I recently sold my drag car, and abuncha other crap and got out of racing altogether, the ol lady said it was takin up too much time and money so I bitched out and sold everything. Now here's the sneaky part, we're talking about buying a tame jet boat that's fun and dependable for the lake, but eventually I want to try my hand at boat racing and see if I have the nuts for it. My question is that I'm tryingto figure out what type of hull to go with. I'm looking for something well built with a good rep, rides smooth turns good has an early to late seventies look ,but it can be an 80's that will also make a damn good race boat down the road. If you want just give me your top five favorites. Thanks guys.

ok it just dawned on me-direct drive

This may seem like a dumb question but I was wondering whenever you use a transmission in a v-drive do you use a converter or is there a special kind of coupling shaft made to bolt to the flywheel that runs directly into the transmission, in other words direct drive instead of fluid coupling you get with a converter, thanks.

Would like to talk to you about the boat, what is your number?

 I'm new to the jet boat scene and have found a pretty nice 20 foot 78 Mariah jet boat. I've looked all over the internet and can't find much info on them and was just curious if they are a good boat to build. If I buy it I will be putting my old drag car motor in it which is a 496 with about 650 hp and a buttload of torque I realize I will probably have to go with a stronger driveline eventually but right now I'm just looking for a good foundation to start out with, would this be a good hull for the build?