SoCal Jet Boats

Tech Talk => Projects => Topic started by: jbess66 on August 20, 2012, 06:01:36 PM

Title: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on August 20, 2012, 06:01:36 PM

Ok, finally getting around to posting some pics of my project boat. Its a 1975 18' Kurtis Kraft jet. Its almost ready for gel coat. Then Im starting on the motor.  I actually got ahold of ARLEN KURTIS (the boat builder) and he gave me some info based on the hull# and an original KURTIS 500 dash plaque for it. Stoked, cant wait to get it done and on the water......

Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: farmergord on August 20, 2012, 06:08:58 PM

welcome to the site looks bitchen.keep the pics coming and dont be afraid to ask for help theres lots of it and its great on here

Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: 82daytona on August 21, 2012, 06:56:06 AM

Looks like the dog can't wait either ;D

Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on August 31, 2012, 09:38:23 PM

Capping almost done...

Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: berkbryan on September 01, 2012, 07:54:17 AM

Looking good

Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: no more prop on September 02, 2012, 06:21:37 PM

that looks good... how hard is the capping process

Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on September 20, 2012, 05:06:02 PM

Im busy welding up the trailer, the capping is something I cant do. Im paying to have the fiberglass and gel done, but im gonna do everything else myself. Motor, etc.

Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on July 06, 2013, 08:35:24 AM

So, my boat has now been at fiberglass/paint shop for 16 months, can't get the f-in guys to finish it. Gel coated the bottom, 1st week of December. Now, nothin but excuses for last 6months as to why he cant get the top done. Probably gonna have to just yank it outta there. Any suggestions on where I can get show quality gel done for a boat that's half done.

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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: muffbro on July 06, 2013, 12:06:57 PM

Quote from: jbess66 on July 06, 2013, 08:35:24 AM

So, my boat has now been at fiberglass/paint shop for 16 months, can't get the f-in guys to finish it. Gel coated the bottom, 1st week of December. Now, nothin but excuses for last 6months as to why he cant get the top done. Probably gonna have to just yank it outta there. Any suggestions on where I can get show quality gel done for a boat that's half done.

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I hope you haven't paid them. 

16 months is insane.

 If you HAVE paid, I'd get an attorney on it MONDAY morning and demand either it be finished immediately or refund immediately, and take it somewhere else. 

That is negligent and just WRONG.

Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on February 13, 2014, 06:17:42 PM

Ok, its been awhile, but finally making some progress on the Kurtis, got boat back from gel coat and had the pump done, finally set the motor in.  Next problem, the logs and snails i was gonna use, wont fit. (Snails wont clear back of boat).  Im really trying to avoid OT headers.  Anyone want to offer an opinion/experience with thru transom headers.  (ie. Basset Chrome vs. Stainless)
thanks,
JB

Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: rush1 on February 13, 2014, 07:33:56 PM

Wow that thing really looks good

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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jyeager on February 13, 2014, 07:49:31 PM

I saw that boat when it was at B1. Very nice piece!

Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on September 16, 2016, 08:20:50 AM

Been awhile, checking things off the list. So close to getting in the water. Been a really fun, long (5year) project.



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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on September 16, 2016, 08:21:37 AM

Dash done


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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on September 16, 2016, 08:22:27 AM

Almost ready to roll.


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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on September 16, 2016, 08:23:38 AM

Start em young


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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on September 16, 2016, 08:24:53 AM

Seats done, just need carpet.


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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on September 16, 2016, 08:26:04 AM

It's alive. Anyone know how to post videos? Have a video I wanna post but it will only let me post pics.


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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: rivrrts429 on September 16, 2016, 08:30:21 AM

Quote from: jbess66 on September 16, 2016, 08:26:04 AM

It's alive. Anyone know how to post videos? Have a video I wanna post but it will only let me post pics.


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It'll have to be hosted elsewhere. Upload to YouTube or Vimeo. It'll then give you a link to post.

Boat came out awesome!

Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on September 16, 2016, 09:32:10 AM

https://youtu.be/qRAfCWhM2-k
Here's the link, don't know why it came out all grainy.
Thanks rivrrts...


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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: rivrrts429 on September 16, 2016, 09:36:35 AM

That came out really nice. Man you've done a ton of work. It's cool that it's a Kurtis jet, fairly unique boat for them.

What's the motor spec's? I see you're running a magneto. Kinda gives it that nostalgic feel.

Really really nice job saving this one and bringing her back. Respect!

Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on September 16, 2016, 09:49:58 AM

The motor is a 468bbc, Its actually not a magneto, it's an electronic distributor from Hunt that is disguised to look like a magneto. (I probably shouldn't even tell people that,lol) my dad worked for Arlen Kurtis years ago, that's why I decided to do this boat. I got ahold of Arlen and was able to get an original KURTIS500 dash plaque from him. Started this project when I was single, now I'm married with 2 kids, has been a long one, but totally worth it. Haven't been to any of the SoCaljetboat events, but really want to take this thing and show it off next summer.


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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: Cliffjumper on September 16, 2016, 11:07:29 AM

Nice job

Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on November 27, 2016, 11:29:17 AM

Finished product, only took 5 years..


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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on November 27, 2016, 11:30:14 AM

1974 Kurtis Kraft resto


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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on November 27, 2016, 11:31:42 AM

Finally on the road


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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on November 27, 2016, 11:32:33 AM

.


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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on November 27, 2016, 11:33:09 AM

.


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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on November 27, 2016, 11:34:24 AM

Future owner.


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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: jbess66 on November 27, 2016, 11:35:29 AM

He's doing some fine tuning.


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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: Roadrunner on November 27, 2016, 02:57:32 PM

Standing ovation! What a project. What a finish. Stunning

Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: K-034 on November 30, 2016, 06:18:22 AM

That boat came out bitchen, very nice work. I saw you towing it around in Havasu Friday 👍


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Title: Re: 1975 Kurtis Kraft project
Post by: TrollerDave on December 02, 2016, 08:36:52 PM

Boat came out GREAT! I love the grey and orange. :thumbup: