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Random Quote: Sometimes I sit and think but, mostly I just sit
HI All, I'm looking to UP-size my boating world, and have found a 1986 real light use, (covered in a barn) in the water 3 or 4 times a year, (fresh water, lake Erie) 22' center console Hydra-sports, with an Evinrude 175. Tandem galvanized trailer.
Older man owns it, it is very lightly equipped with only a fish finder, 2 electric downriggers, and a VHF. 8K. Was 1986 a good year for the boat builder?
8k is alittle steep. I sold my 1989 22 hydrosport with a 175 oceanpro (1995) new in 1997 for 12k, here in new york. I actually traded it for the regulator but that is what they gave me on trade. It was a 10, out of 10, flushed and washed every day out. I loved the boat but it was one wettest riding boat, softest ride around but a soaker. I loved the boat. If you can get it for 6k then grab it. But 8k is a shade high in my opinion. That maybe one of kevlar hydrasports also.
I have an 89 18' Hydra Sports Kevlar hull that is rock solid. Same construction as the 22 of that year just smaller. I have run the boat hard and but taken care of it back home. I think it will last as I am getting ready to repower it.
Could be either the bargain of a lifetime, or the worst deal of the century. It depends upon the condition of the boat and its innards, both hull and engine.
Most boat builers have a bad year or two (or more) of production. I was thinking someone out there had some knowledge of Hydra-sports during that time frame.
Blow, Its a gamble. HS did have some serious problems during the mid 80's - early 90's with hull splitting. All I'm aware of were the 24's and 25's, but it was a serious problem. Some of the hulls had no problem, and are still out there performing well. Use caution!!!!!!!
Actually during the mid early 80's - approx. '90, they made boats with and without kevlar. Not sure which they had the hull problems with (maybe both), but they did have numerous ones to split below the waterline, towards the starboard bow... I think they replaced some of the hulls, but others they wouldn't. Not sure, but I think they were being built in Tenn. during this time.
One of the things that I agree with is that the price sounds high. That's an 18 year old boat and it's only a 22 footer. I've seen lots of those "old dude" boats. They look clean as can be and they seem to be well taken care of, but they want a ton of dough for them and won't budge on the price.
Spend the couple hundred $$ on a survey for something that old. The surveryor will actually give an approximate value for the rig, too. It'll be money well spent.
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Fishin-Fanatic
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Hydra-Sports in 1986 Trash or treasure? 
