| Author |
Message |
    
Bret Leonard
New member
Username: big_country
Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2008
| | Posted on Monday, January 28, 2008 - 01:43 pm: | 
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Hello everyone. I am having a tough time identifying my turbocraft. I bought this boat last year and I cannot find out the exact model of the boat. As far as I can tell the hull ID tag should have been under the rear seat which it is not. The boat is equipped with a small block chevy engine with the emblem "buehler turbopower 200" on the valve cover. It has what I believe to be a Chinook? 3 stage jet. My boat measures 17'6" It is titled as a 1962. Any help to identify the model would be great. Also anyone know of a website that has more exact info on these boats would be great. I found a pic of my exact boat. It is the center boat in the picture. Thanks alot, Bret. |
Eugene Killen
Visitor
| | Posted on Friday, July 04, 2008 - 09:28 am: |
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hello, i have a 1961 buehler turbocraft jet 32. it too has a small block chevy engine in it. mine has a crusader marine information tag on the intake manifold that says it is a model 150 serial number TP1117. it also calls it a Buehler Turbopower 200. i have a video from the original owner in which they are removing the motor and the valve cover decals are there like yours. i also cannot find any hull id tag. my boat looks like the first one in your picture.i am curious if your boat has its engine tag and how close your serial number is to mine. |
Bruce Hall
Senior Member
Username: bruce
Post Number: 178
Registered: 07-2002
| | Posted on Friday, July 04, 2008 - 05:53 pm: |
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Bret and Gene got my attention as I've had the great experience of a thrilling Jet boat ride on a river in Southwest New Zealands South Island.
The following web sites are very helpful WWW.speedduck.com Scroll down the homepage and click on Steve Snipes name-Steves spectacular web page!Also www.teshio.com/jetboat/index. This site lists help and info on nearly 150 Jet boat manufacturers-facinating stuff!Steve Snipes page gives the history of Buehler Turbocraft Co. along with some excellent color factory photos of early Buehler boats. Also check out www.fiberglassics.com |
Darby Cohen
Visitor
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 16, 2008 - 11:40 am: |
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Hello, I just bought a 1961 15' 9" Turbocraft. The engine is a Ford Interceptor 150hp Y block with the crab manifold and 2 horizontal carbs. The tage on the jet reads, Hamilton Marine, Indiana Gear Works, Model # 2233, Ser. #2137-1. Hull #2233410.
From this info, can any one tell if the engine is a 292 cid, and how many stages the pump has.
Thanks. Darby |
Eugene Killen
Visitor
| | Posted on Sunday, July 20, 2008 - 08:44 pm: |
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hello darby, i also have a 1961 turbocraft, a jet 32 with a small block chevy in it.my tag on my jet pump is model number 2203 serial number 176-dd-pl. if yourpump is a 3 stage, it will have two bolted together sections, if its a 2 stage it will only have one. i am curious as to where you found your hull number, as i cannot find mine, thanks, Gene |
Darby Cohen
New member
Username: darby_cohen
Post Number: 1
Registered: 07-2008
| | Posted on Sunday, August 10, 2008 - 01:14 pm: |
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Gene, Thanks for the info. I sent you an email with more detail.Darby |
Darby Cohen
New member
Username: darby_cohen
Post Number: 2
Registered: 07-2008
| | Posted on Sunday, August 10, 2008 - 01:35 pm: |
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Gene, I just checked my email and my email to you did not go through. The only # that I found is on a small aluminum tag under the right rear seat that # is 0034. The pump is a 3 stage, 2233 is 3 stage, 2203 is supposedly 2 stage. I don't know how someone came up with the hull # it looks like they took the pump # and added 410. I was told that my boat is not a Buehler. There is a plaque that reads Manufactured by the Sooner Boat Co. Eldorado, Oklahoma. I'm in Reno,NV. where are you. Thanks again. Darby |
keith thomas
Visitor
| | Posted on Friday, November 21, 2008 - 09:09 pm: |
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i have a1959 buehler turbocraft with a flathead 6 greymarine 109hp. does ANYONE know where the hull # is? |
TOM BINNINGER
Visitor
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 06, 2009 - 09:48 am: |
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I HAVE 3 TURBOCRAFTS 1 1959 AND 2 1960S THE HULL # IS ON THE LEFT SIDE UNDER THE REAR SEAT ON THE ANGLE BRACE |
Eugene Killen
Visitor
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 13, 2009 - 10:09 pm: |
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my jet 32 never came with a rear seat, cant find a hull number anywhere, anyone have any ideas or have a boat that didnt come with a rear seat? |
Ernie Bambauer
Visitor
| | Posted on Monday, February 09, 2009 - 12:28 pm: |
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I have a '67 Beuhler Turbocraft. My sister has a '65, and my father has a '6?.
My grandfather sold these boats in the 50's and 60's.
Bret, you have an AMAZING watercraft, and a piece of history. Congratulations.
Here is the deal about Buehlers as I have experienced them. Of the 6 or so that I have seen in person, no 2 have been similar in:
1) powerplants (engines)
2) marinization (wet exhaust, whatever)
3) upholstery
4) floorplans
It's weird.
This must be a product of the fact that they were "experimental" and in the process of refinement throughout the lifespan of Buehler Turbocraft or Indian Gear Works.
As a result, I have found it impossible to buy parts, locate identifying plaques or badges on the boat (save the jet unit).
When I had to overhaul the steering on my '67, I realized it was rack & pinion style, whereas the one my grandfather passed down had a series of pulleys and cables running down either side of the boat!
I guess I didn't help anyone, but maybe some of you can relate to my experience? Thanks for letting me vent. |
Brent Hardwick
Visitor
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 - 01:05 pm: |
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hello there I have a little knowledge with the buehlers as my grandpa worked at Indiana Gear Works. He then opened his own boat business selling buehlers. My dad worked on these for many years. We still have a few parts. Anyway I myself have a 1959 16' and I also have a 1968 18' bolero I am finally going to sell I have had the 1968 for about 5 years and the 1959 for about a year and have since decided that I am not going to do anything with them. so they are for sale. If you have any other questions I can relay them to my grandpa and let you know what he has to say. He is not a comuter type of person. He identified both of my boats just by looking at them.
Email me with any questions brnthardwick@yahoo.com |
Marty Gensler
New member
Username: quazzy
Post Number: 1
Registered: 04-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, April 28, 2009 - 03:29 pm: |
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Hey all.. I've got what I've so far found to be a '62 Buehler Turbocraft. It's an oddball apparently because it's a 15'6" foot with a Y-block. Discovered it has a cracked and leaking (water) exhaust manifold (left side) and I'm trying to find someone who either might have one to sell, or know where to get one..? Or if you know any other interesting info on this boat, please let me know. This thing is near mint shape except for the manifold and a couple minor cosmetic things. I really wanna get it in the water for cruising again this summer, but I need that manifold so it stops filling up the hull with water! Let me know what you know, haha! Thanks, Marty quazzy350@hotmail.com |
teresa dalton
Visitor
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 01:12 pm: |
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i have a buehler turbocraft it has no back seat the serial # is 37 877 the IN. is 4575BA its model # is 75 SD its a straight six 2806830-1 # off the side of the motor and 07129 AM on the side of side of motor can any one tell me anything about my boat i know nothing |
Marty Gensler
New member
Username: quazzy
Post Number: 2
Registered: 04-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, June 03, 2009 - 10:05 pm: |
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Ok, I don't need the manifold.. Didn't realize it was aluminum when it was on the motor..duh..got it tig welded, so that's fixed. If anyone has a good amount of knowledge about these boats, please leave a post here saying that you do.. I'm looking to sell this boat because I'm laid off and need to keep food on the table. I can't find anywhere or anyone that can give me an approximate value to tell me what this thing is worth.. It's a '60 Buehler Turbocraft, Y-block Interceptor motor, approx. 15'6". I'm guessing it's a Jet 35..? This boat is near mint ORIGINAL condition! Everything from the working horn to the interior to the original wooden dipstick gas gauge still hanging from the stern light post! Does anyone have more info on this boat, and does anyone know where I can find a way to put a price on this thing? Any help is much appreciated!! Thanks, Marty
I tried to post a pic, but I can't get em to shrink small enough to post. I can send ya pics if ya wanna see it.. |
Frank Petran
Member
Username: frank_petran
Post Number: 29
Registered: 05-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, June 07, 2009 - 12:42 am: |
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To all.
Go to fiberglassics.com, there might be some info there and a forum that might be of some help |
loufamoso
Visitor
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 15, 2009 - 10:33 pm: |
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For Sale:
1961 Buehler Turbocraft Jetdrive
$6,500.00 as is:
extra jetdrive incld [as is]
16` Bass & Ski Boat
263ci Greymarine [Continental] rebuilt less then 50hrs.
Seaworthy [no leaks]
Trailer [needs tires]
Kingman, Arizona USA  |
Chris Wheeland
New member
Username: chris_wheeland
Post Number: 2
Registered: 02-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, July 16, 2009 - 04:35 pm: |
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I found the hull number (12)on my TBC on the support for the gas tank (bow mounted). The boat is a 16 ft with a single stage pump, and a chrysler 225 slant 6. I don't really know the year but the pump output, water intake system and steering are all pre 64. I think that 64 is the year that the swim step and hand holds for boarding came along. There is no back seat. The front seat has front and rear facing seats with a full bench in the front and splits in the back with no center back rest. The steering wheel is on the left side and the throttle was originally a foot pedal. We changed that out for a stick in the 60's. I'd like to get the boat running again but the engine has a crack in the block water jacket. We ran it for years that way - just hit the bilge pump now and then. I'm looking for a replacement engine. Any help in suggested sources would be much appreciate.
Chris |
Randy Phelps
Visitor
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - 11:01 pm: |
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Hello, My Dad had a 1962 Buehler Turbocraft white with red trim, I think it had a v-8 crysler engine in it and would love to find one for sale. You had to have a 100 foot ski rope to ski behind it or it would knock you off your skis! Please let me know! Thanks |
Marty Gensler
New member
Username: quazzy
Post Number: 3
Registered: 04-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, September 22, 2009 - 11:58 pm: |
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Hey Guys.. And Randy I don't know if you're interested, but my Buehler is goin up for sale! It's a '60 and I'm not sure if it's a Jet 34 or 35.. Can't find enough info to totally identify this thing. Ford Interceptor Y-Block 135 HP V8. Runs Great! Absolutely beautiful original condition. White and Aqua. Only needs a few minor things to be perfect.
I can't find anywhere to give me a real actual appraisal of it though.. As you can see from my last post, I've been trying to find out for a while.. All I've been told is that its worth at least, a bare minimum of 12 grand to collectors. If anyone wants it, I'm asking $10,000 flat for it. Serious inquiries only please. Just reply on here and let me know if you want any more info and pics. Thanks All! Later, Marty |
loufamoso
Visitor
| | Posted on Sunday, September 27, 2009 - 11:05 am: |
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Marty...I found, from other sites and inquiries that if the Hull is sound, and it runs, it`s worth at least 8 Grand to collectors.
Mint referbs have been sold for 17-30 grand, dependent on year [60-64`s]
 |
loufamoso
Visitor
| | Posted on Sunday, September 27, 2009 - 11:34 am: |
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Randy,
I know what you mean about the loooooooong ski rope needed because of the roostertail this model kicks up...too close and you can be *braindead*..lol
My boat is for sale IF you are really interested. It is seaworthy, but needs TLC due to non use and my neglect in the past. Back of front seat could use new covering, entire hull could use fresh paint, but the engine Roars!
I can be reached HERE, or at loufamoso@yahoo.com for serious inquiries.
 |
daniel frazier
New member
Username: danno
Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Thursday, October 01, 2009 - 11:10 am: |
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I just traded for this boat. It is a Jet 32, but I have no idea what year and can't find a drive like it anywhere on the web. Any help in ID would be greatly appreciated.    |
Marty Gensler
Member
Username: quazzy
Post Number: 4
Registered: 04-2009
| | Posted on Friday, October 02, 2009 - 01:34 am: |
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Thanks Lou for the info.. That's about the same that I've figured out through the crazy journey with this boat..not much for accurate info anywhere out there..
And Danno, I'm not completely sure, but I'm betting your boat is most likely a late 59. You've got a 292 Y-Block ford with dual carbs, which is 150hp (mine's a '60 with one carb 135hp) but the same motor.. I think you have the older style drive on yours though which I believe is '59. Hope that helps a little.. |
daniel frazier
New member
Username: danno
Post Number: 3
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Friday, October 02, 2009 - 09:36 am: |
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Thanks! Do you have any idea where I could find an ID number on this boat?  |
Darby Cohen
New member
Username: darby_cohen
Post Number: 3
Registered: 07-2008
| | Posted on Friday, October 02, 2009 - 01:06 pm: |
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I have two 1961 Turbocrafts that look like the one on the left in the picture at the top of the page. One is a Buehler the other was built by the Sooner Boat Mfg. Co. of Elderado, OK. Both hulls are identical. The hull # for the Buehler is on the left rear seat support, the Sooner # is on the right rear seat support. Both have 3 stage pumps with 150hp 256cid Ford Y block Interceptor engines NOT 292cid. According to " INTERCEPTOR MARINE MASTER PARTS AND ACCESSORIES CATALOG" the 135, 145, and the 150hp engines are all 256cid, the difference in hp is in the carbs. 135hp single side draft 150 dual side drafts, I don't know what the 145 has. If I can figure out how to load the "MASTER" I will post it. Darby |
Darby Cohen
Member
Username: darby_cohen
Post Number: 4
Registered: 07-2008
| | Posted on Friday, October 02, 2009 - 01:48 pm: |
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I hope this loads. Good info on the Ford Y blocks. |
loufamoso
Visitor
| | Posted on Saturday, October 10, 2009 - 09:49 am: |
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Yeah Marty, I guess *Ole Boats* are like paintings, they`re worth what`s "in the eye of the beholder"!
Daniel: I answered your post on the other thread, but to repeat, that`s a Hydrolicly driven Flume for direction and speed of Boat! Not sure of year/vintage!
 |
daniel frazier
Member
Username: danno
Post Number: 4
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Tuesday, October 13, 2009 - 08:47 pm: |
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I finally found the ID tag in the back of the glovebox. It is E0074. Would that be 1959? |
daniel frazier
Member
Username: danno
Post Number: 5
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Wednesday, October 14, 2009 - 09:24 pm: |
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Here are som more photos...and I think I figured out where George Lucas was inspierd for Darth Vader's character...the nav light      |
daniel frazier
Member
Username: danno
Post Number: 6
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Friday, October 16, 2009 - 05:38 pm: |
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Darby: Thanks for the PDF. According to my engine # A82L0396A, this is a 1960 135 HP but it does have 2 carburetors (confusing). I still can't find anyone who can identify whether or not the nozzle is original or where it came from. I don't see any evidence of a change, but who knows. It looks like it has jet engine fan blades for the reverse gate and direction. Super sharp at the leading edge and flat across the back held in with what appears to be bronze bushings. The whole thing appears to be carved out of billet aluminum and the vanes look to be titanium. Look like military aircraft stuff... |
Darby Cohen
Member
Username: darby_cohen
Post Number: 5
Registered: 07-2008
| | Posted on Friday, October 16, 2009 - 06:35 pm: |
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Hi Daniel, The only two Turbos that I have seen in person are the two that I have. I've seen lots of pictures and almost every one is different. Yours is the only one with that control setup. The serial # is the way it left the mfg. Some one through the years may have wanted a few more ponys and added the second carb. I hope to work on the "Sooner" Turbo this winter. I just got the upholstery done and will be going through the rest of the "stuff". Keep in touch. Darby |
daniel frazier
Member
Username: danno
Post Number: 7
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Friday, October 16, 2009 - 10:15 pm: |
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Thanks Darby. I'll continue to post some photos as I progress. I hope to have it fired up by Sunday night. I had to have one of the exhaust manifolds welded (unfortunately). I can't believe they're cast aluminum. I did find carb kits and a gasket set. I guess I can say I'm "obsessed". |
Mike Laarman
New member
Username: thegriz
Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Sunday, October 18, 2009 - 07:53 pm: |
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i just brought home a jet 36. the tag says turbocraft from indiana gear works with boat number H0014. the boat is 23 feet long with two straight six's in it. does anyone know anything about this boat? i see some info on other models, but not this one. |
Marty Gensler
Member
Username: quazzy
Post Number: 5
Registered: 04-2009
| | Posted on Monday, October 19, 2009 - 02:49 am: |
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Ok, I just tried again to post pics of the boat, and again it says they're too big to attach.. How the hell do ya get em smaller so they'll fit on here?? They're all around 1.10-1.45 MB and it says they hafta be under 100k to fit here... Any ideas?? I friggin' hate computers!! Thanks.. |
Roger DiRuscio
Senior Member
Username: solarrog
Post Number: 380
Registered: 03-2002
| | Posted on Monday, October 19, 2009 - 03:12 am: |
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http://www.oldmarineengine.com/resize/resize.html
go here |
gary mccausland
New member
Username: gaz
Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Monday, October 19, 2009 - 07:25 am: |
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hi to you all i live in ireland and have a dowty turboprop 16ft, Ive owned it about 3 years and have falling in love with its cool lines somebody fitted a 1600 diesal engine to it, Then i fitted 1800 diesal, what engine should it have? And where do i get a wind screen from?all help would be grate , its a dowty turboprop with a hamilton jet regards gaz |
daniel frazier
Member
Username: danno
Post Number: 8
Registered: 10-2009
| | Posted on Friday, October 30, 2009 - 03:32 pm: |
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You should have a gasoline engine. You can't be getting enough rpm out of a diesel to enjoy it properly. I'm not sure of all of the engines they used, but mine has a Ford Interceptor 292 with dual side draft carbs. There were 283's and Graymarines and Chrysler... |
R Somerville
Visitor
| | Posted on Thursday, December 03, 2009 - 07:30 pm: |
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Hi All,
Glad to have stumbled across a page about Turbocrafts. I'm trying to figure out what to do with my dad's old jet boat; it's the 18'6" Buehler Turbocraft; exact same model as shown in James Bond/Thunderball. Powered by 401/445ci Buick Graymarine V8 with 3-stage pump. In 1964 he ordered 2 thick/reinforced hulls from Hamilton/NZ and had both outfitted by Indiana Gear Works, for a one-time-in-history whitewater run down and up Cataract Canyon on the Colorado River in Utah, in 1965. He grew up in Moab, and wanted (as an engineer) to see if a jet could do it! Both boats made it down but only this one made the upstream run; still the only man to ever do it! Dad has passed (William Somerville) and I am sentimental about the boat, but would like to do the right thing with it; whatever that is.
The engine is down with a broken piston (ran Unleaded gas in it a few years ago and it failed). Boat only has like 100hrs on it.
Anyone have any ideas on direction, value, should I rebuild the engine, etc?
Thx -- feel free to email
formulawun1@yahoo.com |
R Somerville
Visitor
| | Posted on Thursday, December 03, 2009 - 07:41 pm: |
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btw - if anyone hasn't heard of or seen the movie of Jon Hamilton expedition downstream and then back upstream in Grand Canyon (1963?), it's amazing! We had it on 16mm, and as a kid I loved watching the jets battle the rapids upstream.
That's what inspired my dad's trip, and there are some pictures out there on the web.
Google on 'turbocraft grand canyon guy mannering bill austin' or any combination of those words,
or try http://www6.nau.edu/library/scadb/subjectreferal.cfm?subject_note=Jet%20boats |
kevin broaddus
Visitor
| | Posted on Sunday, March 07, 2010 - 07:44 pm: |
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hi i just got a bolero with a v8 chrysler powered buelher turbo jet drive@18 to 20feet the carb is off im sure motor is frooze from sitting the engine cover and many of the wood acceceries areweather rotted i was going to junk the boat for the trailer thought i wuold see if it was worth something to someone |
kevin broaddus
Visitor
| | Posted on Sunday, March 07, 2010 - 07:48 pm: |
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my email for above boat lynn_broaddus@hotmail.com |
Richard A. Day Jr.
Senior Member
Username: richardday
Post Number: 851
Registered: 11-2003
| | Posted on Monday, March 08, 2010 - 01:03 pm: |
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A sad story which jet boat owners need to be atentive to. Back about 1960 I walked down to our community dock on the Severn River and one of my neighbors was in the process of launching a brand new jet boat about 18'. He pulled it from around the launching ramp and tied alonside the dock and gassed up. Meanwhile I was in the bilge of my boat changing a battery. I heard his engine start and he reved it up still tied to the dock. Almost instanly there was a loud shrieking noise which lasted about 10 seconds and the engine came to an instant stop. Needless to say I jumped up to see what had happened. It soon become clear he had left a 100' coil of 1/2" nylon anchor line on the bow deck and a loose end had acidentlly been drooped in the water. The pump was destroyed and bearings and couplings etc. were ruined. He sold the boat to someone and forgot boating as a retirement pastime. So have fun but beware of loose lines is always a good practice. |
Andrew Choate
Visitor
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 17, 2010 - 03:00 pm: |
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hey guy i also have a 1962 Buehler Turbocraft. my father and i restored it about 5 years ago.. it has the original 327, it had 230hp tags on the valve covers before we rebuilt it. does any of your have a center console? well anyway mine also has the Hamilton 3stage jet... and if you go to fiberglassics you will find a pic of it. its fireball mettalic red and paris white. too everyone that has one... keep it.. it will provide fun for years to come. send me a message with any questions. andy1396003@yahoo.com |
Interceptor Marine
