So i have been building this  boat, a 1973 Hondo, affectionately named “Pay Dirt”, for Seth Moore.
So i decided that i would do a build thread, to show the work that has been done.

The Hondo in the original configuration and gel scheme.



Sent from my iPhone using SoCal Jet Boats mobile app

Ok people, let's post our pics of the Weekend, on the site too and not just on Facebook!
Let's see whatchy'all got!

I would like to hear what options there are, for increasing bearing clearances.
 In particularly, clearances on a turned down crank!
 After going thru a long block that i recently picked up and just checking the main and rod clearances with some plastigauge, looks like the they are a little tight.
 The crank is a 10/20, freshly ground, with new bearings. I verified that the bearings are Clevite P series ,010 and .020 undersize bearings.
 With pastigauge, the mains came in at, #1 .002, #2 .002+/-, #3 .002, #4 .002+/-. I say #2 & #4, +/-, because it didnt appear to be dead nuts on the 2 thousandth gauge width.
 Rods 1-8 appeared to be .0015, as best as i could tell.
 I have #1 piston out, so for curiosity, i miced the #1 rod journal and it measured 2.1790. If a standard rod journal is 2.1990, that 1.020 under size, right?
I zeroed a bore gauge to the mic and compared the rod bore, with bearing, torqued to spec, measured 90* from parting line, and found a
 .0015 differance. Kinda backs up the plastigauge, if i did it right?
 This is not a big Hp motor, but it is pretty much an Ls6 454, with i think a smaller cam profile.
 I need to get the clearances figured out, so i can get on with putting this back together.
 
So what are the options for increasing cleasances, in a situation like this?
 H

I know there are a lot of prop boats that run on the river, but is there any one on here that can give some insight to running the props on the lower river areas?
I have a 20 Spectra with an IO.
I am intrested in the areas of laughlin, Needles, Parker, Big River and Aha Quin to Blythe.

I am looking at a complete, supposedly running gen 5 454, casting# 10114182, which is a 4 bolt block, with ,i am sure, cast internals. The engine is complete from throtle body to pan and fan to flex plate, including wireing harness and computer.
I am looking at this engine, to hopefully put in the boat, just to get back on the water for this season. The guy is wanting $480 and i am sure i can get it for $400. I was looking at the same engine, at my local junk yard, for $800+ tax.They are wanting $1000+ tax for a mark iv, at the junk yard!
 I have a few questions about the difference between the mark IV and the gen5 engines.
 I know the gen 5 has no fuel pump boss and i would have to run an electric fuel pump.
 
My main concerns are the oil pan and intake manifold/ carberator.
 Would it be safe to run the stock oil pan or is it imperative to run a bigger oil pan.
 
Is there a difrence in intake manifold fitment, between mark iv and gen 5?
 If not, how would a tunnel ram w/ two 600cfms work on a bone stock 454 truck engine? If not so good what might a good intake and carb be for a stock 454?

Are the front and rear bolt patterns the same between the mark iv and gen5? would my mark iv engine plates, fit the gen5?
 
Any thing else I need think about to just stick the engine in the boat and run it?

I have a blue anodized rub rail. It is fitted for a 73 Kona or Tahiti. It is free to any body that could use it. the two straight sticks are 12 ft long. I also have the rubber insert.
I will not ship it. so if you are local, to Vegas or can arrange pickup, its yours. Get it before I set it to the curb for the scrap metal man. I got Divorced and cant take it with me.

I have a 81 Spectra 20 With a 260 Mercruiser. I am going to convert the exhaust, from the log style to center rise and thru hull exhaust. I will be getting rid of the Y pipe and installing a block off plate.
 Do I have to buy a different Tstat housing, or can I use my existing housing?
 Is there any thing else that won't work with the conversion, like accessory brackets and such? thanks........Hal

Here is a link to My build for My 73 Kona.....Hal

http://www.performanceboats.com/jet-boats/10678-73-kona-resto-build-ii.html