hey everybody i just picked up a jet boat with a 455 olds motor. its my first boat. i had a waverunner before but as i hear this is a completely different world. i plan on taking it out for the first time on thursday 3/17/2011 any help or advice for me?? where is the best place to stay and launch at in laughlin? its been about 5 years since ive been to the river so im very excited sadly i forgot my way around. my parents used to launch at lazy harrys but im on my own on this one guys they are not going with me.. lol any info would be helpful thanks!

I would be careful with that olds.....to much water flow and oil issues will kill it. Had one and got rid of it. Try and set ur temp to bout 180. I would suggest keeping it under 4000rpm's for short spurts then back to 3200-3500 cruising till you find out more about your motor. My first jet felt like a giant waverunner....    good luck and post some pics

^^^That's some real good advice for any boat and/ new boat owner.  Safety first every trip out

Good advice to take it easy on the OLDS.   THey are a  bit fragile and will run out of oil during sustained high speed running.  Watch your oil pressure gauge constantly.   Might wanna check the oil for water before you even go out the first time.

Oh yeah, DON'T ever run it out of the water unless you have a supply hose hooked up to the jet pump.  Especially don't start it on the trailer, before the back of the boat is submerged when launching either.  You would be surprised how much road grit will get kicked up off the road and into the impeller.

Daniel, this too is good info, thanks!

I like Big Bend. You launch into the lagoon and then I would work my way up river. Big Bend is far enough down that you should have had enough time to warm up the engine and be able to check for any issues like leaks. If you have to float back in, I think you would have an easier time getting to the lagoon/ramp of Big Bend, than trying to get to the inlet of one of the other places (It's been a while, someone corrrect me if I'm wrong).

Don't forget about the no wake zone just south of the casinos. And some rock bars on The AZ side somewhere on this stretch (might be further south).
paddle
tow rope
orange ski flag
tools
cooler with water
plug
I hate to sound like a downer, but until you get to know the boat, be prepared.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Oh yeah, Welcome to SCJB

I like Big Bend. You launch into the lagoon and then I would work my way up river. Big Bend is far enough down that you should have had enough time to warm up the engine and be able to check for any issues like leaks. If you have to float back in, I think you would have an easier time getting to the lagoon/ramp of Big Bend, than trying to get to the inlet of one of the other places (It's been a while, someone corrrect me if I'm wrong).

Don't forget about the no wake zone just south of the casinos. And some rock bars on The AZ side somewhere on this stretch (might be further south).
paddle
tow rope
orange ski flag
tools
cooler with water
plug
I hate to sound like a downer, but until you get to know the boat, be prepared.
Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Oh yeah, Welcome to SCJB

dont forget you need a lifejacket for every person in the boat, and you need an approved THROWABLE floatation device within arms reach, and a whistle or horn to make noise to be legal. 

You might think about heading out to bluewater for the March trip. There will be a bunch of SCJB'ers there to help show you the ropes. This is a very different world... Having these guys to help deprogram you from lake lice to boater is a good thing. Welcome to SCJB   

thanks for all the info guys.. very helpful so far. i will take some pix and post it up. the boat seems to run good the previous owner took me to puddingstone lake today to play around a lil bit. couldnt do much there with all the stupid rules lol. and what do you guys think about me staying at the avi vs riverside? im debating between the two since they both have launch ramps. also another question what should my oil pressure be at? and when should i start worrying about the oil pressure?

I prefer the Avi. Nice beach, nicer part of the river IMO. Usually a little less chaotic. But it does dump you straight, perpendicular to the flow of the river, which sucks.

It's good that you got to take it out and run it. What kind of oil pressures did you see on Puddingstone? Motors will run different. I'd say maybe 40-60 psi with a warm engine. With an Olds, you definetly have to keep an eye on the gauge. If you keep your foot in it too long, you'll put all the oil up in the heads and burn up the bottom end=no bueno.
My suggestion is to cruise around and see what an average oil pressure is.

Keep your head on a swivel and watch other boats, especially PWC's. If you respect the boat, the river, and expect other people's stupidity, you should be fine.
Have fun