Hydrostream Vegas V vs. Vegas XT

[Fah-Q-JohnnyRude]

Gentlemen...

I need your expertise. I own a 1987 Canadian edition Vegas V with a 225 Evinrude, manual jackplate, 5 inches of setback turning a 26 Raker set 2 inches below the pad. To this day it has been the most fun, stable and predictable boat I've ever had the pleasure of driving 75mph in.

I got the bad news last winter, the guts of the boat are soft. Repair costs are almost the same as buying a new boat. So I got my hands on a Vegas XT and I'm rigging her up with all of my old boat's hardware.

Here's my questions.... "Do they handle the same?" Ive heard some say the XT's will make the hair on the back of your neck stand up. Also which hull design is better and why? Lastly any comments or suggestions with setup/running etc. would be appreciated.

Cheers
Bryan

[Speed Jr.]

I only have experience with the second generation vegas xt (03+) and its a great boat once its aired out and the outer sponsons are out of the water, but any speed under 70mph, I wasn't a big fan. It wasn't terrible or anything, its just that those tunnels can act as a vacuum sometimes and do some weird things....awesome boat on the top end though. I do think the first generation vegas may be a better handling boat, I've ran with a few of the and they are great handling boats.

Jr.

[pyro]

The XT turns flatter at slower speeds, but may bounce side-to-side and bruise up your elbow if you turn super tight under hard throttle. The hull tends to "break free" around 70 mph when the sponsons lift away from the surface, accompanied by a rush of acceleration. Beyond that point, handling should be similar.

The Vee is faster than the XT if you only have 150-175 HP.

What year XT are you replacing it with? Has it already been re-cored. Most of them will need core work if it hasn't already been done.

[BottomsUp]

Any Vegas that has been produced does not have a bulk head. The amount of flex in the hull varies from boat to boat do to moisture,build quality and such. In one more week the Vegas I am restoring will be in and you will see how billy Kosick does it at www.bottomsupboatrepair.com. Anyone intrested in a new Vegas will be on a waiting list as the Stroker line is running well and for a one or two boat operation it is not worth changing production at this time. We have two people now and a third is the ringer. Chubb's words. The Vegas I am restoring will be up for sale by the owner.

The Vpad will have a faster hull , unless it is rotten.

my .02

[Fah-Q-JohnnyRude]

Hmmmm. Sounds like both have their good points and bad points. Pyro to answer your questions... I'm going across to your neck of the woods. The guy I'm buying it off of is just north of Detroit. The Vegas XT was recored/restrung/refloored and new interior done three years ago. He's got pics of the marina doing the work step by step as well as receipts. I'm thinking there's some value in the hull and trailer for under 4K. My 225 Evinrude should work quite nicely on the back of that rig wouldn't ya think?

Larry, are you saying the V bottom is easier to drive then the '89XT?

[Speed Jr.]

I wouldn't say easier, just very different. I think you'll like the one your buying, that's a lot of work done for the money.

Jr.

[Fah-Q-JohnnyRude]

I hope so. You know the boat Larry? I think I saw you post something in that thread a while back, correct?

[Speed Jr.]

I was interested in the motor but I do know the work that was done on the boat.

[pyro]

I don't think I have ever seen this boat up close.