Looking at a '72 Hydroswift, looks awesome but...

[bradrulz]

What the heck is this hydroswift all about?<br /><br />I'm really inclined to go with this boat, but I'd really like a crash-course in the good, bad, & ugly about the hydroswift outboard.<br /><br />The 302 V8 in it was completely rebuilt last year, as well as rebuilt carb. I love the fact that it's water-cooled and apparently can crank up no problem out of water, says the seller.<br /><br />I'm totally baffled, but falling for the boat, and at a price i'm comfortable with ($2500).<br /><br />My main concerns at this point are (1)the unknown of this type of outdrive, and (2)parts availability for such a thing later on down the line.<br /><br />thanks so much, love this forum!<br />-brad<br /><br />ps. for folks following (boomyal, forsure) i sold and passed on the '79 seaswirl OMC 4 cylinder project.

 

[bradrulz]

Re: Looking at a '72 Hydroswift, looks awesome but...

oh yeah, here's some pictures of the boat and hydroswift. blowing my mind, i'm checking this thing out 1st thing tomorrow morning. <br /><br />Would love ANY feedback or advise of what to ask & look for. thanks all!<br /><br />-brad<br /><br /> http://bradrulz.com/boat/72hydro1.jpg <br /> http://bradrulz.com/boat/72hydro2.jpg <br /> http://bradrulz.com/boat/72hydro3.jpg <br /> http://bradrulz.com/boat/72hydro4.jpg

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Looking at a '72 Hydroswift, looks awesome but...

I dont think you will like the jet drive, It will suck about 30% of your power right off the top and use more fuel. Unless you are in really shallow water all the time I think I would pass.

 

[tommays]

Re: Looking at a '72 Hydroswift, looks awesome but...

we had and 18 ft donzi that was converted from stern to jet drive it runied the rough water performance no drive to stay underwater in heavey chop and it sucked up gas like a battelship <br /><br />but it never gave one second of drive problems which compared to sterndrives at that time was great 1976<br /><br />tommays

 

[bradrulz]

Re: Looking at a '72 Hydroswift, looks awesome but...

hmmm, bummer. thank you very much for the replies! so, tommays, after converting to jet drive, what'd ya do with that stern drive? hee hee..<br /><br />I'm right on the SF Bay, so my boat HAS to be able to take some chop. Performance problems sure sounds like a deal breaker to me. <br /><br />Just for kicks, how hopeless would a conversion to stern drive be on a 1972 ford 302? I think i may know this engine well, if it's anything like the ford 302 i had in a '68 mustang back in high school. sure didn't have some jet drive sticking out of it, though! <br /><br />thanks again, all!