Aquasport 175 Osprey??

[beast819]

I received my report after the sea trial and everything is still looking pretty good. Engine report was awesome "Surveyor noted that the 90 johnson was very strong, started with ease and control/feel was solid".

Issues(which I feel are minor): bait well pump did not come on, anchor light did not come on, fuel gauge was at empty but the surveyor was not sure how much gas was in there to begin with so this might not be an issue, stereo did not power, and hairline crack on the t-top frame that connects to the port side of the console. Other than that everything was reported to be like new. I'm hoping the minor light and stereo issues are just user error or minor maintenance things that come with owning a boat. All other gauges, finder, vhf, and nav lights worked fine.

I think this boat is in much better condition than my truck. Lets keep our fingers crossed that she can make the trip. lol


ant

[beast819]

WE ARE BACK!!!  

Ok it was a long long haul but we made it safe and sound. I arrived at the broker and it was raining that morning but we were still able to get the boat out on a small creek just down the street. The moment I throttled up I knew she was coming home with me that day. I had some trouble with my truck getting back to a friends house in Lakecity and figured I needed to look over my little old truck before I continued home. I noticed that my belts were wasted and I was also in need of a new clutch fan since mine had seized up. After I replaced the parts I probably gained about 15 hp and the truck ran like new. Had no trouble pulling the 175 home to gulf breeze. However, the truck sucked down some gas like a hoover. Got home and went straight to the boat ramp. Boat fired up first turn and ran awesome. Here are a couple more photos I would like to share. See you on the water.

Ant

[JimCt]

Congrats. on the new addition to the family!  Looks great...

[CThomps]

Congrats!!

Good boat

Wise decision.

[beast819]

Thanks all! It feels great to be apart of the Aquasport family.

[scott_gunn]

Probably just some wiring issues in the console that are keeping the other stuff from working.  It seems like I've had to rewire just about everything on my boat at some point.

[beast819]

Thanks guys.  

Since I brought the boat home I have been able to get the anchor light working which just had some corrosion built up on the rear bulb, the fuel gauge which was also corroded and broke off of the tank. I ended up soldering it to the sending unit and it works now. Also the live well pump/ light is working now. I had the switch on wash down so it was never on the live well. lol The stereo/speakers are no good though.

Ran it pretty hard yesterday in the chop with the lady and two dogs. Boat moved and jumped over rolls nice. Only thing I noticed was that it seemed to lean left a lot which could have been due to the dogs moving a bit and the lady sitting up front. Would there be any other reason why the boat would ride slightly to the left? It did straighten just a bit better if I trimmed the motor a little.

Thanks,
Ant

[jdupree]

It is most likely normal.  With the narrow beam that the 170 & 175 have, movement to either side by 1 adult will be noticeable.  My 170 was the same way, just told folks on my boat where to stand so it evenly divides the weight

Congrats on the new boat.  It looks really nice :!:

[RickK]

That boat will give you years of fun.
I took my 170 out yesterday morning and what a joy it is; so peppy and nimble and easy to fish from - really let me know how much work the 230 really is to take out and use. And I bet I used 1/2 a gallon of gas as little as I used the main motor - used the electric trolling motor most of the time I was out.  Great boat, easy to launch single-handed.
As for the leaning, when on plane I can drive my boat without touching the steering wheel - just move a little in the boat and then back to straighten her out.
Congrats!!

[beast819]

Anyone know if there is a bow cushion for the 175? Just curious because the lady ask the other day so I figured I ought to start looking into it.

ant

[Miguel]

Nice rig, beast!!!!
You might want to adjust the little zinc tab on the engine.  It works wonders to correct the pulling to one side.
If the whole boat is leaning to one side, you may consider adding trim tabs.  They make a considerable difference in the ride of these boats, bothfor rough water handling and for correcting weight related trim issues.
They are the best $400.00 I´ve ever spent.

[beast819]

thanks Miguel. Can you explain the adjustment that can be made with the zinc tab?  Also do you have any links for trim tabs or recommendations?

ant

[LilRichard]

There should be a small "fin" that hangs down off the cavitation plate, just behind the propeller.  This can be adjusted left or right to compensate for any pull in either direction.

[Miguel]

LilRichard got it......  I don´t remember which way you turn it, but you can easily find it on the internet.  I believe you turn it in the direction opposite to the steering pull.
As far as trim tabs go there is a big ol´ question:  Electromechanic or hydraulic.  I went with hydraulic tabs (Bennet M-80´s) .  The caveat is having to run hydraulic tubing all the way to the pump.  In my case, the pump is located inside the console.  One thing is certain:  Bennet has THE BEST customer service in the world.  They went as far as sending me extra tubing for free, as the supplied length was not long enough to reach my pump.
I´ve heard good things about LENCO tabs too. Those are easier to install, as only electrical connections are required.

[RickK]

Anyone know if there is a bow cushion for the 175? Just curious because the lady ask the other day so I figured I ought to start looking into it.

ant

My wife liked to hang out on the casting platform and lean against the front locker wall.  I don't have a cushion up there either.  Without a cushion it's ok to hang out up there when stopped but not when you're underway.  Even though I told her that the bow is the bumpiest part of the boat, and that there is a nice plush cooler cushion right in front of the console and one right behind the console, she still insisted to sit up there while underway, with "her" dog.  One day the inevitable happened and we hit a wave a little hard, which bumped/bruised her tailbone and now she doesn't like to go in the boat at all.  :cry:

You'll have to have a cushion made if you want her to go out with you. (or you'll have to get a bigger boat for the missus - ie 230!!   )