That was the HP number I was hoping to hear!!  I did a little research and saw some results in that range.

Why didn't I think of that with the selector!!  Thank you!!

I'll be buttoning a few things up on it Saturday.  Gonna try to get it in the water at Elsinore on Sunday.  Anyone going to be out there on the 29th?

Been a lurker for some time now.  I've asked a few questions in the past on the Kona I purchased with my uncle a couple years ago.  He likes to play with the boat more than take it out so I went out and got myself another boat to be able to take out when I want.  So anyway I picked up this 83 crusader last year and just now getting around to spending some time on it.  Didn't pay much ($1300).  So I don't know much about jet boats other than very basic maintenance stuff of checking the fluids in the engine and pump. Also keeping it greased in the right spots.  I guess my real question is there anyone out in the corona area that would be around this weekend that could point out any problem areas I need to address before I take this out.  It starts and runs. The alternator belt squeaks when I revved it.

Few things About the boat:

1. Has a rebuild 460 with edelbrock performer heads. The guy I purchased it from had a nice car shop and he built the engine. My concern is he wasn't a boat guy and may need some things I'm not seeing.

2. Has a Berkeley pump with Place Diverter.

3.  Interior has seen better days. it had a rip in the seat and I just had it patched up to get me through a couple seasons.  Want to make sure everything is mechanically good before I go dumping money into the interior.  In the back right next to the engine the floor has a small soft spot.  Obviously I would get this fixed when redoing the interior.

Few things I have noticed:

1.  Oil filter placement is not good. Don't know how to get the filter off without lifting the engine. The filter is almost touching the stringer.

2. Not sure how to use the gas tank valve.  Don't know where Off is VS left right and both tank locations.

3.  I have only started the motor for 45 seconds as I didn't have a hose to hookup to it so I haven't been able to test the gauges yet.  My kona has a T fitting I can connect the hose up to and this one does not. Not sure the best way to connect the water right now.

4.  Forward/reverse shift does not lock into the forward position like it does on the Kona.  Makes me nervous as I have see what can happen if the boat goes reverse at speed.


Here are some pictures.  Maybe just by looking someone can point out a few things.  I just really want to get out on the water and cruise around.  I'm not a huge speed demon but as a kid I really loved watching the jet boats and now I can finally afford to have one. Any help would be appreciated.  Thanks!!

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/4421839987.html

I have gas to the pump just fine.  just does not come out of the pump. I can pull the pump out and manually pump it and the pump works. I know it rides on a cam inside the motor. does anyone have a diagram of this?

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sfv/boa/3434612783.html

all gone.

i know this doesnt help ur problem but 900$ thats like a sore dick u cant beat it hope u get it going

Haha.  Yeah I'm not complaining.  I've taken the boat out once and it did fine till I went to adjust the trim and blew the only 20amp fuse it had do to the motor pulling so much amperage from struggling so hard. Left me stranded in the middle of Elsinore. 

Ray,

Thank you for all the great info I will be looking into it this week and should have it ready for another Elsinore trip this weekend.

This is my first boat. I picked it up for $900 bucks off craigslist a couple months ago.  Been sorting through small issues with it but I'm stumped on this one. The jetovator seems to be sticky and I don't want to burn the motor out running it up and down. What could be causeing this?

Little more about the boat:

1971 18" JRS fiberglass.  Looked it up and I think it is the same as a Kona
455 Olds. Don't know much about it but it runs well.



Just incase anyone wants to see the whole boat. Here are some pics of when I purchased it and now that it is cleaned up a bit.

Then:




Now: