Mini Jet Build

[Weasel]

A recent move to South Mississippi changed my boat mission. Previously had several ski boats and a toon through the years. I find myself now too far from a reasonable body of water to get good use from the previous boats so looking to run a few skinny waters closer to the new location.

Picked up a Mini jet Avenger project and working to get it going in the rough for the rest of this season and to test the functionality of this type of boat here. If all goes well, I may tear it down this winter and fix it up nice. Hull was professionally welded and looks good but previous owners equipment installation craftsmanship is lacking in my opinion ?.

Will see how it goes. hopefully I can update along the way.

So far replaced 4 turn helm with a 270 degree unit, fit the reverse bucket cable, and modified a Hot Foot to match the Yamaha short throttle cable stroke.

Anyone have any experience pumping a little sand once in a while? ? I know sand is abrasive but never owned a jet, If a guy is careful can I expect a reasonable service life from the pump? I can imagine it getting some abuse once in a while as we tend to stir up a ruckus now and again.

 

[tdonoughue]

It really depends on the condition of the impeller. Of course, sucking up sand is not ideal, but not fatal, either (my boat still runs...). But I would think that if your impeller is chopped up it would probably be worse on it.

Got any pics of the impeller/pump?

 

[Weasel]

Made a little progress yesterday. Modified a surplus Destaco clamp handle for the reverse control. Sorta Overkill but it was available. Installed the Yamaha exhaust port through transom.

 

[Weasel]

It really depends on the condition of the impeller. Of course, sucking up sand is not ideal, but not fatal, either (my boat still runs...). But I would think that if your impeller is chopped up it would probably be worse on it.

Got any pics of the impeller/pump?

I don't have any pictures handy but when I was up in there it was in great condition right now. Also wear ring is excellent. The question is how long will it stay like that? Will avoid intentional abuse but I bet it's going to get some havock

 

[tdonoughue]

Probably something to watch, but I bet it will be fine for a while. Watch the plastic parts--they will go first, of course.

 

[Weeb]

It looks like a hot boat literally.

 

[Jgorm]

Cool!

 

[Weasel]

Pulled the engine today to finish drilling and taping the engine mounts. Previous owner had set it up and alignment is not real good. Gonna have to redo the entire mount system to get it right. Rear needs to be lower. Hopefully the coupler can hang in there for some trial running this season yet. Might tear it all apart this winter and fix it all right with a shorter pump intake and a nice interior trim.

Installed a sand trap in the cooling line and hooked up the exhaust with some temporarily foam and bungee mounts.

Fuel tank setting on that expansion foam is not good. Hope to keep from spilling gas on it. for the time being.

 

[iamcalled]

This needs a 283ci bowtie in it

 

[Weasel]

Put flooring in and re installed the seats.

Got it fired up a little. Tidied up some wiring and hoses for trial run.

Should be able to have the naming early afternoon and splashdown following.

 

[Dylan01]

Great build! I have been passively looking into buying a Jetstream boat, but I know it will spiral out of control real quick! Do you have a stomp plate for the grate? Has the 3 cylinder 1100 yamaha been worked over? I had a GP1200 back in the day that was heavily modified. If I recall, the oil injection on the third cylinder was a common failure point (which caused me a rebuild).

 

[Weasel]

Oh boy!!!!!!

 

[Weasel]

Done

 

[Weasel]

Great build! I have been passively looking into buying a Jetstream boat, but I know it will spiral out of control real quick! Do you have a stomp plate for the grate? Has the 3 cylinder 1100 yamaha been worked over? I had a GP1200 back in the day that was heavily modified. If I recall, the oil injection on the third cylinder was a common failure point (which caused me a rebuild).

No stomp plate on this one. will see how well it works here. mostly running in fairly clean water.

Don't know the history on the engine. Previous owner had collected it. did some through inspections but have not taken it apart. Have 2 Yamaha 1200's that been thinking about building into mini jets.

 

[Weasel]

Had a good day ?





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[Weasel]

Hung on a stump bout a mile downstream. Tore it up. Figured out we could sorta encourage it right or left by leaning hard to one side or the other.
Made it back through bunch a logs and stumps hammer down to skip up cross stuff without steering. It was wild. Having a ball.

 

[Weasel]

I reckon that's why most have a skid plate under the jet. Will try to fabricate one up. Also those brackets on the top of the pump appear fairly useless so I might straiten that up as well.

 

[Weasel]

Baby sitting a little Sat. Morning while my bride was looking at yard sales....

 

[biffdotorg]

Love this build, very cool!

I might recommend something padded on that metal dash, maybe a pool noodle? That next stump or shallow spot in the river could put a face into the dash. But don't let me poop on the party, as I think it would be a blast!!

 

[Weasel]

Been thinking about bending a 3/4in aluminum pipe to match profile and welding it along the tangent of the circle.