Let there be Life!!!!

[blastncast]

Hello,

I am new to the board but have been reading alot of the old posts. I too am embarking on a complete restoration project this winter. I have acquired a basket case 1982 Hydra-Sport x260. It is gutted except for the engine, 115hp V4. It took 4 days to clean all of the rat/squirrell/mouse nests out of it. Remove the rotted floor, stringers, waterlogged foam ect.

The hull is in pretty good shape so no major fiberglass work is needed. I will keep you all posted as progress takes shape.

What do you all know about this brand/model of boat?

[CHARLEG]

Pics to

[sooner fish]

When I first started fishing tournaments back in the early to mid 70's, Hydra-Sport began producing and selling bass boats. Before they primarily sold pleasure and racing boats. They produced one of the first "pad" boats, which had sponsons like many of the early "high performance" bass boats. The were very shallow, light and fast. They sat low in the water and were very vulnerable to water coming over the back of the boat. They seem to be slow out of the hole, but when dialed in, were very fast. Two of them in our club sank, though not completely because they had some foam. They were produced in a variety of colors and were a very good looking boat. I remember they made a "red, white and blue" model in 1976 for the Bicentennial which was real popular. Because of their weight and shallow draft, they didn't due rough water very well. I think some of the models in the late 70's were produced with a Kevlar hull. They never did develop the following that Ranger, Skeeter, Champion and others built during that time.

I think when you get finished will have something that is unique and fast. I hope you will post some pictures as you go through the restoration.

[Santeerangerman]

Make sure you post some pics!!

My first boat was a X260 /115 rude.!!

[blastncast]

Thanks for the help guys!


I will definately get some pictures up soon. I HATE SANDING !!!!!!!

[Emmett]

blastncast, I know what you mean about the sanding. I am working on a 1970 20' IMP. The hardest part is the sanding, and of course moving it when I want to get to the Nitro to go fishing. It will be well worth it in the end, it looks like it will come together pretty nice when it is done. Then I will have a great bay or striper boat as well as my fish and ski.

[blastncast]

Okay I sanded my fingers off this weekend. I will be turning her over to scour the hull soon. I think it is coming together well. I will post pictures soon.