What is the HydroStream Registry?
The International HydroStream Registry is a database of hull, motor, and setup information from owners around the U.S. and Canada.  It is intended to provide owners with information regarding other boats similar to their own that will assist them in setting up a properly running and safe boat.  It also assists the prospective buyer of a HydroStream in determining what is necessary and desirable in the rig they wish to pursue purchasing.  The Registry website is continually updated with new information to help owners with their boats in various stages of repair or setup.  It also strives to present historically accurate information to help educate enthusiasts and preserve a legacy that could diminish and perish over time.

How do I join and what are the commitments?
Simply access the About the I.H.R. page and fill out the form.  There are no commitments other than to try to help out others if they ask you questions.  I do ask that you try to contribute to the website if at all possible with an article, new information, etc.  I can not maintain a fresh and entertaining website without the help from you.  Articles don't have to be big and complex such as the core restoration projects.  Most boat owners get into many little projects, and if you do one yourself, we would like to hear about it.  Please don't always just "take" from the website, but "give" a little too if at all possible.  Oh, and if you sell your HydroStream...please let me know so I can remove your name and information from the list.

What if I don't want to list some of my information or I don't know some of the answers?
Any information you don't feel comfortable with, or do not know, just leave off the form.  The more you provide, though, the more it will be helpful to others.

When will I see my information in the listing or the pictures I sent over?
Depending on my workload, it could take a day or a couple of weeks.  As long as you provide me with your e-mail, I try to acknowledge each and every form filled out with a personal e-mail back to you to let you know I received the form and will add the information.

Why is there no message board?
First of all, they cost money.  As you may have noticed, there are no fees to become a Registry member, and there are no paid advertisers on this website (the GPI banner on the home page is simply because Randy is one of the best HydroStream setup guys in the country and I believe in his work, expertise, and service).  If people want me to put up a message board, that's fine, but then I have to ask for donations or advertising banners.  Second, the biggest and best boating message board exists at Scream & Fly and many HydroStream enthusiasts visit there.  Some people may say that the HydroStream information can get buried because the forums there are so big, but you will benefit from an extremely broad range of high performance boating enthusiasts as well as professionals - drivers, mechanics, builders, etc.  Besides, the HydroStream factory website already has a message board and that gets very little use.  One word of caution: there is a ton of good information on these message boards, but some people give advice as though they were experts when in reality they have minimal experience, so be careful who you listen to.

Why can't I change my listing online?
Security issues is the main reason.  It creates more work for me to enter the information manually, but I feel it better protects you and the website.

What can I do to help support this website?
As mentioned above, contributions in the way of articles, pictures, new information, guest boats, etc. are extremely helpful.  I am always open to any suggestions you might have to improve the Registry or the website.

Can you help me sell my boat?
No, so please don't ask me unless you are a recently widowed owner of a boat you know nothing about!  Use the resources available to you online.  Trader Online is a good place to try, and either the classifieds on this website, or on Scream & Fly can help.

I broke my boat's concave windshield. What can I do?
That and the next question below are easily the two most asked questions.  Basically, you have three options:
1) Buy a new one from the factory.  You will take a big hit for shipping with this option.
2) Buy a used one.  Good and bad news about these windshields: the good is that they made an awful lot of these and the concave windshield is the same one used on all the models that had this type of windshield (Viper, Vector, Viking, Vulture).  The bad news is that an awful lot of them have broken by now and they can be hard to find.  Watching the classifieds is your best bet as every once in awhile one will show up.
3) Make your own.  It's been done numerous times.  If you still have your original frame, and the old windshield as a pattern, a new one can be bent to shape by carefully using heat.  Or, you can go for a completely new look and duplicate the old Sterling Dominator's (a Vector splash) windshield.  Many people find this an especially good looking windshield (though not original if that is important to you) and you shouldn't need to heat it to make the bends, though you do need to be a little innovative as far as making the attachments.

Should I remove the hook in my hull?
Sigh...such a controversial question and one that will probably never be resolved to everyone's satisfaction.  For some background, that hook actually started out as a wedge, and you should read my comments on it on the Vector model page.  If someone asks me if they should remove it, I have to ride the fence because of the varied results people have had.  Some people have done it and say the boat will handle better and be more stable. Others say they did it and lost speed and the boat handled worse.  You need to talk to others who have done the work successfully and have the experience, weigh the possible benefits and consequences, and make the decision yourself.  Better yet, go for a ride in one that has been worked on and one that hasn't.

My aluminum rubrail is damaged.  Can I replace it?
In a word, no.  When these hulls were made, the aluminum rubrail was riveted to the hull before the deck was put on.  At first, the transom area was left open while the rubrail was attached forward of it.  The deck was slid into place, and then the rubrail was curled over the deck acting as a sort of clamp while the whole hull was then turned over and the deck fiberglassed into place.  You get the picture in that to replace it with the original rubrail, the deck needs to come off.  Regarding a damaged rubrail, sometimes it can be reshaped and sanded to bring it back to life.  If it's too far gone, another alternative is a black vinyl rubrail that fits over the original.  Check out HydroStream enthusiast and frequent I.H.R. contributor Ron Pratt's article regarding this option.

I've decided to look for a used HydroStream to buy. What guidance can you give?
First thing is to read my article "Guideline to Buying a Used HydroStream" in the Feature Article Archives.  Ask questions of other owners that have the model you are interested in.  Try to take test rides in the different models.  Each model has it's own pluses and minuses, so you want to get one that fits your particular needs and desires.  Then keep a watch on the different classifieds resources mentioned above.  Above all else, remember this:  I would say the majority of HydroStreams - now mostly old in age - have rotted cores and/or transoms.  Be very careful and check them out completely.  Keep in mind that they were once a high production boat and a lot of the workmanship was inconsistent and shoddy.

I just bought a HydroStream and at around 65 MPH it starts to rock from side to side.  It's hard to control and is quite scary.  Why is it doing that and what can I do to keep from having to back off the throttle?
Welcome to the world of high performance boating in a V-bottom boat!  What you are experiencing is called chinewalking and it is a normal occurrence when reaching those speeds and higher.  Basically, the boat will raise up and ride on its pad, and then it becomes a balancing act with your input as a driver and a properly setup boat the key to taming it.  Click here to access an excellent page that discusses chinewalking in detail and has some good tips on dealing with it on the BassBoat Central website.