19-6 or 22-2

[boatnamesue]

Hoping to get some friendly chatter about the choice between the 19-6 and 22-2 center console models, let's say early to mid 70s. 

I love my '76 170, it's a dream boat really.  Not a day at the boat ramp goes by, and im there weekly, when someone asks me what year and if i did the restore (its all original).  But eventually I'll want a bigger boat.  Keeping to the specs of the model years of above, there is not a significant difference between my 17 amd a 19-6.  The beam is the same, 2.5' longer, 350lbs heavier, larger fuel capacity. 

The 22-2 on the other hand is a significant difference in specs.  The 22-2s also seem to be more prevalent on the for sale market than the 19-6.  Which would mean there are more available options to choose between when looking to buy. 

So how about some thoughts from the gallery.  Anyone have a 19-6 but wishes they'd bought a 22-2?  Any of those who would only buy a 22-2, and why. 

[wingtime]

I can say owning a 170 and having been out on several 19-6 I can say the 19-6 is much more differnt than the 170 than your giving it credit for. Especially if you get one with an enclosed transom and a bracket. You may see more 22-2s for sale but I see WAY more 19-6/200s out in the real world.

[mshugg]

I agree with wingtime, the difference between the 170 and 196 is much more significant than the specs would indicate.  Plus the 196 is 10" wider than the 170.  I think the 196 and 222 are more alike in performance and mission than either is like the 170.

What do you want to use the boat for?  I doubt the 222 would get you many more days out in the gulf chop than the 196, but would accommodate more people comfortably and allow more room to fish.  The 222 would also offer more stability if you plan to add a tower.

All in all, there's a reason that the 222 is so popular on the gulf coast.  That's not counting all the designs that are based off of the 222.  It was a largish bay boat before bay boats existed.  Shallow draft, big enough to run offshore (as long as you respect it's shallow deadrise).

On the other hand, the 222 will be more to tow and handle around the dock, but these are the only places that you're likely to be disadvantaged by the larger boat.

Pick your mission.  Pick your boat.

[boatnamesue]

Plus the 196 is 10" wider than the 170

The two above models have an identical beam measurement, 6'10".   This being the primary reason I mentioned these two models are more similar in specs, verses 22-2 compared to 19-6.

[Blue Agave]

The two above models have an identical beam measurement, 6'10".

Not correct, beam on the 19'6" is 7'8", 10" greater than the 17 as mentioned by mshugg.

http://www.classicaquasport.com/Aquasport_specs.xls

[Capt. Bob]

The two above models have an identical beam measurement, 6'10".

Not correct, beam on the 19'6" is 7'8", 10" greater than the 17 as mentioned by mshugg.

http://www.classicaquasport.com/Aquasport_specs.xls

Indeed.

Circa 75 170.


Circa 70s 19-6

[boatnamesue]

I stand corrected, my apologies.  From now on I won't get hull specs from nada.com

[RickK]

Yup, we have a ton of good stuff to learn from, in the gallery.

[GoneFission]

22-2 versus 19-6?  Go with the 22 footer.  I've been on both and the extra space on the 22 is more than you think.  They both run about the same with similar HP engines.  There are 2 reasons 22 feet is so popular - the first is you just below the 7 meter limit where rules change for the USCG.  Lights and other requirements increase at 7 meters, which is 22.8 feet.  The second reason is wave frequency - typical wave frequency seems to fit a 22 foot boat well - boats under 22 feet seem to be rougher-riding and "bounce" more in the chop. 

[boatnamesue]

22-2 versus 19-6?  Go with the 22 footer.  I've been on both and the extra space on the 22 is more than you think.  They both run about the same with similar HP engines.  There are 2 reasons 22 feet is so popular - the first is you just below the 7 meter limit where rules change for the USCG.  Lights and other requirements increase at 7 meters, which is 22.8 feet.  The second reason is wave frequency - typical wave frequency seems to fit a 22 foot boat well - boats under 22 feet seem to be rougher-riding and "bounce" more in the chop.

Very interesting.  Thanks.