1975 Kurtis Kraft project

« **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......

« **Reply #1 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

« **Reply #2 on:** August 21, 2012, 06:56:06 AM »

Looks like the dog can't wait either

« **Reply #3 on:** August 31, 2012, 09:38:23 PM »

Capping almost done...

« **Reply #4 on:** September 01, 2012, 07:54:17 AM »

Looking good

« **Reply #5 on:** September 02, 2012, 06:21:37 PM »

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

« **Reply #6 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.

« **Reply #7 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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« **Reply #8 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.

« **Reply #9 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

« **Reply #10 on:** February 13, 2014, 07:33:56 PM »

Wow that thing really looks good

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« **Reply #11 on:** February 13, 2014, 07:49:31 PM »

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

« **Reply #12 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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« **Reply #13 on:** September 16, 2016, 08:21:37 AM »

Dash done

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« **Reply #14 on:** September 16, 2016, 08:22:27 AM »

Almost ready to roll.

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« **Reply #15 on:** September 16, 2016, 08:23:38 AM »

Start em young

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« **Reply #16 on:** September 16, 2016, 08:24:53 AM »

Seats done, just need carpet.

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« **Reply #17 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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« **Reply #18 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!

« **Reply #19 on:** September 16, 2016, 09:32:10 AM »

Here's the link, don't know why it came out all grainy.
Thanks rivrrts...

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« **Reply #20 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!

« **Reply #21 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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« **Reply #22 on:** September 16, 2016, 11:07:29 AM »

Nice job

« **Reply #23 on:** November 27, 2016, 11:29:17 AM »

Finished product, only took 5 years..

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« **Reply #24 on:** November 27, 2016, 11:30:14 AM »

1974 Kurtis Kraft resto

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