Brand reputation, speed, range and construction are top attributes among Hydrasports owners in our Benchmark study.
Though Hydrasports has always been known for performance, the recognition for style and features was likely forged by the company’s new “custom” strategy. When Hydrasports came under new ownership in 2012, it analyzed its orders and discovered that owners were selecting 90 percent of the available options. So it made those popular options standard.
Even so, elements of style — like hull and upholstery colors and counter-surface materials — remain in the owners’ hands, allowing them to add their thumbprint. These owner-selected style-appointments are skillfully applied in the building process. Other custom selections can include teak and holly soles, towers and electronics. The result is the personalized look owners covet.
Handling comes from a solid, hand-built hull and the choice of either Yamaha, Mercury or Seven Marine power. Also, a sharp deadrise cleaves seas, and a broad beam provides trolling stability.
Fishability was acknowledged in our survey. Each boat comes equipped with the best fishing options, like powerful livewell pumps and large tanks designed to keep bait lively by eliminating low-oxygen “dead spots” that trap and kill.
4200 Siesta
The word “luxury” doesn’t adequately capture the look and feel of the 4200 Siesta with belowdecks berth. Neither does “hard-core sportfisher.” By combining both in an elegant package of sexy lines and creature comforts, the Siesta qualifies as one slick ride. These styling cues are evident throughout the vessel. Even the hardtop’s powder-coated structure (with integrated tempered-glass windshield) complements the beautiful sheer and flaring bow for engaging style points.
The 4200’s helm station would be underequipped with the pair of chart-plotter displays of most boats. This one will take three with ease.
The tackle center is a thing of beauty, with slide-out tackle drawers, a slide-out cooler below, and a bait-prep station on top with nearly full-width cutting boards and a stainless-steel basin with freshwater supply. There’s a transom door handy for docking and a tuna door on the starboard side.
Comfortable seating abounds fore, and aft seating hides away when access to dual livewells is needed.
It’s a performer, too, clocking 54 mph with triple 350s and more than 65 with quads.
MORE INFO: hydrasports.com
