Growing up HydroStream

[Scaryfast]

I was fortunate enough to grow up in the New Brighton plant. My Dad (Ron Baker) worked with Howard Pipkorn in the hayday of their design - the late 70s. I hung out at the plant on weekends when my Dad and Mr. Pipkorn would do all their mad scientist work. It was the greatest place to be at the greatest time in the company's history.

My first boat was a Ventura II with a 55 HP Johnson on it. I was in 7th Grade. It would go about 35HP...until I sawed it in half running across Forest Lake. Instead of getting in trouble, my Dad just looked at me and asked "What sound did it make just before it stopped running?" I responded "It started knocking really bad like something was coming loose." He responded "Well, next time you hear that noise, shut off the ignition."

I learned a valuable lesson that day that I've had to use a few times since.

I've had several HydroStreams through the years of course, but my favorite will always be my first. I am taking over my Dad's HST and will be refurbishing it to go drag racing. I have a feeling that the sentimentality of that boat will quickly launch it right to the top of my favorite 'Streams.

[jacklake2003]

That's very interesting! I can't wait to hear more stories. I'm currently working on a '79 Viper and I also have a VooDoo (it's a Canadian Edition, they "borrowed" the molds/design from Hydrostream right?) that I've been using during the summers on vacation at our family cottage in Ontario for 10+ years now. I've always loved the lines of all (most) of the Hydrostreams. For me it's not as much the speed (although I still get goosebumps everytime I do 60mph in a 13' boat powered by a stock 70hp) but the design. They truly are a magnificently designed boat. I stil haven't found a boat that has as nice of lines and shape as a Hydrostream.

Anyway, I'm sure I speak for all of us here when I say we'd LOVE to hear more "insider" stories.

Chris

[77viper]

Welcome Sam
Heck ya we want more.

[ccrick]

[brianincc]

Is that the same HST your dad had here in Crescent City? I remember him working on one right before he moved.

[Scaryfast]

Yep. Here's a closeup.