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Who is running a 4 stroke on their older hydrostreams

Posted: Sep 24, 2012 11:52 am
by braq
like Viper, V-king or Voyager.
The additional weight might seem disadvantageous but today's 4 stroke don't weigh excessively more than the 2 strokes so I am wondering who made the transistion, what are your experiences?

Also, anyone having tried 50-90 HP on these boats? There is a rough estimation that 60 HP is needed to lift 1000kg (2100lbs) from displacement to plane mode.
I understand that the intention of the hull design is to go faster than that, but the theory should apply in general. Thoughts on this also very much appreciated.

I am thinking of mating a 4 stroke 90HP Yamaha to a Viper, just before getting into the restoration and making the substantial purchase of the outboard it would be great to get some input,

cheers

braq

Re: Who is running a 4 stroke on their older hydrostreams

Posted: Sep 24, 2012 3:57 pm
by jacklake2003
I have an old Merc 85 on a Viper. It's OK to get out on the water and play, and it'll do about 45, but it won't get on the "step" and dance like a Hydrostream should. I think a newer 115 2-stroke would be about the minimum.

As for 4-stroke/2 stroke, I don't think a 4 is a good choice for a Hydrostream. They do weigh more, generally cost more, and don't have the "power" of a 2 stroke. What's are your reasons for selecting a 4? If you already have one and want to use it, that makes a bit more sense. If you are purchasing a motor specifficaly for a 'Stream, I would buy a 2.

Re: Who is running a 4 stroke on their older hydrostreams

Posted: Sep 24, 2012 4:24 pm
by HST4ME
When we were having trouble with the 90 merc/yamaha on my dads toon I took it off and used one of my vipers to f- with it. What a nightmare. Had to prop for holeshot or top end, could'nt get both ( I have a LOT of props) and the spongy *** motor mounts made it otherwise undrivable. Not to mention they sound like ****. BHAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!

I am however getting a spankin' new 115 ho e-tec for the same boat and next spring I'll keep the results posted here. I think this project is going to be a lot of fun. 75 trouble free gas sipping MPH is the goal.

Re: Who is running a 4 stroke on their older hydrostreams

Posted: Sep 24, 2012 5:49 pm
by LSaupe
I met a guy with a Viper and a 4 stroke up at Lake Place a few years back. Don't recall the HP, but it did appear to run decent. Just such an odd (and quiet) sound for a 'Stream.

I imagine they will make inroads though little by little. Never thought they would be a player in the sled market but they do now hold thier own.

Re: Who is running a 4 stroke on their older hydrostreams

Posted: Sep 24, 2012 7:58 pm
by braq
Hi guys,

thanks for the input.
First and foremost it is about fuel economy, I am still dreaming about some day making the grand tour of the great lakes. Fuel economy and distance between refueling does make a whole lot of a difference then.
I am constantly in repair mode running a 1964 Mercury 1000 (at some point I will have replaced most of its parts ;-), so I am between spending 5K for ~100HP 4 Stroke and what in the 2stroke sector?

Weight is not so much apart

320 lbs - 90hp E-Tec
261 lbs - 90hp Yamaha 2 Stroke

I'd take off those 60 lbs myself... :roll:

cheers

braqq

Re: Who is running a 4 stroke on their older hydrostreams

Posted: Sep 24, 2012 10:40 pm
by Rut311969
If its fuel milage I love my fuel sipping 225 etec the diff between it and my mariner 225 is night and day . Im running it on a Voyager getting 75mph at 5200rpm its not proped out to the max but it gets the job done and etecs are 2strokes.