Hydra-Sports Vector 2200 DC- Not Your Typical Bowrider

By Capt. Ron Svoboda

If you’re familiar with the Hydra-Sports line, you know that the builder is very serious about fishing. They manufacture products from shallow water bay boats to blue water machines and everything in between. They also offer their boats in two distinct build packages: the Lighting Series which is a price conscious version with less frills, and a deluxe package with all the equipment on it which they call the Vector Series. We recently had the chance to try out the baby of the Vector Series, the 2200 DC (Dual Console). Although this model is the smallest boat in this line, at 22’ 4” overall, it’s a perfect sized runabout; easy drive, easy to tow, easy to dock and fairly economical.

At first glance, the Vector 2200 DC is your typical bowrider, but on closer inspection you will find attention to detail, quality hardware, and in my opinion fantastic use of space. Everywhere you look on there is a storage compartment, locker or nook. I love that, and so will the pack rats that will undoubtly load this boat with gear, filling every spot available.

Built for Fishing…

As I digress, this space planning is what conceals the hidden agenda of the DC: fishing. And serious fishing at that! The helm has all the electronic items you need to get to the right hole, locate the catch and return home with more digital information than you could ever process. Insulated fish boxes abound both forward and in the cockpit, and there are ample quantities of rod holders and secure rod storage to tackle your gear. Situated behind the top-notch captain’s chair, is a mini bait station for prepping fish on the cutting board, and then cleaning up with a sink and faucet. Below that, is a pair of drawers set up to handle all your hooks and lures. The cockpit dispenses enough room for three anglers to stand or sit comfortably, and at the bow there is space for two more anglers. It offers good access to the anchor roller and windlass. Now on a 22 footer, a windlass is a bit overkill, but remember I said this boat is deluxe.

…And More

After spending the morning fishing, the DC can change modes and spend the afternoon pulling the kids around on inflatables or boards. There are dedicated lockers in the sole for skis and such, along with a decent size swim platform on both sides of the motor well. And, with all the seating on board you can comfortably take the whole gang along. You also won’t have to worry when nature calls as the 2200 DC features a large head compartment located under the companion side console. This useful area is complete with a pump-out toilet, sink and faucet, and even a magazine rack.

Construction

So what’s under the skin? For starters the boat is finished in an off-white gelcoat which not only looks good, but is easy on the eyes in bright sunlight. This gelcoat gets paired to your choice of six different hull side colors, making for one classy looking ride. Underway, the boat grants a soft ride by utilizing an all composite stringer system that is integrated into the transom. The engineers at Hydra-Sports are also not afraid of using generous amounts of Kevlar fabric in the lay-up process, ensuring a tough and durable hull that will be able to withstand the pounding and abuse that life on the water presents. A dry ride is another attribute of the 2200 DC that we discovered while testing the boat on a choppy bay.

Considerations

About my only gripes on the boat were the seat cushions and locker latches. The cushions, although well made, created some challenges while trying to open the lockers with the cushions in place. Once removed, the lockers were easy to open except for the stainless steel latch handles which presented a minor hazard to fingers with their rough edges. Lucky for me this is a fishboat and getting some cuts here and there is bound to happen, plus what kind of fishing boat doesn’t get a little blood on it ever now and then?

Specifications and Performance

The Hydra-Sports Vector 2200 DC measures 22’ 4’’ length overall with a beam of 8’6’’ has a 20 degree deadrise, and an engine-up draft of 15 inches and carries 115 gallons of fuel.

On test day, equipped with a 250-hp Evinrude the 2200DC was up on plane in 5 seconds and up to 30 mph in 9.7. We hit a top speed of 43.5 mph turning 5650 rpm and we cruised most economically at 28.9 mph at 4000 rpm for a range of 248 miles on a full tank.

Speeds measured with Stalker ProSports radar gun. Fuel consumption (gallons per hour) measured with Floscan digital fuel-flow meter on gas inboards, sterndrives, and outboards, TechMate electronic scan tool on gas EFI inboards, Caterpillar digital fuel-flow meter on diesel engines, or permanently installed fuel-monitoring equipment. Range is based on 90% of published fuel capacity. Sound levels determined using Radio Shack digital decibel meter on A scale. 68 dBA is the level of normal conversation.

Performance Chart

Test Conditions