Aquasport 240 suggestions for one I may be about to aquire for free

[atvrep1]

New to the forum guys. Thanks to Rickk for quick approval of my registration. I may be about to pick up an Aquasport 240 at the great price of "free." I'm not sure of the year, but it has an inboard/outboard drive system. Hull appears to be in outstanding shape with very few dings or scratches. I'm fairly sure the engine/outdrive is junk. My uncle is certified in all brands of marine engines and says the outdrive on these were very unreliable and parts are not difficult to find. he suggested removing original powertrain and fiberglassing the stern to mount an outboard on there.

After researching the brand a bit I see there is a very loyal following for these and hate to destroy the historical nostalgia of the unit if there is a cost effective alternative out there. Perhaps a more reliable outdrive is available to bolt onto the existing engine if it can be salvaged? It appears to be a big block Chevy engine and I think the outdrive is a Johnson brand.

Otherwise the boat appears to be in great shape with a good pressure washing, fuel take clean, batteries, hull paint and updated electronics and the fish off Ft Morgan will be in trouble!

Thoughts and suggestions are appreciated!

[RickK]

   atvrep1  - can't beat the price
The I/O models may have been an option but we don't see too many here. Not sure why.
Question - does the stern of this 240 have the multilevel transom?  Reason I ask is that will help you decide if you want to mess with filling it in.
I'll see if I can find a pic and post it here.

[RickK]

Here is a side console - the transom is not what I'm thinking about, this one is normal


I'll keep looking

[atvrep1]

It's a side console. It's a regular transom and wouldn't be too bad to glass.

[RickK]

Good to go then - I'll stop my search.

[CLM65]

Those 240s are sweet.  If it were me, I wouldn't hesitate to convert it to an outboard, maybe even twins.  Your call, but I don't think anyone here will think any less of you for doing it (my opinion, of course).

[RickK]

You'll have to plan the weight offset though considering the boat was designed with the engine forward of the transom.

[atvrep1]

I've about convinced myself to just rebuild the engine and replace that outdrive with something more reliable. Anyone know where to get a T-top for this baby?

[RickK]

Sounds like a plan on the engine - you'll be one of the few I/O owners we have here and I think you'll enjoy it.  Just make sure to "vent before crank" - get one of the sensors that won't let you crank if it senses fumes.
As for the T-Top, it'd be best to find a local T-Top builder - shipping would kill you.

[Francotripepi]

Hi atvrep, how is your project going? Any progres?

[Francotripepi]

By the way.....if you have not done anything and lost interest in it, I might be interested if the price is fair, let me know