SoCal Jet Boats
Tech Talk => Projects => Topic started by: Bigdavejensen on August 13, 2011, 02:18:32 PM
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I have never owned a jet boat before and I am now considering purchasing one or even doing a resto on one. I am looking for advice on brands to look for as well as what not to look for. Things like hull manufacturers, powerplants, pump etc...I also need some advice on things to look for when buying a used jet boat. The majority of our boating will be on the Parker strip this next season. I am a big dude (6'10" 300 pds) so I am sure I will need to do some customizing in the interior but I am ok with that. Thank you for your adice....DJ
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Welcome to SCJB ;D
You'll probably like something in the 20'-21' range. Hallett and Eliminator both make a popular hull that should be easy to find depending on how much you are willing to spend.
The 18'-19' boats are plentiful but after a season you will be looking for a larger boat anyway, so start off with something you will enjoy for several years.
As for engine you can't go wrong with a Chevy or Ford. I'm not a big fan of the Olds due to the oiling problems.
As for the jet I would recommend staying with a Berkeley (or one of the Berk clones). If you find something with a Jacuzzi, the WJ is a good choice but stay away from the YJ model.
Good luck and welcome to the wonderful world of jet boats. :screwy:
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^good advise rite there^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
welcome to the boards
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I agree good advise. If you are going the cruiser route I would also look at the Spectra's, they are a nice hull and can be had fairly cheap
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i fully agree, but would like to add a little sumthin. go with more of a vee style hull flat bottoms can become a handful if you dont know what your doing, in ruff water and when a wakeboard boat goes by and turns up the water !!! well anyway boating is fantastic and its a great family thing!!! enjoy.
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Welcome to SCJB ;D
You'll probably like something in the 20'-21' range. Hallett and Eliminator both make a popular hull that should be easy to find depending on how much you are willing to spend.
The 18'-19' boats are plentiful but after a season you will be looking for a larger boat anyway, so start off with something you will enjoy for several years.
As for engine you can't go wrong with a Chevy or Ford. I'm not a big fan of the Olds due to the oiling problems.
As for the jet I would recommend staying with a Berkeley (or one of the Berk clones). If you find something with a Jacuzzi, the WJ is a good choice but stay away from the YJ model.
Good luck and welcome to the wonderful world of jet boats. :screwy:
Awesome advice! Actually, I'd probably open up the brands to include Nordic, Sleekcraft and Biesemeyer in the 20-21' range if looking at older boats for far less coin than a newer Eliminator is gonna cost you. A few Nordics on here, the Sleekcraft 21' I have ridden in and worked on, awesome boat, and the Biesemeyer, well, I own one. Yes, it's a little wet, but I still own it! :banghead:
Ray
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Don't get too hung up on brand names. Many, many boats made in the 70's are copies of another anyway. One of the most popular was Spectra. I have a Spectra 20 and the seating puts the driver right on top of the steering wheel. I'm 6'6" and it takes a little "wiggling" to get in place to drive. I have had Horizon, Sleekcraft, Wriedt, Spectra boats at one time or another and they all performed well. Just look for solid stringers, rot, cracks etc. everywhere. Check for a solid floor if it has one. Cables should move freely and not be cracked. Check the trailer carefully too, that is often in worse shape than the boat. Good luck.
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Thank you very much for the input. Regarding the bigger models they seem to have a different deck design with side rails etc. Is this considered a day'cruiser' ?
Realistically what would someone expect to spend redoing a jet boat ?
Motor
Pump
Upholstery
Paint
Assuming that the hull, stringers, etc were in good shape. And realistically how would I know until I got started. Or is it better to get something in the $6000-$8000 range that is pretty much dialed in. Any additional advice is greatly appreciated.