What's up w/Hydrostream???

[On Tap]

Anyone know what's up with Hydrostream these days?

Their website has been disfunctional for a long time! Are they still in business??

[OntarioStreamin]

NOT likely!!!!!!!!!!!:eek:

[The Big Al]

WEB SITE WORKS FOR ME!

http://www.hydrostream.com/index.html

[wildfire1]

Hydrostream changed hands last year, now they are out of Nevada I think. I purchased an 06 Vegas, It's falling apart. I'm rebuilding it now.
I cant tell anyone what to do, but I would not buy another one. Maybe the new
owners will change things around, time will tell.

[EXSTREAM EH!]

My understanding was that Jim the con man OH i mean Conzen was still the owner and he just has a new backer with him. And they are in Navada. I coud be wrong. Where are my stickers? It been five years now.:confused: Oh well you always can get a very nice old school Stream from John Spathe In Canada eh.

EXSTREAM EH! Gone:D

[stevek]

Hydrostream changed hands last year, now they are out of Nevada I think. I purchased an 06 Vegas, It's falling apart. I'm rebuilding it now.
I cant tell anyone what to do, but I not would buy another one. Maybe the new
owners will change things around, time will tell.

So they don't warranty their boats??

[wildfire1]

What would they do, more of the same. If I drove the boat back to them it would cost me more than I'll spend fixxing it right. The list of half ass work would go on for longer than I can wright, but a short example would be, they put a transom stiffener at the top and nuts without washers on the bottom! I found that after removint the fuel tank. no wasers on the
mounting bolts of the engine! A pinched oil supply hose (the alarm kept
going off till I found that). so tell me, would you trust then to repair it?

[BottomsUp]

you should look elsewhere. This has been rolled through the coals a few times. It is over, Darris should by the venom molds and do something with them. That is my 2 cents. Oh and by the way I have been waiting for the checks from the factory direct sales he took from me when I attempted to sell his boats for two years now. I learned many lessons.

Billy

[RBT]

He owes Hydrostream Canada for 4 boats he never paid for!
Stay away from him.

RT

[Ron V]

Word on the street sure doesn't seem all that good, but the Venom for sure runs and looks awesome. No washers under the bolts? Cripes, with that kind of detail orientation, who the hell do they think they are anyway, Rapid Craft? :D

I suppose you could order one from Canada like others mentioned, but it's kind of hard to order one when they don't answer their phone or return messages.

[Rusrog]

Jim Contzen looked like he was going to be able to resurrect the Hydrostream name in the manner befitting it's history. I climbed all over the red & white 'tear away' Venom that he had at Jasper and was very impressed with the detail and the fit & finish. Then Jim took me for a spin. At that time I was making plans to be a Hydrostream owner once again... I guess I will go back to a proven builder as it sounds like Jim has let not only his business practices but also the quality of the boats fall to the wayside. What a cryin' shame...

Russ
Proud Former Hydrostream owner.

[at100plus]

There must be a curse of inconsistency on the Hydrostream name dating back to day 1.

[Alan Power]

There must be a curse of inconsistency on the Hydrostream name dating back to day 1.

Funny, I was just thinking that reading down through this thread!

[David]

Hydrostream did pretty good in the old days. Sold a lot of boats, won races. Hardly cursed.

The Canadian HydroStream is low volume but high quality, so it is not cursed either.

The US Hydrostream is apparently hurting. I am bummed, as I had hoped they'd be successful (and make good on debts).

Who else besides Stream1 and Allison has designed a new V bottom in a long time? Who will be the next? It might be a while.

[at100plus]

I was talking about the quality inconsistency, and the business operations. Hydrostream has had lots of ups and downs in both build quality and economics.

[Scott Gilmore]

you should look elsewhere. This has been rolled through the coals a few times. It is over, Darris should by the venom molds and do something with them. That is my 2 cents. Oh and by the way I have been waiting for the checks from the factory direct sales he took from me when I attempted to sell his boats for two years now. I learned many lessons.

Billy
Why would Darris Allison buy the molds to the Venom (or anything else for that mater) ??? The Venom is already a copy of the SS2000 . That will NEVER happen. Scott :confused:

[stylishskier]

Why would Darris Allison buy the molds to the Venom (or anything else for that mater) ??? The Venom is already a copy of the SS2000 . That will NEVER happen. Scott :confused:

maybe I'm ignorant, but haven't we been through this? Where/who do you draw your conclusions from?

[yellowallison]

Where/who do you draw your conclusions from?

eyeballs :p :p

[stylishskier]

eyeballs :p :p

looks can be deceiving?? :p

[Racemore]

Look,I know everybody wants a 1st class Hydrostream but Jack has enough boats reputations to keep up.Although...:cool:

[stylishskier]

Look,I know everybody wants a 1st class Hydrostream but Jack has enough boats reputations to keep up.Although...:cool:

is jack in the middle of conquering the venom molds?

[Scott Gilmore]

maybe I'm ignorant, but haven't we been through this? Where/who do you draw your conclusions from?

I haven't been through this & yes it's quite possible you're ignorant !! Scott :(

[Sam Baker]

I think the general problem with this industry is that with the motors going away (the 2.5 260), we're not as interested in running 6000 RPM motors.

Until the 260s are gone (used ones), and we're FORCED to run OptiMaxes, E-Tecs, HPDIs, or God forbid 4-strokes, there just isn't going to be a lot of new boats sold. Not to mention, that because of places like Scream and Fly, we can find good used boats around the country MUCH easier. 5-10 years ago, if we couldn't find a boat in our hometown or within 50 miles, we'd buy a new one if we wanted something. Today, I can find virtually any make and model available if I don't mind driving a little bit...and most of us don't mind driving. It's really hurt the industry because the used market is so full of boats that are now easy to find.

Jim came into this and spent a LOT of time and money designing and building new boats in order to try and resurrect the HydroStream name. The designs of the boats can't be denied - they're beautiful boats. I can't speak for the quality because I don't own one, but from what I've seen, they're as nice as anything out there maybe short of an Allison (but you're not paying Allison prices either).

[stylishskier]

I haven't been through this & yes it's quite possible you're ignorant !! Scott :(

no I was arguing your statement that the stream was a copy of the SS... why would Darris buy the venom molds? Correct there is no reason to, he has boats that win and great designs, no arguement there ;)

Sam says Jim designed? and built new boats... seems to disagree with your opinion that the venom is a copy...

[DoktorC]

I suppose you could order one from Canada like others mentioned, but it's kind of hard to order one when they don't answer their phone or return messages.

I talk to the guy every day (and no they don't have call display). If they don't pick-up I call back later because I know he's busy working on a (possibly my) boat.

Someone should get that mold though. Seems a shame not to build that hull...

[Racemore]

is jack in the middle of conquering the venom molds?

No.Not that I know of.He has more to do than he can do with the time to get it done.He keeps going hard and getting it done though.I'm just saying if he made them they would be right.It would be cool IMO if he did make them.It would be a good V to make.

[stylishskier]

No.Not that I know of.He has more to do than he do with the time to get it done.He keeps going hard and getting it done though.I'm just saying if he made them they would be right.It would be cool IMO if he did make them.It would be a good V to make.

he would have the market all but cornered if he was able to make that acquisition...

[BottomsUp]

is the only speed boat builder I have seen that has built quility boats for over how many years? Many have come and gone but it is what he does and what he loves. I was only complimenting him and his operation.

I believe the builder of the Venom plug came from Allison background so I can see why it would look close. I can assure you that I saw the plug for the Venom personally and it is not a direct splash. However the measurments I am sure are close?

Find an older stream and restore it or go Canada if you have to have a new one.

Lots of luck.

Billy

[Hot Shot Merc]

Jeszz guys you cant re invent the wheel.Its a v-bottum.Wether it inspiration came from the Allison or not come on how many different shapes of V do you think can exsist.I meen its like a tunnel hull.Yes you can make changes and build your own new design but in the end it will look just like any other tunnel out there.Hope you understand what I meen here.I am sure a few of you will change my wording to sute your own egenda but its a v and will always look like the v that somebody else designed.The wheel is round no matter who builds a new one.;)

And as for the engine market crap.I dont beleive it will be anytime soon that a guy wont buy a new STV or Allison or Venom because he cant buy a new 2.5 with it.There are still hundreds of 2.4 BPorts out there to rebbuild and they stopped building them in like 91 or something.You can still buy 2.5 260 any day of the week used and the 280's are everywhere still and will be for many years to come.I meen if the industry relys on only people with the cash flow to buy a $20,000 motor and $20,000 dollar boat then the sport or hobby or industry will fail anyway.Yes it makes it easyer for a guy to go buy the package complete from the dealer but why cant you just buy the boat new and build an engine from the net.Hell I could build twenty new 280's next week if I wanted to start making the calls and aranging shipping for mids cases, power heads and cowls.Hell theres at least ten complete 280's I know of right now I could go buy if I needed.

Ah hell never mind;) Rock on Jack and Darris.:D

Oh ya Jim Contzen still owes me Hydrostream stickers too from the year 2000.Hell I dont need them anymore but its the point that he jerked my $40.00 and never sent teh goods that erks me.

[On Tap]

Well, gotta give Contzen some credit for attempting to pick up the ball on a Brand that gave performance outboarding a real direction and extremely unique look back in the mid 70's through the mid 80's.

There's nothing else like a Hydrostream...especially the Vectors, V-kings, and Vasseret's! The "hooked-nose" of those rigs are truely a signature style that we'll never see again I'm sure.

I'm sure the task of trying to bring Hydrostream back to life was an incredible task to attempt. I'm glad somebody tried. Too bad it hasn't worked out...

[MorganB]

They are still taking orders.

[Leo]

No inconsistincy back to day one, they were damn good boats when they were built by Howard Pipkorn. Those old ones in nice shape will still bring a good dollar today. I Bought an 84 Vector new and also a 88 Valero YT. That Vector in 84 ran 90 MPH that was about 20 MPH faster than anything around. I think if somebody introduced their smaller boats again they would do very well.

[DoktorC]

They are still taking orders.


But...are they making deliveries???? ;)

[stylishskier]

No inconsistincy back to day one, they were damn good boats when they were built by Howard Pipkorn. Those old ones in nice shape will still bring a good dollar today. I Bought an 84 Vector new and also a 88 Valero YT. That Vector in 84 ran 90 MPH that was about 20 MPH faster than anything around. I think if somebody introduced their smaller boats again they would do very well.

His name is John Spaeth... you can order a brand new vking among others with state of the art construction... But no inconsistencies?? Old ones in nice shape, how many old streams do you see for sale on these boards that are in nice shape that the listing doesnt say "NEW CORE, TRANSOM, STRINGERS, FLOOR"... how many say "will need core work, probably transom", how many have a transom plate because the owner is afraid of losing the transom because of **** poor construction techniques used by a mass producing company...

[Fibertron]

why would we give jim credit for anything????

all he has done is screw hard working people out of lots of money, hopefully he is gone for good this time...

anyone looking for a high quality hydrostream and a few other boats to contact john spaeth in canada!!!

[rossi]

If it wasn't for Hydrostream/Pipkorn most of us would not be into performance boating today and S&F probably would not even exist. It was that era that brings most of us here today.

Hydrostream/Pipkorn...sadly will never be repeated and yes, I'm still waiting for my decals also since 2000.

[wildfire1]

Sorry I'm writing back so late, but was out of town. The point being-you have to prove yourself every day in work, with everything you do- past
success is not the present- todays steak is tomorrows sh#t.

[jwk]

i have a 81 v-king and was thinking about maybe a new venom. but after reading what you guys are saying im starting to reconsider. i would hate to buy a 40k boat only to have to fix their screw ups

[hugetime1]

i have a 81 v-king and was thinking about maybe a new venom. but after reading what you guys are saying im starting to reconsider. i would hate to buy a 40k boat only to have to fix their screw ups

I have a venom for sale, good as new, 2005 with a 280 on it, $27,000. call if you want to try it out 518-696-7055

[150aintenuff]

His name is John Spaeth... you can order a brand new vking among others with state of the art construction... But no inconsistencies?? Old ones in nice shape, how many old streams do you see for sale on these boards that are in nice shape that the listing doesnt say "NEW CORE, TRANSOM, STRINGERS, FLOOR"... how many say "will need core work, probably transom", how many have a transom plate because the owner is afraid of losing the transom because of **** poor construction techniques used by a mass producing company...
I personally know of 1 forsale that just yesterday completed a roughly 60 mile poker run in 1-2' water on its orginal core, transom and stringer assemblies from 1984, tests 95% dry in the pad and transom and the areas that ARENT TOTALLY dry are still soild and with a few hot days will dry out and test just as dry as the rest of the hull... runs 80 with a 175 and doesnt have any transom plates at all other than the washers top and botton for the jack plate.

[hugetime1]

Looks like Andy driving
Hey Andy the pad on your boat looks like the new Allison race boat pad
Whats your story, I heard it is one of a kind ;)
see you in Thomasville, just rigging the new boat .
it is the boat I bought from andy

[stylishskier]

I personally know of 1 forsale that just yesterday completed a roughly 60 mile poker run in 1-2' water on its orginal core, transom and stringer assemblies from 1984, tests 95% dry in the pad and transom and the areas that ARENT TOTALLY dry are still soild and with a few hot days will dry out and test just as dry as the rest of the hull... runs 80 with a 175 and doesnt have any transom plates at all other than the washers top and botton for the jack plate.

so you got a good one, congrats, but don't tell me that your boat is better constructed than a recored boat, but no need to argue that... glad to hear yours is running great and is still dry, its been cared for, most aren't. They were well designed, not well constructed... unless you got a comp model, which seems a little more TLC went into making those as a racers life may have been on the line...

[150aintenuff]

so you got a good one, congrats, but don't tell me that your boat is better constructed than a recored boat, but no need to argue that... glad to hear yours is running great and is still dry, its been cared for, most aren't. They were well designed, not well constructed... unless you got a comp model, which seems a little more TLC went into making those as a racers life may have been on the line...

its dry... and running good... but it was hardly cared for... its just luck... nothing more... and it is definatly not a comp model..

[SFL STREAM]

Alot of harsh words here towards Jim. I know him personally, and am distributing the boats for him. Yes, there were some issues with the boats, nothing major, no boats disinegrated. The hulls are warranted (excluding race application), and yes, we do deliver. I have a Venom, and now hate driving other boats. Dad has an 07' Voyager, runs in the 90's with a 250. He loves it. As for Jim, he is very genuine, and I am sure if you really wanted your stickers... email him and he will send them... if not, I am certain I could get you a few stickers... I am certain it is not easy resurecting a company. I can get you a boat, and i will even do the warranty work, so you don't have to drive to TN.

[wildfire1]

All you have to do is check out the web site, in April they came out with their accessory program, and here we are in August and it has not been updated since, what are they waiting for, Christmas? I spent today cutting away the poor quality assembly they did on my "06 vegas.
I could never recommend one of "Jim's" boats to anyone! The old Hydrostreams were great boats, but what I bought was crap! I hope
the future holds better quality for Hydrostreem, but I don't see that
happening any time soon.

[SFL STREAM]

The quality has gotten better... Issues with rigging have been addressed, people replaced, and Jim is at the factory more, putting his hands on the boats. Look for the quality to be there now. Have a boat being delivered next week, I will post pics to silence the non-believers.

[JUPITER PULSARE]

Hey guys, I've personally seen, touched, and ridden alongside (and behind):eek: both Pirate Joe's and SFL Stream's Hydrostreams. They are great looking, well built, and very modern/trick hull designs. Watching them fly at speed is incredible looking. If you have concerns with riggin, buy a bare hull from Pirate Joe and have it custom rigged. We've got guys in our back-yard that do race quality offshore rigging & wiring!!

[JUPITER PULSARE]

I was talking about the quality inconsistency, and the business operations. Hydrostream has had lots of ups and downs in both build quality and economics.

In today's market, with interest rates/gas prices/homeowners insurance/car insurance/boat insurance/etc/etc/etc. going up, uP, and UP, it's very hard for a small boat company to survive with any consistancy. We are hobbyists with a love for fast boats..but we don't have deep pockets. Dropping 20K on a new 20' boat is out of the question for most of us. Builders like Hydrostream, Cougar, STV/Mirage, etc. have to survive on building and selling boats with very little marketing $$$ & manpower...not to mention very few people able to afford the product. It's not easy...the cost of running a factory, the insurance, issues with the federal regulations for spraying gelcoat & glass work, workmans comp, materials that keep climbing in price, etc. make it almost impossible to survive. I know firsthand...I worked directly for Active Thunder and have seen it on the inside..it can be very frustrating even though you turn out a superior product. My hat's off to Hydrostream for making the attempt to revamp, retool, and bring new product to the shelf. With profits come improvements and quality. I hope they can make it happen. I've seen their 2007 boats and was impressed. Maybe Jim will be reading this thread and I'm sure that his pride for his product will be reflected in future changes after gaining feedback. I would hate to see them fall by the wayside like Talon. We need guys willing to take the risk to build our toys!!! They're not always the smartest businessmen (or they wouldn't be in the boat bus.) but their need for speed, heart & desire, and quest to build cool boats should never fade!

[Instigator]

In today's market, with interest rates/gas prices/homeowners insurance/car insurance/boat insurance/etc/etc/etc. going up, uP, and UP, it's very hard for a small boat company to survive with any consistancy. We are hobbyists with a love for fast boats..but we don't have deep pockets. Dropping 20K on a new 20' boat is out of the question for most of us. Builders like Hydrostream, Cougar, STV/Mirage, etc. have to survive on building and selling boats with very little marketing $$$ & manpower...not to mention very few people able to afford the product. It's not easy...the cost of running a factory, the insurance, issues with the federal regulations for spraying gelcoat & glass work, workmans comp, materials that keep climbing in price, etc. make it almost impossible to survive. I know firsthand...I worked directly for Active Thunder and have seen it on the inside..it can be very frustrating even though you turn out a superior product. My hat's off to Hydrostream for making the attempt to revamp, retool, and bring new product to the shelf. With profits come improvements and quality. I hope they can make it happen. I've seen their 2007 boats and was impressed. Maybe Jim will be reading this thread and I'm sure that his pride for his product will be reflected in future changes after gaining feedback. I would hate to see them fall by the wayside like Talon. We need guys willing to take the risk to build our toys!!! They're not always the smartest businessmen (or they wouldn't be in the boat bus.) but their need for speed, heart & desire, and quest to build cool boats should never fade!
Perfectly stated!

While I have no first hand knowledge of the new version Streams I can tell you that Pulsare is spot on about the biz in general.

Our little boats take almost as much work and material as building a bigger boat which sells for much more money.

I was in several mfgs lately that all said same thing.

They were mostly talking about 25' - 28' range but same applies to us.

They spend almost as much on labor and materials building a 25' as they do a 30' or 35' that they can sell for 30% more.

More people can afford a 25' but the bldr makes less profit on them.

We all love the small rocket ships but I can't even imagine trying to make a living at building them.

[SFL STREAM]

Perfectly stated!

While I have no first hand knowledge of the new version Streams I can tell you that Pulsare is spot on about the biz in general.

Our little boats take almost as much work and material as building a bigger boat which sells for much more money.

I was in several mfgs lately that all said same thing.

They were mostly talking about 25' - 28' range but same applies to us.

They spend almost as much on labor and materials building a 25' as they do a 30' or 35' that they can sell for 30% more.

More people can afford a 25' but the bldr makes less profit on them.

We all love the small rocket ships but I can't even imagine trying to make a living at building them.

Instigator,
You can run my Venom with me all day on the 12th, see for yourself the design quality. And Pulsare will tell you that I drive it pretty hard, not a piece of garage furniture... See you next sunday..:D

[Instigator]

Instigator,
You can run my Venom with me all day on the 12th

Talkin :cool:

Haven't had a V on the pad in a long tme.

I love my tunnel boat but it's like drivin a mini van down the freeway.

I need some drama ;)

Taught a buddy of mine to drive my STV a 100 in about 5 mins.

Same guy wouldn't even get in my 100 MPH Vector :p

Was already planin on bringin me and the Mrs's race vests and helmets for just such an occasion :D

[SFL STREAM]

Which boat you bringin'

[Instigator]

Which boat you bringin'

The STV is in pcs :(

[wildfire1]

I spent several hours this weekend removing poorly assembled Hydrostream vegas, 2006 model. purchase what you want, but in my opinion they build crap!. I have onl firs hand opinion to give you. Pirate Joe may end up a real pirate before it's all said and done!

[150aintenuff]

there is a new one in Seattle area that is a near imaculate and runs about 90 with a 250XS..

[Tpower]

Hallo guys,i'm Roberto from Italy....i have a Venom here,the first in Italy, you can see the photo... and I can assure to you that the quality is great!and the boat in the wather is incredible...I'm in accord with SFL STREAM,i has known Jim personally,and for me is a very good person.http://www.tpowerboats.com/Veleno1.jpg

http://www.tpowerboats.com/Veleno2.jpg

[JR IN JAX]

Hydrostream definitely had their ups/downs, even under Pipkorn.
I bought a brand new '76 Vampire with a OMC V6 [Just Like the Lynnard Skinner's group new rig] and had the bottom come apart and sank it. The seat bases rotted and it structurally cracked across the front seating also. They, [L S Group] hit a dock with their while skiing stoned and sank theirs.
I bought an '85 Vector with a OMC V6 that held up ok except the rotting seat bases and stress cracks on each side of the windshield.
The YTs had quite a problem with hull/transom blowouts too.
There is nothing like an A-boat as far as quality.
JR

[SFL STREAM]

Hallo guys,i'm Roberto from Italy....i have a Venom here,the first in Italy, you can see the photo... and I can assure to you that the quality is great!and the boat in the wather is incredible...I'm in accord with SFL STREAM,i has known Jim personally,and for me is a very good person.http://www.tpowerboats.com/Veleno1.jpg

http://www.tpowerboats.com/Veleno2.jpg
Hi Roberto, I saw your boat at the factory when I picked up mine. I love the red, Boat looks great, enjoy it, and stay in touch.

[Wasted Income]

Old ones in nice shape, how many old streams do you see for sale on these boards that are in nice shape that the listing doesnt say "NEW CORE, TRANSOM, STRINGERS, FLOOR"... how many say "will need core work, probably transom", how many have a transom plate because the owner is afraid of losing the transom because of **** poor construction techniques used by a mass producing company...

I've got one. Original core, transom, stringers and floor. Everything is solid. Rock can vouch for that.

[Frank Molé]

mines not bad;) http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa158/frankmole/4qn2v0z.jpg all org..1986..

[Frank Molé]

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa158/frankmole/5yamn2f.jpg

[Frank Molé]

http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa158/frankmole/5zm59a9.jpg

[SFL STREAM]

Frank, that boat looks amazing... I re-cored an 89 viper, and I have a new Venom. Love both of them, the Venom drives like a dream...but I only have a 200hp, looking for a nice 280 drop-on, but I run 92-94 mph with the 200.

[150 VAMP]

What lake do you run on I see your from Salem too.:D

[Frank Molé]

Frank, that boat looks amazing... I re-cored an 89 viper, and I have a new Venom. Love both of them, the Venom drives like a dream...but I only have a 200hp, looking for a nice 280 drop-on, but I run 92-94 mph with the 200.

thanks,like the newer boats too:D your boat will be nuts with a 280:eek:

[SFL STREAM]

Frank, If you ever have anyone with a 280 (in good shape) please let me know. Keep in touch, check the Venom out, www.piratejoes.com (http://www.piratejoes.com) let it load and you'll see new video blah blah, click here...

[georgiariverrat]

That's a pretty cool video PJoe!!

[SFL STREAM]

Thank You.

[Frank Molé]

Frank, If you ever have anyone with a 280 (in good shape) please let me know. Keep in touch, check the Venom out, www.piratejoes.com (http://www.piratejoes.com) let it load and you'll see new video blah blah, click here...

vid looks good:) boat pulls HARD nice:cool: will keep on the 280 look out..:D

[Alan Power]

Hey SFL, that's one nice looking Venom you have there, I LOVE the flake on the new boat, was thinking how a flake tare would look the other day and wondered if it had been done, it obviously has. Looks great!

Alan

[brotherxb03]

Looking at that video reminds me of the 84 varmit I had. It would run fine 5k and above,but had a mid range porpose.

[SFL STREAM]

Looking at that video reminds me of the 84 varmit I had. It would run fine 5k and above,but had a mid range porpose.
The Venom doesn't really porpoise, that video is actually me playing with propwash from a boat that was in front of me. She actually stays on plane at less than 18mph. Pretty crazy... I don't really like to be in that speed range too much...:D

[WILDMAN]

Frank, If you ever have anyone with a 280 (in good shape) please let me know. Keep in touch, check the Venom out, www.piratejoes.com (http://www.piratejoes.com) let it load and you'll see new video blah blah, click here...

I have a couple 280's. I'll sell one. They are 2000 and 2001. I'm in Daytona Beach. My email is [email protected]

[SnakeBit]

Guy's
I just bought a Venom I haven't had any problems. The boat has great lines and I will tell you this when I learn how to drive it this boat will scream. I bought a 85 Vegas last year and sold it to my brother it's still running great in the bay in Queens. I don't know much about Jim but he should respond to all the negitive comments. (Call me Jim I will tell you how to handle it) I use the Web site it's okay, Hey look how long it took Checkmate to update thier site!!
Anthony

[Tpower]

Great PJoe,your video is very nice!
For now i mast learning to drive it,Venom is my first realy speed boat,i have a std 225 Opt.also std lower unit...,for the moment i can play with setup at litle step,i'm very low with prop shaft...i go up little bit every week,i feel the difference and i make practical to drive to more high speed...i know that maybe two or three weeks and i go with lower water pressure...:( for next season i like sport master.
At the moment i'm arrived to lower 80's...for my experience is already too fast...but i know and feel the limit for now it's me...
It's funny go more fast...but i like match more the acceleration...from 20 to 60 mph....:eek: !!!
THANK YOU HYDROSTREAM...(JIM) FOR THESE EMOTIONS!

[SnakeBit]

I spoke to Jim today everything is fine, threre a little slow but who isn't in this market, He says he has some irons in the fire for some bigger boats.
Good Luck Jim

[Action Dave]

I am not very familiar with Hydrostream boats other than a few older ones I've seen in the keys. Also the Ventura model that was the base for the original 16' Action Marine. I did get a chance to see some of the new 07 models this past weekend and I was impressed. Construction appeared solid (although it was just a quick inspection) and finish and rigging were top-notch. It's a shame if they earned some sort of bad rep a few years ago. There's not too many boat builders still building small, go-fast boats. Hopfully these newer models will help change a few people's opinions. Just my .02

[SnakeBit]

I hope these guy's do well or we will all be talking about family bow riders some day. The thought scares me. Hydrostream for the dollars your spending is a good boat.
Anthony

[hugetime1]

hey Anthony, how's the boat runnin???? get it goin 100mph yet???

[rollin]

sometimes even high end cars get put together not so well...If you look at sfl stream's venom ,it has a fit and finish 2nd to none.pirate joes boat, I could not get over the detail on it.
I love my Talon 22. but if I would have met tom and rode in his venom; I would be a proud owner of a stream.

[SFL STREAM]

Rollin, Had a great time with you all this weekend, hope we all get together again soon... maybe keys, maybe I'll shoot across to your neighborhood... Talk later...

[PirateJoe]

Keys:eek:
Any questions:D
:p Rhum, Sun, Rhum, Boats, and Rhum!:p

[SnakeBit]

hey Anthony, how's the boat runnin???? get it goin 100mph yet???


No Jasen still learnin but I am having fun call me when you get a chance
Anhony

[allstock]

Very interesting read considering I am looking at a "new" '05 venom (4 hrs, dealer demo). I have to admit I looked at the boat pretty close and fit and finish looked very good to me. If Hydrostream is getting bad press I would be very concerned about resale value even if the thing is good.

[TD]

This is not a real hydrostream. It has the name but not the class or the looks of the Pipcorn boats. It may be built better as the cutting edge materials are way more cost effective now but it is still not a REAL Hydrostream. Contzen should have named his company something else, maybe Allison wannabe?? The only true Hydrostreams made now are made by a man named Spaeth in Canada.

[150aintenuff]

This is not a real hydrostream. It has the name but not the class or the looks of the Pipcorn boats. It may be built better as the cutting edge materials are way more cost effective now but it is still not a REAL Hydrostream. Contzen should have named his company something else, maybe Allison wannabe?? The only true Hydrostreams made now are made by a man named Spaeth in Canada.

agreed....

[WILDMAN]

I think the new Venom is by far the best looking and handling Hydrostream ever made. Just my opinion.

[SFL STREAM]

with you wildman...but I can't learn everyone, if they drove one they would understand...

[Tpower]

with you wildman...but I can't learn everyone, if they drove one they would understand...
YESSS!....:)

[HydroStreamAE202]

I bought my Hydrostream AE from Jim directly this spring and I have been nothing but satisfied with it. The boat I bought was sight unseen and I found that the boats condition was immaculate and any questions or concerns I had with the boat Jim answered immediately for me. Jim did not try to hide anything from me, as it would have been very easy for him to do and he told me about every blemish, scratch or whatever on a boat that was 10 years old. I felt so confident with his thoroughness and honesty that I bought the boat from New York based on pictures and descriptions, that has so far been dead on. This boat is solid construction and handles the rough water very well even with its light lay-up. The boat has performed exactly how Jim has told me it would, and I am looking forward to many years of fun with this boat. So far I have seen 95 gps running a 26 Lightning ET and I’m starting to look now at stepping up to a different prop so I can see triple figures.

[RBT]

Judging from your Screan name you bought a AE202 ( also known as an AE21 ) that boat was built in Canada by John Spaeth............. do a search.

RT

[Inline Six]

I bought my Hydrostream AE from Jim directly this spring and I have been nothing but satisfied with it. The boat I bought was sight unseen and I found that the boats condition was immaculate and any questions or concerns I had with the boat Jim answered immediately for me. Jim did not try to hide anything from me, as it would have been very easy for him to do and he told me about every blemish, scratch or whatever on a boat that was 10 years old. I felt so confident with his thoroughness and honesty that I bought the boat from New York based on pictures and descriptions, that has so far been dead on. This boat is solid construction and handles the rough water very well even with its light lay-up. The boat has performed exactly how Jim has told me it would, and I am looking forward to many years of fun with this boat. So far I have seen 95 gps running a 26 Lightning ET and I’m starting to look now at stepping up to a different prop so I can see triple figures.

I'm glad you enjoy the boat, the unfortunate part is that jim never paid for that boat.

[Mark C.]

This is not a real hydrostream. It has the name but not the class or the looks of the Pipcorn boats. It may be built better as the cutting edge materials are way more cost effective now but it is still not a REAL Hydrostream. Contzen should have named his company something else, maybe Allison wannabe?? The only true Hydrostreams made now are made by a man named Spaeth in Canada.


So true, TD, so true....

You will never see any models put out by Contzen on my website.

[PirateJoe]

Gentlemen, please. Mr Spaeth builds an exelent boat. "He is the best glassman I know." says Jim. A search will show who owns and who has always owned the name. Do your homework. The Hot Boat from Jim Contzen's stable is the Venom. Designed from Pipkorn's work by Jim and Dennis. It is only built in Tennessee. For any other comments, ask all those who have raced against Andy.

[RBT]

PirateJoe, as a supporting vendor I ask that you do a search or PM Bottoms UP boat repair, he is another supporting vendor.
There was a time when he defended Jim too, then he learned what you too will learn that Jim is a shyster. Bottoms Up is a standup guy.
John Spaeth IS the reason Jim has the hydrostream name, the info on Jim's website is fabricated and Jim still owes for a few boats he never paid John for.
This has been rehashed many many times here........do a search.

That doesn't take away from the Venom boat, it is beautiful and runs very very well. And frankly Andy Driver could win in about anything..... it isn't all about the boat.

RT

[David]

Mark, you still exist! I hope all is well with you. I never understood why Mr Contzen never tried to embraced you and your (excellent) website. All the free publicity in the world for his products...I had big hopes for the rebirth of Hydrostream in the US. Its too bad the way it turned out.

Mr Six, your bass boat is special.

[allstock]

I'm going to see John tomorrow. ( I live 1/2 hour from his shop). I will get the info first hand. I can not find anyone in the industry that has ANYTHING bad to say about him-other than he will talk your ear off...which isn't a bad thing...knowledge is power!

[rossi]

If I was to buy a new boat today or anytime, it would be a John Speath built Vking. I live for Vkings and Johns are a picture of perfection.

....and the IHR is a great site indeed.:D

[allstock]

After meeting with John this weekend, I would have no reservations with having him build a boat. Too many red flags with this Jim Contzen/Fred Bozak deal for me thanks.