Hows it going guys?

I've been floating around on here for about a year and a half now, mainly watching the classifieds, but occasionally looking thru the forum. never bothered to make an account until now.

Recently got out of college, and now with more free time, I feel its finally the time to pull the trigger on getting a boat.
I have a good idea what I'm looking for as far as hull design/shape, but not sure as far as brands go, There's a Tahiti in town locally, but it has sat outside for as long as I can remember, lets say the better part of 18 years. And he's asking entirely to much for it, But are Tahiti's a good beginner hull, or what brands would be a good mold for the entry level boater. * The picture is the general design I like*
A few things I've learned to look for:
*Warped hull from setting on the trailer to long
*1/4,1/2, or full stringer
*Stringer condition
*Floor condition
*Drive condition
*Glass condition(hull, not windshield)

Are there other obvious things I'm missing?

I didn't list engine related stuff because that's my hobby, so I plan to just build my own setup, and buy a boat without one.

What about drives? The 2 most common I see are Jacuzzi, and Berkley. Is one stronger than the other, and where can I read about the older drives power limits?

Any advise would be greatly appreciated.

Ps. I figured this was the best place to put this, can a mod move it if I put it in the wrong location?

Welcome to SCJB 

Even if you're planning on building your own engine, I'd still recommend buying a complete boat with engine (runner if possible) so you get all the accessories that will kill a budget quickly (alternator, starter, distributor, mounts, headers and the list will keep going).

Specific brands won't matter as much as how it was treated over the last 30-40 years.  Look at the stringers and transom wood for rot or delamination of the fiberglass covering those pieces. 

Good luck with the search.

Did anybody read the add on the Tahiti. 90000 new. What's he smokin!

Did anybody read the add on the Tahiti. 90000 new. What's he smokin!

That boat new was probably very close to what he is asking for it now 

Let's say you find a good hull with pump for $1500.  But now it needs upholstery, engine, new cables (throttle, steering, shifter, diverter), new gauges, some wiring and a few performance up grades.

Upholstery  $1500-$3000 depending on condition of wood and if you get the good guy discount.
Engine        $2500-$3500 to overhaul existing core with minimal machine work and assembling it yourself.
Cables          $200-$300
Gauges        $150-$500
wiring           $100-$500
Performance upgrades  (intake, carb, scoop, ignition, headers, nitrous, roller cam & rockers, valvetrain, custom machine work...) $500-$30,000

Don't pass up looking at running boats because of cost.  If you find a good hull to build, but have to purchase or overhaul most everything you will spend more than it'll cost you to start with a runner.

That $6000 runner isn't looking so expensive now, is it?

Fock it.

I just went outside and lit my project on fire.

Buzzkill.

GT

Did anybody read the add on the Tahiti. 90000 new. What's he smokin!

Lol, isnt it just a gem!!

Let's say you find a good hull with pump for $1500.  But now it needs upholstery, engine, new cables (throttle, steering, shifter, diverter), new gauges, some wiring and a few performance up grades.

Upholstery  $1500-$3000 depending on condition of wood and if you get the good guy discount.
Engine        $2500-$3500 to overhaul existing core with minimal machine work and assembling it yourself.
Cables          $200-$300
Gauges        $150-$500
wiring           $100-$500
Performance upgrades  (intake, carb, scoop, ignition, headers, nitrous, roller cam & rockers, valvetrain, custom machine work...) $500-$30,000

Don't pass up looking at running boats because of cost.  If you find a good hull to build, but have to purchase or overhaul most everything you will spend more than it'll cost you to start with a runner.

That $6000 runner isn't looking so expensive now, is it?

Yea, stuff adds up pretty quick, cars are the same way lol. Yea, a 6k boat doesn't look that bad after you add everything up. Most of that I could do myself (upholstery, wiring, machining). But I completely see your point.

Question..

When someone says its a heavy layup, or a light layup. Are they referring to the hull weight, or the bow weight?

Basically how much material was used to build the hull.

Heavy=tough as nails and very comfortable.

Light=fragile,  fast and disposable.


Don't forget,  there could be a level of fullofshitness too....

Haha. .

GT

You joked about burning your float.
Jw, can I see a picture of your boat haha, I couldn't find one.

As it stands right this very moment,  I own 5.

Lmao.

Give me a minute.

I like your style!!!

And on a side note, this phone app is pretty slick. I just found it.

Just get a 19' eliminator Daytona with a build BBC in it . I've heard those things kick ass .......... 😜


Sent from my iPhone using SoCal Jet Boats

I was looking at this one, he has it posted in the classifieds.
The downside, it's a 1/4 sringer, and the distance.
http://www.socaljetboats.com/index.php?topic=24345.0

That's a cool float man. I was going to get that one before I picked up my avenger


Sent from my iPhone using SoCal Jet Boats

I was looking at this one, he has it posted in the classifieds.
The downside, it's a 1/4 sringer, and the distance.
http://www.socaljetboats.com/index.php?topic=24345.0

That's my boat up for sale. Any questions go ahead and give me a holler! Good luck on the boat search


Sent from my iPhone, drinkin and thinkin.

The only downside, you guys are about 24hrs away lol... that's quiet a ways to drive, and then add gas.

It might make it worth it to do a vacation out here to SoCal and look at some boats.
There is a big inventory out here compared to your area.
Check out the IE craigslist boats section search "jet boat". A lot of potential for a starter boat.
Welcome to SCJB and good luck.