1976 Hydrostream Ventura - 1978 Mercury 1500XS

[Spudster]

Boat has been re-cored with balsa 5 years ago. Kept dry ever since. Gel Coat finish. Interior never finished. Basic two seats with 19 gallon tank. Turn key unit. Used at our lake place as a toy. Basic Bunk trailer with good paint, recently new bearings. Trailers perfect.

Motor is a 1978 Mercury 1500XS. Good rare find. All original with the exception of a V-6 regulator that I added along with new fuel lines etc., after I found this engine in storage 3 years ago with the original spark plugs still in it. After purchasing and my limited use, engine has less than 100 hrs. I removed the original gear case to preserve it and have not run it. With the exception of scratches from handling, it is like new, never repaired. Motor runs perfect!

Let me know if you have any questions.....6600.00 Includes both gear cases. 8-10-2018. Lowering to $6400.00

[Dave S]

Real nice looking......the motors worth that, should sell.

[ZiemerSTV]

What does that nice looking rig run on top end?

[Spudster]

What does that nice looking rig run on top end?

I have only tried a couple props since completing it. I had it at 64 with a 24" . The prop I have run on normally is a 22 Laser. I have seen 60 with two people ( Not light weights, Ha). Because we don't run it much, never enough time to try different props, height etc.

I am a motivated seller!

[Spudster]

Thank You, the motor should be worth that. Would guess it's hard to find an original this nice.

[transomstand]

With a better setup the boat will run about 72-73 mph.

And I have not seen a 1500XS in that condition since I was selling them in 1977.

[Robby321]

With a better setup the boat will run about 72-73 mph.

And I have not seen a 1500XS in that condition since I was selling them in 1977.

Yep, I got 72 out of my Switzer SS17 with a new 74 XS. And that ONE DAMN CLEAN XS! And the boat no slug either!

[transomstand]

Yep, I got 72 out of my Switzer SS17 with a new 74 XS.

I coulda took ya

[ZiemerSTV]

Too bad it is so far away from Florida.

[Robby321]

I coulda took ya

Its that DAMN RABBIT with ya! Looking at those pix like the rope bag, brought up a mem! Chain of lakes Illinois (think Blarneys) Me and my GF were exploring side channels see what boats parked. Well, I KNEW I needed a new battery, and sure as **** motor quit (too much idling). Forgot about the rope starter, but had some ski rope. Wrapped it now wrap and hat off, told the GF to duck so not whacked with the rope. Foot on wet well, gave it a yank and fired right up! BUT...I put WAY to much effort thinking like rope starting a 350 SB. WRONG! Next thing I knew was me smashed up over the seat against the steering wheel looking back at a running motor!
Had a LOT of fun in that boat! Knew Bobby Switzer (RIP), who built the boat, and Fox Lake Harbor Jim Moulas (outlaw sprite car driver) rigged it. Had horizontal trim rams only no tilt, surface prop and it was a 14x28 SS cuped 2 blade. Damn RIGHT I tore up a gearcase bullet! Lotta fun that boat..another should had never sold!



The GF

[largecar91]

When warm and I was 16, I could start my 140 Merc with my hand grabbing the flywheel. Started my 225 promax with rope(when warm). Probaly cant do that with 300XS

[Spudster]

See above, lowered my price to 6400.00

[Spudster]

Lowering my price again to $6000.00 firm. Need it to go!

[wireless]

Nice rig - wish I were closer.

[upyours]

nice good luck