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

[seabob4]

Wespants,
Thank you for the compliment.  About the only site I frequent these days is this one, as THT, reelboating, CW, they all seem to be about well off people wanting something for free, when the rest of us are struggling in today's economy, especially those of us in the boat building business.

Anyway, that being said, the cockpit sole and the gunnels were cored with end-grain balsa.  On the rare occasion when Wellcraft/Aquasport couldn't get the balsa in time to lay up the deck, the coring was pressure treated marine ply.  Equally as good but much heavier (Duh!).  The hull, however, had no wood in it.  Foam filled glass stringers and a poured-foam transom.  The 175 is an excellent little boat, great performer with even a 90 on her although the optimal motor is a 130-135.  A 150 really makes her a screamer, but is kind of overkill.

The 170 was before my time, so I can't really comment on her.  However, at that time, it was VERY common for Genmar to simply rebadge a boat with different decals and, viola, a brand new model.  But I would have to believe that, other than a few cosmetic changes, the 170 and 175 are basically the same boat.

Hope I have been of assistance.  Now today is my birthday, and it's time for me to hop on the tractor and go out and mow the lawn.  Happy birthday to me!

Bob

[slvrlng]

Well HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOB!!!!!

[RickK]

Happy B-day Bob.
Be careful on that tractor.  Hopefully you're back to work now.

[seabob4]

The tractor event was a non-event, just something one has to do.  Actually, we've stepped down from 5-6 acres to 1 1/2, so it's a much easier road to hoe.

Anyway, on a good front, we have started back at Proline with a crew of 24.  7 of us started this past week, and I had a wonderful Tuesday, 4PM to 5AM Wednesday morn, glassing stringers into a 29 Donzi police boat.  That was a lot of fun!  Then in at noon the next day to finish up.  And I'm an electrician!  But you do what they ask you to, given the economic situations we face today.

So, yes, I'm back at work, and thankful of it.  And I love you guys, and the boats you own.

Bob C

[wespants]

Thanks Seabob for the response. I'm starting to lean towards a Genmar-built boat because I like the way they raised the transom on the sides and added the storage on either side. I also like the no-wood hull and transom. I like the idea of a 70s or 80s hull restoration, but I don't know if I have the time or skill for such an undertaking. The 175 would get me in the water a lot quicker and easier - that's for sure. Thanks again.

[johnsjmc]

Bob

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.

Bob I have a 1997 200 Osprey powered by a 150 Evinrude. I just bought a used Suzuki 175 4S and plan to repower with it .I have the batteries in the console but also have a hydraulic jackplate. Should I remove the plate to reduce the weight gain on the transom . I am afraid the scuppers will be submerged with 485+ lbs at the stern. what do you think?

[seabob4]

John,
The '97 Ocean Pro/Oceanrunner came in at right about 385 lbs., 100 less than the Suzi.  Try this.  Lay a short length of 2 X 6 across your jack plate mounting brackets, then place 100 lbs. on that board and see where the scupper thru hulls end up, waterline wise.  Hopefully you'll find the extra 100 lbs. won't make much of a difference.

Many folks have repowered with the 200 of the same make, and that motor weighed the same as your Suzi 175 4S.  Let us know the results of the "test".

Bob

[gmccloskey]

Seabob,

I have a 1997 245 osprey.  I just came in from offshore and i had a problem with water accumelating in the front hatch where my fresh water tank is located.  The water was filled to the top of the hatch.  Where does this drain out to?  Does it flow into the bilge or the out through a scupper.  Is there a hose that may be clogged?

[seabob4]

GMC,
There is obviously a BIG problem here as the "Haitian Hatch", as we used to call that area, is a large space, and should be dry at all times, barring a leak from your fresh water tank.  Have you done some poking around to see where the water may be coming from?  

Do this.  On the aft wall inside your port and starboard tubs forward, you'll see access plates.  Remove these and inspect your drain hoses.  I would bet that one of them has ruptured, allowing water to flow back into the Haitian Hatch compartment.

BTW, the reason we called it the Haitian Hatch was because, as big as it is, one could easily smuggle 7 Haitians into the US in it!

Let me know the outcome.  BTW, once your boat was decked, I built the rest of it.

Bob C

[gmccloskey]

I have checked these and they are clear and still attached.  WHy will the water not drain out of there?  I am using a sypon to get all the water out b/c its still in there.

[seabob4]

OK, that's good about the hoses.

There should be a drain hole in the floor aft under the water tank.

[gmccloskey]

and does this drain to the aft bilge?  It must be clogged.  I will put a snake through it.  Is liquid drano ok?

[seabob4]

Yes, that compartment does drain aft to the bilge.  Question.  Has this problem recently reared it's ugly head, or has this been ongoing since you've owned the boat?  BTW, Drano should work fine, if the clog is of degradable nature.  If the clog is a piece of foam or some other non-degradable material, it won't have an effect.  A snake would be the better alternative.

[gmccloskey]

No this just started happening.  I have owned the boat for three years last saturday.  I have just replace all bilge pumps and floats.

So you built the boat, that is awsome.  I love the boat but I have had my fair share of problems.  I had to get a new t-top because it ripped through the floor.  It cracked two main beams in the middle of the supports.  The floors are soft and had to replace parts of them.  I now have a crack forward in the hull and it is getting bigger.  I guess thats a boat though.  

Thanks for all your help.  I am sure this wont be my last question

[seabob4]

GMC,
I assume the T-Top "ripped" the floor out at the front legs.  I installed it with thru bolts and 1/4" fender washers, although AS at the time didn't seem to think backing plates were necessary, hence the lack of them.  Where exactly is your cockpit sole soft?  If you'll notice, my sig pic is the TM version of your boat.  What power does she have?

Bob