1988 Hydrostream Vegas, 200 hp Mercury...for repair
Trailer Queen transforms to a Rat Rod
I have some unfortunate news to share. My black Vegas has gotten even blacker.
I've had trouble loading pictures here but it's listed on S&Fhttps://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?346348-1988-Hydrostream-Vegas-200-hp-Mercury-for-repair-damaged
The boat was in my storage locker when the locker two doors down went up in flames. The fire never reached the Vegas, but heat, soot and ash did. The heat came from above. I had a plastic cockpit cover on the boat and it melted completely. That’s what you see on a steering wheel, the gunnels, and some of the seating.
The engine is a 200 hp, 2.4 liter Mercury from the 90s. It has a lightweight cover and low-water pick up. It probably only had about an hour on it since it had been serviced with carb cleaning, gearcase oil, and a compression check.
I haven’t started the motor as the battery is dead. However the small battery I had with me would slowly turn the motor over so I know it’s not locked up. Also, the hydraulic steering is working fine, along with the trim and tilt.
The trailer looks to be in good shape as it was before the fire. Both tires were still full of air and the grease on the hubs looks brand new.
The hull seems to have suffered no obvious damage.
The rubber in the small rub rail has melted in places.
The interior is, of course, ruined, however everything is there and available for patterns. The gauges, shifter and the steering wheel...ruined.
The hydraulic steering works fine, so does the trim. The factory fuel cell is fine.
The deck received the brunt of the ash and soot. I was surprised when I took a gasoline rag and wiped it a bit to find out it’s not damaged, at least the part I wiped. However, when I looked again, days later, I found blistering, warping and even a six inch crack. I gotta go with...it’s shot. Too bad....struck down with still so much potential.
Since this happened, I've had trouble deciding whether I should fix it up somewhat, but it will never be as good as it was. Now I see how rough the deck is and the only option for me, is to unload.
Selling as is, where is. (It will be on Ebay and CraigsList shortly.)
The subject of separation has already come up. Yes, I will separate if someone only wants boat and trailer.
I have clear Texas title for the boat, motor and trailer.. These will all need to be transferred at the time the new owner takes possession.
Some of you are probably feeling a little sick to your stomach right now and I appreciate the sympathy pains.
As for myself, I think I’m doing well. I looked through CraigsList to see what beat up Streams are going for, but Streams are rare in Texas right now. I did see an Allison in need of power, but…….. I think I’ll wait a while.
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We are a community of boat lovers and Hydrostream enthusiasts here; we are happy to help anyone
who may need advice or guidance for their 'Stream; and we encourage members to offer their advice
and guidance to others as well. Thank you for visiting our forums, and please register.
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Registering only takes a few minutes and you can do so by CLICKING HERE
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I don't really want to do this
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- Hydrostream Addict
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Re: I don't really want to do this
Here are the pictures. That really sucks. Was there any kind of insurance from the storage facility? Kind of hurts looking at the pictures. Hopefully you can get it fixed, or find something else to get ya back in the water.
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-Kevin
Project Vulture | Project Vector | Project Vamp | Project Vixen
The Vulture Wish List | Project CobraJet
1977 HydroStream Vulture - Worlds longest ongoing project.
1982 Hydrostream Vector
1982 Hydrostream Vamp
1973 Hydrostream Vixen
1976 CobraJet Jet Boat - Outboard conversion project
1976 Pontoon - aka The Family Truckster
Project Vulture | Project Vector | Project Vamp | Project Vixen
The Vulture Wish List | Project CobraJet
1977 HydroStream Vulture - Worlds longest ongoing project.

1982 Hydrostream Vector
1982 Hydrostream Vamp
1973 Hydrostream Vixen
1976 CobraJet Jet Boat - Outboard conversion project
1976 Pontoon - aka The Family Truckster
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- Hydrostream Addict
- Posts: 344
- Joined: Apr 11, 2009 11:17 pm
- Location: Central Texas
- Has thanked: 1 time
Re: I don't really want to do this
Thank you. It was a great boat for me. I've had it for over ten years and this looks like an obvious sign too move on. It's listed for sale now and I've had a few calls. One from a fiberglass tech. It'll take someone like that to deal with the deck.
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- Hydrostream Addict
- Posts: 344
- Joined: Apr 11, 2009 11:17 pm
- Location: Central Texas
- Has thanked: 1 time
Re: I don't really want to do this
Last week I started the Merc. It ran great on the driveway. I checked the compression and plugs and everything looks good. So just when I decide to clean up the motor for a different boat...I sold it!...all of it. The gentlemen that bought it is experienced in fiberglass and fast outboards. Hopefully he will save it.
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