Aquasport 222 restoration

[Jeted1291]

 Hello everyone, I’m doing a complete restoration on a 1977 222 Aquasport. I got my boat in April of 2020, started to do a lot of work but fell off for quite some time. Past couple months I have been back at it every other day and weekends. I am no expert at this and I don’t claim to be. If I’m doing something wrong take it easy and I would appreciate any tips and tricks anyone has to offer. I will be posting as much as I can throughout the entire build.

[Jeted1291]

Ripped out old transom and starting prepping to build a new one. At this point I planned on keeping the stringers and re-pouring them once I finished my transom.

[Jeted1291]

[Jeted1291]

Making a templet for the transom.



3 3/4” marine grade plywood

[Jeted1291]

A layer of 1708 between every layer. Also top and bottom.



Peanut buttered the corners with a poly silk putty from our local fiberglass warehouse. This stuff is so strong and takes to a grinder and sander very nicely. Just add mek.



Forgot to take pics when I pressed it. But I drilled bolts through the transom with big washers and tightened up until resin was leaking out the back and from old screw holes. There is no bow or anywhere where the transom didn’t touch evenly. I’m very happy with how this turned out.



Another step I just didn’t take pictures is when I glassed this transom In. I ended cutting back the stringers so I can smooth out this area and work a little better.

[Jeted1291]

Pulled old foam stringers out completely and decided I am going to build wood stringers. Reason is for a little more weight and strength to the boat.


I went with Douglas fur for my stringers. I had to drive a little bit of a ways to get this, but well worth it. Very strong and very light for wood.


Made some knees going into transom.


Peanut buttered everything down with the polysilk, then grinned off all ruff spots.

[Jeted1291]

Adding some bulk heads and peanut butter them down.






Starting to glass and tab everything in

[Jeted1291]

And this is where I’m currently at today. Going to measure for a gas tank and get one made this up coming week.

[Ulysses485]

Welcome to the site and thanks for sharing your rebuild.

Looks like your moving along! Progress is progress, as long as its forward moving, I always call it a day of success. Nice work! It isn't common that I have seen for 222 rebuilds to change the fiberglass/foam stringers to wood stringers. However, I am not saying it is wrong but I would make extra sure that they are sealed up really well with epoxy. Furthermore, I would be extra sure that the laminate/tabbing is fairly thick because if delamination occurs at all, water will make its way to the wood and it will be downhill from there. These hulls are fairly thin compared to todays standards because we add a good bit more weight in them with fancy towers, T-Tops, live wells, etc. Pounding with the shallower deadrise could a loaded down hull in a bad spot. I would be adding a layer or two of 1708 on the bottom if you didn't do so before you set the stringers in place.

[Treefish]

Where did you get the side walls for your canopy?

[Jeted1291]

Ulysses485 tbh there are huge debates when it comes to wood vs foam stringers. In my mind as far as strength, wood is stronger and denser than foam. Thats why I went with it, just a personal choice. Now as far as lifespan, and what water can do to wood vs foam. Yea if water gets in that wood, that can be a bad day. I am not arguing that. I'm not too worried about it. Just about everything that I have laid down has been with 1708 and have multiple layers between everything I have laid down. I am also foaming the sides between the bulkheads, so for water to get in there and into the stringers will be pretty difficult. Yes, the boat is very thin, and like I said previously as I have been building, I have been building up the floor as well for that exact reason. I do appreciate the input and if you have any more or see something or anything at all please share, thank you.

[Jeted1291]

 Treefish I got these covers off of amazon. I just searched carport sides and looked for my sizes. They are awesome and literally keep all the weather out of the boat.