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Cole Hydro model differences CH1, CH2?, CH3?

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Is anyone interested in contributing to a discussion about Cole HYDRO Model(s), years of production, etc. I purchased a 1978 Cole CH1 hydro several years ago and have been searching the internet relentlessly since trying to gain knowledge about these boats. I think I have read every dead end discussion about Jim Cole, Cole Boats, TR1, TR2, TR3, TR? I have documented my boat and the work I've done on my hobby website www.dragboatfever.com I hope the slideshow format and captions on the pictures will help someone along the way.

I don't know the first year of Cole Hydro production but suspect it was roughly 1978. My boat has an aluminum ID plate identifying it as model CH-1 and I have not heard of earlier model years. Here are a collection of my thoughts on the subject:
  • My boat looks very similar to a Deaver Hydro and there is much discussion about Cole copying the Deaver. It seems everyone was copying someone back in the day.
  • The rear deck on my boat ramps up abruptly at the transom. (like 1980-82 Corvette bumper)
  • I've seen several different rear deck configurations but can't be sure they are original.
  • I know Cole made a later model. One with a windshield
  • I've heard mention of a tall deck which may be the one with the windshield.


I sure hope this thread develops into the ultimate source of facts about these boats.

Inquiring minds need to know and the sum of what has been documented is quite limited.

Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts ..........

Steve
dragboatfever.com
 
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I'm going to further the discussion here by posting a series of pictures that were collected on the internet along with information that suggested brand and year. This will only be as good as the source so I can not certify correctness:

1977 Cole Hydro

2021-12-01_001.jpg



1978 Cole Hydro CH-1 (certified correct)

See my boat at www.dragboatfever.com

1979 Cole Hydro

001.JPG 002.JPG 003.JPG 004.JPG 005.JPG 006.JPG 007.JPG

1981 Cole Hydro

1981 Cole Hydro.jpg pink_hyd.jpg pink_hydro.jpg

1982 Cole Hydro


2018-03-27-02.30.24.jpg 2018-03-27-03-03-30.jpg 20150219_134923-2.jpg 20150220_121905.jpg 20150220_121922_1.jpg 20161114_170025-1.jpg

1982 Cole Hydro

970417_441264972654746_1370808572_n.jpg 20171025_122518_resized.jpg 20171025_131249_resized.jpg

1984 Cole Hydro

Webp.net-resizeimage-7.jpg Webp.net-resizeimage-10.jpg

1986 Cole Hydro

image-3-1.jpg image-5-1.jpg image-6-1.jpg image-13-1.jpg
 

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Boats where the year was not provided:

19?? Cole Hydro

237157-4e9ddb0b541cb7c04be798b756cfdaf1.jpg IMG_1912.jpg IMG_1914.jpg IMG_1915.jpg IMG_1916.jpg IMG_1918.jpg IMG_1919.jpg IMG_1920.jpg IMG_1921.jpg IMG_1922.jpg IMG_1923.jpg IMG_1924.jpg IMG_1925.jpg IMG_1926.jpg

19?? Cole Hydro

IMG_1983.jpg IMG_1984.jpg IMG_1985.jpg IMG_1986.jpg IMG_1987.jpg IMG_1988.jpg IMG_2006.jpg
 
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Last batch I have:

19?? Cole Hydro

001.JPG 002.JPG 003.JPG 004.JPG 005.JPG 006.JPG 007.JPG

1986 Cole Hydro (added 08/12/2019)

Cole Hydro Sunset Showdown 01.jpg Cole Hydro Sunset Showdown 02.jpg Cole Hydro Sunset Showdown 03.jpg Cole Hydro Sunset Showdown 04.jpg

  • Please help me with the history of this boat (Sunset Showdown) for the new owner Jeff Caldwell.
  • Jeff has disclosed to me the HIN on his boat which is molded into the hull above the transom drain. There is no reference to CH1, CH2, etc. so that Kills that theory.


 
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This is what we have so far: (Will be updated as thread develops )

Years of Production: 1978 - 1986

Models: CH-1, .............

Identifiable differences:
  • Front deck with rib or not.
  • Rear deck with integrated Chute pad and splash
  • Rear deck simple flare upward
  • Windshield or not
Let's continue this discussion !
 
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