New Here! Looking to buy a Hydrostream. In need of General input.

[tayloray]

Hello all!

My name is Taylor. I come from the car world, specifically drifting/road racing. I'm relatively new to boats. My dad had a couple growing up. He picked up a 1984 Mastercraft stars and stripes a few years back that I stored for him and I took it out quite often. Unfortunately when he passed he left the boat to me, but his evil wife drained his retirement accounts so we had to sell it and everything else to pay taxes. Not something I'm happy about as it had sentimental value to me, but it was essentially the opposite of what I wanted in a boat. So I doubt I would have put the time in to maintain it like it needed.

What I really enjoy is river cruising. Finding cool spots, restaurants, exploring, taking in the weather and nature. So a boat with a cruising speed of 25 is not ideal. I don't drink anymore, so I need something to keep it entertaining.

When I was younger we would go out on the river up in North Fl, and I remember seeing some go fast boats? Not sure what you call the sub 20' outboard light boat genre. Anyway my dad's friend told me about Allison boats and how fast they were (specifically a story about some kids killing themselves coming up to hot on a riverbend, not sure why that peaked my interest, I guess I've always like fast things). So my 14 year old self researched them trying to see how much they cost, which led me to here. I have lurked the forums every since, and I have wanted a boat like this as well.

So I moved from Orlando to Inverness, Florida. We have a ton of rivers and lakes near by. I'm comfortable financially, I have plenty of room (moved into a house with a 40x50 shop and 2 acres), so I figured now was the time to buy another boat. It's almost an injustice not to with all the water around us and the Florida weather.

What I'm looking for is a Hydrostream, not sure on model or size, but they are my favorite looks wise. There are a few within a couple of hours that seem very affordable and have been up for awhile so could probably be had for less than asking. Red/silver with mariner 150 is $3,500, red/silver with 2.5 merc is $6,000 and Orange with 200 merc is $4,050.

My questions for you all are;

What is the upkeep like on these engines? Is there a drastic difference in maintenance from say the 150 mariner to the 2.5 (drag?)?

How fast is fast enough? Obviously the faster the better, but aside from always pushing, how fast do you generally cruise at/care to go?

Is there anything specific to look out for on these Hydrostreams?

What do you look for engine wise? Comp test? 150psi?

Is something like the 2.5 boat well worth the extra money? I'm bad about buying more than I need when I get into stuff without knowing how much I'll enjoy it.

I've bought and sold a lot of cars, but I'm completely new to this, but I really want to get out on the water and enjoy where I live.

Any input or advice is greatly appreciated!


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[XstreamVking]

1. Gotta be rebuilt hull with some kind of documentation. Pics etc, materials used, who did it. Experience?
2. A hi compression hi perf motor will have to have more maint. than a stock motor. 140 + comp...Just like cars...
3. Going fast right out of the gate can be hazardous. Best to build up your skills at a moderate pace.
4. Test drive/ride anything you might buy and look it over very carefully.
5. How fast? I like to cruise at 45-50 and can hit 80+.To me that's fast enough. Same boat with a hi-po motor was a 100 mph boat and ate gas like no tomorrow, could also be finicky. I get 3+ mpg now and can use the boat at a moments notice, no prep time, with no worries about getting back to the dock. Just reg maint.

[Li'l Toy]

Let me add to the above. I love Hydrostreams but the simple truth is that virtually any one you can buy will need a new transom and core. Yes, like XT said, you can find one already rebuilt, but unless the work is seriously documented with photos reviewed by someone who knows what to look for or done professionally by a shop with a great reputation you should not rely on being told something like "it has all been redone." And "it has a new floor" is useless--lipstick on a pig. The very rare kept in a garage since 1982 or properly rebuilt and you will be in love.

I don't kno a lot about motors, but I keep reading here that the high performance 2.5's that are still far and away the most popular motors on here need their cylinders rebuilt every 100 hours. well worth it for 280 plus out of a light 2.5 liter motor but not cheap.

I highly recommend that you spend a lot of time using the search function here to learn a lot more before you pull the trigger. Many Hydrostream rebuild threads including my son's--Matt Gent--you should look at, and other stories about finding a pristine 'stream or about how to pull a mounting bolt to check the transom or sound the hull with a soft hammer.

I hope you find one. They are very special and not built any more, and wonderful to own when right.

[Instigator]

All great advice.

I'd add:

1. One of the more/most difficult boats to drive fast. Worse w/big power.
Easy to get in over your head and happens all the time.

2. Being a car guy, you wont want to accept the mandatory rebuild hull gig but it is gospel.
On Hydrostreams.
They have VERY thin outer/inner skin encapsulating a balsa core. This makes them very strong/ight.
Problem is, the core rots, and does so from inside out.
And is near impossible to detect unless its very far gone.
Im a boat guy and I spent a yr looking for a solid one. Best one I found had a bad spot, on the bottom, the size of a quarter.
To repair it you go in through the inside.
By the time I got done digging out rot, I had the floor, stringers and entire core out.

I came very close to scrapping it but wasnt that smart.
Put $4 or $5K in (and a bazillion hrs) it and sold it several yrs later for $1500.

Take Pats advice and search "Hydrostream core", read and look at pixs.

Welcome aboard and have fun!
Its a great sport/hobby, you live in the perfect place for it and have some great people down there.

Gary

[DangerNewb]

All good advice. Pay up for one that's been fixed. Search "arguably nicest hydrostream around" in classifieds here. Think that boat is still for sale.

[DangerNewb]

And engine wise, you'd be good with a 225 promax. Steel bore 2.5 liter. Will run a hydrostream 85 plus. 260 and 280 will do more, but more maintenance and higher rpm to get the power. Probably overkill on a stream especially
for a first hipo boat. Also 2.5 blocks. A clean 225 promax is a $6k motor. Don't remember what motor was on the boat I mentioned in previous post. Good luck. BOAT... break out another thousand. Haha.

[nitro_rat]

https://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?170413-So-apparently-I-have-a-winter-project

http://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?259460-Viper-resto-mod

Tons more here, these will get you started...

[David]

It would be easier and more expensive to find a solid Allison

[olboatman]

I agree with all above as I personally went thru your search as I had to have a Viper! Documentation of restoration is THE most important factor as most of these boats are old enough that they will need work. Take your time and do the research as it will save you that "bizzilion" dollars and hrs as noted above. Have fun and welcome aboard to S&F..... take advantage of the limitless knowledge here!
Gary

[kellytheaker]

I see or read your hydrostream dream but agree times 10 with post #8 - step up hard and get yourself an Allison and enjoy with a 2.5 - it will cost more but cheaper in reality .

[mr fun]

action marine, similar hull design and no core issues, solid glass

[Li'l Toy]

Fun has a great suggestion. Actions are built in South Florida, so there should be a bunch around.

Gary is right that a Hydrostream, like any very fast pad V including an Action, needs a long learning curve to learn to drive. But, again from what I have read as I have never driven one (been a passenger--enlightening experience :)) it may take more skill to drive an Allison. One person on here has a note at the bottom of his threads that "I drive an Allison because I can." That said, build quality way above Hydrostream.

[Li'l Toy]

Left this thread and was reading Rock's "Sad Day in Illinois" thread. This comment has a ton to say about the question in this thread:

"All joking aside the Allison xb2002 is the best boat I have ever owned. My xr2001 was the most fun to drive but the overall useability and quality of construction of the xb is hard to beat. I have owned all types of STVs and many Hydrostreams including a carbon fibre tunnel and the xb is still my favorite. I would recommend the Allison brand to anyone. Hope ya'll have a nice winter except you Florida guys that get to boat year round. You guys kinda piss me off.

Rock"

And this in light of my quote from Rock below.....

[Instigator]

Ive owned both and driven multiple of both.
Theyre both pad vee's which requires you to balance it on its pad at speed.
Some people get it, some people dont.

Streams have a much shorter hull w/an extended beek on the end.
Way less room for error.

Allisons build quality is light yrs beyond a Stream.

The lines of a Vector/V-king are as good as it gets though!



Fun has a great suggestion. Actions are built in South Florida, so there should be a bunch around.

Gary is right that a Hydrostream, like any very fast pad V including an Action, needs a long learning curve to learn to drive. But, again from what I have read as I have never driven one (been a passenger--enlightening experience :)) it may take more skill to drive an Allison. One person on here has a note at the bottom of his threads that "I drive an Allison because I can." That said, build quality way above Hydrostream.

[mikesufka]

It would be easier and more expensive to find a solid Allison

My thoughts exactly ...

Just saw a nice Grandsport w/ 150 Evinrude on Minneapolis Craigslist - I think it’s ~ $15,000. The XB02 would be another great boat to own.

MDS

[XstreamVking]

I wouldn't trade my Stream for an Allison. Allison's are great boats, (price reflects that) but still not a unique boat like a Stream. To each their own.

[LakeFever]

If your a hands on like to build type? Get a stream and dig in with above restoration advice. If your a buy and fly type? Buy a restored turn key version.

Either way I think you will enjoy a stream a lot. The driving experience is an interesting learning curve, but when you get it humming up on the pad, its very satisfying.

[mr fun]

allisons have a lot of sharp angles and can be tricky decelerating, Actions are very forgiving in the dropping off the throttle, my experience

[donmac]

Kings are easy to drive if the hull is straight and solid, rigged properly and running a cleaver with a small case, ran mine for 3 yrs without a close encounter. best of 93mph. my.02

[CUDA]

https://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/boa/d/1982-hydrostream-vulture/6752185164.html

20 foot IS the way to go;)

[Captaincj]

Someone had mentioned to this one:


https://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?316534-Arguably-one-of-the-nicest-hydrostreams-around&highlight=Arguably

[tayloray]

First off I just want to say thank you so much for all of your input. Coming from the car world, forums are usually very toxic places with virtually no desire to give sound information. Definitely a breath of fresh air.

Sorry for the late reply as well, 3 day drift weekend took a toll.

I am certainly glad I came here for input. I had no knowledge of the transom issues. Read through the Viper Resto mod thread that was posted, and it looks like a fun project. I build all of my own cars and maintain them (part of why the weekend was so taxing, lots of crashing/breaking things). That being said, while I feel as though I could tackle such project (certainly with limited success the first time) my cars keep me very very busy. I have a Youtube channel which is essentially my job in which building cars is my content. So trying to keep up with that, and all the car projects and tackle a boat doesn't seem feasible. I could potentially make videos on a boat resto, but It's hard to know if they will do well enough to be worthwhile.

As much as the tinkerer in me wants to do something like that, I think in this situation I would definitely want something that requires minimal effort/work. I just want to be able to go out on the water and have fun. I don't want to bite off more than I can chew and end up with a lawn ornament I have no desire to work on because I didn't get to enjoy it before it broke/needed work.

As far as engines go, it sounds like it's just like the car world. I have a fully built drift car with an LS swap and everything's modified, very expensive to run/maintain but I have a Nissan 350Z that's my car to just go drive and get seat time with the stock engine and just suspension modifications because in stock form the motor will handle a ton of abuse without overheating, breaking, etc. Tires last forever, everything is cheaper. As soon as you start adding forced induction or serious engine modifications/swaps all of that goes out the window. You go through way more tires/fuel/drivetrain parts. It's a diminishing return. A little more fun, a lot more money. That being said, I'm definitely looking for the "350Z" of boat engines. Enough to have fun, but not enough to kill an immense amount more time and money for minimal gains due the it's exponential increase nature.

So for engines, what are some good options to look for? I saw the 2.5 was mentioned often. Are there years/models to look for?

Boat wise, the Action marine boats look very good, I'm not opposed to anything. There are a handful for sale in the area. I'm just not sure what I want to cap my spending at. This is essentially a trial thing. I like to think I'll use it all the time, but who knows. So I don't want to overspend on something that's far more than I need, but I also love cool/nice versions of everything I enjoy and have a problem with spending more than I need to on the nicer version of things. It would be ideal to start with a less expensive boat, see how much I enjoy and use it, then upgrade to something much nicer.

Another question, how would I find people in my area who have similar boats to go out with? Where is a good place to learn about the good boating spots of a given area?

[tayloray]

Here are a few I've found.

https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/boa/d/1983-action-marinemercury-25l/6698945735.html

This one looks like a mess and the grammar in the add is not confidence inspiring, but it's local
https://ocala.craigslist.org/boa/d/17-foot-action-marinespeed/6742897504.html

https://fortmyers.craigslist.org/lee/boa/d/16-ft-action-marine-speed-boat/6729191741.html

https://miami.craigslist.org/mdc/boa/d/17-foot-1987-action-marine/6753396300.html

Not looking for center seating but this looks like a nice deal? Sorry I know so little. I feel like the people who ask me car questions and I don't understand how they aren't more informed.
https://keys.craigslist.org/boa/d/21-allison-craft-2013/6743528336.html

Out of my price range of what i can let myself spend on a boat but this looks very nice. but of course fails the floors redone standard
https://lakeland.craigslist.org/boa/d/hydrosteam-vking/6740455296.html

And then this one which was posted earlier. Are windshields possible to find or when they're gone they're gone?
https://tampa.craigslist.org/pnl/boa/d/1982-hydrostream-vulture/6752185164.html

[Capt.Insane-o]

$1000 bluetooth carburetors :)


I'd do the blueuwhite yt

[W2F a V-King]

I agree with Capt.
Of the bunch listed that one is the biggest bang for the buck.

But your a hot rod guy and good with your hands....imo it's better to build something yourself and learn what makes the boat tick. Nothing beats the feeling of building something nice and running it.

Dang...I paid 2500 for my bluetooth carbs... :(

[tayloray]

Something funny I was thinking about. I just finished building my Miata and realized it's the same concept as these boats. Small and light, big engine since I swapped and LS into it. Paint shares a resemblance as well heavy gold flake.. lol

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[XstreamVking]

I bet you hurt some feelings and tires with that thang....haha

[tayloray]

I bet you hurt some feelings and tires with that thang....haha

Had a diesel truck bro (I own a Duramax, but we're talking about the breed of diesel truck ricers) try to blast past my "jap crap" and I think he got very confused when he heard a strait piped V8 at WOT scoot on past him. ahaha

https://youtu.be/RXb_sexagPI?t=226

[tayloray]

I agree with Capt.
Of the bunch listed that one is the biggest bang for the buck.

But your a hot rod guy and good with your hands....imo it's better to build something yourself and learn what makes the boat tick. Nothing beats the feeling of building something nice and running it.

Dang...I paid 2500 for my bluetooth carbs... :(

I just have zero woodworking experience. I'm really into metal fabrication, but woodworking is a new thing entirely would require an arsenal of new tools. I feel like the more tools I get, the more I need. Not to say it wouldn't be awesome to learn, just a learning curve. Why can't there just be more time for everything?

[Captaincj]

$1000 bluetooth carburetors :)


I'd do the blueuwhite yt

Unless I missed it, the blue and white YT (looks great) doesn't say it's been re-cored....

I still say this one is worth considering, and it's fully restored, very well.

I thought I saw he prices it at 12,500, but I could be wrong...

https://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?316534-Arguably-one-of-the-nicest-hydrostreams-around&highlight=Arguably

[Capt.Insane-o]

That boat is for the initiated. Vectors with 2.5 are a much less tame animal than vking. That blue and white yt is a pretty boat and most likely has a solid piece of marine ply in the pad like I've seen in the ones that rolled through here.....plus it has all the right goodies.

[tayloray]

That boat is for the initiated. Vectors with 2.5 are a much less tame animal than vking. That blue and white yt is a pretty boat and most likely has a solid piece of marine ply in the pad like I've seen in the ones that rolled through here.....plus it has all the right goodies.

I’m just afraid to spend that much on something that I’m not sure I’ll use all the time. I kinda want to get my feet wet with a sub 5-6k boat. So if all goes to hell im not that far in the hole. I also have so many car projects. Ls miata. Wrx swapped GC8. 350z I’ll be swapping a 2jz into. Plus my tow rig needs some upgrades.

The flip side as well with me doing YouTube is that a boat that I have to do some work on makes content. Content is income. However I’m not sure how well boat content would do with my viewer base.

[Capt.Insane-o]

I have a friend that can speak all that alphabet soup. I'm a Butler Pontiac kind of guy.

[CUDA]

Pontiac?

Is that like a Studebaker?

[Captaincj]

That boat is for the initiated. Vectors with 2.5 are a much less tame animal than vking. That blue and white yt is a pretty boat and most likely has a solid piece of marine ply in the pad like I've seen in the ones that rolled through here.....plus it has all the right goodies.

All good points. Can't say I disagree.

[Captaincj]

I’m just afraid to spend that much on something that I’m not sure I’ll use all the time. I kinda want to get my feet wet with a sub 5-6k boat. So if all goes to hell im not that far in the whole. I also have so many car projects. Ls miata. Wrx swapped GC8. 350z I’ll be swapping a 2jz into. Plus my tow rig needs some upgrades.

The flip side side as well with me doing YouTube is that a boat that I have to do some work on makes content. Content is income. However I’m not sure how well boat content would do with my viewer base.

If that sub-6k boat has a rotten core, it's a terrible idea. Your risking your finances, your time and your *life*.

[JWS]

absolutely correct

[tayloray]

If that sub-6k boat has a rotten core, it's a terrible idea. Your risking your finances, your time and your *life*.

I can definitely understand that. I'm just applying a sorta philosophy I have with buying used cars. I've bought sold and traded over 40 cars thus far. I used to look for the best deal, cheapest options for a given year/make/model. I would ignore the obvious signs that it was going to have problems because it was so cheap, and I wanted it. So I would end up with lemons. Then I went to the other extreme and bought the more expensive options of whatever I was looking for because the good deals "had to be something wrong with them". What I realized is you can go buy a $15,000 truck, and a $8,000 truck that are on paper very similar, and usually the $8k one works out fine more often than the $15K option. My friends and I all bought C5 vettes. I bought by far the cheapest one, and had the least issues. Same with my duramax. Got a great deal on it, was nervous because it was so cheap, and it is immaculate and has been stellar. my friend spend a solid amount more money, on a less desirble duramax, and has had a ton of major issues.

I guess my thought is, buy the cheapest option (that still fully checks out as far as everything you can physically check/know) because there's no guarantee the more expensive one is going to be any better in regards to the things you can't see/know, so why not mitigate your risk so if you have to right either off, you saved money, if it's a gamble either way.

I'm probably totally wrong when it comes to boats, who knows. I just see whatever money I spend on one as a gamble, fully expecting to loose it all.

[tayloray]

That boat is for the initiated. Vectors with 2.5 are a much less tame animal than vking. That blue and white yt is a pretty boat and most likely has a solid piece of marine ply in the pad like I've seen in the ones that rolled through here.....plus it has all the right goodies.

Speaking of this, where are good resource to learn how to properly drive these boats? I've done just about every motorsport you can do in a car, but have very minimal experience in a boat of this caliber.

[Capt.Insane-o]

The driver seat :)

[RSWORDS]

Pontiac?

Is that like a Studebaker?

Funniest thing I've read in a while. Lol

[Captaincj]

I can definitely understand that. I'm just applying a sorta philosophy I have with buying used cars. I've bought sold and traded over 40 cars thus far. I used to look for the best deal, cheapest options for a given year/make/model. I would ignore the obvious signs that it was going to have problems because it was so cheap, and I wanted it. So I would end up with lemons. Then I went to the other extreme and bought the more expensive options of whatever I was looking for because the good deals "had to be something wrong with them". What I realized is you can go buy a $15,000 truck, and a $8,000 truck that are on paper very similar, and usually the $8k one works out fine more often than the $15K option. My friends and I all bought C5 vettes. I bought by far the cheapest one, and had the least issues. Same with my duramax. Got a great deal on it, was nervous because it was so cheap, and it is immaculate and has been stellar. my friend spend a solid amount more money, on a less desirble duramax, and has had a ton of major issues.

I guess my thought is, buy the cheapest option (that still fully checks out as far as everything you can physically check/know) because there's no guarantee the more expensive one is going to be any better in regards to the things you can't see/know, so why not mitigate your risk so if you have to right either off, you saved money, if it's a gamble either way.

I'm probably totally wrong when it comes to boats, who knows. I just see whatever money I spend on one as a gamble, fully expecting to loose it all.

I'm a car guy also, your strategy may work to reasonable degree with cars, but it does NOT work with Hydrostream boats or similar. An Allison, yes(ish), Hydrostream, no. You need to become much more familiar with what it REALLY means to re-core a Hydrostream, from the standpoint of both TIME and MONEY. It's a BIG deal.

Secondly, it is truly a life-threatening activity to drive a Hydrostream fast with a rotten core. And they are very hard to detect, and almost always need a re-core if it hasn't been done. Not the floor, not the transom, the CORE of the hull.

I am and have been a member of many forums due to my hobbies and profession. This forum is truly a treasure. More than any other forum I have ever seen, we are all here to help. Very little arguing or name calling, 98% help.

There are rarely good boats in your price range, they can be found, but you need to be careful or be ready to spend humdreds of hours and thousands of dollars on a re-core.

[tayloray]

I'm a car guy also, your strategy may work to reasonable degree with cars, but it does NOT work with Hydrostream boats or similar. An Allison, yes(ish), Hydrostream, no. You need to become much more familiar with what it REALLY means to re-core a Hydrostream, from the standpoint of both TIME and MONEY. It's a BIG deal.

Secondly, it is truly a life-threatening activity to drive a Hydrostream fast with a rotten core. And they are very hard to detect, and almost always need a re-core if it hasn't been done. Not the floor, not the transom, the CORE of the hull.

I am and have been a member of many forums due to my hobbies and profession. This forum is truly a treasure. More than any other forum I have ever seen, we are all here to help. Very little arguing or name calling, 98% help.

There are rarely good boats in your price range, they can be found, but you need to be careful or be ready to spend humdreds of hours and thousands of dollars on a re-core.

I have been blown away by how helpful everyone is. And I realize I’m comming off as the guy who asks for advice and doesn’t take it. I’m sorry for that. I fully intend on taking everyone’s advice. I guess where I’m at is that I don’t know that I can let myself spend $15,000 on a boat right now. So with that in mind. I’ve seen some Allison’s for around $10,000. Action marines. Etc. would it be the same deal? Or can I get by with one that’s not the nicest for sub $10,000? It would be ideal to try it out. If I find that I use and enjoy it as much as I want I have no problem buying a $15,000 option.

another questions is what is resell like? Again I’m seeing this as I won’t be able to sell it and I’m stuck with it even if I need to sell it which is where the low budget comes from. That’s what makes buying a pricey one so hard. I’m buying a house within the next year and I need funds to build a shop outright as soon as a take the keys. So I don’t want to tie up that much in something I might not get anything out of if that makes any sense? I probably won’t need to sell it when I buy a house. But it would be ideal to have the option.

again, I apologize if I come off as being hardheaded or ignorant. It’s not my intention. This form saved me from buying one of the boats in the initial post. I am heading your advice, I just need to find a middle ground price wise.

[nitro_rat]

Find an Allison that’s ready to go. If you like it, you will have a rig to enjoy while you find and restore a Hydrostream. If you don’t like it, you will be able to sell it and get at least most of your money back. The driving skills you pick up with the Ally will apply to a Hydrostream also. You won’t get your money back on a Hydrostream EVER!!! It’s a labor of love...

[Captaincj]

Find an Allison that’s ready to go. If you like it, you will have a rig to enjoy while you find and restore a Hydrostream. If you don’t like it, you will be able to sell it and get at least most of your money back. The driving skills you pick up with the Ally will apply to a Hydrostream also. You won’t get your money back on a Hydrostream EVER!!! It’s a labor of love...

Nitro has good advice. To clarify what I think he means, you won't get your money back on a Hydrostream *restoration*.

Taylor asked about resale value. These things are 20-30+ years old. Unless someone is asking way to much, you are basically looking at the resale value.

Taylor, take your time looking for a good boat that's in your price range. Get second opinions from the dudes on this site, they're here to help.

Every once in a while a re-cored Hydrostream goes up for sale for not too much money. Or get an Allison. I've heard the Action Marines are built much better than original Hydrostream, but I don't know if they still sometimes need to be re-cored. Others can give you better info on those.

I have 1979 Hydrostream Viking and I love it. Still getting it set up properly but it's been fun and I have no plans to sell it.

[nitro_rat]

I think Actions are solid fiberglass bottom, no core.

[tayloray]

So what am I looking for in regards to other, non hydrostream boats? Engine type, rigging, gel coat fade?

I like the idea of buying something turn key, seeing if I really have passion for it, and doing a resto on a hydro down the road.

[nitro_rat]

You’re in Florida so you should be able to find an Action. They made several different lengths, any should be ok. I would stick with a V6 Mercury for power. It’s the small block chevy of the outboard world. Factory and aftermarket go fast stuff is out there. Post up motor pics when you find a candidate and we can help identify what it is. Many older hot boats have “FrankenMerc” engines so serial numbers and decals aren’t always useful for id. Unscrupulous sellers will put an “Alien” cowl on a 135 and try to pass it off as a 200!

As far as hull structure, look for soft spots in the transom and cracks around the splash well. Check the floor and general structure as well. Gel coat fade is purely cosmetic and is a good bargaining point to get the price down if present. There is probably a knowledgeable member near you or any boat you’re interested in so post up when you go shopping. A second pair of eyes can help you avoid a bad decision!

As far as rigging goes, hudraulic steering is where it’s at now days. An older boat may have cable steering. Check to make sure there’s no slop anywhere and the cables move freely. Mercury Ride Guide was the cable system of choice back in the day and cables are NLA and hard to find. Morse or Teleflex fual rack is the other dual rack system you may see. Cables are still available for that one. Anything rotary is junk, anything NFB (Teleflex “no feedback”) is junk, and the new teleflex one rack with two cables is junk. Probably just figue $1,000-1,500 to upgrade steering if it’s not hydraulic! The hydraulic systems that will work for hi-po are Teleflex Sea Star Pro (must be pro) and U-Flex Silversteer.

Share when you find a candidate and we’ll be glad to help!

[Hot Shot Merc]

Here ya go Tayloray

https://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?245980-Lets-see-those-Action-Marine-pics

[Li'l Toy]

I believe it is true that Actions have no core. Can anyone confirm? If so you get basically a Hydrostream (Barnie copied the Ventura then made improvements) with no core worries. Just try to check out the transom. Engine? V6 Merc. Injected less trouble than carb but may threaten your budget. And I think I suggested earlier go with a 200 or 225 rather the hi po 260 or280 more likely get a low maintenance turn key

[tayloray]

Here is a local action marine that popped up. Lack of gauges and prop is kinda odd. What do you guys think?

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[nitro_rat]

sale of boat less prop is pretty normal. A lot of guys like to hang on to their prop collection! As for the gauges, who knows? Maybe he just dropped $1200 on a new set and isn't going to let them go for the sale price. Ask him.

[tayloray]

sale of boat less prop is pretty normal. A lot of guys like to hang on to their prop collection! As for the gauges, who knows? Maybe he just dropped $1200 on a new set and isn't going to let them go for the sale price. Ask him.

Talked to him. Boat now has a 150 merc on it. Very similar setup. EFI as well. Said he has gauges for it.

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[Mark Poole ModVP]

My 2 cents.....If you are looking for a rush and to be a speed junkie then these small boats with big motors will satisfy you...on SMOOTH water. Myself, if I wanted a nice boat for inland or intercoastal cruising then I would want a slightly bigger, deeper boat with less engine. The last time I traveled down the upper part of the St. Johns just south of Jacksonville, it was rough! This is where you will be very uncomfortable in a small speed boat. I would rather not be in a fair weather only boat to really enjoy stress free time on the water.

[Hot Shot Merc]

Yes its true actions do not have a core in the bottom. That action with the 150 looks like an ideal starter boat for you. You need to learn how to balance it on the pad a speed then you can choose a 225 pro max or 260-280 later after you learn the boat but the larger power engines are for experienced drivers :thumbsup:

[Hippie459MN]

That read and silver Vector with the SCREAMER on the windshield belongs to Billy Irish and its a solid boat! Composite core, floor, and transom.

[tayloray]

That read and silver Vector with the SCREAMER on the windshield belongs to Billy Irish and its a solid boat! Composite core, floor, and transom.

Oh wow, well that changes things! I think it must have sold though.