Hello and question about Aqua Sports

[nobuck2big]

Hello all, Name is Chad and this is my first time posting here although I have been browsing this forum for a while. Thanks for sharing all the great info.
I realize that most of the boat chat here usually revolves around new boats or very old classics but I was hoping someone could tell me a little about Aqua Sports. I am considering a project boat and for my first one I am looking for something 23' - 25' for a solid bay boat and to do some inshore stuff up here in the NE/mid atlantic. Of course I have been watching for hulls like Mako and Grady but I have run across a couple of Aqua Sports and they seem very inexpensive compared to the others. Is that price difference reflective of the boat quality? I am referring to the early to mid 80's.
Thanks.

[Questsportfishing]

but they are old just like some of us! thr aquasport 222 is a great boat if you can put a transome and a bracket on them I have re-built two that way. Any boat you choose you should look hard at the hull (deep v or flat) the wiring (make sure its good!) and that you can keep water out and get back home. the aquas are lighter than most these days because of the glass layup in them some boats just went cheap on product. just pass your hand over her and don't think any boat is invincable to weather strange things can happen be ready! most older boats had no full transomes so having water in the back with 4 of your friends at 200lbs each was interesting. this also included mako sea vee and all other boats just find one that uits you and don't get over your head with weather.

[Miles Offshore]

i agree with quest- the 22'2 is a great boat, one of my friends also bought the 24 cuddy new , nice boat but the ride would jar your fillings loose.

[3ccc's]

i just got rid of my 1978 222ccp to buy my carolina classic,i had it for 5years it was a great boat. rode like a bigger boat, inshore tuna fished off of it all the time.wet ride but cheap to run,easy to clean.mine was powered by a 150 zuke,cruised 23kts,wot30kts.good luck

[nobuck2big]

So it sounds like they're a decent boat. I was concerned because I have seen some boats built kind of "disposable" if you know what I mean. Things like steering cables and wiring just sort of built into the boat in ways that make it all but impossible to work on. Other manufacturers I've seen go the extra mile and build in things like tubes to run wires under gunwales and stuff.

[amberjack]

Keep in mind that this entire prouct line has been discontinued. Finding replacement parts will be a problem.

[Questsportfishing]

this is not a motor or a car it's a boat. You replace steering wires etc with 2008 new stuff.

[Vector]

I had a 89' 255. It was a good boat. We put a 225 hp on the back and we developed transom issues. Check the transom or better yet make it a full transom with a bracket. Otherwise the boat was built good.

[capemaychef]

Man growing up my dad had a 20' CCP...f-ing boat was awesome!!!! I loved it...High sides....rode great outfront....we pulled a lot of fish over the sides of that boat thats' for sure!!!

Ours was a 84 20ccp w/ a 87 150 Evenrude...the boat was great...the engine had a few issues...he owned it for about 6 years...every year there was an issue with the engine...but we always made it home...the last summer my dad was alive...the boat was finally fixed up right...and the boat ran flawlessy....just sucks we never got to fish it again bc he passed in march of 97.

Anyway...he broke down in TI coming back in from fishing the avalon shoal....the boat wouldn't turn over....the boat went through the breakers...somehow he steered it straight through...and the boat never flipped over...but I remember hearing that story.

Great boats...the 90's and later versions are the suspect models...hence them closing up shop.

The 80's and 70's models are just like the Mako's...built well...but just like any 20-30 year old boat...certain things will go like transoms, fuel systems etc etc...just have it checked out and you should have yourself a great boat!

[bigfish4me]

We have a mid 70's 222 center console with a 200 hp evinrude on it sittin on blocks as we speak, its the back up ride since we got the 24 black fin . Its a bit of a wet ride, but arent they all unless the conditions are perfect, ill tell you what that boat flat out flew under the right conditions.On a trip to the 28 mile wreck one time the ocean was smooth as glass, nice gentle spread out swells we made it from townsends inlet to the wreck in 45 minutes...It was a beautiful thing.