Opinions on 2005 Hydra Sport 23’ WA

[SusieQ 21]

Looking at a 2005 Hydra Sport 23’ WA / 2006 Yamaha 225 (1060 hours).

The hull has been repainted and finishes look very good. Owner claims he has owned the boat for 18 years and it has been kept on a lift with maintenance performed every 100 hours. Equipment includes: new batteries; 12” Lowrance Chart Plotter; VHF marine radio; hard cover w/full curtains; spot lights, courtesy lights, etc. Claims 4 mpg at 30 mph. Sits on an aluminum trailer with new brakes/master cylinder. Asking price: $ 27,500.

For what it’s worth, this would NOT be my first boat. That said, previous boats have been used in fresh water (Great Lakes, Canada, etc). Although I’m certainly no expert, I have some boating experience and am mechanically able. I’m looking for a similarly sized (21’ - 24’) boat primarily for bay/sound fishing with occasional trips nearshore when conditions permit. Also, I prefer a cuddy for occasional overnight (local) trips.

Since I plan on limited, part time use and intend to use the boat only in spring and fall, so I’m not looking to spend a fortune for a top tier boat. Otoh, I don’t want to make a huge error choosing a poor quality set-up. Since the engine has 1060 hours, I’m guessing a new engine will be in the near future, so I should factor-in the cost of a new engine replacement into the cost equation.

Any comments and opinions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[dingbat]

Looking at a 2005 Hydra Sport 23’ WA / 2006 Yamaha 225 (1060 hours).

The hull has been repainted and finishes look very good. Owner claims he has owned the boat for 18 years and it has been kept on a lift with maintenance performed every 100 hours. Equipment includes: new batteries; 12” Lowrance Chart Plotter; VHF marine radio; hard cover w/full curtains; spot lights, courtesy lights, etc. Claims 4 mpg at 30 mph. Sits on an aluminum trailer with new brakes/master cylinder. Asking price: $ 27,500.

For what it’s worth, this would NOT be my first boat. That said, previous boats have been used in fresh water (Great Lakes, Canada, etc). Although I’m certainly no expert, I have some boating experience and am mechanically able. I’m looking for a similarly sized (21’ - 24’) boat primarily for bay/sound fishing with occasional trips nearshore when conditions permit. Also, I prefer a cuddy for occasional overnight (local) trips.

Since I plan on limited, part time use and intend to use the boat only in spring and fall, so I’m not looking to spend a fortune for a top tier boat. Otoh, I don’t want to make a huge error choosing a poor quality set-up. Since the engine has 1060 hours, I’m guessing a new engine will be in the near future, so I should factor-in the cost of a new engine replacement into the cost equation.

Any comments and opinions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

The price is high for a boat that age, at least compared to my local offering

A little under powered.
A buddy has a CC hydra Sport with twin 150’s. Complains should have gotten twin 175

A F225 with 1050 hours is barely broken in if taken care of.

Has the exhaust corrosion issue on the motor been addressed?

 

[mr 88]

I would be hiring a surveyor , they will give you a fair value and more importantly , check for moisture in the hull and decks . They usually don't go through the motor , but check everything else out . Depending on where you live , 4- 600 $ to have it done . If your going to insure it , make sure the surveyor is accredited with one of the two major names . That may be required by the insurance company . Just for the peace of mind , it's worth it .
As noted above, the engine should be good for 4-6,000 hours , if maintained and not beat to death .

 

[SusieQ 21]

The price is high for a boat that age, at least compared to my local offering

A little under powered.
A buddy has a CC hydra Sport with twin 150’s. Complains should have gotten twin 175

A F225 with 1050 hours is barely broken in if taken care of.

Has the exhaust corrosion issue on the motor been addressed?

Agree with your price assessment, particularly considering the potential need for repairs / possible engine replacement. Don’t know how to evaluate the value of the engine. Obviously, replacement cost could be $25K, depending upon engine selection. I’ve heard a million times, the value of boat is primarily derived from engine value. Can’t believe the existing 225 engine would be worth more than $5K or $6K, if that. That said, if engine needs replacement soon (let’s say), what’s the value of the boat? With a new $25K,engine, what would the boat be worth? If the engine is sound, as you suggest it may be, what’s a fair (ballpark) value?

Again, I’m not familiar with the Hydra Sport lines, although I understand them to be a mid-tier boat. Likely, adequate for my needs, but I don’t know with any certainty.

Agree with adding power when/if the occasion arises. Prefer twin power units, but then there’s the added cost of installation and dual controls. So, would stay with single engine, especially considering the limited nearshore ventures or overnight trips.

I’m a bit surprised at the response to (1060) hours on the engine. Was always led to believe 1500-3000 hours were considered "well-used" on an outboard. Is there something unique about the Yamahas and/or 225’s that provide extended life above others….or is that true in general? Of course, use, maintenance, and environment are critical variables when considering engine longevity. Hard to determine those without engine inspection.

I’m not familiar with exhaust corrosion issues. I presume that pertains to all outboards, or is it more problematic on Yamahas / 225’s?

Thanks for your thoughts.

 

[SusieQ 21]

I would be hiring a surveyor , they will give you a fair value and more importantly , check for moisture in the hull and decks . They usually don't go through the motor , but check everything else out . Depending on where you live , 4- 600 $ to have it done . If your going to insure it , make sure the surveyor is accredited with one of the two major names . That may be required by the insurance company . Just for the peace of mind , it's worth it .
As noted above, the engine should be good for 4-6,000 hours , if maintained and not beat to death .

All good advice. Thank you.

 

[mr 88]

I believe the " exhaust " issues are for salt water engine's. Engine life used to be a lot shorter , things have changed over the years . More frequent oil changes, tolerances being more precise, materials used , research and development, addressing what and why , broke on previous models .
Years ago if you got 100,000 miles on a American built car ( engine ) it was a big thing . Honda etc , comes along and forces the USA to make better engines . Now 2- 300,000 is no big deal ,heck people even respond , "she's got 99,000 miles on her ,just getting broken in ". Used to be , " POS just let go at 75K."

 

[dingbat]

Agree with your price assessment, particularly considering the potential need for repairs / possible engine replacement. Don’t know how to evaluate the value of the engine. Obviously, replacement cost could be $25K, depending upon engine selection. I’ve heard a million times, the value of boat is primarily derived from engine value. Can’t believe the existing 225 engine would be worth more than $5K or $6K, if that. That said, if engine needs replacement soon (let’s say), what’s the value of the boat? With a new $25K,engine, what would the boat be worth? If the engine is sound, as you suggest it may be, what’s a fair (ballpark) value?

Again, I’m not familiar with the Hydra Sport lines, although I understand them to be a mid-tier boat. Likely, adequate for my needs, but I don’t know with any certainty.

Agree with adding power when/if the occasion arises. Prefer twin power units, but then there’s the added cost of installation and dual controls. So, would stay with single engine, especially considering the limited nearshore ventures or overnight trips.

Then your looking at a 300 hp motor

I’m a bit surprised at the response to (1060) hours on the engine. Was always led to believe 1500-3000 hours were considered "well-used" on an outboard. Is there something unique about the Yamahas and/or 225’s that provide extended life above others….or is that true in general?

Normal anymore. 3-4k before you get into the “high” mileage scenarios. Have a buddy with a couple of Honda 225 pushing 5K hours.

Of course, use, maintenance, and environment are critical variables when considering engine longevity. Hard to determine those without engine inspection.

Motor don’t die from use…. They’re killed by neglect and or abuse

I’m not familiar with exhaust corrosion issues. I presume that pertains to all outboards, or is it more problematic on Yamahas / 225’s?

It’s a Yamaha specific issue.
Early 2000s Yamaha had a “dry corrosion” issue in the exhaust housing

• What is Dry Corrosion: This type of corrosion happens in places that don’t come into direct contact with water — for example, the exhaust system. When the boat’s fuel is burned off sulfate salts are created, and these salts are highly corrosive, which means if your outboard’s cooling passages aren’t cleaned regularly corrosion will happen.