Our new, not-so-new, 1972 Cheetah Jet Boat

[Darlotto]

We just purchased a 1972 18ft Cheetah Jet Boat. She’s in desperate need of some TLC. We plan on spending this winter getting her Spring Break ready. We got our fair share of land toys but this is our first water toy, so we are new to all of this. Unfortunately as much as we’ve searched we’ve found very little about the model. Does anyone know anything or have any experience with Cheetah boats? We’d love to get any type of information about them...the good, the bad, and the ugly.

57A0DE7D-842B-47AE-A67B-1C3214DB08EE

• Darlotto
• Oct 2, 2018
• 18ft 1972 cheetah vintage

 

[Gym]

Cool looking boat. Do you have any information on the motor or jet drive. Some of the older jetboat used standard outboard power heads.

 

[Speedling]

Pop the hood and let's peek inside!
Got a brand on the pump?

 

[bumpy]

A quick Google showed a few with Berkley pumps and big V8s; someone was talking about a tweaked 455 in one! Found this quote: " a Cheetah made by Borum High Performance Boats."

 

[Weeb]

Put a big block in and hope you have a strong grip and calm water.

 

[Darlotto]

Sorry about the delay guys, and thank you so much for your interest! The engine is a 460 Ford big block with a Berkley pump. Here’s some photos, the previous owner said it was just rebuilt. We are working on the carb now and going to try to fire her up this evening. We stripped the old carpeting and seating yesterday. We are looking at two rows of bench seating to try to ultilize what little space we have. We are really excited about this project and would love to get your feedback and ideas throughout this process!

 

[Zizzou 192]

I know nothing about that engine, boat, or jet drive....but that is one heck of a nice screwdriver!

 

[Speedling]

Check the plate on the drive to see which pump you have. Also need to see which impeller.
First get that monster 460 running! Need to match power and pump. If the 460 does run you got a benchtop dyno? Lol

 

[Gym]

After seeing that monster motor in that light boat I now know why they named it after the fastest land animal. I wanna ride.