new to this site

[clammy bob]

Hello all,

I just came upon, and joined this site over the weekend. I have been poking around and there seems to be a wealth of information. Now my topic of discussion: I am looking at a 1987 Aquasport 17' center console Osprey with a 1987 70 HP Evinrude VRO. I found it on Craigslist in New Jersey. I have not yet seen the boat, as it is about two hours away. I have spoken with a marina that has done some work on the boat, who came back with a favorable review. Can anyone here provide some pointers for what to look for when I go to do an inspection? I have read a few threads with similar requests, but nothing for this particular year and model. Any and all information would be appreciated. Also, if anyone goes to the trouble of searching the boat, let me know your opinion on the price. Thanks.

Rich

[slvrlng]

Welcome aboard!  You need to look for the normal things with the hull. Soft spots in deck, gas smell in bilge, water in the bilge. The motor needs to have even compression and myself (if you get it) would do away with the VRO. Make sure you water test it and see how it sits. Scuppers should be just above water line with no load. Take some pics when you go look at it and post them so we can help in your decision. If you are still not comfortable with a decision get a surveyor to look at it.

[wingtime]

Welcome aboard!  Slvrlng hit the nail on the head.  Also bring along a hard plastic hammer and rap on the transom in multiple places to make sure it is solid.  With the motor tilted up grab the lower unit and lift up and down on it to see it you can see any flex in the transom.

[clammy bob]

Thank you for both your input and advice. I have been a long time Shamrock owner, but sold the Shammie two years ago due to lack of use. I am itching to get back on the water, as my time has freed up a bit. I want to be able to trailer the boat and just drop her in at the local ramp, less than 2 miles away. My little guy is a budding fisherman and I want to be able to share that with him. I am looking at the Aquasport 17 beacuse I think it will be a perfect fit for those needs. Mostly river and bay use, with the occasional trip around Sandy Hook on the right days.

The owner listed it as a 1987 17' Osprey. Did Aquasport make any other 17' model that year besides the Osprey?

I found an interesting article on the VRO concept.

http://continuouswave.com/whaler/reference/VRO.html


Anybody have any thoughts on it? Thanks again for your input.

Rich

[Capt. Bob]

Did Aquasport make any other 17' model that year besides the Osprey?

From the Photo Gallery.
http://www.classicaquasport.com/gallery ... hp/cat/574

I found an interesting article on the VRO concept.
Anybody have any thoughts on it?

Well Bob,
The VRO question fits into the oil/fuel additive/trailer lights/best outboard brand opinions.
Got to do what you feel is best.

I ran it on my 115 Johnson coupled to my 86 170 and it was on the 96 Rude I recently sold but then the buyer is removing it. I still run the Yamaha version in my 91 200 so.....

If you are more comfortable pre-mixing (aka retro) why not?

[GoneFission]

The owner listed it as a 1987 17' Osprey. Did Aquasport make any other 17' model that year besides the Osprey?
Rich

The 170 Osprey was the only 17 foot model made by Aquasport in that timeframe.  Aquasport made a 17 foot cuddy for a couple years, but it never sold well and was cancelled.

[clammy bob]

Can anyone give their opinion on powering the 17' Osprey? The one I am considering has a 70 hp. Is that about right? I noticed the original brochure showed up to 130hp as a possibility.

[Capt. Bob]

Can anyone give their opinion on powering the 17' Osprey? The one I am considering has a 70 hp. Is that about right? I noticed the original brochure showed up to 130hp as a possibility.

I'll guess the motor is also an 87? I believe 130 is maximum rated hp for that hull.
The 3 cylinder 70 hp was the way my 86 170 came. I traded up to a 115 hp.

Yes, the 115 made it pretty fast but that hull could be pushed by the 70. The bigger (heavier) motor tends to cause the self draining deck scuppers to settle below the waterline when you stand in the stern and say, fish. I had the flapper valve type on mine and I didn't experience a big problem. Still, there is plenty posted about this in the Forum.

A 90 hp in my opinion would work real well but you need to take it for a trial with you and the current owner on board to get a true idea of its capability.

Good luck.

[seabob4]

The majority of 175 Ospreys (as it was known in my days at AS) we're rigged with 90s.  Quite a few with 115s, only a handful with 130s.  To me, she's perfect with a 90.

[gran398]

The 90 should be the perfect match.

Heck, that 90 Tohatsu on Skoot's 19-6 moves three guys, 650 pounds of ripped fury, like nobody's business.

[MarshMarlowe196]

The 90 should be the perfect match.

Heck, that 90 Tohatsu on Skoot's 19-6 moves three guys, 650 pounds of ripped fury, like nobody's business.

LOL @Ripped Fury  

[gran398]

The 90 should be the perfect match.

Heck, that 90 Tohatsu on Skoot's 19-6 moves three guys, 650 pounds of ripped fury, like nobody's business.

LOL @Ripped Fury  

 

Great to see you back

[seabob4]

Yeah, Jess, where the hell you been?  And Scott...ripped fury?  Would be in reference to your rippling physique?




Nah, didn't think so...  

[clammy bob]

Thanks for all your input, I think I am going to like being a part of this site!

I spoke with the seller this evening, and in the course of conversation I asked him how he felt about the VRO. He said that his mechanic  suggested pre mixing the oil 50:1 as well as using the oil pump. His logic was that since it was an older motor and there was a chance the pump would fail there was already a mixture going to the engine. I asked him how it ran and he said fine?

[slvrlng]

If you get this thing don't do that!!! You will foul the plugs constantly. Either run the VRO or don't!  At least when I mix mine I know what ratio I have. The VROs work but they can fail and then its over. You saw all the moving parts in that link, add salt to the equation and BOOM. All it takes is the diaphragm to fail. :bom: