2000 Aquasport 175CC inquiry

[fishnutz]

Hi All, total newbie to this forum, but after spending some time reading thru some posts/replies I see i found a great wealth of knowledge here

My question is..I am looking at the above boat on-line, it appears real clean and the owner answered my questions satisfactorily
I can not find any spec of what the draft on this is..I will be using it on some Estero Bay fishing and the occasional foray out/near shore on the Gulf, however to get from our place to the bay requires running some pretty skinny water at low tide, 14" is about the minimum, hopefully this is a 12" or less draft.
Also, any reason to run away from this model, even if hull and rigging is all good? It is white w/ gold rub rail and gold stripes and a gold/black Marlin decal on side that appears factory.
also has 2000 Merc Saltwater 90hp, newer('05) Motorguide troller, '05 Lowrance electronics
Now I'll sit back and read your opinions

Thanks In Advance!! Rob(fishnutz)

[RickK]

Welcome aboard fishnutz   :!:  :!:

I know that the design of the 170/175 boats changed sometime in the late 90s or early 00s which may have changed the deadrise which would change the draft.  I see a newer 170/175 down the street and the aft is closed in, it has high gunnels, etc so I imagine the deadrise probably changed too.

My 170 will float over 8-12" depending on the load distribution (keeping the boat level) and with engine raised.  I have the 12 degree deadrise.  So it depends on the design of that model year.  Maybe SeaBob can help on that for us.
As for running away from the boat, I don't think there is anything to worry about - again Bob was at Genmar during that time too, so he can comment.

[fishnutz]

Thanks for the fast reply, it was the only answer the owner could not provide as he said he's never run in less than 3ft of water

This will be my first saltwater only boat purchase, i have used my folks boat several times and am familiar with the daily upkeep when your done for the day. A small price to pay for the fun of fishing the bay.

Rob

[seabob4]

fishnutz,
Are you the same "fishnutz" on THT?

Regardless, buy her, if she is in the shape you describe.  Yes, she will do fine in 10-12" of water, just wait until you see a slight depth increase before you nail her, or think about a jack plate or smart tabs.  She would be a better performer over the bay with a 115 or 135, but that is something to think about in the future.

Your description of her says she has the "Tournament Master" package, which usually means extra rod holders, washdown, cockpit bolsters, and probably a Bimini top.  Can't say for sure, my specialty was 225/250 Ospreys.

That being said, she is an excellent boat.  She will handle the bay in about any condition, and on good days, she'll take you out in the gulf as far as you think she'll take you...and get you back.  Fuel capacity, you know.  She has all composite construction, so no rot issues, but given her age, she'll have stress cracks in the radii here and there, all boats get them eventually.

Let us know of your decision, we'll try and steer you in the right direction.

Have a great Thanksgiving, and look forward to the outcome...

Bob C

[fishnutz]

Thanks for the info seabob. No, not on any other boards as "fishnutz"
Looks like I'll be taking a road trip to see this in person in the near future if it lasts....The other boat that has my interest is a 1998 Aquasport 170cc with a 98 Johnson that has a few less hours and is not rigged w/ electronics, any major diff in hulls or known engine issues??

I know alot   depends on maint and upkeep but all things being equal is there anything that would make one less desirable than the other from a problem standpoint?
Happy Thanksgiving All!!
Again, thanks in advance for your help!

Rob in 33f Milwaukee and sleeting at the moment

[seabob4]

Rob,
170 and 175 are the same boat.  Amazing how decals make boats grow!

Beauty day down here in North Tampa Bay, about 65 and crystal clear.  Just waiting to eat...and drink beer and watch football!

[fishnutz]

Thanks Seabob, just was not sure of any hull plus/minus vs the two year difference
Thanks for rubbing the weather in!!!
Just like the guys on the Harley tech board i'm on...

Rob