20 - 22 WA or WT wanted

[bzalmano]

Looking for 20-22 WA or WT preferably in FL. I do have some questions though.

1) Will those boats pull a skier, even a slightly overwheight skier :wink: ?
2) What are somethings to look for that may typically be a problem on those boats?
3) If I really wanted to go nuts and buy a new one. Pocket or Keel Drive and why?
4) Does the 351 make a big difference over the 302?
5) Any specific can't live without options that I should look for?

This will be my first inboard boat so sorry for all the questions but I would like to make the right decision.

Thanks,
Benny Z
Boca Raton, FL
bzalmano@yahoo.com

[Tony]

Benny:

better to ask questions now than make an expensive mistake. The 20 and 22 will both pull multiple skiiers, even overweight ones. If I were looking for a dedicated ski boat, I'd look for a Correct Craft or similar. Shamrocks were designed to fish basically. They will however compromise much better than a ski boat, that you try to fish off of.

The base power for the 20 use to be the 302 Ford, more than enough power. The 351/350 is way overkill, IMO. I doubt you could use it all even in the 22, if I heard correctly one of our members can get his 26 to over 35 mph with a 351, and he's way heavier than a 22.

You may find more selection of used boats in the keel configuration. They tow well and tend to track straighter with slalom skiing. Pocket hulls get on plane faster and are reportedly slightly faster. No big differences either way. They both fish and tow. Pocket designs are newer and therefore more scarce than keel designs. In fact except for the old 219 which was renamed a 22 ft Open, and Aventurer in 2004, and is a pocket or SP11, you will only find keeled in the 20's and 22's. The 24's are all SP11 hulls.

If you plan to run in salt water, look for fresh water cooling system. To operate in lakes, I would rather have raw cooling, less plumbing to get in the way and maintain.

There are no large issues you need to be aware of, there are dozens of maitenance tips and items to look at, all detailed in the pages and pages of this site. If used, get a hull and mechanical survey done, and sea trial it. Post where you reside and you may be offered a ride with a member on the board. Provided you know what you want and need, you can't do much better than that. Good luck in yoiur search.

[Golden Dog]

4) Does the 351 make a big difference over the 302?


Let me add one thought here. This question depends on the age of the boat. If you're referring strictly to the 200 and 220 WA models (not the older 20' hulls), made from 1993 and later then you're talking a boat with 8'6" beam, which is heavier than the older 20' predator/cuddy type boats. If this is the case, based on my experience, which is admitedly limited, I would not want any less power in these boats than 240 horses, which equals 351.

I have a 1993 20' Predator, which is similar to the 200 WA but not the same. I top out at just over 30mph with a 351 240/250hp Indmar (Ford) block. The HO Indmar's were listed at 285hp, but arguably have a greater output than that. The newer Chevy's have anywhere between 270 and 330hp I believe.

So, point of my rambling was that it depends. The right engine is a function of the HP to engine weight ratio and the weight of the boat itself. Personally, I would not want less engine (351) than what I have now in my boat.

One last thought, if you'll regularly have a full crew and gear the 351/350 will have more grunt and be less strained than the 302. I would rather have more engine and run the engine easier than vice versa.

Just my $.02

GD

[bzalmano]

I am probably looking at an older boat. Not very many news ones available and they are expensive. So probably older keel drive.

I like to fish and dive. My kids like water sports. So I am trying to find a compromise.

My wife wants to be able to run over the Islands from Boca Raton. So I guess that adds one more question.

How well will a 20-22 keel drive handle seas?

[Tony]

I would rule out the 20', only to give you and your family a little more room. They both are excellent handling boats, but can be wet rides which bothers some people. If cabin space is a consideration, privacy with the porta potti etc, then I would look for a walkaround if newer, or a cuddy cabin if older, in a 22'. Same style of boat, they changed the title in the 90's I believe. With side curtains, and extra issinglass over the front windshield, they are quite comfortable in rough conditions. If your family stays dry, they will remain warm and much happier.