Welcome to the Boat Test page, your complete source for all boat performance testing information. Here you'll find current and historic performance tests, as well as reviews on Hydra-Sports boats and engines, including features, comparisons and demonstrations.
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2011 - 4200 SF
The new model Hydra-Sports 4200 SF has taken a big step up in horsepower with four 350-hp Yamaha V8 outboards. We went down to take a look at the new boat. With this much power, it takes a little more than just "bolt-'em-on-and-head-out-to-fish." This is an installation that needs to be dialed in, and when we went for our first peek, the boat was crawling with techs from both Hydra-Sports and Yamaha working diligently to get the 1400 ponies harnessed harmoniously with one of the largest production fiberglass center consoles in the world. From what we saw, they already had it nailed, but they still kept tweaking.
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2009 - 4100 VSF
Recently the first Hydra-Sports boat rolled out the door from its new production facility in Vonore, Tennessee. Now owned by the same company that owns MasterCraft, every new Hydra-Sports boat will be tested on Lake Tellico, just like every MasterCraft. And for a boat as large and as complex as the Hydra-Sports 4100 SF, the attention to detail, fit and finish, and aftermarket customer service, and the corporate culture at MasterCraft's plant is vitally important. Since 2009, many bluewater fishermen moving up from small fry center consoles and those moving down from large convertibles have both keyed onto the 4100 SF because she has such remarkable capabilities. The big secret of the boat is that she is far more versatile than huge battlewagons, at a fraction of the cost both to buy and to operate. Check out our video of the 2009 Hydra-Sports 4100 SF and see what surprises she has in store.
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2010 - 3500 VX
For the last couple of years Hydra-Sports has been pushing the center console envelope, most recently with its 4100 behemoth CC. Now that it will combine with MasterCraft (no shrinking violet itself) and be built in that company's Vonore, TN plant, our guess is that its past innovations are only a prelude of even more exciting things to come. In 2009, we asked Capt. Steve to take a look at the Hydra-Sports 3500 VX and give us a full captain's report on this exciting and very unusual fish/cruise boat combo.
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2009 - 3500 VX
See the 2009 BoatTest.com overview video of the 3500 VX.
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2011 - 3400 CC
The Hydra-Sports 3400 CC is certainly a boat you could fall in love with at first sight. We sure did. She has a soft gentle curve to the sheer line that is offset by the rakish angle of the powder-coated tower, and together the combination is nothing short of gorgeous. And for someone who is sick and tired of nothing but white, the red hull was a very welcome sight indeed. It seems the first impression is contagious, for when this boat was shown at the Ft. Lauderdale Show she was scooped up on the spot, and her new owner sat vigil throughout to make sure his precious new boat wouldn't fall victim to the uncaring coming aboard to gawk. We can't say we blame him, but we still need to dig a little deeper than looks, so we proceeded to do what we do. Put this beauty through a full test. The video is ready to roll, so let's take a look at how Hydra-Sports has done.
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2006 - 2900 CC
The Vector 2900 CC from Hydra-Sports is a roomy boat, with lots of important fishing features to keep any serious angler satisfied. The 2900 rides comfortably offshore and delivers the type of performance expected in a rugged fishing machine. Hydra-Sports offers a ten year warranty on the hulls, plus a three year warranty on parts and equipment on their Vector series boats.
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2007 - 2200 VX
Style and versatility; those two words say everything about the 2200VX. Fishing, diving, cruising, you name it, this 22 footer lends itself perfectly to whatever activity you're up for. And with the comfort and convenience of a forward cabin, you can keep having fun when others are headed back to the dock.
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2007 - 2200 DC
The 2200 DC offers a great platform for the active fishing and watersports family. As part pf the Vector Series, the 2200 has the same premium quality build and big features as her larger tournament-ready sisters.
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2006 - 2200 CC
The Vector 2200 CC is a compact and tournament-ready fishboat. Her wide Carolina flare delivers a wave-splitting dry ride, and there's plenty of power to get out to the fishing grounds fast.
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2011 - 23 BAY BOLT
Not all fish live in blue water, and not all boats are meant to fish the canyons. When it's time to take on skinny water, a deep V hull won't get you far. But since these water are teaming with fish, a purpose built boat, that can get you to these spots in a hurry, is in order. Enter the Hydra-Sports 23 Bay Bolt. With a long list of fishing features, we had more than a good time testing this rig. And with an unbelievable 300-hp hanging off the transom, we didn't exactly take our time getting to the testing grounds.
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2006 - 23 BAY BOLT
Hydra-Sports has reconstructed the 23 Bay Bolt from the stringers up to the center console and livewells. The 23 is built to run shallow with a skinny draft of only 10 inches.
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2003 - 2300 BAY BOLT
The 2300 Bay Bolt is a versatile, and affordable multi-species fishing boat. She delivers plenty of mileage for a long day of fishing.
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2011 - 202 DC
The team at Hydra-Sports tells us that the 202 DC will keep die-hard fisherman happy as well as satisfy the family out for a day of recreation. In our book, a 20-something outboard-powered dual console bowrider is one of the best boating concepts on the market. You can fish from it, use it as a cruising sportboat, a swimming platform, or tow boat for skiers or tubing. Because it is a Hydra-Sports we knew the 202 DC would be fishy, but would it also be family-friendly. In order to find out, we sent our former fisherman, and now family man, Capt. Steve to see if this boat has what it takes to keep both groups happy.






























