THE GOOD, THE BAD & THE UGLY! HYDRA-SPORTS/JAVELIN BOATS (2022)

[@burneraccount9253]

Glad to see some older rigs getting reviewed. Keep up the great content Team

[@mudieproductions]

I absolutely Love the Bass boat history! Been building boats for almost 18 years now and I always love the history! Love your videos!

[@bigdawgbassin9001]

Brother I have a beautiful white and blue 1998 Hydra sports 196, I have owned it for about 10 years, Garage kept, I can't get rid of it to buy a newer one, Because i absolutely love it, rides great and it will fly.I have upgraded everything, lithium batteries, power poles, new motor, trolling motor, pumps, wiring and great electronics, has been an awesome boat and it has carpeted bunks on a matching trailer ,not rollers, every where i take it no one thinks this boat is a 98 model. Great video

[@GarryMurray-i1y]

Got the same boat to this day. Great boat and fairly quick hull. Won’t get rid of it

[@Pitchpullin5]

Definitely with all of this inflation going on and insane boat prices, it's nice to see old boats getting love.

[@TeamMarineService]

Any Hydro-Sports or Javelin guys out there?

[@kwd1253]

Cricket 🦗 🦗

[@jeffreysmith350]

Running a 96 Hydra-Sports LS185. 150 Intruder, good old boat. But that stupid front roller setup is annoying. Fuel mileage sucks but it fishes pretty good.

[@bassmaster3656]

1996 Javelin 369 SE 115 Evinrude Intruder. Been a good boat, fishes good, love the Intruder sound and it don’t break the bank.

[@chandlerlarsonfishing]

My 1995 175 Hydra-Sports with a 115 Johnson is the one in the shop now! Love the videos!

[@Bootlegtresix]

Had a javelin with a johnson it was a pos

[@lancemabry6707]

My dad and I had 4 Javelins in the mid to late 90s. Loved them, super dry storage and rode excellent. Yes the wiring was our biggest complaint! Lol. Keep it up guys, love this!

[@captnbass2]

Spot on Andy …. One of my first boats was a 389dc with a fast strike 150 stupid fast ( chine walked a lot) but as you said cheap I was re doing carpet 4 years into owning it. And yep power connector went bad . Thanks for the stroll down memory lane.

[@nickwateski3235]

Hydro sport was a good boat that I can remember when my dad had one. It also had an evinrude on the back which probably was main reason why back in the day my dad was Danny's number one customer. But the bilge pumps couldn't keep up to the amount of water when the water dogs pluged the over flow. And then that's the end of the hydro sport because it sank.

[@CaptGoggles]

I’m full time guide and I use a Javelin Renegades 19 ! I love my boat ❤️ thanks for the insight guys

[@clintonmclimore8370]

Thanks I got my eye on a 92 Hydro 180 with a 175 fast strike and I’m about to pull the trigger. It’s sharp and looks sharp as hell. I’m dumping my stratos 219f walleye boat for this rocket.

[@dmoss1285]

I rode in a mid 90s 20ft Hydrosport, and contrary to what he said it was one of the most stable running bass boats I have ever been in. It handled absolutely amazing. The captain was very competent. I had owned a stratos, javelin and POS Sprint at the time. Ever since that day I always wanted a mid 90s Hydrosport. That was the best rough water bass boat I have been in to date. Fast enough for sure but extremely stable.

[@billwalker4158]

Also my pre production javelin 389 fish and ski with a 150 fast strike ran 68 on GPS with a 25 renegade I say that's very fast for a 19' f/s and it rides great

[@douglaswisdom]

I'm still running my 98 javelin 409 B, powered by 225 merc pro XS. Boat runs great, handles great & fish's great.

[@traviswyattfishing3287]

Cool little history lesson. My first boat was a 16 foot champion with a 100xp. Second boat was a Javelin 189T with a 150 intruder. Both were awesome boats for their time. Now I’m the nitro guy lol

[@leeshelton5283]

I had a 2001 Javelin Renegade 19 with a 175 Johnson and loved that boat. The carpet was crap, the ride was dry on a windy day and handled fairly well. Wish I still had it.

[@windellpenton]

Could do one on Astro/Procraft Those were Brunswick boats and came with Merc. They competed against OMC boats at the time.. as you may know Bill Dance endorsed ProCraft.

[@johndeerefan725]

My dad recently got a red 2000 Javelin Renegade 19 with a Johnson 150HP outboard. The carpet is damaged but not bad yet. The speedometer doesn't work, but we have a Humminbird Helix 7 that has a speedometer. We enjoy riding along but we didn't go fast since we think the Johnson outboard it had "too much power" in quotes for us. Overall, it's decent for all our fishing and boating times.

[@tnbassmaster]

I fished as a co angler out of a javelin I loved the boat both the back deck and front deck were very nice to fish from!

[@davidturner9371]

OK, what's the actual ugly about Hydrasports? I get that you could be a great 2-stroke and outboard mechanic. But, what can you actually say about Hydrasports that's bad?. Full composite?..Internal Stringers? Yamaha 4 Strokes? Rough stuff.... I own a full size Hydrasports Express that I'm sure you'd be all about running 50 miles off easily--- and I am Interested to know...what do you recommend that's a better choice? .. -- in your professional mechanic opinion?

[@andycalcutt2177]

I just saw your post before I commented, could you possibly answer my question on a 2000 Hydrasport Seahorse 212 Center Console. Supposedly in 2000 they changed construction on transom and stringers to composite, but I see confusing info on line. Did they change at the beginning of 2000 or further into the year maybe midway? Supposedly 99' and back were fiberglass and wood construction. If you're not sure, could you possibly point me to someone that could verify, thanks in advance.

[@dhooter]

Do a video on Winner Bass Boats. Another Tennessee boat. I believe they used all fiberglass strings and very little wood. Good friend of mine still owns one and has repowered it twice. Boat is still solid as a rock

[@jonallen693]

Like every videos you guys make. This one was very cool. Would like to put in a request for a comparison on shallow anchoring. Between power pole-talons -raptor.I’m thinking of switching from talon to raptor or power poles for weight. Wanted a pro advice because you guys dig deep and get the faxes. Keep up the good work and don’t stop making videos. Thank you

[@TeamMarineService]

Above everything else we'd choose Power Pole hands down. We do still need a little more hands on experience with the Raptors we will say before we shoot a video comparing them

[@jonallen693]

Thank you for responding

[@z19ingreen53]

I like Earl. At the end of the day we all have to make decisions based on the final outcome for ourselves and our families. Bottom line, the guy knew he wanted boats with his name on them to last. Shit, you'd probably have an easier time getting a hull failure from Javelin fixed than a new Nitro 😂. Johnny Morris, the 75th richest man in the world, who doesn't stand behind his warranties.

[@TeamMarineService]

Oh definitely! There's a lotta truth here

[@tristar_kayak_fishing5586]

I had a 84 x260 hydra sport with a 115 javelin on it that was stupid fast for a 16ft. Low 60s with a light load. I hurt alot of rangers guys feelings running 150s. Also had a stratos 279v with the 150xp it was a mid 60s boat. Loved the old stratos and the way it fished.

[@jacobalexander5679]

Could you do the good, the bad & the ugly about the 521 commanche when forest wood still built them? My uncle owned the 25th anniversary and he loved it.

[@halspeed12]

How about good bad ugly on the older bass cats how do feel about those

[@michaeltatem4516]

Had a 99 Javelin Renegade 20dc. 70mph plus boat, rode great. Loved that boat except for the Johnson 225ho.

[@robintaylor-mockingeemill8223]

I had a 1998 javelin 409dc , with a 225 Evinrude , Later I put on a 2004 225 HO Evinrude and it would top 80mph with ease . It even handled well , used a 28 pitch raker

[@mikerice8185]

Love the channel. What about a comparison between older and newer of the same boat? Say a 2012 FX vs 2022 FXR. Keep up the great work.

[@terryporche9059]

Had a ‘96 379 dc & Johnson 150 turning a 24 pitch Raker @ 5300 rpms. Got wet one time at Lake Fork in front of damn with waves the size of 50 miles offshore. Wish I still had the rig. Javelin didn’t spear the waves like a Ranger.

[@GarryMurray-i1y]

The 1998 Hydrasports 196 sc. was new design before Earl went to Triton. Some similarities. Very nice boat composite decks etc. well built boat that can put some of todays boats to shame as far as quality

[@JohnniePokemonNj]

It came with all the molds and and plans it took a lot to get them starting to get them built again

[@robbiesutton372]

loved my OMC trolling motor!

[@z19ingreen53]

Also, I have a request for a vault episode on original Z Comanche Rangers. 05-08 with the aluminum deck rails, like the one behind you

[@TeamMarineService]

That's gonna happen for sure in the near future

[@jimmiethayer8312]

Can you do one on laser bass boats? I can’t really find anything about them anywhere and I just got a 1989 laser 3880

[@trenhester3924]

I do believe - Stratos had ‘Javelin Series’ model for a while. 😁

[@bluesinsation]

I don’t know why I watch your videos... wait I do, it’s because you are entertaining, and almost funny. Uh, wasn’t early HydroSports using a Kevlar hull? What ever happened to Kevlar? What happened to ProCraft? What happened to Skeeter before Yamaha? What happened to RayCraft? Do you remember Sidewinder with stick steering? Stick steering?!!! Still wanting an over/under on new BC Puma STS and newest big Phoenix, don’t make me get a Nitro, LOL.

[@andycalcutt2177]

Trying to get a question answered on 2000 Hydrasport 212 Seahorse Center Console. From what I understand Hydrasport changed in 2000 to a composite type transom and stringers in its construction. Supposedly '99 and back had fiberglass and wood transom and stringers. Could anyone verify this for me. Maybe from a 2000 year owners manual or service manual? Any help would be greatly appreciated. I'm looking to pull the trigger on one, if I can verify all of the 2000 models have composite components and not like only the second half of the year 2000.

[@jasonboose9486]

I remember back in 2002 or 2003 your were running a javelin when you and Terry were fishing bass world sports. Then one of you had a skeeter.

[@anthonybrown7243]

I Have a 20 foot hydra sports with a 200 evinrude. I havn't used it in years just keep it in storage.

[@liv2fish21]

I have the Hydro sports 202 dc with the 150 Yamaha

[@ScruffyCityFishing]

I remember seeing lots of hydra sports and some stratos here, but seems like mercury was much bigger here in Tennessee than OMC products. Is that a southern thing? Sounds like Earl had a money making operation!

[@craiglafosse8086]

I don't own a hydra sports but I see them coming and going from offshore. Really fine center consoles with lots of horses on the back.

[@charlesmillsaps2277]

Hey love your videos. Can you do something on Stroker bass boats! Thanks

[@bigbadjohnfamily4642]

3-6-24 Just seen this video i have a 17' 1999 javelin with a 150hp we been over 80mph she not pretty now days but out run most thing on the lake

[@mediaspeedfilms1334]

I had an old Javelin back in the day. Carpet and wiring was shit!

[@barrycelestine7809]

How about you do a history lesson on the old Cajun boats. What happened to them? Who made them? They looked like Rangers back then. Oh by the way Tom Monsoor had some good words about you down here on Sam Rayburn.

[@MOfishing247]

Cajun got bought out by Ranger, once purchased they closed the doors.

[@djwfishing5872]

Javelins baby’s!!! Restoring mine right now has a new Suzuki 200ss on the back

[@derickdouangnouanexay]

I bought me a 20ft hydra bass boat with a 200hp yama 2 stroke from Facebook market it’s been 2 yrs since I’ve own it she been in an out of shop for electrical prob need new carpet but that gonna be awhile also need a lil body work to but she still floats an drives that’s all that matters 😂😂😂

[@timmcmakin3915]

Thanks for mentioning the javalina lol it shall once agin grace your shop lol

[@TeamMarineService]

👍🏻👍🏻

[@johnburris5927]

Love all the great info an opinions!! Keep it up!!!

[@clintonmclimore8370]

How about the Shadow B.A.S.S. boat!!! Do one on that because I owned one and they are fast af and at one time was the fastest boat on the planet. Jay cox built them.

[@roertjones2036]

Had a 1996 17 1/2 ft hydro-sport, loved it, hated the POS Johnson fast stike that broke down all the time

[@EPstroker]

Both premium brands back in the 80s and 90s, then they took a back seat to Stratos. Both had the typical bad 80s/ 90s wiring and switches etc. The javelin 400 imo was their best hull. Many javelin hulls lived on with the Stratos name till Stratos was killed off. The javelin 379,389,400 all became Stratos models. The lower seating position is more than just to look sporty haha. It's much safer while traveling WFO.

[@SkelpYourHead]

Love to here about the Cobra/legend history.

[@LucasBoone318]

I'm a proud OMC Era (2000 year model) Stratos owner, my boat was made 30 mins from where I live. But one thing to remember, There is money in confusion. If everything is intertwined, and nobody knows what's going on, those in charge will get their money. Earl should have just stuck with hull design, but he got greedy.

[@LucasBoone318]

And yes, I still run a 2000 model FICHT 225 on the back of it

[@HookedonHaliburton]

Revisiting this now that Ikon is basically hydra sports. You should remake this history lesson and how everyone is connected.

[@frankmicalef9613]

Stinson sold Nitro before (84ish) he went to work for OMC in the mid- 80's

[@bafishing8796]

Can u do the 1997 to 98 triton tr21.

[@4g63kevin]

Good stuff! Keep em coming

[@bucknuts8824]

I always thought of Javelin as Stratos budget line

[@robbie3731]

They was from my understanding pretty much the same hulls with a different top cap and less options.

[@billwalker4158]

At one time javelin hydra sports and Stratos all went down the same assembly line side by side I was there

[@billwalker4158]

I started working for Earl in 1988 at Hydra sports in Nashville moved to Murfreesboro in 91 to work at Javelin and yes gemmar ran it all in the ground they just stopped making the Javelin the reason Hydra sports bass boats went away is because it was too much competition for the status line. Anyway I went to Triton after Murfreesboro shut down and now work for Earl again at Caymas I think it's safe to say I like the man and the boats

[@TeamMarineService]

That awesome Bill! Great to hear your story and that you've stuck by Earl''s side through it all. That's a fine testament to your character. Thanks for the info

[@blakelybassin7894]

Own a 92 389 javelin an you was spot on

[@bucknuts8824]

Bring back some old Bass Cat vids! 👍

[@williamwolff4684]

I know it’s a old video but I do have a 93 javelin f/s

[@e.butler5903]

I bought one in 97 115 hp Evinrude $ 12500.00 Just as you described good boat

[@stevemolina8801]

Earl Bentz and John Storie should have made boats together, what a cluster that would have been!

[@drdoutdoors1603]

Oh I got it. The message in short is to just not buy a hydra sport, javelin, or stratos. Haha

[@devondvorak7500]

Do bumblebee

[@chrisjackson6115]

Should do a good bad and the ugly on Legend

[@TeamMarineService]

Great idea, we dig Legends! 👍🏻

[@chrisjackson6115]

@@TeamMarineService yea my buddy has a Alpha 211 love it

[@chadphillips4087]

I live 30 mins from Hcb, the bass rig is supposed to be unique, guess we’ll wee

[@tommccoy6708]

I have a sweet 1998 185 Hydra Sports that I'm going to sell. It has a 150 HP Evinrude E-tec HO on it. Always garage kept. I'm in Ohio if anyone is interested.

[@texoma_outdoors]

I have one of the last little javelins, the venom 17. Pulled it off the showroom floor 23 years ago. Now it was a major upgrade over my first boat, a 73 Chrysler bassrunner with stick steering 🤦🏻‍♂️. That being said the boat was very poorly designed. Awful ride, a total dog for speed and almost no storage. I tell people the design idea behind it was to build a boat so poorly thought out not only would you never buy another omc product, you'll never buy another boat period. As they say life happens and I'm still fishing out of it all these years later but that's because I haven't managed an upgrade. I'm not a nitro guy but wife and I did halfway consider taking a z19 home last weekend though....

[@crappiedayfishon1756]

SPEED, MONEY, NO BRAKES!!!!! AND NO omc............

[@TeamMarineService]

Hahahaha

[@larryastle8813]

I thought you said Strap On

[@TeamMarineService]

Haha

[@adamportner8102]

Think maybe you should of read the copy before you started. Just sayin

[@TeamMarineService]

That ruins all the fun!

[@billshepard2908]

Never was a fan of the Floor riders... totally uncomfortable for me.

[@stevenjanuchowski5578]

Nope how about 2022 Skeeter zxr 20

[@mrxlh]

Andy, it’s just like the NFL, they all just keep getting recycled over and over again….

[@mrxlh]

OMC is the ugly, hung on to crappy technology and gutted all other divisions to try and prop up a dead technology.

[@richardamendt630]

hydrosport was a bad riding boat