Boat Test: THE HYDRA-SPORTS VECTOR 2200 CC

ONE TOUGH COOKIE

THE HYDRA-SPORTS VECTOR 2200 CC COMBINES A STYLISH EXTERIORWITH RUGGED, PROVEN CONSTRUCTION

BY JOHN BROWNLEE

Hydra-Sports new Vector 2200 Center Console comes with a lot of the features that have made larger Hydra- Sports models so popular— items like an extensive standard equipment list, plush fit-and-finish, and a thorough attention to detail. The 2200 may be the smallest of the Vectors, but she can still run with the big dogs.

The boat shares the same 20-degree transom deadrise with its no-holds-barred larger sibling, the 3300. It also comes with Hydra-Sports’ famously rugged construction, which includes all composite, no-wood lay-up using hand-laid bi-axial fabric and woven roving with Kevlar reinforcement. The stringers also get Kevlar reinforcement, and they’re filled with foam for structural integrity and flotation. Hydra-Sport backs the boat with a solid 10/3 warranty—ten years on the hull and three years on most components.

With a dry hull weight of 2,800 pounds, the boat is solid and tracks very well. I ran the 2200 in the Florida Keys, in varyng sea conditions and it never got us wet. The deep- V hull cut through whatever chop we encountered, only pounding when we pushed it too hard into steep waves. It was an exemplary performer.

It’s also quite quick and agile with single outboard power. Our test boat had a single F250 Yamaha fourstroke (you can also order power options from Mercury and Evinrude), and after a brief period of bow rise on acceleration, the 2200 leveled out into a proud running attitude. At a 4500 rpm cruise speed, the F250 pushed us along at a respectable 34 mph, while still maintaining a 3.1 mpg average. Push the throttle to wide-open, and you quickly reach a top speed of 48.2 mph. Even at full throttle, the boat still manages to get 2.2 mpg.

There’s a surprising amount of cockpit space forward of the transom bulkhead, more than in most 22-footers. Hydra-Sports keeps the bulkhead narrow by mounting the walk-through transom gate on the centerline, with removable storage bins in the top of the bulkhead, and foldup passenger seats on either side of the gate. The boat’s fuel filters are mounted beneath the gate.

A raised fiberglass module forward contains a 31-gallon livewell, and the boat’s bench seat is mounted on this same module, atop two aluminum pedestals. This further optimizes cockpit space, and a tray beneath the seat, forward of the livewell, holds lots of loose gear. The boat has three rod holders per side beneath the gunwales, and stainless steel toe rails provide sure footing when the seas get rough, a nice touch.

Hydra-Sports has always designed elegant consoles for the Vector series, and the console adorning the 2200 continues that tradition. It has an aluminum wheel to port with the gauge cluster above it, and a sizeable space for flush-mounting electronics on the centerline with a lockable glove box to starboard. A port side door opens to reveal a respectable head compartment, but I suspect most people will use this space for storage.

A dual-level footrest provides maximum comfort in any steering position, and a sturdy windshield made of real tempered glass surrounds the entire helm area. A good-looking fiberglass hard top adds the finishing touch to the helm/console area, with rod holders, PFD storage, handrails and lighting all built-in to the top.

A raised casting deck at the bow contains two insulated fish boxes that drain overboard, or do double duty as dry storage. The hatches that cover these boxes are gasketed and open on gas rams. Plush coaming pads surround the entire interior of the boat, and a recessed aluminum handrail provides a sure handhold that stays out of the way until you need it.

The 2200 CC is available in a variety of hull colors, and with a complete options list, but you don’t need any of them to fish the boat. It comes ready to rock, with a complete standard equipment list, and an excellent level of fit-and-finish, all Hydra-Sports trademarks. But don’t let those good looks fool you—beneath that stylish exterior is one tough boat.

December/January2007

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