The 2007 Azure AZ228 is a 22-foot stern-drive bowrider known for its roomy layout, comfortable seating, and family-friendly day boating design. With an 8'6" beam and a relatively wide sport-deck feel, it gives owners more usable cockpit and bow space than many traditional bowriders in the same length range.

However, like many used boats from the mid-2000s, the AZ228 also has a few owner-reported issues worth checking before buying, restoring, or upgrading one. Based on owner discussions and used-boat inspection patterns, the most common concerns include bilge water, bilge pump float switch problems, stern-heavy planing behavior, propeller setup, gelcoat cracks, and deck wear.

If you are restoring or upgrading this model, especially the cockpit and swim platform areas, a properly fitted custom boat flooring solution can improve comfort, traction, and the overall appearance of the boat.

 

 

Quick Overview of the 2007 Azure AZ228

The Azure AZ228 is a fiberglass stern-drive power boat with a 22-foot length, 8'6" beam, and a listed net weight of about 3,220 lbs. That makes it a spacious 22-foot class bowrider, but it also means performance can depend heavily on engine choice, drive setup, propeller selection, passenger load, and trim control.

Many owners like the AZ228 because it feels larger than a typical 22-foot boat. The wide layout, open bow seating, swim platform area, and social cockpit make it a practical choice for lake cruising, tubing, swimming, and family weekends. The tradeoff is that a heavier stern-drive sport deck can be sensitive to weight distribution.

1. Stern-Heavy Feel and Slow Planing With Passengers

One of the most important owner-reported issues on the 2007 Azure AZ228 is slow planing when several passengers are sitting in the cockpit or rear seating area. A 2007 AZ228 owner with a 350 MAG and Bravo 3 setup reported that the boat could struggle to get on plane with five or more people aboard unless someone moved to the bow seats.

This does not mean every AZ228 has poor performance. Once on plane, owners have reported good speed and enjoyable handling. The issue is mainly the “hole shot” — the time it takes for the boat to lift out of the water and run flat. On a stern-heavy boat, the bow can rise high while the stern digs into the water, especially when passengers, coolers, batteries, and gear are all loaded aft.

What to check

• Test the boat with multiple passengers, not just one or two people.
• Watch how long it takes to get on plane from idle.
• Check whether passengers must move forward to help the boat level out.
• Inspect the propeller size, pitch, and material.
• Look for trim tabs or aftermarket smart tabs.

For buyers, a sea trial is very important. A 2007 Azure AZ228 may feel strong with two people on board but behave differently with a full family, gear, and a full fuel tank.

2. Bilge Pump Float Switch Problems

Another issue reported by a 2007 AZ228 owner was a bilge pump float switch sticking in the ON position. This is a relatively small component, but it matters because the float switch controls automatic bilge pump operation.

If the float switch sticks on, the pump may run when it does not need to. If it sticks off or becomes unreliable, the pump may fail to activate when water collects in the bilge. Either situation can create problems, especially if the boat is stored in the water or used frequently.

What to check

• Test the bilge pump manually and automatically.
• Lift the float switch by hand to confirm it activates the pump.
• Check for debris, oil residue, corrosion, or sticky movement around the switch.
• Inspect wiring connections and battery condition.
• Replace the float switch if it feels unreliable or inconsistent.

For an older bowrider, bilge pump maintenance should be treated as a safety item, not just a convenience repair.

 

 

3. Small Amounts of Water in the Bilge

Some AZ228 owners have reported that their boat often keeps an inch or two of water in the bilge. In some cases, this amount may not be enough to activate the bilge pump, and even when the pump runs, it may not remove every last bit of water because of the pickup location.

A small amount of water in the bilge can come from swimmers, wet gear, cooler drainage, rainwater, washdowns, or normal use. However, repeated or increasing water accumulation should not be ignored.

Possible water entry areas to inspect

• Transom assembly and outdrive area
• Bellows and clamps
• Exhaust hose connections
• Anchor locker drain
• Ski locker drainage
• Rub rail and deck-to-hull joint
• Scupper drains near the waterline
• Engine cooling drain fittings

A simple inspection method is to dry the bilge completely before a sea trial, place dry towels around suspected areas, run the boat under normal conditions, and then check which towel gets wet first. This can help narrow down the source of the leak.

4. Propeller Setup Can Make a Big Difference

Because the Azure AZ228 can feel stern-heavy, propeller setup is especially important. Some Azure owners have reported better planing performance after switching from a stock 3-blade aluminum propeller to a 4-blade propeller. Others have discussed stainless steel props for better bite and reduced prop slip.

The best propeller depends on engine, drive, altitude, load, and boating style. A boat used mostly for cruising may need a different setup than one used for tubing, wakeboarding, or heavily loaded family trips.

Signs the propeller may not be ideal

• The boat struggles to climb on plane.
• The bow rises too high during acceleration.
• The engine reaches unusually high RPM without strong forward push.
• The boat feels like it is slipping or “wallowing” before planing.
• Passengers must move forward every time the boat accelerates.

Before changing props, record current wide-open-throttle RPM, speed, normal passenger load, and current prop size. A marine prop specialist can use that information to recommend a better setup.

5. Gelcoat Cracks and Cosmetic Aging

Another inspection point for mid-2000s Azure boats is gelcoat cracking. Some discussions around 2005–2007 Azure models mention gelcoat cracking as a concern. In many boats, small hairline cracks above the waterline may be cosmetic, especially around stress points, corners, cleats, hinges, or deck hardware.

However, cracks below the waterline, wide cracks, open cracks, or cracks that appear near structural stress areas should be inspected by a professional fiberglass repair technician. Water intrusion through damaged gelcoat can lead to bigger repair costs later.

Where to inspect closely

• Around cleats and deck hardware
• Near windshield bases
• Along the swim platform area
• Around the engine hatch
• Inside the ski locker
• At the transom and waterline
• Along the deck-to-hull joint

For buyers, cosmetic cracks should be documented during inspection. Structural-looking cracks, repaired areas, or soft spots should be evaluated before purchase.

 

 

6. Gauges, Wiring, and Electrical Connections

Some owners of similar 2007 Azure models have reported speedometer, temperature gauge, or wiring harness issues. These problems may not be unique to the AZ228, but they are worth checking because older boats often develop loose connectors, corroded terminals, weak grounds, or sensor problems.

Inspection tips

• Check every gauge during the sea trial.
• Verify speed, RPM, fuel level, trim, temperature, and voltage readings.
• Look behind the dash for loose or unsupported wiring.
• Check whether gauges flicker or fail after hitting waves.
• Inspect battery terminals, ground connections, and fuse panels.

Electrical problems can be frustrating because they may appear only while the boat is moving. A quick dockside test is not always enough.

7. Deck Wear, Slippery Surfaces, and Old Carpet

On many older bowriders, the original cockpit flooring or snap-in carpet may be worn, stained, slippery, or difficult to clean. In a boat like the Azure AZ228, wet traffic from the swim platform, cockpit, bow walkway, and ski locker can make traction especially important.

Replacing old marine carpet with custom-cut EVA foam flooring can help improve grip, comfort, and the overall look of the boat. For Azure owners, custom Azure boat flooring is a practical upgrade for refreshing the cockpit, bow, swim platform, and walkthrough areas.

Why EVA foam works well for older bowriders

• Soft and comfortable under bare feet
• Non-slip texture for wet boating conditions
• Water-resistant and quick-drying surface
• UV-resistant material for outdoor marine use
• Peel-and-stick installation with marine-grade adhesive backing
• Custom colors, patterns, and layouts available

If your AZ228 does not already have a digital deck pattern available, you can also use custom EVA foam sheets for boat projects, templates, or DIY marine flooring upgrades.

 

 

Used 2007 Azure AZ228 Buyer Inspection Checklist

Before buying a used 2007 Azure AZ228, inspect the boat as a complete system. A clean interior is nice, but performance, bilge dryness, electrical function, and structural condition matter more.

• Sea trial with passengers: Test planing performance with realistic weight on board.
• Bilge inspection: Start dry, run the boat, then check for new water.
• Bilge pump test: Confirm both manual and automatic operation.
• Float switch: Make sure it does not stick on or off.
• Transom and outdrive: Inspect for leaks, corrosion, and worn bellows.
• Propeller: Check blade condition, size, pitch, and material.
• Trim tabs: Confirm they operate smoothly if installed.
• Gelcoat: Look for cracks around stress points and below the waterline.
• Electrical system: Test gauges, lights, blower, horn, pumps, and accessories.
• Deck surface: Check for worn carpet, slippery areas, soft spots, and moisture.

Final Thoughts: Is the 2007 Azure AZ228 a Good Boat?

The 2007 Azure AZ228 can be a very enjoyable family bowrider when properly maintained. It offers generous space, a stylish layout, and comfortable day-boating usability. The main concerns are not unusual for a used stern-drive boat of this age, but they should be inspected carefully.

The biggest points to watch are stern-heavy planing behavior, bilge water, bilge pump float switch reliability, propeller setup, gelcoat condition, and aging deck surfaces. If these areas check out well, the AZ228 can still be a strong choice for lake cruising, tubing, swimming, and weekend boating.

For owners who already have one, upgrading the deck with custom EVA marine flooring is one of the most visible and practical improvements. It can make the cockpit safer under wet feet, easier to clean, and more comfortable for long days on the water.

FAQ About 2007 Azure AZ228 Problems

Does the 2007 Azure AZ228 have planing problems?

Some owners have reported slow planing when the boat carries several passengers in the rear seating area. Weight distribution, propeller setup, trim tabs, and engine-drive configuration all affect performance.

Is water in the bilge normal on an Azure AZ228?

A small amount of water can happen from wet passengers, coolers, rain, or washdowns. However, repeated or increasing bilge water should be investigated. Check the transom, outdrive, exhaust hoses, anchor locker drain, scuppers, and ski locker drainage.

What should I check before buying a used 2007 Azure AZ228?

Focus on the sea trial, bilge dryness, bilge pump operation, float switch, propeller setup, gelcoat cracks, outdrive condition, electrical system, and deck surface condition.

Can EVA foam flooring improve an older Azure AZ228?

Yes. Custom EVA foam flooring can improve traction, comfort, appearance, and cleanability, especially if the original carpet or molded deck surface is worn or slippery.