I bought this project Monday http://www.dragboatcity.com/boats-sale/Tahiti%20jet%20boat%20.html and can't wait to get started. It was advertised as a 1973, but the HIN ends in 0677, so I'm guessing thats the month/year of production. I have a complete Berkeley pump 12JE, and a bunch of leftover partrs for a BB Olds. From what I can tell, the other pump parts are from a Jacuzzi.
It looks like the person who started the project painted the entire boat in some marine grade of paint. Up close, there are runs all over the place. Also, some necessary holes were filled before being painted (like the transom exhaust and fuel filler). I plan to take my time, and find a good deal on the re-power. I'm not sold on the BB Olds, but have almost 2 of everything...so unless I find a killer deal on a BBC or BBF, I may have to stick with it.
Okay, now to my first question. The exterior paint was laid on thick. I bought a media blaster for the parts and trailer...but I was wondering if I could use some other media (like walnut shells) to remove the paint and get back down to the gelcoat. I know to search before asking...and I've already done that. Not sure if that means it can't be done, or just that noone has thought of it before. From what I read, you can blast wooden furniture with shells and not damage the wood, and I'm assuming that fiberglass/gelcoat is way harder than oak or pine.
Thanks in advance for any help. I checked several jet boat forums, and this one seems to have the best knowledge base and folks willing to help. Naturally I'll post pics as I go, but for now, it's sitting in my driveway just as it was when I bought it.

Joe

Well...by duplicates, I meant enough for 2 engines. I have 4 heads, 2 Torker intakes, 2 starters, 2 distributors, 2 sets of pulleys. So far, I've found 3 puel pumps (one chrome). The only thing I have one of is the carb and oil pan, but it looks like a 10 qt, and has a fitting directly into the sump, so I'm figuring it came from an engine that had already worked on the drainback issue. From what I can tell, I basically need a block, pistons and a cam (and all the bearings) and I can have a nice engine.
Also, from what I've been reading I'll definitely need a rev limiter.

Also...I know this is the wrong forum...but where does this thing get its cooling water from? I don't see any holes in the bottom, except the jet drive, and I don't see any fittings from the pump that supply water to the engine.

Thanks

I dont know anything about media blasting but i do know that a good ol DA sander will do the trick just fine to get that old paint off. I would like to see pics of the pump, you said you think its a jacuzzi. Whatever pump it is it looks set back and Jacuzzi did make a set back pump in the 70s and i believe they were all YJs, at least all the ones i have seen. Cool looking float. Matt

Still figuring out the board. Here are the links to the parts I think are Jacuzzi. There is a bowl assembly with impeller, a transom mount and a cleanout cover. Sorry if that's not the tech terms...but I've been spending most of my time ay berkeleyjets.com

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4582038202_2d948d4f03_m.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3309/4581409139_c59f42cc41_m.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4581409091_0405b5c719_m.jpg

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4582038006_13a94ee64a_m.jpg

The water outlet is right on the back side of the bowl but on the suction piece. Theres 8 3/4" bolts that bolt the bowl the the suck housing and in between two of the bolts. There should be pipe threads inside that hole.If your looking at it from the nozzle side of the pump it will be on the left side. Matt

Thanks Ray,

I believe you're right. The boat appears to be a 1977 Taylor SS. Here's a brochure for the 1976 model, listing the pump I have as well as everything else starting to make sense.

http://thetaylorboatsroost52059.yuku.com/topic/2929

Here are a couple pics of mine after the major fiberglass overhaul, engine rebuild, interior build and paint.