1986 Voyager

[427man]

Hey Guys -

I am covertly looking for a Voyager (wife isn't "on board" yet). I found a very nice looking 86 YT. Are the Voyagers or YTs or later built boats any less prone to core rot than the 70s boats? Is the core issue the same probability? I am somewhat less concerned as this boat will not see much more than 50 MPH.

[RussF]

nope.....speed doesn't make a difference...the core is the structure of the boat .......like a sandwich....bottm ...core ...floor. bad core means the boat falls apart

[427man]

Uh... Thanks? Does that mean: No, it's likely to be as rotten as any OR No, by 86 they got better?

[427man]

Very sorry, I didn't see the full reply. all I saw was "nope"

[427man]

So unsafe at any speed. But I still wonder if the later built boats are as bad as the early ones for susceptibility to rot.

[RussF]

from I've seen and I've owned streams 1977......1980.....1983.......1989.all these were brand new when I owned them and now have a 1984 all redone..............and have been around these boats since 1977 if the core was never replced .it needs to be on all the original hydrostream ..made with balsa cores........made in the USA

[427man]

Thanks Russ. I thought it was wishful thinking. I have not spoken to the owner yet. For the $$,$$$ he is asking, it sure as hell should be recored already.

[Hippie459MN]

While some years seen better build quality then others, they all suffer from the same problem all the way up to the end. As the old saying goes, there are two types of hydrostreams, one that has had the core replaced, and one that needs the core replaced.

If they guy is not a knowledgeable boat guy when it comes to the structure of boats such as these, they will tend to get floor and core confused so just keep in mind, if he says its all original or no idea if the core has been replaced, always assume that its rotten and needs to be replaced.

I hate when guys go on like Facebook and post a Hydrostream for sale, say its solid and/or a local marina or something told them that it looks solid or is solid, there is no way to accurately asses the entire core without pulling up the whole floor and then I try to explain to them about the core and how that will effect the price of their hull and then I feel like I am being a complete jerk or something when I am just trying to educate them and possibly avoid injury from someone. Sure, you can take a core sample in the bilge area or something but whats not to say, 6 inches in any direction that the core isnt rotten. And the thump test on a hull... Thats a joke. I have had a few very reputable guys tell me that wet or dry, as long as something is against the hull, it will sound solid and that is very true. My vulture sounded solid and guess what, soaking wet plywood. Yes, I said plywood. Prev owner thought they could replace the core with that and they did a horrible job.

Anyways, sorry for the long post. If you have any picture please post them.

[427man]

Thanks Kevin. I know I could count on hearing form you.