17ft Jet Boat V6 Essex project part 2?

[monkfish24]

So I've just bought this boat, sight unseen so far, not far from me. I'm currently at sea on a VSAT connection so can't show pictures yet of it's current condition.

However, searching through the internet, I stumble across this post from way back in 2014!
17ft Jet Boat V6 Essex project

It's not far off, now, from what it looked like back in Mr Fishy's ownership, it still has the same black and red engine, albeit in very neglected condition, it still has all the workings for the jet drive and the interior is still in ok condition. Most of it may be salvageable.

I will update in a few weeks but I'm keen to get the old V6 back up and running again and hear her sing. Will probably mostly spend it's time on the water around Falmouth and makes the perfect boat for creek cruising.

 

[monkfish24]

So, I picked the boat up, the advert photos were like this, not much description, but jet drive! I get to drive a jet drive at work and have fallen in love with it.

So, I went out on a whim and bought this boat.

 

[ARE]

I owned that boat probably 20 yrs ago. 3lt Essex V6 and PP65 jet drive.

 

[monkfish24]

Towing home was fun, it was on a farm in the middle of nowhere Bodmin. I took my 1978 Bronco to pick it up, that only just fit through the lanes. I started towing it home and looked in the rear view mirror, could see what looked like oscillation in the wheel on the trailer, pegged it down to a white mark playing games with my eye sight. Got out of the lanes and did my last double check before heading on to the A30. the wheel was about to fall off!!! I had two wheel nuts left, luckily, I always carry tools in the bronco, tightened it back up and it went fine until getting home 45 minutes later.

 

[monkfish24]

As you can tell from the photos, the engine was in a bad way!

I stripped the engine from the boat, which didn't take long, I have an engine crane and the help of a friend. I decided to let the oil out whilst it was hanging from the crane. Emulsion came out and 5 litres of water!

 

[monkfish24]

I stripped the engine down and found the bores full of water (no surprise, it had been left with the carb off and spark plugs out for over 3 years!

 

[monkfish24]

With the engine stripped, it was time to pressure wash it out, and get the pistons and crank out, not easy with the con rod bearings seized!

We have now honed 2 of the cylinders, there is some pitting, but hopefully not too deep. It's going to need a few parts to get it going again, new cam, new pistons (oversized after bore out of cylinders) and all new bearings and seals. It is saveable, however, I am looking at another engine to make one good engine with the necessary parts. I don't want to do half a job, when I only have one engine, whilst at sea!

 

[monkfish24]

The boat needed stripping out, unfortunately the ply floors had rotten, the floor carpet tiles had long since had their day and it just doesn't fit with my vision of the boat. For those that don't know, I work on superyachts, I 'd like it at that level. My plan is to go white with a hint of race boat (I suspect it's original use) and have it all top notch. Fibreglass board floors to go back in, almost making it double skinned. and fibreglass side panels in white. The seats will be retrimmed to go for a Chris Craft level of finish.

 

[monkfish24]

I also removed the PP65 jet drive, new bearings and seals on their way but from the feel of it, all is in great condition. The bushes are the hard part to get hold of so I will probably 3d print some new ones.

I noticed in the previous owners post, he mentioned problems with water ingress. Not to be too heavy on you but bathroom sealant is not well suited to boats! Fun peeling it off though!

 

[monkfish24]

I owned that boat probably 20 yrs ago. 3lt Essex V6 and PP65 jet drive.

Do you know what boat design it is? I'm keen to know more details! I saw there was bright orange paint in the transom, was it raced?