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

[takeoff29]

Hi Bob ,i was wondering if you were involved with any of the 29' aquasports .I have a 1982 and like it alot good solid boat.
repowered it in 2001 with new mpi crusader engines and hurth down angle trans. Why did they stop making these boats they are a large 29' boat, thanks jeff

[seabob4]

In 1982, I had just started working for Lockheed-Martin, 21 years old, and not quite into the boating business yet.  Perhaps some others?

[Glock Diver]

Wow am I glad I found this forum and this thread!  Talk about a gold mine of information!  

seabob- I just bought my first boat, and it's a 1997 Aquasport 225 center console, with a 200HP Johnson OceanPro.  So far, I've been very satisfied. It had a few minor repairs (mostly cosmetic) to do, and it's performed great on the water.  I plan to use it for diving, fishing, and cruising.

I do have a few questions for someone with your expertise (and it sounds like you might have built my boat!!)
1. I don't see much info online about the 225... is it a rare model?  I suppose it's an "Osprey" model, but nothing on the boat or on my title says "Osprey."  Just 225.
2. What's the difference in Aquasports and Wellcrafts? I understand they were both Genmar brands. I've noticed that with many AS models (mine especially), they look almost identical to Wellcrafts.
3. How in the WORLD did you fasten the T-top supports to the deck?  I had to replace the 3 bolts securing the starboard support, as it was loose when I bought it, and you should see the bruises on my arm!  I either need longer arms, or I need to be a midget so I can crawl into the "Haitian hatch"  
4. My bow nav light on the port side (red) is out.  Green works fine.  Bulb is good.  What's the most likely culprit?
5. Any suggestions where I might find an owners manual?



Here are a couple pics of the new vessel.  The trailer is in the process of being upgraded (discovered I'm over the GVWR of it!)

[seabob4]

Glock Diver,

And does that mean you do some spear fishing with a GLOCK?  Just kidding!  Beautiful boat, kind of like her without the graphics.  No, she is not a rare boat, built a ton of them.  200 was standard power, 225 and twin 150s optional.  I really liked her with 150s, got 55 MPH out of her!

We built your boat and Wellcraft CCs on the same line, and there was a lot of crossover hardware used.  However, the AS was pure composite, whereas Wellcraft's still had wooden stringers at that time.  The AS transom is rock solid, BTW.  Hollow transom filled with 2-part "pour foam" that cured to the consistency of concrete!

As far as your T-Top legs are concerned, well, I have long arms, and it was a stretch.  Remove the hatch, and it is a bit easier to access.  However, looking more closely at the top, well, it may be an aftermarket top.  When a 225 didn't get a top out of the factory, she got a grab rail around the windscreen, which I see you have.  However, we did use gold anodized rocket launchers, so she may have been a "stock" boat that we later added a T-Top too.  Not sure.

Check the voltage on the port nav light.  Being 12 years old, chances are some corrosion has built up to the point where the light is not receiving the juice it needs.  While you have your head in the anchor locker, do the same on the starboard side.  They are both the same age, you know.

As far as an owner's manual, you can see if one has been archived on Classic AS, but it really won't do much good, as they were fairly generic, and IMO, not very useful.  It's best to stick your head in places it doesn't belong and see how things are run, routed, and rigged.  Any questions, feel free to ask.

BTW, I figured I'd reply in the general forum so all could see the answers to your questions.  She's a beaut!  Congrats!!!

Bob C

P.S.  Damn, didn't notice, looks like she has the forward bow cushions also...

[Glock Diver]

Hey Bob,

Thanks for the reply!  haha, I often get that question about my "Glock Diver" handle.   (same one I use on TheHullTruth, ScubaBoard, etc.)... The name just represents 2 of my strong, albeit seperate, interests.  Fear not, anyone who might go diving with me... I'm not packing heat when I go diving!  

Great to know about the strength of my transom. I guess that's why Aquasports are heavier than many comparable sized boats?  The NADA guide lists mine at 3900 lbs. I'm guessing that's without motor.  Many other 22' center consoles of the same era are closer to 2200-3000 lbs. I hope it's because AS is a sturdier craft.

Not sure if the T-top was aftermarket or not, but fortunately it was the starboard support that needed new bolts.  I did remove that Haitian hatch and was barely able to reach to the bolts with a wrench, but I saw no access to the port side leg.  It looked to be closed in, but not sure.  

So is mine truly an "Aquasport 225" or is it an "Aquasport 225 Osprey"?

[seabob4]

Glock,
Your model is a 225 Osprey.  Period.  And my take on boat weight is that the other manufacturers weights were somewhat skewed.  1700 lbs. is a lot of weight difference between simalarly sized boats.  Couple that with foam filled stringers and a composite transom?  I'd say weigh a Sea Fox and weigh your boat side by side.  Let's see the difference then...

[pete]

nice boat!Bob is right its an osprey 225,the cabin versions of the same boat were called explorers,same hull with a different top cap

[seabob4]

Pete,
Good to see you!  Betcha Glock wishes he had the TM package like yours...

Bob C

[Glock Diver]

Took my "new" 225 out yesterday for some reef fishing.  BEAUTIFUL day, it was flat as could be about 14 mi. into the Gulf. The first fish on the boat was an amberjack!

Realized that my Livewell is not pumping water in.  :( Tried turning the Washdown/Livewell knob back and forth, and still nothing. (that knob was SUPER tight).  Any ideas on the most likely culprit?  

[seabob4]

Glock,
Great to here about a good fishing trip and an Amberjack!  Now get out to the artificial reefs (I assume you guys have those...) and snag some grouper!

Now your livewell.  Did you determine your pump was actually operable by switching over to "washdown" and seeing if that worked?  Are you sure the pickup shut-off valve was open?  The livewell/washdown pump is located behind that small door just to port of the livewell.  Turn it on and put your hand on the pump to feel if is running.

You can do this in your driveway.  But if your shut-off valve was closed...

Bob C

[pete]

those pumps get clogged easily and are notorious for failing,try taking off the inlet hose at the bump and flushing it with a hose.I have had to do that more than a few times.the pump may be bad,or need to be rebuilt.good luck.

[Glock Diver]

I did turn the Livewell/Washdown knob back and forth, with negative results. I didn't uncap the hose spigot, but I didn't hear any water pressure either.
I also tried to listen for the pump, but couldn't hear anything. I know they're difficult to hear, so I'll try holding my hand on it.

Bob mentioned something about a shut-off valve?  Where would that be, and how do I ensure it's open?

thanks!

One more question, but unrelated to the livewell:  Where can I get my ignition key copied?  Or obtain another copy?  The prior owner only gave me one key, and I'd like to set-up a "backup" set of boat keys, and the extra ignition key is the only one I'm missing. Lowe's and Home Depot could not find a similar key blank.

[seabob4]

Glock,
First, your shut-off valve.  Below your livewell/washdown valve compartment is an access door.  Open it, stick your head in, and look down and forward, you'll see a valve attached to the pickup on the bottom of the boat, just to the starboard of the keel.  Most likely it will have a yellow handle.  The handle should be straight up and down, indicating it is open.  If it is perpendicular to the valve body, it is closed.  Also try to run a coat hanger up through the pickup from the bottom of the boat and see if you encounter any obstructions.

Second, your ignition key.  There should be a number stamped on it.  OMC (and even BRP today) used about 20 different keys on all there key switches (yes, your key can start at least 1 in 20 OMC/BRP powered boats!).  Let me know the number, and chances are we have one at work.  If we do, I'll send it to you.  Your binnacle has the key switch built in, doesn't it?

Bob C

[Glock Diver]

Glock,
First, your shut-off valve.  Below your livewell/washdown valve compartment is an access door.  Open it, stick your head in, and look down and forward, you'll see a valve attached to the pickup on the bottom of the boat, just to the starboard of the keel.  Most likely it will have a yellow handle.  The handle should be straight up and down, indicating it is open.  If it is perpendicular to the valve body, it is closed.  Also try to run a coat hanger up through the pickup from the bottom of the boat and see if you encounter any obstructions.

Hmmmm, you mean THIS handle?   



 <!-- s:x -->:x<!-- s:x -->  Apparently, I don't know my own strength! I feel like such a douchebag!!  <!-- s:shaking: -->:shaking:<!-- s:shaking: -->   I did find the intake, and there was no obstruction from the outside.  Looked to be half-way open.  Then looking inside, the valve handle was at a 45-degree angle. I tried to move it into the full OPEN position, and it was pretty tight, but with a little bit of wiggle.  Kept wiggling, and, as you can see, it came off in my hand!  So its stuck in the half-open position. But I should have gotten SOME water.
Followed the plumbing to the pump, and noticed its the original diaphragm pump, manufactured 1/97. Tomorrow I'll see if its humming, and maybe put the hose to the intake and see if water is flowing.

Second, your ignition key.  There should be a number stamped on it.  OMC (and even BRP today) used about 20 different keys on all there key switches (yes, your key can start at least 1 in 20 OMC/BRP powered boats!).  Let me know the number, and chances are we have one at work.  If we do, I'll send it to you.  Your binnacle has the key switch built in, doesn't it?

Here is a picture of the key... and yes the switch is part of the throttle control unit... Also known as a binnacle!
I'll PM you with my info.


Thanks again Bob!

[seabob4]

Glock,
Well, I would guess it's time for a new shut-off valve!  See what I can scrounge up.

Shut-off valves tend to "take a set" if they're not worked often, even within a year.  Don't be discouraged, it's very common.  You ought to try an 1 1/2" valve... :evil:

Bob C