1978 Southwind

« **on:** February 19, 2009, 10:15:39 PM »

Hey Everyone! I'm a newb here.....complete cherry!! Just bought our first boat this last weekend, here she is a '78 Southwind! We're excited, just don't know much....other than she runs great! Engine and pump just rebuilt right before we got here...anyone know much about Southwind boats??? And is 5,000 rpm around 50 mph normal??? How can I make her faster??

Thanks!

Greg

« **Reply #1 on:** February 19, 2009, 10:48:27 PM »

Welcome to the site! Great looking machine! More and more yellow boats coming on here, lol, I don't feel so alone. You're going to find many answers here, as I have. You made the first rule, post pics, something I, on the other hand, just figured out how to do! (Shhhhh, GT, or I'll post them all upside down, lol

There's probably somewhere close to 200 years or so of collective experience with all aspects of these boats. Surf the threads, and ask questions.

What you have sounds pretty quick actually, but more is going to depend on what engine and jet drive you are using, upgrades, etc. The crew here will help you out! Just need more info. Can ALWAYS be faster, just a matter of cost VS gain.

Look forward to more pics!

Ray

« **Reply #2 on:** February 19, 2009, 11:06:19 PM »

Thanks Ray!! It feels fast on the water...probably good enough for now. LoL! I'll get some pic's of the engine and pump up here soon. Those pic's were taken with my phone so I know they aren't the best quality. I know the engine is a 454 Chevy with a berkley jet, droop snoot, place diverter...no idea what type of impeller is on it. I think I want to work on fine tunning the engine and pump soon...and of course the stereo!!! Hahaha

Greg

« **Reply #3 on:** February 19, 2009, 11:19:33 PM »

Welcome to the site and to the unending quest for more speed. Make yourself comfortable because you'll probably be spending alot of time here. Your new Southwind really looks like a great boat. You didn't mention which motor you have, but I had a very similar hull with a 454 Chevy/place droop/diverter that would run in the mid 60s at 5000 rpms. How did you determine your speed? Don't worry, there are a number of things to do/add that will let you go faster--it just takes $$$.

Mark--"Sanger Pete"

« **Reply #4 on:** February 19, 2009, 11:24:13 PM »

For a family boat, sounds like just the ticket! I know that is what I fully intended when I started this, or these, manageries, but they've taken a life of their own. I blame testosterone for over building what these things are about to become!

Then again, there's no such thing as too much horsepower. That's why Budweiser has 8 Clydesdales when 2 would more than do the job, Same with Santa!

Ray

« **Reply #5 on:** February 20, 2009, 05:39:36 AM »

Well I checked the speed with the speedometer....now that was last sunday, yesterday I used compressed air to clean out the Pitot and line going to the guage...it had a bunch of crap in it. This sunday I am gonna take her out to Lake Elsinore and use a handheld gps to see how fast I'm going. Are there any differences between 50 mph on water vs 50 mph on land? I mean I know 50=50 but is there a difference??? Sanger, my engine is a 454 Chevy with all the same stuff you named.... I just don't know much about engines...thats why I got you guys!! Just a quick thought...the water gets pushed out of the nozzle at the jet thats what creates the propulsion, so is there a way to choke the nozzle like a shot gun or hose to create a more powerful stream?

Greg

« **Reply #6 on:** February 20, 2009, 06:43:35 AM »

Welcome to the site.

Nice looking ride.

Would love to see it out at Lake Mead next month.

http://www.socaljetboats.com/index.php?topic=5730.0

« **Reply #7 on:** February 20, 2009, 07:36:10 AM »

Thats a good possibility that we'll join you guys at Mead... My best friends B-day is St. Patty's day and we were talking Laughlin...but Mead would be fun since his momma lives in vegas! Dates are March 13-15?? I'll throw it around and see what he wants to do.

« **Reply #8 on:** February 20, 2009, 07:39:08 AM »

welcome to the group, looks like you made a very nice choice for your first boat

, if this is your first boat, i would recommend running it for awhile as is (speed wise), get used to the boat and its characteristics and glitches before you start looking for more speed.

« **Reply #9 on:** February 20, 2009, 07:48:20 AM »

FORKEDUP, Yeah it's our first boat, and thats probably the best and SAFEst advice I've gotten...My neighbor is an o/b guy who is whispering dirty talk about going fast so I'm getting the itch... HAHAHA but you're right, I'll behave and learn how to ride her first before riding her hard...

« **Reply #10 on:** February 20, 2009, 08:48:19 AM »

i saw that boat on craigslist and was wondering where it went. nice boat! my buddy had a 76 southwind daycruiser and loved it! i have a 73 18' southwind, great boat, just in pieces right now

to answer you question, yes, 50 mph on the water is fast (especially in a daycruiser) and will seem faster then 50 mph in your car. when my buddies were always trying to get their pwc's to go faster i always brought up the question.... how fast do you want to be going when you crash?

your odometer may have been off a little due to all that crap in the line. u might be pushin 55-60 mph. i think thats plenty of fast for a dc especially for your first boat, following what FORKEDUP said.

sweet boat man and sounds like you have a decent set-up with the BBC

« **Reply #11 on:** February 20, 2009, 08:56:26 AM »

Great looking boat. Looking forward to more pics, interior motor ect...

Welcome to the site.

« **Reply #12 on:** February 20, 2009, 09:21:54 AM »

snuff
I kind of suspected that your speedo might be a little off. My guess is that with a fresh pump you should see 60 mph. Main thing--have fun.
Pete

« **Reply #13 on:** February 20, 2009, 09:44:09 AM »

Thanks everybody!! Yeah Pete, I was suprised at the gunk and crap that blew out of the Pitot line so I'm gonna check it against a gps on Sunday...if the weather holds up.

Hey JWBOYER, Thanks for the info! I'm really pleased with this boat...funny thing about craigslist and this boat... The dealer that had the boat actually sent me pic's of it 3-4 weeks before they posted it on craigslist...he originally told me $4800, I said I was gonna look some more, then I saw it on Craigslist for $5999....and then I called him back and told him $4000 for eveything out the door. So I'm happy

I just can't wait for the weather to get and STAY hot!!!

« **Reply #14 on:** February 20, 2009, 12:53:23 PM »

welcome aboard...nice ride i like it...first off it would be cool to have you at the mead deal, and there is going to be some pretty cool people there hanging out...and since it is your first boat its a good lake to get practice on, tons of room and what not...also there are docs on the lake that have outhouses and makes for good dock practice, because jet boats and be a little tricky from time to time...and take a minute to read through the forums there is some good info hanging out around here

welcome!

« **Reply #15 on:** March 06, 2009, 08:01:32 PM »

Nice float. I also like your choice of Tow Vehicles...Have a Titan myself!

snuff630

1978 Southwind

IRRebel

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snuff630

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Sanger Pete

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IRRebel

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snuff630

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crewchief22

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snuff630

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FORKEDUP

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snuff630

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JWBOYER21

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Nick

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