I was fortunate enough to grow up in the New Brighton plant. My Dad (Ron Baker) worked with Howard Pipkorn in the hayday of their design - the late 70s. I hung out at the plant on weekends when my Dad and Mr. Pipkorn would do all their mad scientist work. It was the greatest place to be at the greatest time in the company's history.
My first boat was a Ventura II with a 55 HP Johnson on it. I was in 7th Grade. It would go about 35HP...until I sawed it in half running across Forest Lake. Instead of getting in trouble, my Dad just looked at me and asked "What sound did it make just before it stopped running?" I responded "It started knocking really bad like something was coming loose." He responded "Well, next time you hear that noise, shut off the ignition."
I learned a valuable lesson that day that I've had to use a few times since.
I've had several HydroStreams through the years of course, but my favorite will always be my first. I am taking over my Dad's HST and will be refurbishing it to go drag racing. I have a feeling that the sentimentality of that boat will quickly launch it right to the top of my favorite 'Streams.
Wondering how to post images or maybe change your avatar or maybe something else?
You can find that and a lot of other useful tips for using the forums in the HydrostreamForums Knowledge Base.
To visit the HydrostreamForums Knowledge Base CLICK HERE
You can find that and a lot of other useful tips for using the forums in the HydrostreamForums Knowledge Base.
To visit the HydrostreamForums Knowledge Base CLICK HERE
Growing up HydroStream
-
- Regular
- Posts: 134
- Joined: Apr 05, 2009 11:05 am
- Contact:
Re: Growing up HydroStream
That's very interesting! I can't wait to hear more stories. I'm currently working on a '79 Viper and I also have a VooDoo (it's a Canadian Edition, they "borrowed" the molds/design from Hydrostream right?) that I've been using during the summers on vacation at our family cottage in Ontario for 10+ years now. I've always loved the lines of all (most) of the Hydrostreams. For me it's not as much the speed (although I still get goosebumps everytime I do 60mph in a 13' boat powered by a stock 70hp) but the design. They truly are a magnificently designed boat. I stil haven't found a boat that has as nice of lines and shape as a Hydrostream.
Anyway, I'm sure I speak for all of us here when I say we'd LOVE to hear more "insider" stories.
Chris
Anyway, I'm sure I speak for all of us here when I say we'd LOVE to hear more "insider" stories.
Chris
-
- HSF Supporting Vendor
- Posts: 1989
- Joined: Mar 29, 2009 11:38 pm
- Location: montgomery MN
- Contact:
Re: Growing up HydroStream
Welcome Sam
Heck ya we want more.
Heck ya we want more.
Samari on s&f
Chet Olson
75 viper 2.4 200, 130 shot of NOS
91 vegas loaned out
79 vking project 2.5 280
Chet Olson
75 viper 2.4 200, 130 shot of NOS
91 vegas loaned out
79 vking project 2.5 280
Re: Growing up HydroStream
Is that the same HST your dad had here in Crescent City? I remember him working on one right before he moved.
Re: Growing up HydroStream
Yep. Here's a closeup.
Sam Baker
'91 HST Project with Some Sort of BRP Horsepower
'91 HST Project with Some Sort of BRP Horsepower
-
- Random Topics
- Replies
- Views
- Last post
-
- 3Replies
- 7606 Views
- Last post by Bayou Native
Feb 21, 2014 1:53 pm
-
- 4Replies
- 3739 Views
- Last post by Bayou Native
Jul 05, 2013 4:41 pm
-
- 3Replies
- 4592 Views
- Last post by Blizz
Dec 29, 2013 11:10 am
-
- 1Replies
- 3324 Views
- Last post by UncleBoatMan
Jul 06, 2013 8:44 pm
-
- 2Replies
- 3745 Views
- Last post by YDOC462
Jul 08, 2013 6:08 pm
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 8 guests