1988 Hydrostream Vegas, 200 hp Mercury...for repair
Trailer Queen transforms to a Rat Rod
I have some unfortunate news to share. My black Vegas has gotten even blacker.
I've had trouble loading pictures here but it's listed on S&F
https://www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?346348-1988-Hydrostream-Vegas-200-hp-Mercury-for-repair-damaged
The boat was in my storage locker when the locker two doors down went up in flames. The fire never reached the Vegas, but heat, soot and ash did. The heat came from above. I had a plastic cockpit cover on the boat and it melted completely. That’s what you see on a steering wheel, the gunnels, and some of the seating.
The engine is a 200 hp, 2.4 liter Mercury from the 90s. It has a lightweight cover and low-water pick up. It probably only had about an hour on it since it had been serviced with carb cleaning, gearcase oil, and a compression check.
I haven’t started the motor as the battery is dead. However the small battery I had with me would slowly turn the motor over so I know it’s not locked up. Also, the hydraulic steering is working fine, along with the trim and tilt.
The trailer looks to be in good shape as it was before the fire. Both tires were still full of air and the grease on the hubs looks brand new.
The hull seems to have suffered no obvious damage.
The rubber in the small rub rail has melted in places.
The interior is, of course, ruined, however everything is there and available for patterns. The gauges, shifter and the steering wheel...ruined.
The hydraulic steering works fine, so does the trim. The factory fuel cell is fine.
The deck received the brunt of the ash and soot. I was surprised when I took a gasoline rag and wiped it a bit to find out it’s not damaged, at least the part I wiped. However, when I looked again, days later, I found blistering, warping and even a six inch crack. I gotta go with...it’s shot. Too bad....struck down with still so much potential.
Since this happened, I've had trouble deciding whether I should fix it up somewhat, but it will never be as good as it was. Now I see how rough the deck is and the only option for me, is to unload.
Selling as is, where is. (It will be on Ebay and CraigsList shortly.)
The subject of separation has already come up. Yes, I will separate if someone only wants boat and trailer.
I have clear Texas title for the boat, motor and trailer.. These will all need to be transferred at the time the new owner takes possession.
Some of you are probably feeling a little sick to your stomach right now and I appreciate the sympathy pains.
As for myself, I think I’m doing well. I looked through CraigsList to see what beat up Streams are going for, but Streams are rare in Texas right now. I did see an Allison in need of power, but…….. I think I’ll wait a while.