My 83 Crusader I picked up last year.

« **on:** June 23, 2014, 02:24:56 PM »

Been a lurker for some time now. I've asked a few questions in the past on the Kona I purchased with my uncle a couple years ago. He likes to play with the boat more than take it out so I went out and got myself another boat to be able to take out when I want. So anyway I picked up this 83 crusader last year and just now getting around to spending some time on it. Didn't pay much ($1300). So I don't know much about jet boats other than very basic maintenance stuff of checking the fluids in the engine and pump. Also keeping it greased in the right spots. I guess my real question is there anyone out in the corona area that would be around this weekend that could point out any problem areas I need to address before I take this out. It starts and runs. The alternator belt squeaks when I revved it.

Few things About the boat:

1. Has a rebuild 460 with edelbrock performer heads. The guy I purchased it from had a nice car shop and he built the engine. My concern is he wasn't a boat guy and may need some things I'm not seeing.

2. Has a Berkeley pump with Place Diverter.

3. Interior has seen better days. it had a rip in the seat and I just had it patched up to get me through a couple seasons. Want to make sure everything is mechanically good before I go dumping money into the interior. In the back right next to the engine the floor has a small soft spot. Obviously I would get this fixed when redoing the interior.

Few things I have noticed:

1. Oil filter placement is not good. Don't know how to get the filter off without lifting the engine. The filter is almost touching the stringer.

2. Not sure how to use the gas tank valve. Don't know where Off is VS left right and both tank locations.

3. I have only started the motor for 45 seconds as I didn't have a hose to hookup to it so I haven't been able to test the gauges yet. My kona has a T fitting I can connect the hose up to and this one does not. Not sure the best way to connect the water right now.

4. Forward/reverse shift does not lock into the forward position like it does on the Kona. Makes me nervous as I have see what can happen if the boat goes reverse at speed.

Here are some pictures. Maybe just by looking someone can point out a few things. I just really want to get out on the water and cruise around. I'm not a huge speed demon but as a kid I really loved watching the jet boats and now I can finally afford to have one. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks!!

« **Reply #1 on:** June 23, 2014, 06:09:19 PM »

1. Oil filter placement is not good. Don't know how to get the filter off without lifting the engine. The filter is almost touching the stringer.

Where is the oil filter mounted? Stock location? If thats the case then thats normal. Thats where the stock ones are. You can always buy a remote filter kit and mount the filter in a different location.

2. Not sure how to use the gas tank valve. Don't know where Off is VS left right and both tank locations.

What sort of switch do you have? If its a manual valve most likely there isn't an off. There will be three 2 in one out. The top of the "T" should be fed from the tanks and the long part of the "T" should feed the motor. The switch should only go on from both tanks or on from a single tank. There is no off typically on those valves. Pictures would help.

3. I have only started the motor for 45 seconds as I didn't have a hose to hookup to it so I haven't been able to test the gauges yet. My kona has a T fitting I can connect the hose up to and this one does not. Not sure the best way to connect the water right now.

You can build a tee outside of the boat and hook it up in between the line from the pump to the motor.

4. Forward/reverse shift does not lock into the forward position like it does on the Kona. Makes me nervous as I have see what can happen if the boat goes reverse at speed.

By the pictures you posted there doesn't look like there is a locking handle. Thats the only way you will lock the fwd/rev cable into place. The old Morse style handles work great, you sometimes just have to keep a hand on it so it doesn't come back and close.

Also welcome to SCJB

The beav

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I747 using SoCal Jet Boats mobile app

« **Reply #2 on:** June 23, 2014, 06:44:19 PM »

Yes I'm pretty sure its the factory location. Maybe there is enough room to get it out I didn't try.

I'll take a picture of the gas switch. Its just made of brass. I'll get a picture of it this weekend.

I think I'll spend some money on a locking shifter. This one is crappy looking anyway.

Any Idea what kind of horsepower this thing might be running at? I wish I knew what Cam is in it. If I remember right they guy said it was 10 to 1 compression.

« **Reply #3 on:** June 24, 2014, 08:32:20 AM »

Not a bad looking boat at all from the pics. It looks to have aluminum heads and electronic ignition, motor looks clean, not all butched together. If it is a 10-1 motor built right, potentially 500 hp is very doable, but no way of knowing without all the specs.

As far as the shifter, jet boats don't normally run a lock-out forward/reverse lever. You use the ability to quickly "shift" between forward and reverse to help steer in slow speed maneuvering . Really hard for it to drop into reverse at speed. The friction in the cable, and thrust of the water out the nozzle will keep it open, plus I know I rest my hand on the handle while driving most of the time.

The brass fuel selector switch usually has a pointer end on the handle you rotate. It should point to the tank it's flowing from. If you have a vacuum pump or just some hose, you can take the lines off the valve and pull a vacuum (or suck through a hose) from the carb side of the valve and hold your finger over the pull side of the valve to verify which side of the valve is open (flowing). Off would be 1/2 way in between, or straight up and down.

« **Reply #4 on:** June 24, 2014, 10:04:13 AM »

That was the HP number I was hoping to hear!! I did a little research and saw some results in that range.

Why didn't I think of that with the selector!! Thank you!!

I'll be buttoning a few things up on it Saturday. Gonna try to get it in the water at Elsinore on Sunday. Anyone going to be out there on the 29th?

« **Reply #5 on:** June 24, 2014, 11:15:42 AM »

Man 1300 bucks? Thats awesome!!!!

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« **Reply #6 on:** June 24, 2014, 11:41:34 AM »

yeah. The price was my only justification for buying another boat.

surfnshoot

My 83 Crusader I picked up last year.

Beaveretriever

Re: My 83 Crusader I picked up last year.

surfnshoot

Re: My 83 Crusader I picked up last year.

icecreaman

Re: My 83 Crusader I picked up last year.

surfnshoot

Re: My 83 Crusader I picked up last year.

JOE COASTIE

Re: My 83 Crusader I picked up last year.

surfnshoot

Re: My 83 Crusader I picked up last year.