What have i gotten my self into?? 1981 Aquasport 222 CCP rebuild

[BabyHuey31]

I've decided to cornicle my journey of fixing up a new to me 1981 Aquasport 222 CCP with a 1991 Evinrude OceanPro 200. I have zero experience with boats; i haven't been on one since i was a little kid. I picked this boat up a few weeks ago for $3500 w/ trailer. To my untrained eye, she looks great; a few soft spots here and there, above deck fuel tank, motor turns over, and a somewhat recently rebuilt transom. Needs some TLC but i feel like i can do this. Wish me luck!

[RickK]

  aboard BH31 
The boat seems, as you said, to be in decent shape. Try this approach to post pix in your topic - follow the instructions here http://classicaquasport.com/smf/index.php?topic=12725.0  - don't attach them - you are limited by file size. Uploading them into your personal gallery is better for viewing.
Spend a few minutes to absorb the instructions. It's really easy. Remember if using a phone to take pics, to hold the phone horizontal with the lens to the left.

[BabyHuey31]

I spent the weekend a few weeks ago cleaning the carbs, changing fluids, greasing trailer bearings, troubleshooting the starter and solenoid, and replacing fuel lines. I also added an inline fuel filter right before the fuel rail to the carbs to make sure no gunk got in. She idled nicely so i decided to put it in Lake Tarpon to test it out and get my first experience operating a boat. I launched it at the ramp easy peasy. Started up fine, and pulled away from the dock just to die a few feet away, haha. Got it to kick back on and started moving when it died again. It was not getting enough fuel it seemed so my buddy would squeeze the primer bulb every couple seconds and that seemed to work. after dyeing another handful of times it finally got to the point it would not turn over at all. I didnt know it at the time but we popped the fuse to the key switch. We were still in vicinity of the boat ramp and were able to flag someone to tow us back in. Very grateful to those guys. Lessons were learned for sure. Got the boat home and took the motor apart again. Found the blown fuse, also found a stuck float valve in one of the carbs, and i took apart the VRO to clean it and found gunk. Engine should be good to go now.

[BabyHuey31]

After looking over the boat and making a list of repairs needed, I pulled everything off. T-Top went to my welder to raise the rod holders so i stop hitting my head. I pulled the center console out completely and found i need new trim tab hydraulic hoses as well as new steering hydraulic hoses. I also ordered new shift and throttle cables. while removing the center console i decided the floor mats needed to come off too. The previous owner glued them down with contact cement, which is what all that residue is in the photo. that will be a nightmare to remove so if anyone has any suggestions, im all ears. The deck is worse off than I thought. the whole thing is rotten except the transom, which was rebuilt a around 10 years ago. I wanted to get the boat to a stage that I could take it out during summer to enjoy it and in fall/winter I could replace the deck. I dont think I should put it back together and run it during the summer. the gel coat is too bad, the deck is too rotten. And unfortunately, FL summer is not conducive to reclassing the deck without some kind of shelter from the sun and rain. Wish i didnt have an HOA so i could put up a tent.

[Capt. Bob]

You should just cut out the entire deck down to the stringers. When you do, you can replace the fuel tank, which you need. RDS will have the correct dimension, 85 gallon for your hull. They are located in Perry Florida. You're in the Tampa area so shipping would be a little less. If you're serious, you may wish to check pricing sooner than later with the aluminum tariff about to go in effect.

[BabyHuey31]

Thanks Capt. Bob for the advice.

Last weekend i removed the motor and managed to fit the boat in the garage. That was a fun experience. I also pulled the panel to the fuel tank and removed it. Its too far gone to patch so ill be reaching out to RDS to get one ordered. Next step is to cut open the floor and pull it out so I can see how the stringers are.  So far, everything is wet inside.