Hydrostream Voyager

[kobrak]

Folks, first let me make the statement that I'm not well versed in boating terminology, little lone how to make my Voyager go! I purchased this boat a coupla years back and worked on the body first to get it presentable. I understand that the "Voyager" model isn't exactly a performance boat, but I need some help getting it setup. Right now I can barely get a skier out of the water:mad: It has the original??? motor........as far as I can tell. Its an old Evinrude 150. Seems to run just fine, but only does around 45mph tops. I've added a 6" offsetter jp last year, but I'm not sure where I can run the motor without having to add a nose cone? I've tried several different props, all three blade. Seems if I can get it to come out of the hole, I really suffer on top. If I get some speed. I can't get her out of the hole? Anyone have any base line suggestions? Or do I just need more motor? Whatdaya all think?

[Scream And Fly]

Hello, and welcome to our community.

The Hydrostream Voyager certainly is a very capable performance boat. Maybe you can tell us a little more about your setup so we can help you out...

1. What is the bottom configuration? V-Bottom or XT? The XT is a modified tunnel-V design with sponsons.

2. What type of propeller are you using? Standard stainless, Chopper-type, etc?

3. Do you have dual steering cables?

If you need any help identifying these items, just let us know.

Greg

[H2Onut]

WOW you were honored, your first post and your first reply comes from the owner/father/host of this website. Geeezzzz

Welcome to the board, your going to like it here.
:D


Good setup information also available at


www.hydrostream.org

[kobrak]

Ok, here goes. The hull is the XT configuration. The current prop is a Raker 14 1/2" X 22. I do have dual steering cables and will propably upgrade to hydro to help the wifey be more comfortable. The mosr rpm I've turned with the ol evinsmoker was around 4200 with the prop mentioned above. At that rpm I'm not going any faster, cause its trimmed up to much. The prop center is about 3 inches below the pad if I remember correctly. This same prop takes forever to get the thing plained out.

[Scream And Fly]

Nut, you're funny - LOL! I need more pics of that white and red monster you have!

Kobrak,

The XT is an great design - I always liked it.

First, 4200 RPM is way too low. If your motor is running well and that's all your getting, you could do some serious damage to it. I would double check and make sure the throttle plates in the carbs are open all the way when the throttle is wide open (do this when the motor is not running). Also, make sure it's firing on all cylinders too. You'll want to turn that motor at least 5250-5500 RPM. Definitely perform a compression check on the motor as well.
Second, although the Raker is a good stock top-end propeller, it won't get you out of the hole as quickly as a Chopper-type propeller. This is because the Chopper will "slip" on plane-off and allow your engine to get into its power band.
I would also raise the engine an inch on the jackplate. Just remember to monitor your temp and water pressure.

Let us know what you find out...

Greg

[Capt.Insane-o]

;) Have that motor checked out for sure. That 150 should have no problem pulling up a skier with a 22 Raker. Greg, we're not worthy...............!

[kobrak]

Greg, when you say I could do damage..........I'm not sure I understand why?

NUT.......I do feel very honored :cool:

As far as taking a look at the motor, could I use the same compression testing device as what is used on a car?

I don't feel like the motor has anything wrong with it. Runs nice at idle, smokes quite a bit, but never fowls plugs. I mix the oil as the injector was removed before I owned it.

The reason I've never tried to get more RPM out of it is becuase it feels like I reach a point around 4200 that I'm increasing my rpm, but no more speed. Seems like I'm right at the verge of getting the hull to work and thats it, no more. Once the ice is off the lake, I'll try to get more specific and take some measuments on the motor vs pad etc.

[EXSTREAM EH!]

Kobrak Welcome to the board! You have the Most user frendly Hydrostream of them all! Lots of space, great ride and good performance. With that 150 you should see mid 60mph.(With the right set up and prop) Set that p[ropshaft about 1"-11/2"below the pad. that should be about right.BUT watch that water pressure!Check out that mota before you do to much runnin.That jackplate is not going to help much now but if you power up it will come in real handy. The best tip I can give you is to go to WWW.Hydrosteram.org And check out the new tech board. Randy just did a post on a Vagas (same bottom) with a 175 that is doin 75-80mph. Look through all the teck stuf and you should get a good idea of what it will take to set uo your rig. After you do that Then give Randy a call at GPI and he WILL help you get the most out of what you have. OR you could just scrap that 150 and get a 300xMerc. Then you could pull an ELAPHANT! GOOD LUCK!
EXTREAM EH! Gone :D :D

[Gerben]

Hi Kobrak,

First: Welcome

How could you do damage?
Very simplified answer:
Imagine running your car uphil a gear to high. It will labour and probably overheat. Perhaps even detonation.
That is what happens with a motor not reaching recommended rpm.

Gerben

[Stream 1]

As everyone has said WECOME?

OK, your original post sounded like you saved the boat. "I purchased this boat a coupla years back and worked on the body first to get it presentable." During the cosmetic work did you check the core for roit or water? Besides the things mentioned by others the boat could be heavy or have a warped bottom.

If the engine is running correctly and the prop isn't damaged a 22 Raker should not struggle to get a Voyager on plane unless there is a lot of weight???

[kobrak]

Thank you for the replies:) Ok, I understand the uphill deal. I don't believe I'm hurting the motor, but I will keep it in mind. Its more from me not wanting to push the rpm's higher as I don't seem to get any more speed.

I have not checked the hull (I'm getting there....called it a body before) for water or wetness. I know there is a portion of the hull underneath that has been compromised, kind of cracked and then filled with a compound that seems to be water resistant. I'm not sure what or where to check for moisture? I do have a pump that shoots water out the side when I flip the switch. Sometimes I get a bit of water from it, but I believe it's from rain.

I think from all of the info so far I will start with motor basics. Pull and inspect plugs, do a compression check, then check out the rpm's (is the a limiter on this old thing?), and go from there. I will pull model #'s and what ever else to help beter the info I've provided.

I did leave a message over on hydrostream.com to see if randy was available:) Thanks!

[mikesufka]

Kobrak

I see you're from Alexandria. There is a guy named Randy Pierson who works out of Avon, MN. That's a 30-45 minute drive from you. Just call him up and arrange to get your boat down there. He can check your hull, give your engine a once over, etc.... and you'll be done. He's probably set up as many hydrostreams as anyone. He used to be a big dealer.

His number is 356-9068. Tell him Mike sent you.

If you're interested in joining us for the third year of the MN hotboat club, get a hold of me. The meet is the last weekend in June on the Whitefish Chain, 1/2 hour north of Brainerd, MN.

Mike Sufka
St. Cloud, MN
Allison Grandsport/2.5 EFI

mikesufka@astound.net

[pyro]

Regarding the hull, if the bottom has cracked and been repaired, it's probably due to the core being saturated and rotten. The comment about "might have been from rain" further backs up this hypothesis. This would add extra weight that would slow it down. See if the hull flexes on the trailer at all. Is the floor solid? What year is this boat?

Regarding the motor: Get a 200 maybe someday, preferably a Merc, no less. Merc's powerband extends into higher RPM ranges, allowing you to prop it for decent holeshot and still run a good top end.

[skidoo29]

As mike said give randy a call. He is the same randy that does the tech talk on the IHR (I think) so if you can talk in person it is a bonus for you

warren

[kobrak]

Folks, thanks for all of the input. I'm going to call Randy tjhis morning and bring her in:) I had no idea I had a Hydro expert so close. Makes sense though, seeing how they were made down in New Brighton, MN. Thanks again!

[Jason Huber]

Welcome aboard!!! :)

[kobrak]

Howdy:D I did call Randy's place. He is out in cali. The person that took the call took my name and number. I am officially getting pumped!

[russell]

While the voyager is not a vagas some differances are the voyager was made in canada it has wooded stringers and is quite a bit heaver.
With a 6 inch setback it will be hard to plane with a over hub prop
and a 150 will work to pull a skier up on one ski. There is a lot weight the bow.
I speek from experance In started with a gt200 then heads then a new 260 the stock 200 ran 72 with work 82 tha 260 low 90's
Ran with a vagas all the time it was a lot faster boat a lot lighter.
give me a call russ 860-345-8721

[kobrak]

Ok, I finally got the boat out of storage this weekend:) Went right to the motor and popped the cover. I had talked to Randy awhile back and he said that with the discription I had given him I needed to first look into the motor. Kinda like what you folks were tellin me.
I ran it for a coupla minutes, then shut her down. Pulled the plugs on the right bank and all were an oiley brown color. Pulled em on the left bank and all were the same except one. I noticed it was really clean and dry? Anyway, I started looking around the coil pack and there was an orange wire broke off?
I repaired the wire and fired the thing back up and it was idling high as hell. I'm hoping this means I'm now running on all 6 since who knows when? Q is, what does the orange wire do? I did reset the idle and I should have it ready to drop in the drink soon:)

[freddyph]

When I bought my voyager it had the original Suzuki 175. It too had issues with skiers. Finally put a Mercury 250 on it and it can pull 2 skiers out of the water in a second. Bite the bullet and put a new motor on it, you will be glad you did.

[Riverratt]

He has probably gone through several new motors since this post is from 2003


When I bought my voyager it had the original Suzuki 175. It too had issues with skiers. Finally put a Mercury 250 on it and it can pull 2 skiers out of the water in a second. Bite the bullet and put a new motor on it, you will be glad you did.