallon tanks.

[Wilson]

Sounds like water in the foam to me too.  

What is the power rating on the boat?

Where are the batteries and bait wells?

[Anonymous]

Hey Wilson,

Thanks for the reply.  Dont know what the power rating is but would expect 300hp.  I think that was the limit back then and is still for the 24/25 osprey.  I've seen people with twin 200's but I don't think the transom was rated for that.  The batteries are in the center console and the bait well is in the console as well.  I'm in Tampa too.  Any way you could look at the boat and tell.  It's on davits and I don't have a trailer.  Be happy to pay you for your time.

Keith

[Wilson]

I don't mind coming and looking some time, but the truth is we may not be able to tell a thing without cutting into her.   That's your bad news.  On the other hand, you never know.

[Argo]

I have a 25 center console also and the scuppers were just under the water line at rest which is whre the water line is marked on the boat.  That is with a OX66 250 on it.  I am putting twin 140s on it and expect it to sit maybe a little lower or equal with the floatation added from the D&D bracket.  Once it sat a foot too low in the water when my bilge went out and I didnt notice until I got back to the dock.  :)  I got lucky that day.

[Wilson]

Well...  that just may be the way it is.

[Argo]

I was told that it was normal and that it was alright because my deck sits about 3" above water level still.  Kieth, in front of your console, under the deck do you have some sort of storage tank?  I have a drain in the floor in front of the console that leads to a storage tank that looks like it may have been a water tank or something.  Any think like that on yours?  BTW, my boat has a 120 gallon tank and I think the added 60 to the 90 on yours is not factory.

[Anonymous]

Hey Argo and Wilson,

Thanks for the replys.  Maybe I don't really have a problem after all.  I'd love to have you take a look at it sometime when it's convienent, Wilson.  You can reach me at work at 813-831-8750.  Since I'm on a shallow canal, I'd have to check the tides so I'd have enough water to float the boat.  Argo, I feel certain that my tanks are both factory.  The deck plates over both tanks are definitely factory and both of my bigger Ospreys had the exact same setup for dual tanks.  My front gas tank is located under the console and extends up to the outer limit of the console.  No other tank up there.  Some of the Aquasports had holding tanks for macerator pumps but the ones I've seen were located under the deck near the transom.   I haven't seen one with a tank where you are describing although it could have been for a macerator.  The 222 ospreys had that large compartment in front of the console that I have seen people mention on this site but that's the only thing I remember that is in the approximate place you describe.  By the way,  anyone that wanted to know the origon of the plexi pannel in that compartment should know that they used to use a wooden box with a piece of glass to look in the Keys for reefs, grouper, etc.  The plexi hull pannel made it possible to do that without having to carry along the box.  Sort of an old fashion videocamera/recorder.

[Wilson]

We can try to do it later this week or next week.  

When you log in, you should check the box that keeps you logged in.  I noticed that you are posting as a guest.

[Keith Knecht]

Hey Wilson,

Sounds great.  Give me a call.  Hope I logged in right this time.  Sorry, I'm not the greatest at all of this computer stuff.

Keith

[Wilson]

looks like you got it.  When would be good.  I can do any afternoon or on the weekend.

[Seadog]

Keith - dont mean to hi-jack your thread but I have both of those. The 'see thru hull panels' and the see thru box.

Except it's a see thru bucket. We used to cut the bottom out of a 5 gallon bucket and leave a 1' rim around the edge.  Cut out a piece of plexiglass to fit, drill some holes, nut and bolt the thing together with some 5200.  Push the bucket down in the water and look whats on the bottom. Worked pretty good.

Ever hear of anyone haveing any problems with the hull panels? Cracks, leaks, replacement?

I've learned more history, background and general info about the hull panels, here on CA, in the last 2 weeks, than I've been able to find out on my own in the last year. Thanks!

[Keith Knecht]

Hi Wilson,

I work six days a week and only have evenings and Sunday afternoon.  This Sunday afternoon between 3 and 5 P.M. would work great for me, if it's convienient for you.  Call me at 831-8750 and I'll give you my home phone and cell or stop by Angler's Addiction at 3511 S. Manhattan if you're in the South end of town.

Hey Argo-  Looked at my boat this morning and I was wrong about the front tank stopping even with the front of the console.  The deck plate that covers the tank extends all of the way up to the spot where the break occurs to go up to the raised portion in the bow.  No room for any other kind of tank up there on my boat at least.

SeaDog-  No worries might!  Glad to get some confirmation even thought I know it to be true.