1992 Aquasport Osprey 230

[jwmcrna1973]

I'm considering a 1992 Aquasport Osprey 230. I was hoping to hear from other owners of the 230 or similar models. What are some of the pros and cons of this model? How does it handle offshore? How is the ride? Any known problems with the hull? I welcome all advice,opinions, or just words of wisdom. Thanks in advance.

[RickK]

Welcome aboard jwmcrna1973  :!:  :!:
I have the Explorer version of the liner but the hull is the same and I can tell you it rides very nice.  Although the layout is different than what you're looking at, based on what I've found reworking mine, it was well made. Mine is still running the factory engine, which is still strong.  It's an ample boat for it's size.
I think there is only one or two other owners of the 230 models here on the site.

[jwmcrna1973]

Thanks for the input. I've searched this forum, as well as the internet, for owners of the 230. The one I'm looking at is going to need some work, but that is half the fun of boat ownership for me.
I've always heard that Aquasports were great boats, but have never been in one or looked around closely at one until this now. I have my concerns over the transom, though not from a structural integrity standpoint. It seems to me that it would be wasy for a wave to wash right over since it is not a full transom. A friend of a friend literally had his boat washed out from under him by a wave, and then the boat capsized from all the water that had come over the transom but was now unable to drain fast enough. Anyone ever had their transom built up and then added a bracket? Seems like that would work well for this model.

[RickK]

I thought the same thing about the transom on mine - the first time I took it out I was surprised how high the transom cut out (freeboard) was out of the water. I then read a few stories and articles about swamped enclosed transom boats not being able to evacuate water quick enough to avoid sinking.  With that in mind, the open-ness of this boat is actually safer than an enclosed one - just doesn't seem like it - bunch of water comes in, bunch of water goes back out quickly.  I read an article on Boat test on floatation and they were interviewing the owner of Everglades boats and he said a swamped enclosed boat is a real problem and takes some special engineering to satisfy the floatation requirements.

[jwmcrna1973]

Wow, I may rethink enclosing the transom. Makes sense though. Is there any flotation built into the Aquasport? When I looked I could not see any. I guess what I'm getting at is will this boat float when capsized/ swamped?

[RickK]

I have no idea about being able to float when swamped and I don't want to find out  
There is plenty of floatation (foam) though.  Seems they still used a trapazoidal type stringer back then (based on the slope where the fish box is) and the stringers are full of foam I'm sure and any unused space I think is foamed.

You'll like the boat - I have no experience on a 222 Osprey but I'm sure it's probably about the same.  Do a search on "fishhead" as an author here and you'll see what he did with his 230 Osprey.

Where you located?

[Capt. Bob]

a swamped enclosed boat is a real problem and takes some special engineering.

Yeh,
It's called a tuna door.

[RickK]

http://www.boattest.com/VLibrary/vPlay.aspx?ID=1216

[rmp67]

I purchased a 230 off EBAY. Have not splashed it yet. Deck over fuel tank was soft.. re-cored it. I'll keep you posted.

[RickK]

Welcome aboard rmp67  :!:  :!:
Another member of the 230 family  8)  Although a small family right now, pretty soon we'll outnumber the CCPers   Hey, maybe we can start our OWN topic
What model did you buy? Osprey or Explorer?  The Explorer is very roomy in the back.

[rmp67]

Its the 230 Osprey that was on ebay for a while. Out of Fla. Has an F225. I think you covered it in your weekly ebay post. Looks like a nice boat. Plan on using it for tuna off Chatham, Ma. Is yours the same hull? I couldn't fine any specs on it when I was thinking about buying it. Now that I have it the deadrise looks to be 19...weight 4000# with no fuel...sound right to you?

[RickK]

Did you find the specs here in our gallery?  Same hull, different liner.  My weight is forward, yours is probably more centered.  You'll like it.

[rmp67]

Launched boat today. First impression was very good. Ran 43 mph with a little more to come with trimming. Seems solid, although water was flat. Feels big! Can't wait to see how she handles open ocean.

[RickK]

[rmp67]

Took family for short ride yesterday. Was blowin' 25-35, spray off our wake, everyone (all six of us) was dry, comfy and safe. Trying to find the "fall off plane speed" and it seems to be about 18-20 mph. I still haven't had a lot of time on it (less than 2 hours), so I'm sure some of that is playing with the motor trim & trim tabs. Rick, what is your fall-off speed?