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Vulture and Viper
Questions
Randy,
First off, thanks a ton for all of the great information you have posted
on the International Hydrostream Registry, it has been very helpful.
My dad has owned a Hydrostream Viper since the late '70s, and I recently
acquired a 1977 Hydrostream Vulture. Both boats are in need of
restoration. The Vulture will need a new transom, a "blue print"
of the bottom, a new paint job, a new interior and some POWER. The Viper
will only need a new interior and a new paint job (possibly a new floor).
We would both like to have "metal flake" paint for our boats.
Who would you recommend to perform these restorations, do you have an
interior guy that you always go to, or a paint guy, etc.? Preferably
someone with experience working on Hydrostreams.
Both boats are in the Minneapolis area, but we are not afraid of hauling
them anywhere to get the job done right. And don't worry, I'm planning on
coming to you for the new power when the time comes (hopefully this fall
or next spring).
Also, do you have any recommendations for modifications that I can make to
the Vulture while the fiberglass work is being done? I was planning on
having knee braces installed, but is there anything else that I should
consider, i.e. adding setback? I plan on using the Vulture for all
around purposes like cruising and waterskiing, but I would like to be able
to go fast, around 90 mph, as well.
I realize these are some open ended questions, but right now I am just
trying to gather as much information as possible and find the right people
to do the job. Any advice that you have would be greatly appreciated!!!
Thanks again,
Mark Paulson
Mark,
We have done quite a few "restorations" in our shop over the
years. I have a local gal that runs a shop called Pro Designs to do all
our upholstery. She does top notch work for a fraction of the cost of
anyone I've found in the Midwest. Most of the Paint and prep I've jobbed
out to again a local shop. I can keep an eye on the job and tell them what
I want as it is worked on. Don't worry about setback and such now as that
totally depends on the power you use. And it will take a ton to go 90MPH.
The cost of the engine and set-up will almost double if you go from an
75-80mph goal and move to a 90+mph goal. Most places when asked to do
blueprinting just screw it up so we have just done our own. It takes time
and patience to get it right and most shops don't have the time. This is
why we only do that in the winter. I can charge less per hour and do a
better job as it is our "slow" time. If time is not the first
priority you should be very happy with your project. Experience says that
this time of year is not the best to get your rigs done cost effectively -
unless you do most of the work. Hope this gets you thinking and feel free
to call for info on the interior and paint guys I've used. Depending on
the present condition I can give you an idea what to expect for pricing.
Randy
Please submit
whatever questions you have to IHRTechTalk@yahoo.com.
All questions and answers selected will be displayed on this page as they
come in. Note: though all boaters are welcome, priority may be given to
I.H.R.
members. Randy can not be held responsible for any advice
given. Though his information and expertise is second to none, he
has no control over what you do with your boat. It is up to you to
boat safely and act responsibly, and his advice is only to be used as a
guidance for your high performance boat/motor of which you are the one
responsible for the risks involved.
Thanks,
Mark C.
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