Need expertise on used boat choice

[Tahoe540]

I am thinking about getting a second boat to either drop a motor in or build as a project. I am looking for a jet around 21 feet, so like a daycruiser style, and would like to drop a BBC with 650-700 HP. I am fairly new to boats and currently have a 30ft advantage we take to Lake Tahoe but do not know much about the handling characteristics or hull designs of this type of boat. I really am not interested in a flat bottom style boat. Any recommendations on what I should or should not be looking for as far as makes, models and years as I have no experience with these boats? There is a 79 Spectra 21 in my area for what seems to me to be a good deal but not sure if this boat would like that much HP.
thanks

 

[dribble]

V-Drive, or outdrive?

 

[mudpuppy]

Or...you could actually read the post.

 

[Andy01]

Forget the jet deal. If your running shallow water some place then jet, otherwise they are very inefficient. Look for a older I/O or v drive. Careful what you wish for, you start a project and all of a sudden there’s $4,000 in wood repair and so on. Find a running driving boat that needs a little love. Sell that running motor and put yours in, then do the little things to make it nice the way you want it.


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[76 Southwind]

That's some solid advice from Mr. EP. Unless there is some sentimental reason, or a must have, or your going racing ? Be careful what you get into. Although I love my jet.

 

[guest hs]

The Spectra hull is a great choice you can through as much power as you like at that Boat! I wouldn’t pay much attention to what people have to say around here about jets. If you opted for a Spectra with an outdrive it would have an old Mercruier #1 drive and the horsepower you want to put in it will kill that little outdrive. Vdrive would be the best choice but you just tripled the price you could find the same boat with a jet in it.

 

[hallett21]

21 Howard
20 Spectra
Hallett 20ss, vector, 210,
Schiada 20/21
Cole super hawk/ nighthawk

I know I'm missing some


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[Tahoe540]

I am not doing an outdrive. Too expensive to put HP behind and what is killing me on my Advantage for adding HP. What I could use is some experience with what hulls work good or to stay away from. I have seen some of the projects on this site get out of hand (fun to read and watch get done) but I am really looking for something that may only need some cosmetic updates.

 

[Andy01]

I am not doing an outdrive. Too expensive to put HP behind and what is killing me on my Advantage for adding HP. What I could use is some experience with what hulls work good or to stay away from. I have seen some of the projects on this site get out of hand (fun to read and watch get done) but I am really looking for something that may only need some cosmetic updates.

I/O's behind hp live in small boats, they break in big boats. You could build a 750hp jet or a 450hp I/O and go the very same speed.

 

[Andy01]

What's budget?
The 21 Howard is a great choice. They are not crazy expensive and work well. The Spectra's are also not crazy expensive and work well.

 

[Andy01]

Build a 210 Hallett with a number 6

 

[Tahoe540]

Build a 210 Hallett with a number 6

I want a #6 on my advantage LOL. Not a huge budget as this is only my second boat. Pretty much just want to embarrass some friends with flatties that think they are fast . This is the Spectra I am looking at, it does need interior and has a running 454.

 

[highvoltagehands]

If your gonna be running a 21' on Tahoe, Go early and stay West. Avoid flatter style hulls, Tunnel Hulls ride good in moderate chop, but a deeper V hull will probably be best. If you like spending afternoons on East Side especially around Zephyr Cove get something built proof like a Laveycraft. I had 05 21XTC for few years, East side afternoon runs weren't much fun, but it run good thru everything else. Seen a Few Older Lavey Sebrings too. Stocker SST is solid, fast running SOB too.

 

[Deja_Vu]

Lavey Sebring or a Cheetah Stiletto , fastest mofos on the water LOL

 

[Tahoe540]

If your gonna be running a 21' on Tahoe, Go early and stay West. Avoid flatter style hulls, Tunnel Hulls ride good in moderate chop, but a deeper V hull will probably be best. If you like spending afternoons on East Side especially around Zephyr Cove get something built proof like a Laveycraft. I had 05 21XTC for few years, East side afternoon runs weren't much fun, but it run good thru everything else. Seen a Few Older Lavey Sebrings too. Stocker SST is solid, fast running SOB too.

I have a 30 foot boat for Tahoe this is for another local lake to me called Lake Lahotan. Thanks for the responses, making a list and looking at the other choices.

 

[Outdrive1]

Spectra, DiMarco, Howard 21, all the same. Those are gonna be period correct day cruisers and will work fine with a jet and 750hp. If you want a jet that rides good and actually goes fast then I’d look for a 21 Daytona. A Cougar. A California Performance. A place craft. An Ultra. Those aren’t going to be as cheap as what you posted however.


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[wzuber]

What kind of v-drives are you talking about? 18' flats, 20' v'bottoms, bigger day cruisers? What are they powered with?

It might help some to know your budget to help narrow down more specific hull choices such as older models (cheaper) vs. newer, more efficient and hopefully lighter and stronger models (poss. more expensive). In general (for a v-hull/ jet) you will want a rounded keel hull as opposed to a delta pad. Reason being they load the pump better/easier and this is very important to jet boat performance (speed). The water path needs to be as smooth and efficient as possible as it transitions from the keel into the intake, thru the pump and out the properly sized discharge/nozzle. All the h.p. and pump work "tricks" will fall short of expectations and potential if the pump can't load correctly/efficiently. A correctly placed and modified intake adapter with adjustable shoe and ride plate assembly will be exceedingly beneficial. You will want some "rocker" in the keel about 3' forward of the pump intake to help the boat take a set at speed and run as dry as possible. Lifting strakes will be another important factor to this end. Expect to do at least some "tuning up" on the bottom of the hull to help with minimizing drag. A well built (tighter clearances etc.) and tuned pump with a modern "A or A-" impeller will be very efficient (fuel consumption) for a pump boat. And as always the lighter the better for performance.

 

[HALLETT BOY]

Steve has a sweet Vector for sale

 

[fmo24]

I always lke the eliminator 20 for a jet boat

 

[oldschool]

If you want to beat up on your buddies with flats you might want to stay away from big jet cruisers, unless you want to put some money into it. A smaller jet, Daytona , CP or a flat. 650-700 hp in that old cruiser is going to get you a big fuel bill.

 

[Tahoe540]

I would like to keep the hull under 5k as I plan on spending most on the motor. So after looking it would most likely be an older model. I have most of the motor parts already, so hopefully I can find a clean hull. Not against a v-drive but they seem to be priced higher than the jets.

 

[wzuber]

I would like to keep the hull under 5k as I plan on spending most on the motor. So after looking it would most likely be an older model. I have most of the motor parts already, so hopefully I can find a clean hull. Not against a v-drive but they seem to be priced higher than the jets.

well then your definitely looking at older models then such as the one you posted. How much labor work do you plan on doing? May I suggest something in the 18'-20' range. lighter, smaller faster.

 

[Outdrive1]

Scratch all the hulls I posted. I had a Hallett 19ss with a jet that was a fun little boat.


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[milkmoney]

Scratch all the hulls I posted. I had a Hallett 19ss with a jet that was a fun little boat.


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That thing steered itself lol [emoji202]

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[hallett21]

Scratch all the hulls I posted. I had a Hallett 19ss with a jet that was a fun little boat.


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Are you selling the vector jet that had something around 700 in it? That boat looked ready to go


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[Tahoe540]

well then your definitely looking at older models then such as the one you posted. How much labor work do you plan on doing? May I suggest something in the 18'-20' range. lighter, smaller faster.

I have no issues doing work, in fact I bought my Advantage as a project and have brought that thing back to life with no knowledge of boats. I used to build cars and drag race so I like projects. Getting into the boat thing has been fun and I have learned so much just getting my advantage lake worthy. I am only looking at the day cruiser style hull because I know my wife would not even get in a flat bottom style boat or let our kids ride in it LOL. Like I said though I am open to suggestions as I am not as familiar with this style boat. I read and look at all the rebuild and restoration posts to try and learn as much as I can. Some very knowledgeable and talented people on this site.

 

[Gelcoater]

I/O's behind hp live in small boats, they break in big boats. You could build a 750hp jet or a 450hp I/O and go the very same speed.

Perhaps, but which one would win a drag race?

From what I'm reading the OP wants to ruin V drives and the like on a little lake.
He doesn't need "fast" he needs quick.

I always lke the eliminator 20 for a jet boat

And if the OP looks around maybe he can find an Elim 20 Sport tunnel. That would be a cool, quick jet boat.

 

[guest hs]

Don’t leave out the Centurion 21 same hull as the Dimarco I have owned 3 of these over the years great boat!

 

[wzuber]

I have no issues doing work, in fact I bought my Advantage as a project and have brought that thing back to life with no knowledge of boats. I used to build cars and drag race so I like projects. Getting into the boat thing has been fun and I have learned so much just getting my advantage lake worthy. I am only looking at the day cruiser style hull because I know my wife would not even get in a flat bottom style boat or let our kids ride in it LOL. Like I said though I am open to suggestions as I am not as familiar with this style boat. I read and look at all the rebuild and restoration posts to try and learn as much as I can. Some very knowledgeable and talented people on this site.

Your racing history will serve you well then for your stated goals. Since you already have an Advantage why not make it a pair and look into their 18' super cyclone (very successful in circle boat racing) or a Rogers 18' S.C., 19' tr. or their 20' mini-cruiser (more rare but they are out there)

 

[wzuber]

A "winger" or more formally known as a gull wing style hull such a California Performance (C.P.), Rouse, or one of the many splashes of the C.P. would certainly make a great lake hot rod/drag toy. Very quick, stable and versatile and may fit into his stated budget without being a thrashed pos hull. With a $5K hull budget I think it's pretty reasonable to find one of those with a hull in good cond., with a correct intake setup and possibly even a decent pump in it. True tunnel hulls seem to come with a bit higher price tag for obvious reasons.

 

[nameisbond]

V-drive or even an outboard will work much better with the size and hull you'd be safe on Tahoe with. Jets or more river boats and can get in trouble being past by a wake boat or similar. Jet works best with low freeboard and flat bottom. Lakes and jet boats unless its a calm lake, like a river. I made the mistake of having my 18ft jet on Shasta.

 

[RiverDave]

Spectra, DiMarco, Howard 21, all the same. Those are gonna be period correct day cruisers and will work fine with a jet and 750hp. If you want a jet that rides good and actually goes fast then I’d look for a 21 Daytona. A Cougar. A California Performance. A place craft. An Ultra. Those aren’t going to be as cheap as what you posted however.


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This..

If you are going to get the spectra make sure it’s a full stringer boat and not a motorbox. I had this debate before with another member.. but anything pre 75 should be full stringer to my knowledge.

 

[hallett21]

Another two if your dead set on jet would be an 18 or 19 spectra. Idk how I'd feel about them on Tahoe though


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[Maw]

Don't suppose you're interested in picking up a project boat and finishing it off this winter?

My youngest son has all but abandoned my 1974 Spectra that he started working on 5 years ago.

Four stringer boat, glass tanks have been pulled out to make room for new aluminum ones (not purchased yet).

Pump is a Berkley with droop and Jet-O-Vator. Built by MPD in Costa Mesa 5-6 years ago, big input shaft, stainless AA impeller, loader, stuffer , . . .

Motor is a 454 4 bolt, 7:1 forged TRW blower pistons, aftermarket rods, rect port heads, solid roller blower/turbo cam, Mallory magneto, Dually pan, . . . With a Performer RPM and Holley 850 it produced around 500 HP at 6000 RPM on 87 octane fuel (have the sheet somewhere around here). But it was built for boost. I have both 6-71 or TT (PFM) kits to go with it. Your choice. EFI/Enderle on the blower and intercooled EFI on the TT.

No interior. In primer and have the paint (AwlGrip) if you want to stay with the colors I bought (red/white, the original colors).

I believe we picked up new gauges and have the set laying around somewhere.

Had the trailer "rebuilt" by Hampton's maybe 8 years ago. All that remained were the axles, basically he built a new trailer around them.

PM me if you're interested.

Sorry if I turned the thread into a personal spam.

Cheers

 

[AzGeo]

Power, VS weight, VS higher freeboard , look at Southwind 20's, or Dana 20's, for a good running jet boat that will carry people .

The bottom is "canoe shaped", and it keeps the pump loaded, while not "rolling over" in sharp turns .

The Dana's are 4 stringer boats (built by Smiley Sanchez), and will handle well over 1400 HP, or a short trip thru the campfire .

The Southwind's are older and cheaper, but were built light and may have problems (without glasswork) holding their shape and resisting cracks .

You could probably find a Dana 20', 1986 or newer (new style deck) with a Berkeley and on a nice custom trailer, for less than many older boats of less performance .

There was a guy on here ' "faster jet boat", who ran one of these, fast .

Good luck ..............

(edit) here are a couple of pix, showing the hull size and shape . These are V-drive and O/B, but you get the idea of the size .

 

[AzGeo]

This f-ing web site . I tried to remove the double photos and they remain .......

 

[RACER J]

I/O's behind hp live in small boats, they break in big boats. You could build a 750hp jet or a 450hp I/O and go the very same speed.

You're joking right? A jet would take 300hp more to run the same speed as an I/O ? Wow!!

 

[RiverDave]

Don't suppose you're interested in picking up a project boat and finishing it off this winter?

My youngest son has all but abandoned my 1974 Spectra that he started working on 5 years ago.

Four stringer boat, glass tanks have been pulled out to make room for new aluminum ones (not purchased yet).

Pump is a Berkley with droop and Jet-O-Vator. Built by MPD in Costa Mesa 5-6 years ago, big input shaft, stainless AA impeller, loader, stuffer , . . .

Motor is a 454 4 bolt, 7:1 forged TRW blower pistons, aftermarket rods, rect port heads, solid roller blower/turbo cam, Mallory magneto, Dually pan, . . . With a Performer RPM and Holley 850 it produced around 500 HP at 6000 RPM on 87 octane fuel (have the sheet somewhere around here). But it was built for boost. I have both 6-71 or TT (PFM) kits to go with it. Your choice. EFI/Enderle on the blower and intercooled EFI on the TT.

No interior. In primer and have the paint (AwlGrip) if you want to stay with the colors I bought (red/white, the original colors).

I believe we picked up new gauges and have the set laying around somewhere.

Had the trailer "rebuilt" by Hampton's maybe 8 years ago. All that remained were the axles, basically he built a new trailer around them.

PM me if you're interested.

Sorry if I turned the thread into a personal spam.

Cheers

Sounds like a great project for someone Mark!

 

[rrrr]

I remember back in 2008 Sportin' Wood sold his 21' Hallett for $5K. It was a beautiful boat, cream color with faux wood on the raised deck, 454 with a Berkeley jet.

It might have been the market at the time, but I thought it was a shame they didn't get more for the boat. It was in fantastic condition, everything worked and it rode really nice on the river.

So what's the current market price for a '79 Hallett 21' minicruiser in that condition?

 

[norcalLmo]

If you're "dead-set" on a jet "project" go to Craigslist Mohave and do a search for SCHIADA You'll find a 1974 22' Schiada jet w/o motor It belonged to a really nice guy (I think his name was Mark) used to see him a lot running the Sacramento Delta He had a 502 in it Looks like someone got his boat and pulled the motor but everything else is there. Last time I saw it he just had the interior redone. If you're going for a jet the 22' Schiada would be a great way to go

 

[RiverDave]

If you're "dead-set" on a jet "project" go to Craigslist Mohave and do a search for SCHIADA You'll find a 1974 22' Schiada jet w/o motor It belonged to a really nice guy (I think his name was Mark) used to see him a lot running the Sacramento Delta He had a 502 in it Looks like someone got his boat and pulled the motor but everything else is there. Last time I saw it he just had the interior redone. If you're going for a jet the 22' Schiada would be a great way to go

Do you have a link to this?


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[GRADS]

A 21' jet boat on Tahoe? Don't do it. How many jet boats have you seen on Tahoe? There's a reason for that. Not to mention, throwing a big ass motor in front of a jet is like putting a Playboy Playmate in front of a dude with a 3" weiner.....which coincidentally most jet boaters have.

 

[Tahoe540]

A 21' jet boat on Tahoe? Don't do it. How many jet boats have you seen on Tahoe? There's a reason for that. Not to mention, throwing a big ass motor in front of a jet is like putting a Playboy Playmate in front of a dude with a 3" weiner.....which coincidentally most jet boaters have.

This boat is NOT for Tahoe I have a Tahoe boat. This will be for a small lake to go out and have fun on. I was hoping my 30ft boat would distract from my 2" weiner but I guess my secret is out now.

Thanks for all of the great suggestions I have been reading up on some of these models and doing my craigslist searches.

 

[milkmoney]

I will say one word " schiada" [emoji202]

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[Wheeler]

A 21' jet boat on Tahoe? Don't do it. How many jet boats have you seen on Tahoe? There's a reason for that. Not to mention, throwing a big ass motor in front of a jet is like putting a Playboy Playmate in front of a dude with a 3" weiner.....which coincidentally most jet boaters have.

 

[DrunkenSailor]

Here's a 64 Hallett V-drive that looks like a pretty cool project: 2k

https://orangecounty.craigslist.org/boa/d/64-hallett-drive/6432098115.html

Schiada Ski Racer V-drive 15k

http://www.dragboatsunlimited.com/boats_for_sale/1973_schiada_ski_racer_180.html

 

[DrunkenSailor]

That Schiada is a smoking deal. Wonder what's wrong with it?

 

[highvoltagehands]

ERY=][/GALLERY]

I have a 30 foot boat for Tahoe this is for another local lake to me called Lake Lahotan. Thanks for the responses, making a list and looking at the other choices.

Lake Lahonton is great for anything under -21' especially Jetboats. and running up East Carson River is a blast. Rangers let you do most anything, we built this bad idea in July. It was on.