New to me 170 Osprey

[thill]

I've had a couple of these in the past, and this one seems to be in the best shape of the ones I've had.
Seems solid, and not much damage anywhere,  Attached are some pics:








Having done this before, I plan to modify similar to my original one in this post:
https://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=4436.msg28017#msg28017

Obviously, she needs power.  I really liked the Force 85 I has before.  Relatively light 3-cylinder with very good power.
I'd like to have another, or maybe a Yamaha 90, as it's another 3-cylinder 90 HP moto.  The Mercury was considerably heavier, if I recall, isn't it?

Any suggestions?

[RickK]

Looks to be in good shape - congrats on the new family member 

[thill]

Thanks, Rick. 
I miss my little 1970 AQ 170.  This one is an 80's version.  The front deck hatches and the console are different, as is the cooler seat.   Also, the fuel tank is in the floor, but otherwise, she's the same boat.  Looking forward to rigging her out.

[Capt. Bob]

My 86 was (and still is) the only new boat I ever owned. Had it 16 years. It came with a 60hp 3 cylinder Johnson that I swapped out for a 115 V-4. Very fast craft but a 90 hp would be a great fit for that light hull.



Good luck.

[thill]

Capt Bob,
Thanks for the reply.  I have questions!

1.  How did it run with the 60?  Would it hit 30?
2.  How fast was it with the 115?
3.  Did you have water intrusion problems with the 115?

Thanks

[wingnut]

My two cents based on my hull:

1986 Osprey 170
1998 Suzuki DT85 two stroke, 270 lbs (3 cylinder)

Hull is completely self bailing even with full load of fuel and gear. I replaced the deck and kept the height original.

Hits 32mph per gps, but my rpms are high. I am going to re-prop next week and add pitch. I expect to hit 35mph with gear and the right prop.

I think a 60 would be a little gutless on a 170... Most likely you'd be in the 24-25mph range.

IMHO 85-90hp two stroke is perfect if you want it self bailing, 115 gives awesome performance but may not self bail if you're leaving it on a mooring. Ping pong ball scuppers work fine when you're underway.

90hp four stroke is probably similar weight to a 115 two stroke depending on make/model.

[Capt. Bob]

I never ran the 60 hp. I traded up to the 115 hp while the boat was being prepped.

Water? Not much. The scuppers worked well.

[thill]

Wingnut,
Thanks for the feedback.  Try several props, if you can.  Propped right, I think you will exceed 35.   I hit 38+ with a 1989 Force 85.  I was so happy with that combo that I ran it like that for years until I bought my 22 Offshore.

The 90 and 115 Johnson/Evinrude weigh the same, but the I already have the 90.

I also have a 120 HP Force, and it weighs a shave less than the 90, so I'm considering it.  That might be a great combo. 

Bob,
Thanks for the info.  Several have stated that the 70 is a great fit, so I was curious about the 60, since I have a 60 Merc on a stand, ready to go.

Decisions, decisions!

[RickK]

If you're used to speed ("my 22 Offshore") then I think you would be disappointed with the 60.  I hear they have a lot of torque tho. The 120 force sounds like a sweet motor as long as it's not a pain to change the controls and cable/harness. Same weight - nice. The boat would hit 50 maybe.

[wingnut]

Thanks thill- I have a 3x13.25x17 on the way. 3x14x15 jumps RIGHT out of the water but no top end. We will see how it goes. Will post some numbers once I run it!

[thill]

Wing,
I ran a 17P on my 85 Force, a Black Diamond aluminum, if I recall.  It performed very well.  I hope yours does just as well.  Playing with props is exciting, as you never know the outcome.  Different brands can really run differently.  Will look for your numbers!

[thill]

Rick,
The Johnson 90 is 318 lbs, the Force 120 is 303 lbs.  The thought of using the 120 is new. 50 MPH is hard to imagine, but very interesting!  If I hit 42 or 45, I'd be thrilled.   I hadn't considered it, due to resale stigma of the Force name.  (I'm planning on selling this one after playing around with it for awhile, so still not sure)


Hull speed is a funny thing.  My 22 Offshore came with a 115 Evinrude.  I thought a 22' boat with a little 4-banger was CRAZY.  I told the PO I wanted a 150 on it, and he got a little upset, and told me the 115 was perfect, as it did 40.  I stopped by the lake, and she leaped up on plane instantly and ran up to 39.5 MPH.  I was impressed! So I kept it like that for @ 7 years.

Recently, I FINALLY upgraded to a 150 HP.  She will break your neck on the hole shot, but she only goes...42 MPH.  A bit disappointing, to say the least.  Propping hasn't changed it either, just changed my WOT RPM's.  But in the end, I'm still happy with it.  She used to cruise at 32 MPH, now she cruises at 36, even with a heavy load.

VIDEO
Boat:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HBYpG2q1xWQ
Running: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nSbbBK2wAL0&t=21s

[thill]

Here are some pics of the 22.
Please note the dark splash guards @ top of transom:



In my opinion, splash guards are VITAL on the 170, especially if you venture into bays or rivers or anywhere the water can get rough.   It decreases the amount of water that gets in to almost nothing.  I often back down when fishing pilings, and it's almost impossible without the guards.

I make them from either dark 3/8" plexiglass or the 3/4" PVC trim boards from Home Depot or Lowes. 

A cheap, simple, very effective add-on for your Aquasport or any other notched transom boat without a splashwell.

[TooLoose]

THill.

I've been thinking all week how I can address the issue of water coming over the transom on my 170. I installed a bilge pump in the "trough" against the transom and that works great, but the idea of water coming in period is concerning.

I thought about installing the ping-pong ball scuppers (any experience with these?), but given I have a 114 4 stroke and other heavy modifications, my suppers are at or under the waterline almost all times.

This looks like a really good option. How did you attach the panels to the transom? Thanks for the insight.

[thill]

Well then, you are going to love these!

A friend makes his a little big, so they overlap the opening by an inch or so, and screws them in from the back of the boat, into the top of the transom and up the side.  That is simple, very easy to install.

I like mine flush.  So I attach some 1x1 angle aluminum on top of the transom and up the sides, set in the thickness of the guard to make flush once installed.

It does NOT need many screws, nor does the aluminum  need to go all the way to the corners, if the guard is cut to fit the contours of the transom notch.  But seal it liberally.  For this, I like E6000.  Better than silicone, but not as difficult as 4200 or 5200.

Photos

Here is one made from 1x12 PVC trim board, cut to stop almost all water from entering.  This is on a boat with a HUGE cutout made for twins:



Here is the same boat inside:


And here is the inside of my Offshore pictured above.  I like the look of the black plexiglass more, but the PVC is easier to find, easier to work with and is much cheaper.