[JBM]

Ok guys Ive just taken delivery of my new jet boat. 1972 wriedt spoiler 19. 455 olds, berkley 12jc with diverter. The boat is all original and was a one owner boat. It has been in a warehouse since 1996 when the original owner parked it and his family left it there after his passing. I don't know why it was parked in 96 but its been inside since and according to original owners family it was always stored indoors. The boat came with all original documentation packages, build drawings, schematics, dealer info , owners manuals for boat pump and the hardin marine engine has all the original and alot more. Also got boat cover and a few spare parts eldebroc intake. paid 600 for the boat. running condition is not known and boat has no interior. boat has been sitting since 1996.

My idea for boat is rebuild of 455, and pump, new stringers, transom and floor. new gelcoat and new interior. I know it sounds like a big money hole but I like the story behind the boats history I can tell the boat was cared for.
this is a 1/4 stringer boat with full length keel support. I plan to build it into a full length stringer. I'm in Birmingham and there is a local boat shop and the last 40 years this shop specialized boat restorations so the hull will be going to him for restoration.

I included several pics of boat and some of the paper work that came with boat.
What do you guys think about this boat and let me know about your ideas. Thanks

 

[DuaneHTP]

Looks like an interestng project. It's pretty unusual to find one that old in that good of condition. Good Luck with the restore.

 

[John Thompson]

Dude you have acquired some seriously cool documentation there. Would be nice (for us) to get it scanned and share somehow!

 

[Mouzer]

make it your way make it a boat you built and enjoy the crap out of it.........:thumb::thumb:

 

[JBM]

I can start a new thread scan and attach as pics. If you guys think it would be good stuff to have here.

 

[Moneypit]

Great project

JBM, that is a great project boat....BUT, IMO, it seems you want it to be something it was never meant to be... Full stringers?? Why? re do floors? Why? It looks as though some cleaner and elbow grease would clean up the outside of the engine, and I'm willing to bet that old 455 will run if brought back to life properly... It has a nice jet with the trick nozzle set up, and again, I'm betting it will work just fine...Look around for some seats, or maybe just a pattern for the wood frames and have a local upholsterer build them for you...
If you look at it from a "what does it really need" angle you'll be bucks ahead and a year or two on the water before the other "restoration" would be done....
If you want to set the local lake on fire you might want to do a little research on what the fast guys are using for their hulls.... Those same fast guys will be on the beach working on their stuff while you're on the water enjoying your nice boat for what it was intended for, FUN.....
Ray

 

[JBM]

JBM, that is a great project boat....BUT, IMO, it seems you want it to be something it was never meant to be... Full stringers?? Why? re do floors? Why? It looks as though some cleaner and elbow grease would clean up the outside of the engine, and I'm willing to bet that old 455 will run if brought back to life properly... It has a nice jet with the trick nozzle set up, and again, I'm betting it will work just fine...Look around for some seats, or maybe just a pattern for the wood frames and have a local upholsterer build them for you...
If you look at it from a "what does it really need" angle you'll be bucks ahead and a year or two on the water before the other "restoration" would be done....
If you want to set the local lake on fire you might want to do a little research on what the fast guys are using for their hulls.... Those same fast guys will be on the beach working on their stuff while you're on the water enjoying your nice boat for what it was intended for, FUN.....
Ray

Thanks Moneypit. I wish it were that easy. The floor has a soft spot so it needs redone anyway. Making it 3/4 stringer shouldn't be that big a deal since i will have to rip and replace anyhow. As far as the engine goes pretty sure its toast. I haven't done much with it yet other than pull the carb and the intake runners are full of rust so I stopped there. No need to to continue on the engine seeing how it appears to be full of rust. If the engine is salvageable i will rebuild it if it isn't i will replace with a ford or chevy bb.