Ex-Aquasport/Wellcraft employee (Bob C)...

[RickK]

My Explorer has a tank hatch between the seats, about 140 gals long - no cutting, just unscrew and open (sounds easy anyway   )

[Irish Rover]

Seabob hope you can help me out.  I have a 245 1999 Explorer and in the transome where the batteries are mounted the platform that they are mounted on seems to be sagging a little and I was wondering what that platform is made out of.

Thanks,

Judd Hogan

[turbor2]

I cut mine out last year to do some other repairs. It was 1/2 inch plywood with a layer of fiberglass over it. Mine was in good shape so I reglassed it in.

[Irish Rover]

Thanks for the info.  I wasn't sure if the weight on the batteries was to much.  Nice to know the plywood had fiberglass around it.

thanks

Judd

[cc150a]

Seabob,
I realize you didnt work there in 2002, but are there ant issues you know of that i should be concerned with with my 2002 200 osprey. I bought the boat used and noticed someone re-sealed the fish box pump out fitting.
Thanks
Bob

[seabob4]

Bob,
By "re-sealing" the pump-out fitting, do you mean that "someone" simply applied a new bead of caulk around the fitting?  It may have just been a simple leak that the new bead fixed.

The 200 Osprey has been around a long time, pretty much all the bugs were worked out of her by the time I got there in '94.  But leaks do develop over time, so that may explain the additional sealant.  The boat is excellent with a 150, which I assume is what you have, she'd be really nice re-powered with a Suzuki 175 4S.

[cc150a]

Seabob,
No they didnt just put a new bead a caulk, its more like globs of caulk all around the fitting. I should probably remove all that caulking and do a better job. Other than that the boat is beautiful. It looks new! It doesnt appear to be holding any water under the deck and the main bilge is always bone dry. I have a 115 Yamaha which a appears to be plenty of power and it runs amazing. This is my first Aquasport. Ive owned Parker, Chriscraft, Boston Whaler etc. and this boat rides as good as any of them.

[MikeR]

Seabob,

I have one of those boats you may have built!  I have a '97 21.5 DC.  I absolutely love the boat.  I've had it for about 8 years now and it has been a great boat.  I've had a 200HP Johnson on it since I bought it.  The motor had some "mechanic induced problems" (long story)and I decided to repower with a Yamaha F225.  I'm going to be mounting the motor in the next few days and was wondering if you had any advice on where to mount motor.  Should I just use the same holes I used on the Johnson?  Let me know your thoughts.  I may have some more questions if I get in a pickle with the install!

PS - I have a vacation house Weeki Wachee so I'm just down the road from you (at least on the weekends!)

Thanks for all your input!  I've already learned a lot from your responses...

MikeR

[seabob4]

Mike,
Use the same holes as the bolt pattern on those motors is a standard BIA mounting pattern.  I would start with the same height, i.e. 2nd hole down, third hole down, whatever.  The key is to get the cav plate about level with the keel when the motor is at neutral trim.  Make sure your new Yammi is the same shaft length as the Johnson (should be a 25" shaft).  The additional 25 horse should make her a better performer, although some of that could be offset by the heavier 4S.  Check your prop size as well.  Gear ratio can have a lot to do with prop selection, assuming the Yammi and Johnson can spin the same diameter props.

I loved the 215 DC.  Nice angular lines, plenty of room in the cockpit, the availability of a freshwater sink forward of the passenger seat, just a great boat all-around.  Where are you based at?

[MikeR]

I live in Apopka but try to get over to Weeki Wachee as often as I can. Thanks for the advise.  Nice to get confirmation on where to mount it...

[seabob4]

Mike,
Lived in O-town for 14 years, had my house built in Ocoee, just west of Apopka-Vineland off of A.D. Mims Rd.  Inlaws (former) were all Eustis/Tavares/Leesburg/Umatilla residents.  And many a Zellwood corn festival was attended!

Just keep in mind the guidelines I spoke of.  Any competant dealer can get your Yammi set up right.  Any other questions, feel free.

Bob

[MikeR]

That's funny... I grew up in Eustis!

[seabob4]

Mike,
King's Taste BBQ?  Remember, or is it still there?

Bob

[MikeR]

Of course!  Love Kings!

[wespants]

Seabob,

Was told that you may be able to provide some insight to the 175, although it wasn't one of the boats you built. I'm planning to shop for a 170 or 175 this fall - they each seem to have some of their own merits so I'm trying to decide between the two (you may have seen my recent post). As far as the 175 made during your time at Aquasport, does it have any wood? If so where? Do you know of any things to watch out for on these?

I used to have a '97 215 Explorer; I'm sure you are more familiar wtih that boat. I thought it was a great boat with good quality, so a 175 of that vintage seems like a good choice.

Thanks for being such a great resource to everyone!