vector question

[Fibertron]

ok, i've found vector for sale, and the price is deffiently right for a project. The owner tells me it was a race boat which was rolled at around 100mph. One side of the boat was destroyed and then rebuilt, he said its actually stronger then the other side and looks normal. My question is this something I should be concerend, performance and safety wise, and problems down the road, or should i go a head with the project. He tells me the transom, core and stringers are all strong plus a mint windsheild. Again the price is deffently right!!! Thanks, oh yeah could someone post John Spathes number, would he be able to tell me if its ok, if i gave him a call!!! thanks again

[1BadAction]

save yourself alot of headaches and buy thaw rippers boat. Imho-if a boat was rolled at that kind of speed you shouldnt want anything to do with it. I would say to come get my vector, but thaw is alot closer to you. its ultimately your choice, but that situation seems like trouble.

jim

[Fibertron]

I see, but its still really really cheap!!i would buy thaw rippers boat, but i really dont want to do a re-core. How much are you asking for your boat and could you email me a few pics. Thanks

[1BadAction]

this vector that i have has a brand new floor and stringers in it. the inside is gelcoted grey with blue flakes. i sent you a pm awhile ago about your 90 merc. either way the purple stream i have needs a paint job, but it shouldnt be hard for me to strip to the primer and shoot it with some blue imron. (i have a complete paint booth at my disposal where i work) and winter is a slow time for us. so if you wanted to swap for that 90, i could shoot a new coat of paint on this stream, even take you for a test ride, and you would have a sweet boat. the only reason i am getting rid of this stream is because i have the satan boat that is a long term project of mine. I plan on sending my 2.5L out to be worked on, and if i had a 90, i could at least go out and play in the river.

jim

[1BadAction]

BTW i know this from experience- if you cant get a test ride in a vector before you buy it, and the deal sounds to good to be true. it is. just trying to save you some trouble.

jim

[stevek]

There seems to be several Vectors on the board for pretty reasonable prices if your looking for a fixeruper.

[Fibertron]

Sorry, i never read my pm's this isnt the boat with the crazy hook is it. I dont think that this deal is too good to be true, it was the one that caught my eye, its cheap cause it has nothing in it. could you email me some pics of your vector u wanna trade for my merc. I might be interested. does it come with a trailer, gauges foot throttle, seats!!!! Let me know, thanks

[Vector77]

I purchased a Vector about 6 months ago and didn't take for a ride before I did. Now 6 months later I have a boat with a hook in the bottom that won't allow it to go over 65 mph. I can't get the bow up. My advice is to drive the boat or if possible get someone that knows Vectors to look at the boat closely.

MHO

bob

[mxz]

Fibertron,
If you decide not to get this project Vector could you pass on the info to me??? I am looking for a cheap project Vector or Viper, project boats seem to be pretty rare up here in Ontario.

Thanks

[sho305]

Do you mean something is bad in the bottom and it has more than the original wedge/hook causing it to run out bad? I was told an old viper/vector better have a new core or it will need one (when I go to buy one). I got an old tub with a big hook, and it drives the bow way down.

[Vector77]

The boat has a bad hook in that wasn't caused by the trailer that it has been on for the past 5 years. I'm keeping the boat and plan to blue print the bottom at some time.
Another item that has to be concidered it the type of driver that it takes to drive a Vector. When you let off too quickly at high speed Vectors tend to hook to the left, making the sharpest left turn you have ever experienced. It a fun boat, just not very forgiving. In the wrong hands with over 200 hp you can loose your life!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

bob

[sho305]

I've posted all over here asking about them viper/vectors, though I don't think I will put a V6 on a viper:D I just wanted one for my inline to start with since it seems to be one of the most recommended hulls for the motor. People are probably tired of me and my boat problem....

Most (some still argue, but from what I gather here) say you need the factory hook/wedge with a V6 for power or the bow will get too high and it don't turn well either. It also does make it harder to drive, and I'm told the very early and comp hulls may not have hook. Problem seems to be age, improper support when recoring or storing, or another mystery that changes the bottom, and the rumors about bad molds too. Reguardless, ya better be careful when getting one or figure on working it yourself it seems to me.

Capt Insane-o was talking about the prop torque once and thought a twin prop LU, like the Yami 150 has, would help. But I don't think any are good for 200hp, or easy to fit to a Merc, not to mention the cash. I still don't know Ronnie's secret to running 100+ with his viper.

I agree, you better really know what you are doing when you double the recommended HP on a hull. I've seen people broken-bones hurt at much slower speeds, and still in the boat even. I don't plan on going there, just want to have some fun on the water and want to know what I'm doing before I do it. Everyone's info here is just invaluable!:cool:

[1BadAction]

Originally posted by Fibertron
Sorry, i never read my pm's this isnt the boat with the crazy hook is it. I dont think that this deal is too good to be true, it was the one that caught my eye, its cheap cause it has nothing in it. could you email me some pics of your vector u wanna trade for my merc. I might be interested. does it come with a trailer, gauges foot throttle, seats!!!! Let me know, thanks

The vector i am selling is my 74 model, it has no hook in it and it runs great. all original straight bottom. the ONLY reason i am selling it is to finance my white vector project, which i am about to flip over for the 2nd time this weekend. Really i would keep the 74 because it runs straight with no porpoise, but the white boat has a history, and sentimental value. I am at work right now, i need to go home tonight to get some pictures of the vector to send to you. the only thing that the vector i have for sale needs is gauges. it has merc controls, 1 seat, and a hot foot. like i said, we can put my 150 on it here at the shop take it about 3 blocks away to lake okeechobee and run it if you do decide to get it from me.

[1BadAction]

Originally posted by sho305
I still don't know Ronnie's secret to running 100+ with his viper.


#1 he is a bad ass driver

#2 strong original hull that was done the right way and not screwed with.

#3 ALMOST FORGOT- a shizit load of hp

[Raceman]

I agree with what you said on Ronnie's Viper, especially the "bad ass driver" part, but don't forget that he's obviously got the setup right too.

[Capt.Insane-o]

You just need to pay attention......more. Drive or swim, take your pick.

[Vector77]

A well balanced Vector that has 250 plus hp and a good bottom is the most challenging, exciting ride you will ever take. But like another post states, "if a Vector is running over 100 mph and you're on the shore don't sneeze"

Like to live on the edge

bob.

[Fibertron]

unfortunently i doubt i will be able to test drive the boat. I am still leaning towards buying it. I dont think the bottom every had any repairs done, but now i will deffently check. I was considering thaw rippers boat but i dont think im up for doing a recore, does anyone have any idea how much it will cost to do myself. Im also still waitingg to see 1BadStream's boat before i make a desicion. Thanks for all the opions so far, hope to here more!!!

Bryan

[1BadAction]

bryan, i have the pics coming to your e-mail in about 5 mins.

the day ones are before i rigged anything in it, and before i did the trailer lights. the ones at dusk are from this evening

[sho305]

I've seen the pics of the custom pads on Ronnies viper, and the nice hefty transom support. Maybe some time I'll find an explanation of how they work, how he did it...:) (hint, hint) The running video is awesome; flat and smooth no problem.

Doesn't it take less power relatively to get 100mph out of that little vee hull than say an stv/etc? Or does the tunnel free it up that much more at those speeds?

[Fibertron]

Thanks for everyone responding. Well im hopefully picking the boat up next weekend. The boat still has its hook and the pad was never filled, it has however had some small repairs to the bottom. I am planning on blueprinting the bottom anyways so the repairs shouldnt be a problem. Has anyone in ontario, or any where that is blueprinted thier vector, or know who i should call for some advice. Anyways i ll be starting a new post when i get the boat next weekend. So if im blueprinting the bottom is there anything to worry about. Thanks again.
Bryan

[wing nut]

Originally posted by sho305
I've seen the pics of the custom pads on Ronnies viper, and the nice hefty transom support. Maybe some time I'll find an explanation of how they work, how he did it...:) (hint, hint) The running video is awesome; flat and smooth no problem.

Doesn't it take less power relatively to get 100mph out of that little vee hull than say an stv/etc? Or does the tunnel free it up that much more at those speeds?

ive seen and been in ronnies boat a bunch of times and as far as a know and have seen the pad is compleatly STOCK not filled in or anything... there is some stuff on the jackplate to help it launch, and on the cav. plate to help plane off but thats about it...


scott

[sho305]

So you are saying 100+ on the stock pad of a boat designed in the early 70s I believe...amazing. I saw the new pic of it out of the water on holeshot, way cool.

Doesn't anyone know any movie producers here...James Bond did ok with OBs racing around, ain't it time for another?:cool: I've seen so many fireballs now I know they can make those out of anything, yet again if they made an OB movie they would just blow all them up anyway.:rolleyes:

[Fibertron]

heres a bottom pic, is this trouble if i blueprint the hull. Its supposed to have a solid core but I am doubting it after this pic. Anyways can this be fixed and run good, Lets here what all of ya think!!!

[Fibertron]

oh it already posted oh well, here the pic again

[mxz]

Looks from the pic like the bottom is paint and bare wood??? Isn't there any glass or gel? Got any more pics of the rest of the boat?

[Fibertron]

now that you mention that, it does look like its wood. I think thats the colour of the ressin though No thats the only pic he sent me

[chris_lacey]

Looks like scratched paint and filler (auto body filler, the pink stuff) to me. Maybe some bare resin on the right (of the boat) rear edge of the pad. Like someone was trying to fill some big scratches, cracks or fair in a repair. The dark pink looks like primer putty.

[Raceman]

I'm seein' glass, primer and paint at the very least. You're at the mercy of whoever worked the bottom or painted the boat before. It could be anything from painted over stock bottom to somebody's idea of an improvement.

[chris_lacey]

Here's what I see.

[Fibertron]

heres a pic of the transom, kinda shows the shape of the pad. If it dosnt need a new core and I blue print the bottom, this could be the perfect project. Chris, sounds like youve done this before, have you done bottom repairs and blueprinting, it would be nice to have someone kinda local incase this goes horribly wrong.

[chris_lacey]

Fibretron, yeah I've pretty much done it all. Repairs, conversion from O/B to I/O, conversion from I/O to O/B, refinish, etc. The 'Stream I have now had a hole in it when I got it. It ran over a fishing boat full of "me keeps" on Stoney Lake. My repair has held up for 13yrs so I must be doing something right. If you get this boat, let me know, I'll help out all I can.

[Jay R.]

alot of us here have seen a lot but from that first pic, i don't think any of us can make a true assesment. i agree with chris_lacey that it looks like that, but it could just be bare glass, and scraped gel-coat. really hard to say. that second pic, makes me think its a stock hull. looks like that way it should be. do you know what year it is?

[Fibertron]

I think its a 77

[Jay R.]

in the hyrdostream registry there was some talk about a new mold or maybey when the mold was made. but i beleive it was 74 or 75 and a few years later it devolped a hook where the wedge should be. but i think that started around 79. but not sure. mine is a 76 and the pad is awesome. check out the regisrty.
www.hydrostream.org

[Instigator]

Sorry, just kiddin.
In the pix's of the pad it lkooks to me like the boat has settled on a trailer roller betwen the putty and primer circles. If so this is not good but can be repaired.
Here's the tip of the day and will save youn from jumping off a cliff after you've spent every dime you have and 6 months digging out rotted core!! (I did mine and it was worse than rerigging my 24' Sonic)
Take a plastic "dead blow" hammer with you to look at the boat.
Slide under it and tap on the bottom all the way up on sdie and down the other. If the core is still good the hammer will kind of "ring" and then bounce off the glass.
If the core is gone, it will "thud" and barley bounce when it hits the bottom.
Do the same to the transom.
If it thuds in any area, RUN THE "F" AWAY!! There is no such thing as "patching" the core in a Stream.
I thought that in mine when I "saw" one bad spot in mune by the transom (forgot my hammer).
When I got done digging out 3 laeyrs of mat over the balsa core and then freagin gooh left of the core, I was at the bow eye!!
I have approx. $4K in my hull counting paint, glass, core, wood, hardware etc, and probably about 200 hrs of labor.
It is not a begginers project nor is it any damn fun!!
If you want a project, find a clean straight hull that needs paint, rigging and a motor. That's fun!!
Not to scare you but I wish some one had me.
Here's a pic. of mine after months of digging, grinding and scraping.
P.S. Be glad to help you how ever I can if it ends up being solid or you choose a different one.
Gary

[Fibertron]

Thanks to everyone who has replied so far, hope to her more of ya. Im driving a long way to look at the boat, believe me, its impossible to find a project vector or v-king of any kind hear in ontario. If I meet like 3/4 the way the guy i feel obligated to take the boat after making him drive. If i get into something way over my head i ll sell it to someone in ontario who wants to take on what i coudnt. I have replaced a few floors probably close to ten and done 2 transoms. I found another blue metal flake(best colour) vector, but it needs a core. Apparintly the boat has a pefect finish, windshield and no damage, just a soft core. I might talk to him but then again a new core is huge. Oh well hopefully all goes well.

[Fibertron]

Sorry to bring this boat back up, but I need to know one last thing. I probly already asked this but whatever. DO you all think this boat will need a core, or should I go with the one I know has a rotten core but good bottom. THe owner tells me this boat has a solid core, but from that crack across the pad i am having doubts. Thanks

Bryan

[Jay R.]

the only way to know for sure it to check it out. don't forget that the owner wants money from ya, so he will say what ever it takes!

[Capt.Insane-o]

There are very, very few hulls of that vintage that are still solid, and by the looks of that pad, you can bet it needs work