'84 Aquasport osprey 19.5' - Good boat?

[Thirsty Endgrain]

Locally there is one for sale, and it has my interest piqued. It's well cared for and clean, I just know nothing about them. I have looked around at some of the available info, and am seeking advice here too. I currently have a '64 glasspar seafair sedan, which I love! But I want a CC for fishing and deck space. I really don't need a cuddy cabin.

One main question is, are these self bailing? I can't seem to find the answer and for some reason the owner doesn't know (he's used the boat for years, just wasn't familiar with the term). I figured that whenever I changed boats it'd be for a whaler, safety is a priority, and while I know much of it comes down to operator safety, having a self bailer is an added measure I'd like.

If anyone has info or an opinion on this potential I'd appreciate it!

 

[mr 88]

Locally there is one for sale, and it has my interest piqued. It's well cared for and clean, I just know nothing about them. I have looked around at some of the available info, and am seeking advice here too. I currently have a '64 glasspar seafair sedan, which I love! But I want a CC for fishing and deck space. I really don't need a cuddy cabin.

One main question is, are these self bailing? I can't seem to find the answer and for some reason the owner doesn't know

No it is not self bailing. I have never heard of a production built power boat that was self bailing . Auto 12 volt bilge pump ,cockpit and topside decks above waterline with overboard drains, yes . Unless boat was always covered there's a excellent chance it's got some wood rot in her.

 

[Scott Danforth]

boat may have been great boat 28 years ago

however Aquasports are known to need full restorations as the transom, stringers and deck get soft

so, for a 28 year old boat..... is it good.... based solely on condition.

FWIW, Boston Whalers suffer from wet foam after a while and no longer are "unsinkable"

simply consider any fiberglass boat 15 years old or older a full restoration project and go from there.

 

[dingbat]

No it is not self bailing. I have never heard of a production built power boat that was self bailing . Auto 12 volt bilge pump ,cockpit and topside decks above waterline with overboard drains, yes .

Interesting..most I’ve owned and it run are marketed as “self bailing”.

What is your interpretation?

What is a self bailing boat? - Top Notch Marine

www.topnotchmarine.com

“Self–bailing boats, or self–bailing hulls, are designed to remove water from the boat deck or cockpit area using gravity not pumps of any kind. The water is discharged overboard through the side or transom, the “back wall” of the boat. Self–bailing, actually being somewhat of a misnomer, means that gravity and momentum are used to rid a boat of unwanted water. In short, the cockpit floor of the boat sits higher than the water level outside the boat.”

 

[hugh g]

Anyone who finds a boat built in the 80's that isn't full of rot should go play Powerball.

 

[mr 88]

FWIW, Boston Whalers suffer from wet foam after a while and no longer are "unsinkable"

Where in the world did you get that ( not unsinkable ) info from ? Yes , most Whalers closed cells break down over time , mostly the outside part that is in contact with the fiberglass bottom. Even a 1985 - 17' saturated with 150- 200lbs of water can be cut in half and will still float . Pictures of them in the Caribbean with parts of the sides , to and under the waterline having been ripped off still being used.

 

[Scott Danforth]

Where in the world did you get that ( not unsinkable ) info from ? Yes , most Whalers closed cells break down over time , mostly the outside part that is in contact with the fiberglass bottom. Even a 1985 - 17' saturated with 150- 200lbs of water can be cut in half and will still float . Pictures of them in the Caribbean with parts of the sides , to and under the waterline having been ripped off still being used.

from having recovered a swamped 13' whaler with soaked foam. the boat went straight to the bottom. that is how I found out about the soaked foam that plagues whalers.

whaler uses plastic thru-hulls that fail and leak, causing the foam to get waterlogged.

 

[Thirsty Endgrain]

Thanks for all of the info everyone. Maybe I'm mistaken in my understanding of self-bailing. I figured that a boat with a deck above waterline and scuppers was a self-bailer? I know this thing also has a bilge pump down under. I think I'd just need to see it in person and assess.

I'm also curious if it's a good craft in general? It's cc and 19.5' which is more the size and function I'd like. I hear you all though, after buying my glasspar and putting a lot of repair into her I am no longer as naive about how much work a boat may or may not be.

I think everyone gets attached to their boats and considers them in great shape simply because they're attached to them and have taken them all over with fond memories, and they tell a prospective buyer that she's in great at shape!!! Meanwhile fresh eyes will find many issues unseen through the current owners rosy glasses.

I just really like the shape and layout, but I'm technically not even in the market for a boat, it's just got my interest piqued. Appreciate all input!

 

[mr 88]

If your " not in the market " , then.consider saving up while your deciding and purchase something at least built after 2000 .

 

[crazy charlie]

Locally there is one for sale, and it has my interest piqued. It's well cared for and clean, I just know nothing about them. I have looked around at some of the available info, and am seeking advice here too. I currently have a '64 glasspar seafair sedan, which I love! But I want a CC for fishing and deck space. I really don't need a cuddy cabin.

One main question is, are these self bailing? I can't seem to find the answer and for some reason the owner doesn't know (he's used the boat for years, just wasn't familiar with the term). I figured that whenever I changed boats it'd be for a whaler, safety is a priority, and while I know much of it comes down to operator safety, having a self bailer is an added measure I'd like.

If anyone has info or an opinion on this potential I'd appreciate it!

Good quality boat.Def not self bailing.No scuppers.Look at some Grady white boats.Super high quality and most have scuppers.I have a 208 Adventure and cant remember the last time I had to turn on my bilge pump.Scuppers are a HUGE +++ Charlie