Engines?

« **Reply #25 on:** April 27, 2016, 09:03:22 AM »

Man, damn those chevy's. Finicky like a woman

« **Reply #26 on:** April 27, 2016, 09:07:53 AM »

Quote from: Pony_Boy on April 25, 2016, 04:50:59 PM

I have a boat in mind, and trying to plan out what I'm going to do with it this winter. The boat is a 77 Tahiti closed bow 18' boat. It has an old built ford 460 as the power plant. I'm looking to go bigger and better. This is along the lines of what I'd like, I'm looking at crate motors because I don't have the time to tear down and rebuild one. Is the price worth it for being bran new? Thoughts?

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I'm with some of the other cats on here.

Except that Fordlover guy, I think he has issues. Lol

The capabilities of your hull are somewhat limited.

Some questions I would like to see the answers to are;

What are you planning to use the boat for?

Family fun? Weekend warrior? Racing/grudge matches? Pulling a tube?

If you are looking to go fast (for me, "fast" is anything over 85mph) you have the wrong boat.

If your just looking for the 70mph cruiser that sounds badass, you can do that with the 460.

As others have stated, stay way from oddball engine families, it makes hardware too frustrating.

JMO

GT

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« **Reply #27 on:** April 27, 2016, 03:52:58 PM »

That's all very nice and what not, but there is one point everyone has missed. I believe in making something your own. Your own blood sweat and tears, your own time and money invested. Ect. This might not be the right foundation to build a 110mph float. But it'll make a bad ass cruiser. ( I just need to get down there). I'd like to do a monster build, but at the same time, I can't afford to take a week off every single month. Every other or third month maybe. Welcome to the life of a trucker. Oh, check out this project boat that passed me on I 75 N in Florida near the 338 mile post.

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« **Reply #28 on:** April 27, 2016, 04:59:10 PM »

So let me get this straight, you are going to be a first time boat owner and want to buy a boat with a hull that can't support 110+mph and completely disregard all the safety concerns everyone has been giving you advice on. Then launch at a packed river event with something you've never driven before that can't really handle all that power just to have some bad ass cruiser to idle with? God help everyone on that water...

I'm all for making something your own but this site is full of some of the most knowledgable people out there from all over. Personally I've taken everyone's advice seriously and haven't disregarded anything they've told me and my boat is coming out swimmingly. I don't have a 110+mph boat but I'll still be moving on the water.

Just saying

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« **Reply #29 on:** April 27, 2016, 05:18:21 PM »

Quote from: 73sidewinderguy on April 27, 2016, 04:59:10 PM

So let me get this straight, you are going to be a first time boat owner and want to buy a boat with a hull that can't support 110+mph and completely disregard all the safety concerns everyone has been giving you advice on. Then launch at a packed river event with something you've never driven before that can't really handle all that power just to have some bad ass cruiser to idle with? God help everyone on that water...

I'm all for making something your own but this site is full of some of the most knowledgable people out there from all over. Personally I've taken everyone's advice seriously and haven't disregarded anything they've told me and my boat is coming out swimmingly. I don't have a 110+mph boat but I'll still be moving on the water.

Just saying

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Thats what I got out of it...

he'd prolly sh!t at 60.

Dan'l

« **Reply #30 on:** April 27, 2016, 05:26:57 PM »

Quote from: mash on it on April 27, 2016, 05:18:21 PM

Thats what I got out of it...

he'd prolly sh!t at 60.

Dan'l

I've only gone 90ish and to me that was H0LY F#%K fast. I don't think many people realize how dangerous let alone difficult it is to get a boat going that speed. Especially from a dig

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« **Reply #31 on:** April 27, 2016, 07:12:18 PM »

And the faster you go, the less you can turn and the less you can stop.

« **Reply #32 on:** April 27, 2016, 07:44:38 PM »

Quote from: 73sidewinderguy on April 27, 2016, 05:26:57 PM

I've only gone 90ish and to me that was H0LY F#%K fast. I don't think many people realize how dangerous let alone difficult it is to get a boat going that speed. Especially from a dig

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I've been 148mph (dash mounted gps verified), in a jet boat. Don't panic, not an internal combustion deal.

For the record, don't care much to do that again. Too scared to piss myself.

GT

« **Reply #33 on:** April 27, 2016, 08:50:14 PM »

Quote from: GT Jets on April 27, 2016, 07:44:38 PM

I've been 148mph (dash mounted gps verified), in a jet boat. Don't panic, not an internal combustion deal.

For the record, don't care much to do that again. Too scared to piss myself.

GT

But that's exactly my point. You're an experienced driver not an amateur who's trying to be billy bad ass not knowing how to drive such a vessel. That's how people get hurt.

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« **Reply #34 on:** April 28, 2016, 02:53:07 PM »

I got ya. What would top speed/power restrictions would apply to an 18' 77 Tahiti? And is this a good float to learn the characteristics of how jet boats handle?

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« **Reply #35 on:** April 28, 2016, 03:08:17 PM »

Quote from: Pony_Boy on April 28, 2016, 02:53:07 PM

I got ya. What would top speed/power restrictions would apply to an 18' 77 Tahiti? And is this a good float to learn the characteristics of how jet boats handle?

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. 65 to 70 should be fine. The second question is a little more tricky with all the different bottom they all handle different. When you change the hull just feel it out. Slow maneuvers are close to the same. Turning at speeds changes with different hull designs. Then the dreaded shut down will be drastically different with winger, v hulls and tunnels.

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« **Reply #36 on:** April 28, 2016, 03:39:40 PM »

I just happened to read this and I'll offer this advice through my own experience, I am the guy who spent way too much on an old Tahiti making it fast. It does go 90 + or - depending on the day but it's definitely on the ragged edge of what feels safe for that hull and at the end of the day I learned a lot had a lot of fun, but I'm ultimately building a tx19 winger to replace it just like these guys are suggesting you do. Yes I'm using my pump and engine, but I will still take a loss on selling the hull rest assured. I could of gone with a winger or tunnel from the get go and been many thousands ahead. In my opinion if your building much more than 600hp you really should have a winger or tunnel. If you really want to build the Tahiti go for it but don't drop too much money or power in it. You can still build it if you like or step up to a more desirable go fast hull and drop in big power. Either way you can make it your own build. You choose, but if it were me those would be my two options to choose from. No Tahiti needs a 16k crate engine that's all. Mine will make a great peppy cruiser for someone when I sell it if they drop in 500hp or so but no need for more than that in that hull

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« **Reply #37 on:** April 29, 2016, 06:48:10 AM »

I agree with BCouey

I have a rogers, very similar to a Tahiti bottom.

I run in the upper 80's maybe low 90's haven't verified a 90 mph run yet. Only an 88

But I've also had two power failures at wide open and after the last one I NEVER want it to happen again.

I didn't get thrown out, but it was close. Boat went right hard as hell. I can't even explain it, but I did learn a few things.

1. If performance is your end goal, get a performance hull like a Daytona, winger, etc.

2. 75 is FAST 80 things get completely different. 85 is sketchy in a v bottom at best. Can it be done? Yes! Is it safe? That's arguable.

3. It takes a lot more to get good performance out of a boat than most think

4. ALWAYS MAKE SURE THE FUEL TANK HAS ENOUGH ON IT FOR THE PASS YOU'RE GOING TO MAKE

5. If you plan on going that fast, get a good life jacket like a life line and a kill switch. Rogue wakes come out of nowhere

For what it's worth, if you just want to sound evil, shorty headers and a big ass cam will do it

« **Reply #38 on:** April 29, 2016, 07:02:50 AM »

Quote from: Steve-O on April 26, 2016, 07:47:27 AM

Just curious. If you're willing to drop $16k on a motor, then another $2-3k on making it fit, why not gather all those funds-including the cost of buying the 77 Tahiti-and get yourself a badass turnkey boat? Imagine what you could pick up for $25k.

Am I the only one thinking this? The man is looking for good advice here.

Steve-O

Or you can build exactly what you want, know everything about the boat. It's nice putting all the components you want and the look you want and seeing your own ideas come together just sayin...

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« **Reply #39 on:** April 29, 2016, 08:55:39 AM »

That was the whole idea, but like I said. I'm a newbie at this and don't know much if anything about boating except what I got from my boaters safety course. My first is going to be a piece of art. I've already decided on that. But conversing with you all here, has modified my intentions a bit. I would like this to be a direct reflection of my ideas and the theme in trying to go with. Maybe fast isn't what I really want. I recently read an article where someone had crashed their boat, flipped rolled in not sure but crashed all together. It was on this forum, the hull was trashed, looked like the whole bow was ripped off. The guy said if I remember correctly that his passenger was taken to the hospital in critical condition. I think the were racing or someone said they were racing where they had no business doing so, seeing that is enough for me. I figure I had better get use to the boat first right?

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« **Reply #40 on:** April 29, 2016, 09:27:34 AM »

Quote from: Pony_Boy on April 29, 2016, 08:55:39 AM

That was the whole idea, but like I said. I'm a newbie at this and don't know much if anything about boating except what I got from my boaters safety course. My first is going to be a piece of art. I've already decided on that. But conversing with you all here, has modified my intentions a bit. I would like this to be a direct reflection of my ideas and the theme in trying to go with. Maybe fast isn't what I really want. I recently read an article where someone had crashed their boat, flipped rolled in not sure but crashed all together. It was on this forum, the hull was trashed, looked like the whole bow was ripped off. The guy said if I remember correctly that his passenger was taken to the hospital in critical condition. I think the were racing or someone said they were racing where they had no business doing so, seeing that is enough for me. I figure I had better get use to the boat first right?

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I posted that. It was about a specific stretch of river that is always smooth and glassy coming up to a bar that is on the water, Foxes. In front of the bar is where the current gets weird and rough patches start getting as bad as any place on this 17 mile stretch of river plus it turns and gets narrow. Those of us familiar with the Parker Strip know that is the last place you show off. The owner of the crashed boat was staying next to my place and when he drove in we went over to talk to him. They were drunk and showing off, nitrous burst in front of the bar. Crashed like some of the boats do at the drag races. Boat rocks side to side 2 or 3 times and rolls. Only no safety crew to help.

I can tell you're on a good path with your build and thoughts about the whole process. It's fun to learn as you go. Enjoy

« **Reply #41 on:** April 29, 2016, 09:43:05 AM »

Quote from: Pony_Boy on April 29, 2016, 08:55:39 AM

That was the whole idea, but like I said. I'm a newbie at this and don't know much if anything about boating except what I got from my boaters safety course. My first is going to be a piece of art. I've already decided on that. But conversing with you all here, has modified my intentions a bit. I would like this to be a direct reflection of my ideas and the theme in trying to go with. Maybe fast isn't what I really want. I recently read an article where someone had crashed their boat, flipped rolled in not sure but crashed all together. It was on this forum, the hull was trashed, looked like the whole bow was ripped off. The guy said if I remember correctly that his passenger was taken to the hospital in critical condition. I think the were racing or someone said they were racing where they had no business doing so, seeing that is enough for me. I figure I had better get use to the boat first right?

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That's a smart way to look at it. Just remember going 70+ is plenty fast and keep in mind it's all about having fun. Plus you don't want to have a 110+ mph boat that you just launch and beach and do nothing with except race. So my suggestion is go with the ideas you have as far as style and looks and build something that meets exactly what you want to use the boat for. You'll have a lot more fun with it 👍🏻

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« **Reply #42 on:** April 29, 2016, 09:48:25 AM »

i think the thing we are trying to stress to you.

Is you can build a 1k+ hp engine and drop it into a 1/4 stringer tahiti or whatever the hell you want.

Just be careful, thats all. We dont want you to get hurt or you hurt anyone else.

And we all know how easy/addictive it is to stand on the loud pedal and hold it there. Its a sensation you can't explain.

By limiting the amount of power you have under that pedal, you are essentially installing a safety barrier. You cant push any harder than what that engine can make.

On motor, im somewhere around the 450 hp mark. On the bottle im somewhere around the 650 mark. On motor, its fun good clean fun and not that slow.

On the bottle, it actually gets scary.

Just sharing from experience. None of us here are saying to not build it yourself or whatnot. Most of us do/have built our boats. By all means its your baby put your heart and soul into it. Just always remember what power you have and respect it. I dont know if you drink or not, but even after a few beers its a lot easier to lay into that loud pedal harder and a little longer... things get out of shape fast on the water.

I have ran 9's in a car in the quarter on more than one occasion... That was easy... Ive had cars go sideways at the 1000 ft mark... Realitively easy to recover and keep straight...

A 4 foot rogue wake out of nowhere... theres no recovering. If you hit it at 65-75 youll most likely be shaken up but okay... you hit it at 100+ and who knows what the hell will happen.

WE just want you to be safe thats all. You want a big bad ass engine... by all means do it! Just respect the power and a hull thats not really designed what that engine is capable of.

« **Reply #43 on:** April 29, 2016, 10:51:47 AM »

Quote from: steves86ta on April 29, 2016, 09:48:25 AM

i think the thing we are trying to stress to you.

Is you can build a 1k+ hp engine and drop it into a 1/4 stringer tahiti or whatever the hell you want.

Just be careful, thats all. We dont want you to get hurt or you hurt anyone else.

And we all know how easy/addictive it is to stand on the loud pedal and hold it there. Its a sensation you can't explain.

By limiting the amount of power you have under that pedal, you are essentially installing a safety barrier. You cant push any harder than what that engine can make.

On motor, im somewhere around the 450 hp mark. On the bottle im somewhere around the 650 mark. On motor, its fun good clean fun and not that slow.

On the bottle, it actually gets scary.

Just sharing from experience. None of us here are saying to not build it yourself or whatnot. Most of us do/have built our boats. By all means its your baby put your heart and soul into it. Just always remember what power you have and respect it. I dont know if you drink or not, but even after a few beers its a lot easier to lay into that loud pedal harder and a little longer... things get out of shape fast on the water.

I have ran 9's in a car in the quarter on more than one occasion... That was easy... Ive had cars go sideways at the 1000 ft mark... Realitively easy to recover and keep straight...

A 4 foot rogue wake out of nowhere... theres no recovering. If you hit it at 65-75 youll most likely be shaken up but okay... you hit it at 100+ and who knows what the hell will happen.

WE just want you to be safe thats all. You want a big bad ass engine... by all means do it! Just respect the power and a hull thats not really designed what that engine is capable of.

Couldn't have said it any better 👌🏻

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« **Reply #44 on:** May 01, 2016, 02:05:36 AM »

Well like i said I'm new at this whole thing so I'm open to any and all advice at this point. For instance: Tahiti day cruiser not safe past 70 mph. That's good to know. 100+ mph is stupid. Good to know. Ect. All this is invaluable to know before I go and do something crazy or go in knees deep into a build. So on that note, thank you all for your input. I read every post here so if you got any tips or pointers or advice,
put em out. Everything is appreciated.

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« **Reply #45 on:** May 01, 2016, 02:58:42 AM »

If your just looking for the 70mph cruiser that sounds badass, you can do that with the 460.

As others have stated, stay way from oddball engine families, it makes hardware too frustrating.

JMO

GT

I agree with GT. My hull was rated for 100 mph, and I plan to use it for cruising and tubing, so my 460 is more than enough to do what I want it too.

And I love the sound of it. Lol. I would post a video of it running if I could.

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« **Reply #46 on:** May 01, 2016, 10:40:14 AM »

Quote from: steves86ta on April 29, 2016, 09:48:25 AM

i think the thing we are trying to stress to you.

Is you can build a 1k+ hp engine and drop it into a 1/4 stringer tahiti or whatever the hell you want.

Just be careful, thats all. We dont want you to get hurt or you hurt anyone else.

And we all know how easy/addictive it is to stand on the loud pedal and hold it there. Its a sensation you can't explain.

By limiting the amount of power you have under that pedal, you are essentially installing a safety barrier. You cant push any harder than what that engine can make.

On motor, im somewhere around the 450 hp mark. On the bottle im somewhere around the 650 mark. On motor, its fun good clean fun and not that slow.

On the bottle, it actually gets scary.

Just sharing from experience. None of us here are saying to not build it yourself or whatnot. Most of us do/have built our boats. By all means its your baby put your heart and soul into it. Just always remember what power you have and respect it. I dont know if you drink or not, but even after a few beers its a lot easier to lay into that loud pedal harder and a little longer... things get out of shape fast on the water.

I have ran 9's in a car in the quarter on more than one occasion... That was easy... Ive had cars go sideways at the 1000 ft mark... Realitively easy to recover and keep straight...

A 4 foot rogue wake out of nowhere... theres no recovering. If you hit it at 65-75 youll most likely be shaken up but okay... you hit it at 100+ and who knows what the hell will happen.

WE just want you to be safe thats all. You want a big bad ass engine... by all means do it! Just respect the power and a hull thats not really designed what that engine is capable of.

Definitely agree with Steve. I'm in a deep v hull similar to a Rogers buttom . I'm pushing the limits of hull at 80 to 85 mph depending on nitrous bottle pressure and if I don't forget to retard timing . The hull handles good at 65-70 no problem. Now at 85mph a little ripple in the water and my butt eats the seat ..😖 and when it shut down on me it almost slammed me over bow .
I Would work into getting something that can handle a 100mph Hull wise .

There's a lot of knowledgeable people on this site and half of the reason my boat runs hard .. Is because I listened 👍

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« **Reply #47 on:** May 01, 2016, 10:42:22 PM »

Check out the listing titled "Kornowski 18' Southwind". If you want a badass boat for a steal, this is one to consider. You'll need to drop a motor in it, but that's a way to make it your own. Very few boats you buy will have a fraction of the work done like this one, plus it's a full stringer boat which is important for your HP ambitions. Do some research on his builds.

Steve-O

FordLover

GT Jets

Pony_Boy

73sidewinderguy

mash on it

73sidewinderguy

GlassCutter

GT Jets

73sidewinderguy

Pony_Boy

jimpen

BCouey

steves86ta

B.CR33CH

Pony_Boy

J2

73sidewinderguy

steves86ta

73sidewinderguy

Pony_Boy

shadow3621

69kona

Steve-O