Should I buy a Hydrodyne and Which one should I buy?

Hi,

I am hoping your collection of knowledge can help me. I currently have a family of 3 kids and a wife that would like a boat we can use as a family to go tubing and skiing. Not having much money and really liking old cool stuff I found out about Hydrodynes. They look like really cool boats and I would like to learn more about them. There are two in my area (MN) 1 with the 160hp 6 cylinder and 1 with the 200hp v-8. Both are $2600.

My questions are the following -

1. Would this boat meet the needs of our family?
2. Is this boat safe and easy for my wife to drive?
3. Are these boats reliable? What should I watch for when looking for them.
4. What motor/drive combination should I look for? Will the 6 cylinder have enough power?
5. What are they typically worth?


I currently have a 1967 Glastron Jetflight that I just restored with the original 60hp engine. It runs and looks great but getting small for my family. Also, when I slalom hard the boat about flips over (only a 14' boat and very light). It has a hard time pulling me out of the water as well. I have also restored a old Glaspar Sport Lido so I am not afraid of work. Just looking for a good solid foundation.

Thanks for any help you can provide!

Jeremiah

 

Which Hydrodyne model are you looking at. Check the "pictures of your glass" area if you are not sure.

What outdrives?

Both engines should have enough power. The Mercruiser drives are easier to find parts for.

If you are talking about an 18 skier I/O, have you wife sit in it and decide if the sides are high enough for her to feel comfortable with the kids.

jim

 

Hi,

Thanks for the information. One is a 1969 18' with a 160hp 6-cylinder. It looks to be in great condition and has a nice dual axle trailer and has the Merc outdrive. The other one I am looking that is a little rougher and has the 160hp 6-cylinder and a volvo 280 outdrive. While I would love a v-8, the first one is in really good shape. The second doesn't have a windshield, is this normal? They are both the same price.

Thanks!

Jeremiah

 

I prefer the boat without a windshield. They came both ways. The 160 with the six will be plenty of power in my opinion, and it will be lighter which is a big plus.

The Volvo 280 is a quality outdrive, but the parts situation for the Mercruiser is infinitely better.

I will try to address the question in the order asked.

1. Yes in my opinion. I felt my grandchildren were safe in my 18 when they turned about 2 1/2. At that age they need to be in their seat with a life jacket.

2. The boat is safe and will tend to make a hot-rodder out of the driver. They have a sort of wet ride in choppy water. I think that is fun. The windshield will tend to help that. The I/O can have some torque steer at higher speeds, but I think I can help you with that if needed.

3. I assume you mean is the drive system reliable. It is widely used in many boats. Look for dead spots in the hull and transom. Tap on the hull with the but end of the handle on a wood handle hammer or something similar. You will notice any dead spots immediately. They indicate water or delamination. The floors do rot out and become soggy underfoot. This usually starts in the aft section and under the seats where the fasteners are. The floor is a relatively easy repair.

4. I have never driven a six, but I think it will be fine. The Ford V-8 is about 50 pounds lighter than the Chevy. Both are good, but they are heavier than the six. The Mercruiser is no better than the 280 Volvo except for parts availability.

5. This depends on the condition. Your price is good if the boat is descent in my opinion.

A picture is worth 1000 words.

One last caveat, many people are satisfied with their I/O's My boat was an I/O and I converted it to an outboard because we do a lot of really low speed work. The I/O will do that, I ran it for about 7 years like that. The outboard is much lighter and probably more expensive in this case.

There are tests that you can do on the engine and drive, like a compression test. The outdrives tend to develop play in the steering or the steering locks up due to corrosion inside the cable, and so forth.

jim

edit: I just noticed that it is a '69. It has no floor. The hull is the floor. Check the hull carefully. Hull repair is difficult on a 69.

 

Old boats are a "hole surrounded by water into which one pour money".

My neighbor told me that "boat" stands for "break out another thousand" . . . . they just did not know how often they would have to do that!

There are some great used bargains out there but remember it is 2010 so a 1990 boat is 20 years old!

If the manufacturer isn't in business parts will be hard to find and even if they are still in business they don't often have parts for things more than 7 years old.

Just the facts . . . .. .

 

The facts are that the name of the forum is Hydrodyners.com. Hydrodynes are old boats. People come here to discuss them and learn about them. If you have such an aversion to Hydrodynes, why are you here???

You could go to an inboard forum and put inboards down.

jim

 

My wife and I have really been kicking around the idea of getting a new open bow Dyne, but after reading these post I think I would rather spend my money on someone elses product. Like Jim said, how are you going to trash Hydrodynes on a Hydroyne forum? After three Dyne restos I'm a little partial.

 

So, just to clarify, if a boat was built in 1980, how old would it be?

 

I own 2 outboard Dynes, a '76 18 and a '83 20. I love 'em both. If I had the resources I'd have a twin rig Dyna-ski and mid 90's inboard too...oh, and a mid 60's IO, they look so cool. I'm not sure why the tone of recent posts has been so negative lately, this board has been one of only two that still check out regularly: there is lots of knowledge on one of my favorite topics....

I suggest reviewing the sections and photos on each of the models. Remember there is a world of difference between the 18 and 20 in all aspects of owning and operation. The 18 is a small boat, easily handled, and great for family fun, and some real skiing. But it is small. The 20 is big and perhaps more comfortable, but can be a handful. I have always preferred outboards, but IO's are cool.

Find an old one that you like and make sure the transom and floor are solid. Or go for a new Dyna-Ski. You can be quite happy either way.

Scott