SoCal Jet Boats

Discussion => Boat Showcase => Topic started by: Baja and Bust on February 14, 2009, 02:43:49 PM

Title: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Baja and Bust on February 14, 2009, 02:43:49 PM
A friend of mine has owned this '73 Kona Jet with a berkeley pump, 468 olds (done right) for the past six years.  He's interested in selling it and I'm interested in buying it.  Would be my first jet boat and am looking for input from you experienced jetters on whether or not it's a good deal.  I'm a seasoned wrencher and grew up jet boating so know it's something I'm wanting to get into.  I live in the SF Bay right now but am moving to OC in June and want a new toy for the summer.  Please let me know what you all think, the more input the merrier.  Thanks!

'73 Kona jet, 468 olds with a 550 cam and 750 holley, keith black 10:1 flat top pistons, stainless big valve K heads, basset water cooled headers with CA legal baffles.  The motor was rebuilt in '03 and only has five trips on it since.  The berkeley pump was rebuilt at the same time, nothing too fancy (don't know the specs on it).  The fuel tank is in the bow on this boat, don't know if that's good or bad, never really seen that on other jets.  It sits on a single axle trailer.  He bought it in '03 for $6800 and will sell it to me for $4,000....

Someone tell me whether or not I should jump on this deal or not.  I appreciate your input.  ~Ken~
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Ralph Brunt on February 14, 2009, 03:32:14 PM
dozer has a kona that runs pretty good (even had an olds in it) now has a bbc any way the boat would have to be really clean, as well as have all the pump goodies for me to pay 4k for a boat with an olds. i think you would be making an engine swap in the future so keep that in mind.
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Baja and Bust on February 14, 2009, 05:14:28 PM
Ralph,

What's so bad about the Olds motors?  If this one is fresh and was built right, why would I need to plan on doing an engine swap anyway?  This boat does run pretty good, it's been GPS'd at 73mph...
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: beerjet on February 14, 2009, 05:25:32 PM
Ralph,

What's so bad about the Olds motors?  If this one is fresh and was built right, why would I need to plan on doing an engine swap anyway?  This boat does run pretty good, it's been GPS'd at 73mph...
For the money one throws at an olds, you can get a chevy/ford to run alot better and faster.
It looks like the olds was build pretty well and 73 is good BUT, it's an Olds and they are notorious for having oiling issues.
Like Ralph mentioned DOZZER (John) ran an olds, HARD, for a long time and will also tell you that his fairly stock Chevy runs as fast as his built up Olds did.
4K is a bit of scratch and the boat looks it.
If you can sleep at night with 4K, so can I.
I've always believed that the longer you own a boat along with the less money you put into it is what really makes a boat worth buying.
Just be nice to the olds and keeps the RPM's down as much as possible and it should last forever.

One last thing, welcometo the site.

-beerjet-

Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Baja and Bust on February 14, 2009, 06:53:24 PM
Ralph and BJ,

I appreciate your input.  Still considering this deal and continuing to look at what else is out there.  Here's what the owner had to say about the rebuilt engine  (notice the machining on the heads for oil return)  :

its an olds 455/468 bored 060 in a rotler boring bar, finish plateau honed and line honed in a sunnen CV616 cylinder hone. block has been decked in a van norman hydraulic CBN milling machine to correct the RMS surface finish
keith black 10:1 hypereutectic flattop pistons on reconditioned and notched rods
stainless big valve K head s were machined for oil return and have roller rocker tips from comp cams
hold 9 quarts oil, oil resticting lifters, pushrods, valley pan/ tray ect.
550 lift cam which goes perfect with the edelbrock performer and holley 750 double pumper
great boat built well, again the previous owner did all this and i have not changed a thing.


He's been advertising this boat for a couple months now, down to $4K from the original $6500.  Think I could live with the existing price if I wouldn't want to immediately throw a conversion on the trailer to a tandem axle...  Jet boats sitting on a single axle trailer just bug the hell out of me... 


Thanks for the welcoming too...  This site rocks, i'm looking forward to a summer of fun and getting to know everyone.

PS...  I'd much rather find this boat... Eliminator "Bad Attitude"
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: 2savage4you on February 14, 2009, 07:00:37 PM
All that and he went with Hypers :screwy:

Same as , give me a big mac , large fries supersize and a diet coke ???

makes no sense.........
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: GT Jets on February 14, 2009, 07:02:58 PM
All that and he went with Hypers :screwy:

Same as , give me a big mac , large fries supersize and a diet coke ???

makes no sense.........

Diabetics do that   ;)

No offense there B and B, but step away from the Oldsmobile....for the same dough you could avoid quite a few headaches....

GT
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: 2savage4you on February 14, 2009, 07:08:06 PM
Diabetics do that   ;)
GT

Thanks for the lesson ... ;D
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Baja and Bust on February 14, 2009, 07:17:04 PM
All that and he went with Hypers :screwy:

Same as , give me a big mac , large fries supersize and a diet coke ???

makes no sense.........

Hypers???  What do you mean Sav?

No offense taken GT... I'm here to gain advice before I make the move and become a reg at the SoCal events.
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Ralph Brunt on February 14, 2009, 07:23:07 PM
Hypers???  What do you mean Sav?

No offense taken GT... I'm here to gain advice before I make the move and become a reg at the SoCal events.
hypernumetic (sp) pistons instead of forged
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: 2savage4you on February 14, 2009, 07:26:11 PM
Hypers???  What do you mean Sav?

No offense taken GT... I'm here to gain advice before I make the move and become a reg at the SoCal events.

What i mean is why would somebody spend all that good money on good machine work and skimp on the pistons..

Its a catch 22 to some people.. Some people sware by them and others do not.. I went down the same road when i was going to build my engine... I wanted to do it cheap :screwy:
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Baja and Bust on February 14, 2009, 07:34:53 PM
Ahh... Surprised I didn't catch onto that.  Doesn't make sense to me either...  Seems like a lot of good machining and work to be done without using the highest quality parts.  Surely he wanted to save money, especiall if working on Oldsmobiles is more expensive in the first place.  I'll keep my eyes peeled guys, not going to take this deal...  Yet, at least...  Thanks for the help!
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Luckie Stiff on February 14, 2009, 07:40:05 PM
If you've got 4-5 grand to drop on a boat, the world is your oyster right now. Give me some particulars and I'll find you a boat, or ten.
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Baja and Bust on February 14, 2009, 08:31:36 PM
If I could find a boat like 2Sav's for  in the $2's with pump, nice interior and good finish... I would be the most stoked!
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Baja and Bust on February 14, 2009, 08:32:34 PM
PS... I'd still beat him to the water too!    :D

I'm catching on, here....
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: GT Jets on February 14, 2009, 08:33:13 PM
PS... I'd still beat him to the water too!    :D

I'm catching on, here....
:o
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: 2savage4you on February 14, 2009, 08:34:44 PM
If I could find a boat like 2Sav's for  in the $2's with pump, nice interior and good finish... I would be the most stoked!

2K less motor ::) i could always use another project boat ;D
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Luckie Stiff on February 14, 2009, 08:35:26 PM
1. http://www.performanceboats.com/html/forums/showthread.php?t=29763 (http://www.performanceboats.com/html/forums/showthread.php?t=29763)
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Baja and Bust on February 14, 2009, 08:40:03 PM
Can you put up the pics for that thing Stiffie?  I'm cool with sticking to this forum for now...

Looks a lot like this post from Gilroy (not the same as the clearlake one)... But these boats are not in the $2's...

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/boa/1031533697.html
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Luckie Stiff on February 14, 2009, 08:43:03 PM
I figured that since you were going to spend 4 on a boat with an Olds in it, you had a little coin, I'll narrow my search. My money would be spent on that Rogers, it's in Clearlake
(https://www.socaljetboats.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.performanceboats.com%2Fhtml%2Fforums%2Fattachment.php%3Fattachmentid%3D33119%26amp%3Bd%3D1234581130&hash=ee43979d1c051bb7558ea25ee6304ff43681c922)
(https://www.socaljetboats.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.performanceboats.com%2Fhtml%2Fforums%2Fattachment.php%3Fattachmentid%3D33122%26amp%3Bd%3D1234581368&hash=560db3376c05bdbbc18efc3368a5bd7dee8a4009)

Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Baja and Bust on February 14, 2009, 08:43:33 PM
2K less motor ::) i could always use another project boat ;D

Yeah, sounds good to me... What was the guy's bottom line on yours Sav?  Last post I saw for it was $2,300...  You could always use another project boat, huh?  Had three, then four, then three again but only want two...  You're not only a post whore, but a boat whore...  Pick one and stick to it, buddy.
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: GT Jets on February 14, 2009, 08:45:25 PM
Can you put up the pics for that thing Stiffie?  I'm cool with sticking to this forum for now...

Looks a lot like this post from Gilroy (not the same as the clearlake one)... But these boats are not in the $2's...

http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sby/boa/1031533697.html
I have seen those, they're not too bad...


Here be another one  http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/boa/1030855230.html
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: 2savage4you on February 14, 2009, 08:46:56 PM
Yeah, sounds good to me... What was the guy's bottom line on yours Sav?  Last post I saw for it was $2,300...  You could always use another project boat, huh?  Had three, then four, then three again but only want two...  You're not only a post whore, but a boat whore...  Pick one and stick to it, buddy.

You learn quick ;D
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Baja and Bust on February 14, 2009, 08:49:32 PM
I have seen those, they're not too bad...


Here be another one  http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/boa/1030855230.html

Saw that one, not a big fan of the yellow or the interior...  Besides, I'm looking for a full stringer boat...

Patience is a virtue, I'm not going to jump on just any deal unless it's exactly what I'm looking for.  Plus, I'm not moving to FV until May and if I bought a boat before then, I'd need to find a place to store it.
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: GT Jets on February 14, 2009, 08:54:18 PM
Saw that one, not a big fan of the yellow or the interior...  Besides, I'm looking for a full stringer boat...

Patience is a virtue, I'm not going to jump on just any deal unless it's exactly what I'm looking for.  Plus, I'm not moving to FV until May and if I bought a boat before then, I'd need to find a place to store it.

Hold the phone there Slick, you don't mind an Olds, but don't like yellow? And how do you know that's NOT a full stringer boat?

Just curious and being sort of an ass... ;)

GT
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Luckie Stiff on February 14, 2009, 09:00:52 PM
Get busy!


http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/boa/1003496925.html (http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/boa/1003496925.html)
]http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/boa/1029579403.html[url]
 (http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/boa/1029579403.html[url)http://fresno.craigslist.org/boa/1007527378.html[/url]
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/boa/1033184164.html (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/boa/1033184164.html)
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/boa/1032551824.html (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/boa/1032551824.html)
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/boa/1030154461.html (http://losangeles.craigslist.org/lgb/boa/1030154461.html)
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/1033758342.html (http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/1033758342.html)
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/1024102690.html (http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/1024102690.html)
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/1019756686.html (http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/1019756686.html)
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Baja and Bust on February 14, 2009, 09:04:25 PM
Still educating myself, hence the having no problem with the freshly rebuilt Olds...  Which is why I sought the advice of all you avid jetters and have made my decision against the Kona.  I do not need to educate myself on the yellow/purple/pink paint and interior though.  Not positive, but it seems that all these mid seventies Tahiti's were 1/4 stringer boats...

Maybe Sav would be interested in the Tahiti... He's always looking for another project, right?
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Baja and Bust on February 14, 2009, 09:16:50 PM
This one seems like a rippin deal.  Haven't seen too many with 396's though... Any thoughts?

http://bakersfield.craigslist.org/boa/1003496925.html

This one looks right up my alley too.  Any idea what the makes on these two boats are?  The first one looks like a Challenger, maybe?

http://fresno.craigslist.org/boa/1007527378.html


Appreciate your web-power too...  Save the Fords for the Drivers Returning On Foot, though...  Hey, I may have been looking at an Olds, but at least it's GM...  Give the newbie a lil credit.  No offense, if you're a Ford guy... To each, their own.
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: BOOST on February 14, 2009, 10:40:03 PM
Still educating myself, hence the having no problem with the freshly rebuilt Olds...  Which is why I sought the advice of all you avid jetters and have made my decision against the Kona.  I do not need to educate myself on the yellow/purple/pink paint and interior though.  Not positive, but it seems that all these mid seventies Tahiti's were 1/4 stringer boats...

Maybe Sav would be interested in the Tahiti... He's always looking for another project, right?
Welcome ,In my opinion if your going to do it do it right, My first boat was a Kona great lake boat heavy lay up, mine had dual saddle tanks one on each side,BBC 425hp 63mph honestly, I notice the one your looking at has it the bow, not good if your trying to get the boat to air out.My question is what are you looking for a ski boat are a hot rod,If your happy of what he clams 73mph at what rpm? and the olds doesn't bother you,then my friend you found your self a boat.good luck. Boost 
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: IRRebel on February 14, 2009, 10:47:31 PM
Wait a minute...

Quote
2K less motor  i could always use another project boat

lol 2sav, you settin me up? seems you got me in the same situation, or dam near, when you get paperwork TCO.

I agree with the crowd tho, Olds made a good engine, and works well in marine applications, it's just the expense if you rebuild oir try and hotrod one. You'd be better off listening to Raplh and 2Sav, either Ford or Chebbie. Parts are available, and for the Chebbie, cheap.

ON the other hand, back in the day, I built Mopars and Pontiac's. Felt they were, and still do in many regards, superior platforms to build on. That is if you want maximum HP/weight ratio and expense is not an issue. Problem is, parts are hard to find, and expensive when you do. So if you want to build a Ford and Chebbie killer Olds, can be done, but how fat is the wallet?

Thing is amongst the Jet boaters, as I've figured out recently. We are like the old Hot Rodders of the past. We like to build what we can from used and rebuilt parts wherever possible. My kinda crew. Cheap is better than top of the line. We're not building Barrett-Jackson cars here, we'll invest 10k in a boat that's worth 5k. Not 250k in a car to get 300k. I'm new to this as well, but you couldn't ask a better group than who you're asking now. These guys will donate parts for you.

Take their advice to heart. I agree 2k for a boat with an olds or without motor, same thing.  Doesn't matter  that the engine was built. Buy it and sell the motor to someone with an old Cutlass. Check Ebay, Olds logs, Water hookup parts, Engine mount hardware, dime a dozen. Find a working  hot Olds engine, none...just my .02

Have a 66 389 Pontiac Tri-Power engine I thought, breifly, about tossing into one of these. Dropped that idea real quick.


Ray
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Sanger Pete on February 14, 2009, 11:33:30 PM
Quote
Posted by: Baja and Bust 

This one seems like a rippin deal.  Haven't seen too many with 396's though... Any thoughts?
This boat has a panther pump which will generally not keep up with a berkeley or berkeley style pumps. Prices on boats with panther jets usually seem like real bargains.

Quote
This one looks right up my alley too.  Any idea what the makes on these two boats are?  The first one looks like a Challenger, maybe?

http://fresno.craigslist.org/boa/1007527378.html
This looks like a 20' mini cruiser--tahiti, hawaiian, etc. Tahiti Mike has one like it--in fact his originally had a panther pump that JBP switched out to a berkeley pump. I have always liked this hull because it has a little more room for people and "stuff" but it rides more like an 18 footer than a big cruiser. I know of several people who have used 396s in their boats--don't think anyone could tell the difference , just another BBC.
 
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Baja and Bust on February 15, 2009, 12:07:06 PM
Boost,

I'm a little torn on what I'm actually looking for.  In my heart, I want a hot rod boat.  My sane and reasonable mind tells me I need something with a little more room that will still be comfortable to tow toys and people behind it.  I've always been a fan of the day cruisers, just as long as they have nice lines still.  Maybe that's what I should be in the market for.  Really, I would be happy with whatever as long as I know it is a good deal and won't give me too many headaches.  I'm good with some breakage, just not a boat with too many gremlins in it.  I like the idea of finding a good boat with clean everything minus motor, so I can put a new one in and know exactly what I'm dealing with.  I like this one that lucky stiff linked me up to...

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/1019756686.html

Rebel,

I'm definitely one with the "old hot rodders of the past", which is why I already feel at home on this site.  The LB performance swap meet has been a long time favorite as well as the Pomona Car Swap Meet.  I'm not looking to build a barrett-jackson anything here...  I'll leave that to my pops.  I'm just looking for a new project that will give me many hours of enjoyment on the water for not too much $$.

Cheers!
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: BOOST on February 15, 2009, 01:59:32 PM
 That boat looks good put a BBF are BBC in there and you can hot rod that all day long with plenty of room nice lines,keep looking you'll find something ;) Ill keep my eyes open ;D   
Title: Re: '73 Kona Jet, looking for advice...
Post by: Factory502 on February 16, 2009, 07:45:06 PM
IMO- ford or chebby- and anything but a panther- I owned one- not a fan! however, Tom at JBP makes the energizer kit for it and the Jucuzzi, but with the current market on these boats, you can take your pick of anything you want for under $6k
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