1971 Flatback

[newgatorjohn1]

Can somebody tell me what the major differences will be between a 22 1970 or 71 Flatback and the 222 from 1974 ish?  Obviously the flat back, but is there a difference in weight, deadrise, beam?  Which one is more generally more desirable?



Thanks,

John

[LilRichard]

I do not think there was any difference between 1970 and 1971.  There was a hull change in 1972 wherein they went to a low deadrise (12*).  That hull stayed in place at least through the late 70s as the main 222 hull, and later became the osprey.

I think there are pros/cons to both hulls - some guys are FB fanatics - but I think both boats ride well.  The FB might have a 2" better draft than the low deadrise hulls, but it's minute at best.  The low deadrise hulls are more stable in turns due to the V.

I personally liked the lines of the FB, so that's what I purchased.

[Towerboat1]

My '77 is the last year before the major style change in the 60/70's hull style. I think one of the reasons the folks enclose the transoms on these models is that the low transom can take water over her especially in a following sea. I like any of the 60/70's boat up to 78 whaen they dramtically changed the cap. just my opinion. cr

[newgatorjohn1]

any opinion on which is better choppy waters?

[GoneFission]

The 12 degree deadrise on the 222 will handle chop better than a flatback.  I will also turn better, but gives up an inch or so in draft.  

Some of the early models also had 20 inch transom heights.  That was changed to 25 later.  The 20 inch transoms are more likely to take water over the stern than the 25, so you may want to consider that as well.  

Hope this helps - good luck!

[newgatorjohn1]

It sounds to me like to 222 with the 12 degree deadrise is a better performing boat.  

I have the opportunity to get a 1971 Flatback but I prefer the lines of the 222 better.  I was planning on closing the transom and using a porta bracket.  Do you think the 222 12 degree deadrise is a huge improvement over the older models so much that I should not get the Flatback?

[slippery73]

Will be a pretty noticeable difference in ride quality and handling. The flatback is going to excel in skinny water running a lil better than the later years but its up to you.

[LilRichard]

One other point to note - the angle of entry on the FBs is much sharper than later 222s, so I have noticed that it really will plow through chop with some tab.  That being said, I do agree the 12* hull will be a softer ride.

Once my hull is done I will volunteer to do some side by side rides... I think it would be neat to ride in a both designs in exact same conditions.

[RickK]

It seems to me that when I was on a flatback it never jumped out and planed out it just started moving and went faster and faster but there was no planing feeling.   One thing to note is I was told by more than one owner that they'd be cruising in one direction and hit a wave and all of a sudden be going almost 180 to where they were going. Bow steering is a problem with flatbacks - SOOOO to the member putting a 250 on his flatback, wear a helmet.  :viking:

[slippery73]

I've heard a few stories of people having handling issues on these boats, the porta brackets amplify these effects by allowing less lower unit in the water for the boat to track with. Its not only the flatbacks but the 12º 22's as well. I would imagine the flatbacks are worse, but I wouldn't go over a 200hp on these boats. They don't need it, and its dangerous with inexperienced drivers. One of my friends just got a 74 222 original outboard model, put a late 70's mercury 115hp tower of power on it and it does 38mph gps with 2 people in it.

[James Derz]

I have a 1970 FB that I would say is a great boat all around EXCEPT she is WET in moderate chop conditions.  Now I will follow that with she rides really really well in the same conditions with very little pounding.  I will confirm the sharp entry/bow stearing, in a good swell stearing is a chore and one must pay attention.  The shallow draft is fantastic for inshore fishing and beaching, the low cut transom sucks.  I plan on closing mine in.  The only other thing I would say about the boat because of the age is the lack of self bailing.  A low cut transom on a boat dependent on bilge pumps keeps one thinking about the batteries.  Good luck!