Hydra-Sports Review

Summary

Hydra-sports Yachts was actually a part of a larger company called Genmar. This company offered multiple lines including brands like Carver, Champion, Four Winns, Glastron, Larson, Marquis, Ranger, Seaswirl, Stratos, Triumph and Wellcraft. The company sells through dealers over the entire United States as well as internationally. Genmar claims developing several technologies including VEC and Roplene. They have also won awards in the areas of design/engineering and environmental protection. Genmar actually began when the Lund Boat Company was purchased by Irwin Jacobs in 1978 and claims to be one of the largest makers of recreational boats in the world. The Hydra-sports yachts have since been acquired by MasterCraft Boat Company (2010). MasterCraft was founded in 1968 and quickly gained a reputation for a small wake and smooth speeds. They specialize in inboard ski, wakeboard, and performance powerboats. The Hydra-sports line specializes in bluewater fishing boats.

Pricing

Hydra-sports boats can range from as low as $3,999 (used 1984 bass boat) all the way to $289,000 (2004 230CC).p>  

Pros

• Testers point out the advantage of the transom design which includes features to prevent swamping and capsizing.
• Hydra-sports come from a long line of boat-building and many years of experience.
• The WA model is a boat oriented for family, so if you are interested in family outings, this model is designed to accommodate families.

Cons

• Hydra-sports primarily focuses on bluewater fishing boats, so if you are planning on recreational cruising, these might not suit your needs.
• One captain’s review of a Hydra model complained of a lack of drains in the anchor locker and the sink did not have a faucet.

Featured Models

Boat categories manufactured by Hydra-sports include the Vector series, the Hydra-Sports series, and the Bay Bolt series. Each category contains multiple models. The Vectors use Kevlar on the hulls and come with tremendous fuel capacities: for example, the 4100 has a 600 gallon fuel tank. Features of the 4100 also include a 60 gallon livewell, six fishboxes, rod holders, and optional outriggers. The Hydra-Sports series utilize the same Kevlar hull features as the Vector boats. Some features of the 180CC include a 15 gallon livewell that is actually insulated for prolonging the life of your bait. These are designed primarily for fishing. The Bay Boat series are primarily for fishing in shallow waters. The Bay Bolt 23 has three boatwells with an access pump and also uses Kevlar on the hull.

Conclusion

Hydra-sports yachts come from a long line of boat-building and hold up well under boat tests by captains. Most of the testers have only positive comments on the smooth ride by the Hydra models.