New Member considering 200 c/c

[Hatteras1]

I am seriously looking at a Osprey 200 1997 with a 115 Johnson Engine.  All the reviews seem positive about the boat which is in very good condition. The engine has been tested in good condition as well. I have not sea trialed the boat yet and am concerned that it may be underpowered.  I see many ads with a 150 hp motor, however many have a 115 also. I intend to use the boat in the local Great South Bay, NY for family, w/skiing, tubing, light fishing and for transport back to mainland from my larger boat when at the beach (instead of ferry). 4-6 people/kids on board at at time.  I really like the boat but funds are limited and I do not want to have to repower. Any comments or suggestions about the horsepower are appreciated.  Many thanks. Hatteras1

[Aswaff400]

i bought a '96 osprey with a 112 johnson last month, it is a little under powered but it works fine for now, i love the boat, shallow enough draft for flats fishing but big enough to take offshore, and easy as hell to tow! i plan on repowering with a 150 or 175 at the end of summer/fall. this thing is going to get used a ton this summer seeing how i just blew my port engine in my sea ray this afternoon :x ...

  AND WELCOME ABOARD

[RickK]

I am seriously looking at a Osprey 200 1997 with a 115 Johnson Engine.  All the reviews seem positive about the boat which is in very good condition. The engine has been tested in good condition as well. I have not sea trialed the boat yet and am concerned that it may be underpowered.  I see many ads with a 150 hp motor, however many have a 115 also. I intend to use the boat in the local Great South Bay, NY for family, w/skiing, tubing, light fishing and for transport back to mainland from my larger boat when at the beach (instead of ferry). 4-6 people/kids on board at at time.  I really like the boat but funds are limited and I do not want to have to repower. Any comments or suggestions about the horsepower are appreciated.  Many thanks. Hatteras1

I think it would be underpowered - I have a 115 on my 170 and it is perfect - a little heavy but just right on the power.  My boat doesn't weigh a whole bunch compared to yours and if you're pulling up skiers, you might find yours needs just a little more oomph.  My $.02

[Pinchin' Crab]

I think you will be fine with the 115.  It won't be a rocket sled but that is not what you need it for. You should be able to get 35 mph or so with it.  I have a 140 Suzuki 4 stroke and it is plenty for the boat and the fuel economy is incredible.  Best of luck.

[MarshMarlowe196]

I think you will be fine with the 115. It won't be a rocket sled but that is not what you need it for. You should be able to get 35 mph or so with it. I have a 140 Suzuki 4 stroke and it is plenty for the boat and the fuel economy is incredible. Best of luck.

I have to agree with Pinchin'.  I used to have a 90HP on my 19-6 (same hull as the 200 Osprey) and I could cruise @ 30mph.  These hulls are designed in such a way (semi-vee bay style) that they can plane out and cruise with much less horsepower than similiar 20' CC boats.  

Pinchin'-  Isn't that Suzuki just the best thing ever?  I am absolutely in love with mine.  

[Pinchin' Crab]

The combination of the AS 19'6 hull and the Suzy DF140 is awesome.  Unreal fuel consumption!!! Perfect combination IMHO.  Isn't that 73 hull the same as my 79?

[MarshMarlowe196]

The combination of the AS 19'6 hull and the Suzy DF140 is awesome.  Unreal fuel consumption!!! Perfect combination IMHO.  Isn't that 73 hull the same as my 79?

I couldn't agree more    .  As far as I know, that hull carried over into at least the late 90's (when they called it the Osprey 200).  I believe they changed the inner liner/cap around 1975.  What pitch are you running on your DF140?

[Hatteras1]

Thank you all for your responses. Very helpful.  I am eager to hear as much as possible about the boat-horsepower combination so please keep 'em coming!! Will the boat jump out "of the hole" when I pull an adult w/skiier of average weight/size? Or will it struggle to get on plane?Am I running at a heavy throttle setting and consuming a lot more fuel in order to maintain even a a "decent" speed than if there were more horsepower and using less gas at a lower throttle?  I'm not a speed freak and I don't want too much horsepower to have to worry about my teenage kids using the boat unsupervised, but I DO want to maintain moderate speed without having to run at near full throttle all the time. Thanks again for your comments and suggestions.  Hatteras1

[MarshMarlowe196]

Even when I had the 90HP on my 19-6, it would hop onto plane real quick.  Like I said earlier, these boats plane out very easily- almost like a Jon Boat.  As far as maintaining a tolerable speed w/o running at near WOT, it all depends on how fast you're wanting to go.  In my book, comfortable cruising speed is around 30 MPH, which you should be able to acheive that @ around 3/4 Throttle w/ a 115HP OB.  Play w/ enough props, and you'll be there.

This was just posted by slvrlng:
viewtopic.php?f=1&t=4156

19-6's w/ 70HP Evinrudes!!!  That's old school right there  :afro:

[Hatteras1]

Thanks everyone for your advice and suggestions.  Bay tested the boat today and it seems perfect for my purposes.  Will easliy pull up a w/skiier (or two I think...) and has plenty of speed. Planes off immediately.  Dry ride on a choppy bay.  Not sluggish at all!! Yahoo! Can't wait!!

[RickK]

8)

[capestriper]

The combination of the AS 19'6 hull and the Suzy DF140 is awesome.  Unreal fuel consumption!!! Perfect combination IMHO.  Isn't that 73 hull the same as my 79?

Another vote for a great combo...I have a 2000 Osprey 200 with a 2007 Suzuki DF140 and I love them both!

[edit]  PS-  to the original poster, check out the "Brochures" topic where i just posted specs of a Osprey 200 with a OMC 115....#s look pretty good.

[Hatteras1]

Thanks again to all.  I have had some time with the boat (dodging rain here in NY for the past few weekends) and I am very pleased. Kids insist on driving!   Next year the T-top.....Happy and Safe Boating to All!

[Hatteras1]

Capestriper,
Where is the forum where you posted the brochure information?  I can't find it.  Thanks, Hatteras1

[jahoward1]

OMG!  Finally a post I can really offer something!   I'm the very proud owner of a 1997, center console Aquasport Osprey... she also has a T Top.  This is my first boat, jus bought her last year.  Unfortunately, I had to rebuild my 115hp Johnson but since then, I love this boat.  Top speed in mine is about 36mph but I usually run about 31-32.  I mostly use mine for fishing but I could pull somebody just not a blazing speed.  I was only out once in the bay and with some trim adjustment, she handled the chop like a champ.  I'll probably have her for at least a couple more seasons and because of the this boat, I would strongly consider buying another Aquasport if I buy used.  Oh yeah, I would like a 150-175hp upgrade.  Anyway, enjoy your purchase and congrats.

James H