North American S-22 Offshore

Curmudgeon · 11-04-2005, 11:16 PM

Looking at a hull for rebuild/repower. Any current/former owners like to comment on the hull? Anyone know the fuel tank(s) capacity? Basic hull weight with power? Recommended power? location of an active dealer who may have handled North American when they were still in business? Bueller?

Libra · 11-04-2005, 11:29 PM

I owned a North American S-22 years ago. Was a great boat and took rough conditions remarkably well. I believe the tanks held 40 gal. each, but not sure. Mine had twin Merc. 85's, and was great for that time. No idea what the weight was, but seemed heavy for a 22, but it was a large 22. North American made the basic S-22 and another 22 that was more dressed up,,,, mine was the basic with the back to back seats, tanks under the seats, small cuddy with curtain. It was built like a tank. They haven't been built for a very long time so I'd check the hull out giving lots of detail to possible wood rot and stringers.

Whiteowl · 11-05-2005, 06:36 PM

I ran a S-22 for several years. I agree it was a sturdily built boat. BUT.... it would beat you to death and it was probably as wet a boat as I have ever been on. Mine had a 165hp Mercruiser with 26 gallon tanks under the seats. It was quick and ran cheap but I rarely took the canvas down because of the spray. I can't imagine anyone wanting to go to that hull these days.

Hooligan · 11-05-2005, 07:25 PM

Well well well... where do i begin. I found it kind of funny to see this thread because when i was rebuilding my boat (1971 North American S-22) no one had hardly heard of it. The north american hull later became the sea ox 23 by north american fiberglass and earned quite a bit of respect marketed as the sea ox. This boat is sort of a modified v not a true deep vee but it is a pretty good blend of stability and speed/ ride (which could be better but not by any means terrible compared to other boats in its size) I personally feel it is a great boat for the money. I got my hull for pennies on the dollar and tore the whole boat down to bare hull and stringers.

A little about my project: I cut the cabin out and added coaming boards to the boat to make it an open center console boat. I removed the two 25 gallon saddle tanks and built a custom 110 gallon belly tank to sit in the bilge. I removed the inboard outboard engine and the outdrive (which was an old omc, kind of a poorly designed unit with rubber boot) and fiberglassed in the transom with completely new layers of 3/4 plywood and roving/mat layers to keep it strong. The stringers were in good shape except the rear portions of the middle stringers suffered some rot and had to be replaced about halfway up the hull. These hulls are bullet proof. They were built uncommonly thick and weigh a ton. The advertised weight with motor was 3200 lbs but i know mine weighs a bit more after the rebuild.

I have a gil bracket and a 225 evinrude single outboard for power. The boat tops out at 40 mph and 5500 rpm so maybe i could turn a bigger wheel. This hull desparately needs trim tabs because it doesnt ride well if it leans over on the chine where it is flattened out. If you can keep it riding on the V its a good soft riding boat under 3'. Trim tabs are a must. I have the original magazine advertisement for the boat. If you would like me to send it to you pm me your email address and i can scan and send it over. It gives all the basic specs of the s-22 model and is pretty cool to see- new cost only $5755!!! I only wish this were still the case. Well i have learned quite alot about this boat so any specific questions fire away... To check out my pics go the the albums gallery and select my album. All in all it has turned out to be a serious looking fun boat.

Whiteowl · 11-10-2005, 09:55 AM

Hooli, you sent a copy of the sales ad to a friend of mine and he forwarded it to me. Thank you for that. It really brought back good memories and put a smile on my face. I had that boat when my first child was born. She was born in January and was on the boat in April. That S-22 had a trough in the middle of the floor going forward. We took the lid off of an igloo cooler and made a bed for her in it. It fit perfectly in that trough. What great memories I have with that boat. Thanks again for sharing.

skeeter2200 · 11-10-2005, 10:47 AM

Hooligan, would you have pictures of your boat that you could show us ?

Curmudgeon · 11-10-2005, 11:43 AM

If you would like me to send it to you pm me your email address and i can scan and send it over.

You've got PM mail.

Well i have learned quite alot about this boat so any specific questions fire away...

Deadrise? Fuel capacity? Baitwell capability? Room to install a water washdown? Basic weight? Eletric or hydraulic tabs (room for pump)? Thanx ...

Hooligan · 11-12-2005, 05:39 PM

Deadrise is probably that of any of the more popular modified V hulled boats... maybe similar to a parker hull or so. I'm not sure of the numbers but i can check it out this weekend. Fuel capacity is 50 gallons standard with two saddle tanks which i have done away with for a single belly tank that holds 110 gallons. There isnt a ton of room below decks for add ons but there is certainly space for a baitwell and washdown if you get creative. I raised the deck height and if you build the stringers up there should be more than ample room for anything you want below decks. The boats are built really heavy with a roughly 5/8" thick solid glass sandwich throughout the entire boat so it makes a good base for you to build on. I have bought hydraulic tabs which have not been installed as of yet. Ill be sure to post the results when i install next spring. I am actually revamping the boat for next year where i will build a new pilot house and install a new armstrong bracket/ swim platform which i already have waiting for the boat. Hopefully a new suzuki four stroke will find its way onto my transom also

Well good luck and any questions ill check up periodically. Cheers.

Hundredcaliber · 11-11-2009, 05:08 PM

Hello: I also have a 22 offshore. I have not began to tear it down yet. Like yourself I have plans for the hull. I'm thinking on the lines of a 60's style runabout. My use would be only cruising the water way with the family. When I got the the boat the inboard engine and the out drive was missing. I have a Ford 351 cleveland engine that I'm thinking about using. In terms of a out drive what would you suggest.