Newbie here.. Can you help ID this ? (Pic's attached)

[Tim Bradford]

Hello all !

(Newbie to this forum)

I've been lurking for some time (learning as much as I can)- I am a huge fan of the 22.2's, Dorado's, Sheffer's, Gause Built's and the Andros boats.  As you can see I am looking a boat that drafts shallow, has a low profile, dry,  and can handle a good chop with a nice forward deck (I have a flats boat but I am looking for a second boat for off/near shore- I live on the water with a low lying bridge (the reason why I need a low profile, and in the winter time the canal averages 14-16" at points- the reason for the low draft requirement).  So all of this brings me to this boat that I saw on the side of the road.  The owner seems to know little about it other than it being a 1989 25' ..can any of you experts tell me more ??  pros/cons of this model.  To me, it looks like a 22.2 on steroids.  General questions-

Is the model year of poor era ?
Does anyone know the draft ?
General history (and knowing my needs would this be a good choice ?)

I would need to remove the t-top and more than likely re-power with a more fuel efficient motor.

I did a search of the forum and reviewed the compiled spec sheet but I can't figure out what model this boat is ..  :cry:
Thanks so much for the help !
Tim

The Rod Squad  

Misc Pics- @   http://www.myfishingpictures.c...t=500

Pics-

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[scott_gunn]

I wasn't aware the Aquasport made a center console like that larger than the 222.  I think it may be a 222 that the owner is calling 25' because of the bracket.

Of course, I could be totally wrong as well!

[Tim Bradford]

That could explain why I haven't been able to find any reference on the net ?  The owner "says" it's titled as a 25 (I just called him again) but maybe it is a 22   (It just looked larger than any 22.2 that I recall being on-maybe because of the t-top and being on the trailer-  Thanks for looking.. anyone else ?

Did they make the 22.2 in 1989 ? would this then be a 222 ? Thanks for the help here guys.

The Rod Squad  

Misc Pics- @   http://www.myfishingpictures.c...t=500

[JimCt]

I'm scratching my head on that one too.  Closest I come up with is the 24-6 but the hull is different.  Sure looks to be a 22-2 though.  Anything bigger would also be on a tandem trailer.  Condition of the boat looks good from here.  Looks plug & play ready.

Take a tape measure to the boat.  That'll settle the question.  If it is a 22-2, it 'll meet your requirements nicely.  Maybe not perfectly dry in a chop, but what boat is?

For a boat to fit even skinnier water, Aquasport made a low dead-rise early 22-2 which is known as the "flatback".  Notice the shallow dead-rise on this restored flatback:





Great pictures of the Rod Squad!  Looks like you two guys are really into it.

[Tim Bradford]

Thank you very much for the reply-  I will swing by with a tape measure to validate (very good idea).  That "flat back" is beautiful.  Is there any difference on the ride of the flat back vs. a 22.2/222 as far as it's ability to handle chop?.  I'm willing to give a little on the draft to gain a little in the ride.  Do you mind me asking (If you were me) what would your preference year/ model be? I have the flats boat for skinny fishing but I'm really looking for a strong, comfortable, roomyfishable boat that drafts <14”- I sold my tower boat (below) when I moved to my new place (it wouldn't fit under the bridge)

Thank you very much for the time and explanation.

[JimCt]

Never having owned one, but a great admirer of the 22-2 hulls, from all I've read about the second generation design 22-2's such as the one you're looking at, it will have a softer ride and probably better tracking than the flatback

To improve "dryness" some guys have added spray rails at the bow such as this one:



This is Shine's new-old 22-2 which somebody added the rails to.  See his thread "New 222 rebuild" in the Aquasport Rebuilds forum.  He may also be able to give you some better info. on the boat.

Good luck with the boat if you decide to go ahead with it.  Keep the group posted on developments.

[John Jones]

Hey Tim.  Long time no see.  I think you will find that the later models with some deadrise in the back will ride much better.  I am amazed at how well mine rides in the Tampa Bay chop (mostly dry too).  The Bennett tabs help the ride a bunch.  I'm not sure about draft but I'm pretty sure I can idle along in 16-18" with the motor trimmed way up.  

These old 22-2s do look a lot bigger than most boats of the same length.  I love the high freeboard when going offshore.

  Here is a pic of the back of mine.

"JohnnyB"

[Poon-Time]

Tim, first welcome to the forum!  We chatted a few times on the FS forum.  I'm glad to see your interest in these classic boats.  I'll try to answer some of your questions, but by no means am I an expert.  I'm sure others will chim in with things I left out.  

First, I'll start by saying your in the same situation I was in.  I also own a flats boat and wanted something more for in/near shore fishing.  You mentioned a couple of times wanting more comfort, so did I.  So, I chose to go with a 1973 22-2.  This was the first year Aquasport went away from the flatback 22-2 and started making them with the 12 degree deadrise.  The boat will give more comfort and a bit better ride over the earlier flatback 22-2.  You will lose some draft but it wasn't enough for me to compromise the ride I was looking for.  

Aquasport did make two versions of the 22-2.  Not sure what year this started but they are the Osprey and the CCP.  The Osprey had the 12 degree deadrise (modified V shallower draft) and the CCP (Center Console Professional) had more.  I think 18-20 degree deadrise but not sure here (Deep V more for offshore).  If you looking for something to draft shallower then the Osprey may be the way to go.

From what I have learned is that the 73' 22-2 Osprey is the boat that the Dorado 23 copied to make their mold.  They changed a few things but ultimately pretty much the same.  The way I look at it is the Dorado 23 could be what the 22-2 may have looked like if Aquasport had not sold the company to Genmar.

I think the 22-2 was remodeled in 1981 and renamed the 222.  I am not sure what year Aquasport sold the company to Genmar, but that is when everything changed.  Most of my fellow Aquasport buffs on here look for the pre Genmar years.  

The one you are looking at I am not sure is even an Aquasport.  Unless it has been remodeled.  It looks like an Aquasport from the hull lines but the inside is different.  It is definately not an 81' or earlier.  I've heard some rumors about the mid to late 80 years that had some problems but can't give much truth to that matter.

Here is the finnished result I am looking for:





Hope this helps,

Mike

[RickK]

Boy, that is a tough call.  Starts looking like it could be an AS from the cap and lines and then a closer look at the way the cap ends in the rear and the anchor locker access in the front .....  if someone mod'd her, seems too much of a drastic mod on the cap in the rear.
No idea.

[JimCt]

The more I look at the boat the more I think Poon & Rick are on the right trail.  If this is an AS somebody did a lot of mods.  On the other hand, look at the mods. we've all been doing to our boats.  Look what warthog5 did with his Mako.

[Tim Bradford]

Wow thank you all for the reply’s (I really appreciate your insight) -(Jonny and Poon great to talk to you again   ). From what everyone is saying it looks like the boat that would best fit my needs would be the 1973 to early 80's 22-2 (I like the CCP's too but I think that having the additional draft could be a problem and I also really enjoy the versatility of a raised deck) I will begin my search for one (hopefully redone, new 60+ gal fuel tank, solid decktransom, nice leaning post live well combo with newer efficient power (<300hrs), clean and fresh under $20,000

Thanks again for everyone’s time and insight!

Sincerely,
Tim

[Tim Bradford]

Thank you everyone for the help in finding my new boat (68 Flatback)- (A forum member found this one for me on Friday and I quickly jumped on it) It's everything that I wanted at fair price  (composite rebuild)- I plan on running it until the engine goes and then re-powering it -

I pick it up in two weeks (having some forward cushions, bolsters and a few things touched up)

Thanks again to the Forum !

[John Jones]

Sweet Tim!

[RickK]

She looks in great shape.  Nice boat.

[scott_gunn]

...I plan on running it until the engine goes...

That should be a while.  The 2 stroke Evinrudes last forever!  The boat should too, it looks like a real nice rebuild.  Congrats.