New Hydrostream Owner & First Time Outboard Owner Questions

[justinn]

[quote=TripleJackInGA;1448139]Thanks for the advice guys.
Maybe I should just get a new 200HP Merc.......oh wait, they're expensive, nevermind.


pro max or bigger more fun

[Fliperzon]

just look for it, they are are around $10-$15

[WATERWINGS]

as a new stream owner dont push your limits as the driver ...the boat can handle high speeds but can you drive it? learn the boat ...seat time is a must along with proper setup give it time and fly it high when you learn it you will love v bottoms


79 vector modifed 200 merc
88.7 garmin gps

90 mirage jag 11.00 every time

So true !

At only 65 MPH, you were just about to get into the "fun zone" as far as handling goes, its a whole nother world after 65, but the V-king is a little more forgiving than my Vector was.

At higher speeds, it is necessary to have all the saftey/handling goodies in place also.

Properly adjusted dual cable steering

solid motor mounts

foot throttle

kill switch


What did I leave out?



Mine was an '83 vector with 6" and then 8" setback.

Old 1980 something 2.4 200

Best speed was in the winter with 8" set back, and an 28 inline chopper.

It ran 94.1.......don't remember the R's, I have it written down somewhere, but it seems like it was over 7000.

[RLP]

If ya need some help I know a good certified mechanic not to far from ya
and he wont knock ya head off on the bill.
like was said fuel system could be the issue and ya will burn a piston if not taken care of .

[Fliperzon]

What did I leave out?

couple of things made a huge difference on my VKing handling--we are talking chine walk here.

Clearly ditto on the solid mounts. Get them a bob's machine shop online. I have gone to hydraulic steering but will admit many here like the feedback--make sure you have a double cable system. I often pull skiers with a low pitch prop so like that the steering does not try to yank out of my hand on frequent hole shots. I'll send you photos of my ski-pole setup if you ever want to add one--it is basically a 10 inch deep socket bolted to the outside of the transom that a standard 40 inch pole can slip into--totally out of the way and very strong.

I have really liked the built in tourque tab as it takes the stress off the steering and keeps it fixed between the skeg and prop instead of the prop and transom. They can be added to your lower--Bob's also has these I recall.

Finally, the slosh of 20 lbs of fuel on a high speed run can easily start or add to chine walk--especially as countering chinewalk is a left-turn snap of the wheel. So a great winter project is to pull your fuel tank and convert to to a foam-filled fuel cell. All the parts needed from Fuel-Safe; a 6x10 cover, cork gasket, nut ring, 24-nut kit, 12 blocks of foam, and gas-inert permatex. Several vendors are online like JEGS.com. Getting a 6x10 nut ring is difficult as fuel-safe tends to keep them only for existing systems, but with creativity they are available.

NEVER forget to hook up your safety switch as "getting wet" at some point in time while high-speed boating is inevitable as many very experienced drivers will attest to. And when your motor refuses to start after running for some time, don't be too hard at yourself when realizing the curly red cord dangling from your safety vest is the reason--it happens once to all of us.

[brokedad]

where can i purchase a new wind shield for my vector? thanks for any info

[WATERWINGS]

First off....Welcome to Scream and Fly !!

This is the right place to find a new or used windshield.

New will be around $600 ?

You can probably find a used one here that is in good shape.

Good luck !

John

[brokedad]

thanks waterwings. i didnt know if there was some aftermarket vendors out there with reasonable prices. i will check the buy and sell section

[j_martin]

Thanks for the advice guys.

So is there like a 'Circa 1980 Merc 200 tweaked outboards for dummies' starting point for the 2-stroke outboard novice, or should I just retire to a dark room for an entire weekend, with a fridge full of Mt. Dew and read random threads here?

I hope my questions don't become repeats of the basics for you guys, so if I ask a dumb-ass question, just say so.

Jack

You found it. Half the motors represented on the board are old bones made into screamers. These old black motors really run nice if they're set up right.

Do some searches on the board especially on oil questions.

I use google "what I want to know site:screamandfly.com"

Welcome to the insanity.
John

[Fliperzon]

guy in florida is made a knockoff VKing called the Minx. I guess he can as the old design came off patent. google it. he sells windscreena nd aluminum frame though not sure if it is the correct size for a vector. He also sells them on ebay...simly search under hydrostream