Welcome aboard SB. That looks like a raggedy ass 222 CCP. Some members on this forum actually like them. Never had twins on mine, instead I power with a 200hp Rude. 40 mph is very doable with the 200 so you should get better performance with the twins. Gas consumption may be less but what the hell.From the factory, they come equipped with a space robbing transom, have a tendency to want to sink in following seas if your not careful, and IMHO look very retro cool 8) . 84 was a good year. They like running into a chop better than a flat sea and become a wet ride in three foot and above.It appears that one has had some work done on it. Paint is different. Was there any rebuilding done.
Yes, it's a self bailing deck.If you look closely at the enclosed transom you will notice two access (round) plates on each side. These allow you to reach the thru hull drains. They were snap in covers on my CCP and can be popped out in a heavy sea via "oil canning". Loose one of those in a following sea and the bilge fills very quickly. I replaced mine with the screw in type. Also, if you have a live well back there, it's another place for water entry. Make sure everything is sealed real well in that tank.Waves that are not very tall and occur in shallower waters (think bays) are considered chop. Created by wind (as all waves are) they are the next step up from ripples on the water. The CCP seems to perform better, IMHO, with a little wind under her hull.As with all but the very biggest models, Aquas are a light hull and will pound when the sea kicks up but hey, they (the CCPs) were the "Contender" of their time. and still look sharp. While I feel they are better suited to the Atlantic side of Florida, a lot of members are running big distances in the Gulf.Some members here consider the 250 CCPs as the best open water fishing vessel that Aqua built in the 80s. I tend to agree. I've enjoyed mine for 15 years.Look it over real well and let us know what you find.
Correct in that the 250's were the "Contenders" of their time. Also correct in that they were relatively light, and tended to jump.An easy remedy is to ride out with weight forward: Bottom-fishing batteries, ice, bait, gear, etc. should be forward of the console. Most of the time, on either coast, you're riding offshore INTO the sea. Keep the hull length in the water when attacking a head-sea.Conversely, on the ride in, keep the weight to the stern, bow-up, keeping her light on the bow, to prevent digging into a following sea.The boat from appearance seems to be in good shape. Twins to me on this hull are plus. How do you feel about the asking price?