2000 215 Explorer Questions

[daniel123]

I have a 1999 Osprey 200 CC that this site has helped me maintain for several years. Now that we are empty-nesters, I am looking for something with a cuddy for occasional overnights with the bride. I found a freshwater 2000 215 Explorer for $12,500 but as described by the seller "it has a Volvo Penta 5.0/GM 305 V8 and Volvo Six lower." He also said "it's a saltwater package with SS prop and shaft, brass bearing hub etc." 

NADA Guides doesn't even allow me to input a sterndrive to determine value. Beyond that, I just need some feedback on that boat. We'll use it on Lake Erie and trailer it to SW Florida once a year for what can be rather shallow water fishing in Pine Island Sound. I've always used outboards there and wonder how much the sterndrive may limit my fishing/access/drifting for reds and trout? 

Any feedback on that model, that price, that engine and anything else you can think of is much appreciated. Thanks!

   

[Capt. Bob]

Can't help with the drive but I think it won't draft as shallow as you 200 whether it's a stern drive or outboard.

As for the hull, it's a re-badged 210 Coastal Wellcraft.  Still, it appears Wellcraft discontinued the 210 as it competed directly with the 215 EX in 1999. You may have to go back several model years to find a stern drive Coastal to compare and that really isn't apples to apples.

Try this.
https://www.nadaguides.com/Boats/2000/Aquasport-Inc/215-EXPLORER-CD/10010584

 It typifies the "Pregnant Guppy" label associated with WACs but has shown to be very fast over the water when max powered. The hull is rated for 300hp and 50+ mph is common on this model. I always felt that the cabin was small but the cockpit was roomy for the hull size. Never seen a rebuild and we have had a lot of members with this hull.

Still, draft is listed as 33" while your 200 is listed as 10". I can tell you this; my 84 222 CCP could get into shallower water than my current 99 210 WAC. Explorers are heavy compared to Ospreys.







'Bout all I have.

[Fishhead]

Couple of things to think about. My osprey pilothouse is same year with Volvo penta power but a 350 vortec fuel inj and a duoprop drive.
The outdrive on that boat is a Volvo penta sx drive, must be a single prop.
There is no “saltwater package” they are all the same.
Engine carbed or injected model may be gs if carb- gi or Gsi or Gxi if injected depending on hp
Does it have fresh water cooling ie a heat exchanger. Antifreeze cooled block? Or raw water cooled?
Saltwater in a cast iron block for cooling isn’t a good thing but many are. Plan on replacing manifolds and elbows every 4 years in saltwater. I’m sure I’m on my sixth set at around $700 a set aftermarket. Yearly maintenance is much easier on a outboard vs sterndrive

[daniel123]

That is really helpful, guys. I'm shopping remotely at this point, as the boat is a 7 hour roundtrip drive away.

-I can't believe it draws 3x what my Opsprey does....

-As for the engine, so he's yanking my chain about it being a saltwater version? That said, to his knowledge as second owner its never been run in salt.

-He also said it's a 270 hp/305 GM Vortec which he said makes it easy to get parts at any NAPA.

-He said he rebuilt one side and replaced the head on the other last summer. I've never owned a sterndrive so am not sure how big a red flag that is?

-It's got a custom aluminum 'radar' arch with rod holders and Bimini that looks good

-Thanks, Bob, for the catalog photos and NADA link. I couldn't find the latter on my own. I'll be showing thsoe to my wife when (and if) it comes time to introduce her to a boat I'm considering. At $12k

-The surge brakes on the trailer are toast; he said it would be $250 for and actuator and the same for a new rotor.

Thanks, Bob, for the catalog photos and NADA link. I couldn't find the latter on my own. I'll be showing those photos to my wife when (and if) it comes time to introduce her to a boat I'm considering. At $12k, should I be?

[daniel123]

The engine has a raw water cooling system. Is that a deal-breaker for a boat that will be docked in saltwater for about a week annually?

[daniel123]

Here are some photos of the Explorer 215 I am considering. Comments welcome.

[wingnut]

My two cents, I am not a huge fan of I/Os to begin with. To me, they’re kind of the worst of both worlds. You lose deck space and have an outdrive that can’t really  get out of the water, but you don’t get the center of gravity and performance that you would with a true inboard. If you’re leaving in saltwater, I’d definitely steer clear, but doesn’t sound like you’re leaving it in.

I have no direct experience with gas Pentas, but have not heard good things about durability and cost to maintain.

That said - looks like a clean boat and the 215 has a lot going for it! Price is pretty good from what I have seen. I/O is just another personal choice, some people love them.

Good luck!

[daniel123]

Here's the engine.

[daniel123]

Thanks for your input, Wingnut. The owner says the outdrive can be tilted clear out of the water?

And for those interested, I think you can click on those screen shot images I uploaded to see them in a larger size.

Really appreciate the feedback; this site as a resource is one reason I am on my third Aquasport  - and considering a fourth.

[RickK]

I have no experience with I/Os.

[Fishhead]

Believe me , only part of the prop would be out of the water tilted up. Maybe owners not aware if that’s a 5.0 gl model it’s only around 220 hp. Volvo made a 5.0 Gxi that was 270 but it was injected in those years.  Yes parts are pretty cheap the engines just a basic gm small block. Don’t think raw water cooling is a deal breaker. There’s just so many more moving parts on a sterndrive vs outboard. Past owners mantainance is key on used io. I’m partial to outboards or if boats big enough for diesel inboards.

[daniel123]

Thanks, Fishhead. Again, I really appreciate the input.