Free Hydrodyne 1700

k5wilson

Cadet
Joined
Nov 14, 2008
Messages
6
About 7 years ago when my wife & I bought the house we live in, one of the first things I noticed was a boat in the back yard across the street. Due to the fact that the owner of it was, lets just say "less than socialable", I never got a close look at it until recently. About a year ago the owner sold the house and left the boat. One day I was talking to the new owner, and told him to let me know if he, ever wanted to get rid of it. I never expected him to just give it to me. anyway, after changing both trailer tires, due to the rims being rusted away from the tire, I brought it home. I'm not really sure what year model it is but I think it is somewhere around late 1950s or early 1960s. I asked my next door neighbors how long it had been sitting there, and they said at least 20 years. Believe it or not the I/O volvo Penta B77 engine runs like new, and all I did to it was replace dry rotted plug wires and hook up a fresh tank of gas. Other than years of sun damage, the hull is in almost perfect condition. The floor, stringers, and upholstry, however, need some work. I'm looking forward to restoring this classic to original condition. I don't know how to rebuild the stringer, I don't know what the orginal floor looked like, so any pics or descriptions anyone may have would be great. I would also welcome any tips or suggestions anyone may have. I have included a link to some pics of it.
k5wilson
 

Stoutcat

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Aug 6, 2008
Messages
180
Re: Free Hydrodyne 1700

Hi K5,

Welcome!

Thoughts...

* We'll need pics.
* You'll need to get the title for the boat/trailer... Not having that can be a real hassle. There are ways to get around that, but it is a major pain.
* Check out fiberglassics.com and theclassicboathous.com - both good resources.
* Congrats on your new boat!

Alan
 
Last edited:

jonesg

Admiral
Joined
Feb 22, 2008
Messages
7,198
Re: Free Hydrodyne 1700

Pre 1972 I don't think its a problem with titles,
they didn't assign hull ID plates until 73.
A bill of sale should do it.

PS ...the photo link doesn't work.
 

ezmobee

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Mar 26, 2007
Messages
23,767
Re: Free Hydrodyne 1700

I have never seen a boat even remotely like that. Very cool. Love the air intake!
 

fixb52s

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
May 14, 2004
Messages
463
Re: Free Hydrodyne 1700

Oh hell yea! Fix that boat up! Hydrodynes were famous for that scoop, and have great lines. They were very popular with the "upper crust" boaters in their time.

If you decide to get rid of it, I will make the trip up there and take it off your hands....... :D
 

k5wilson

Cadet
Joined
Nov 14, 2008
Messages
6
Re: Free Hydrodyne 1700

It's funny that you mention the scoop, that is actually what got my attention when I first saw it. The fact that the engine runs so well, and even all the guages still work after sitting outside in the weather for so long, just proves that " they just don't make stuff like they used to".
 

legoman67

Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Oct 16, 2008
Messages
636
Re: Free Hydrodyne 1700

thats a cool little boat! and its amazing that the engine runs. Looks like there are no stringers atm, so that is a no brainer, along with a floor. Also i would make sure the transom is good, if not then dont worry, the guys on here can guide you through the process of fixing it.
 
Top