$300 Jet Boat First Ride In 16 Years. Will It Float?

[@riccochet704]

I would grind that marinetex out and do an actual fiberglass repair. That keel is going to continue to crack otherwise. That's a structural part of the boat that takes a literal pounding by the water. Grind it out with a die grinder and sand down some perimeter gel coat till you hit good fiberglass. Fill the void with chop glass and resin, then layer on alternating directions of woven glass. Do that until you build the shape back up. Let it cure then sand it to final shape. Then tape off area a little bigger than the repair and shoot it with gel coat & MEK. Let that cure, sand and buff. Sounds like a lot of work, but it's something you want done right. The way it is now worst case you come down on a wake and splits wide open sinking the boat.

[@davidrose3830]

A total bodge job. You can only repair that with fibre glass.

[@riccochet704]

@@davidrose3830 Pretty much. Marinetex is fine if you only chip off some gel coat. But any time the fiberglass is compromised it needs to be fixed with fiberglass.

[@sprintcarsandguitars959]

@@davidrose3830 fiberglass n matt,that;s how they lay up the hulls too.

[@blythdunlap8408]

@@davidrose3830 100%

[@motomallen]

I'd also be tempted to glass in about an 18-inch piece of rebar inside just for extra strength.

[@basilbrushbooshieboosh5302]

Do you know, for that crack you should ditch the water inside, let the inside dry thoroughly and blow it full dry with a heater fan or hairdryer, then grind inside and out till you've got good surfaces to work with. Only then should you be fixing the epoxy putty, or glassing it, or both. But as you saw, that spot on the hull needs something like a glassed-in reinforcement plate, because that's where you get pressure from the water slapping when the boat's hitting it's plane (substantial), and also where it hits the trailer roller (substantial), and also where it grinds on the shore when you've got it tethered for boarding/dis-boarding. And yeah, don't glue, epoxy or sikaflex onto a wet surface. It will never bond as well. A good buy on that boat mate.

[@georgehuffert1800]

It might sound extreme but that's the reason he got the boat so cheap it has to be done like you said it might be a lot of work but it definitely worth it

[@masoncross-om3oc]

This guy has no clue what gel coat even is.. ???? Sad really... ????

[@NoName-qs6ei]

FlexSeal the crack then Flextape the repair area. Done deal boys. Ain't no need to reinvent the wheel. 😂😂😂

[@pmccoy8924]

Yes. What he did was a repair to get you to the other side of the lake to the boat ramp to get it on a trailer to properly fix it with fiber. He could still sell it and triple his money as is but will be a nightmare for someone else.

[@raeanker3078]

Bargain deal you got, I think your trailer needs the rollers and skids given some attention to help support the hull properly. With the crack in the hull, drill a small hole either end of the crack, like with any material stops it spreading, flapper disc the putty off and put a good marine epoxy with some layers of glass in it, or if you’re going to flip it, putty it up and call it good.

[@jefferyholland]

After you get that keel patch done the way you want, put a keel guard on it to keep that from happening again.

[@georgehuffert1800]

I was thinking the same thing

[@chichidouglas5078]

Or just don't pull it up on shores that have rocks, shells, or pumice.

[@jarroddavis4271]

Yupppp agreed

[@tlo8646]

Agreed. I have one on my boat for preventative reasons, and for circumstances when I want to beach it

[@gman77gas]

Gator guard. Great but not cheap

[@ocavant]

A little boating 101. ALWAYS test start and check the boat while it is still on the trailer in the water. That way you don’t have reload if you have issues starting or running or God forbid a leak. You can just pull out and fix and then relaunch once it’s all good. I learned this the hard way. Haha. Congrats on another score!

[@2vintage]

The lake i go to is very shallow. I didn't want to suck up any rocks into the jet

[@notagain8661]

I worked in fiberglass for 20 years. That's just throwing lipstick on a pig. To fix it right you have to grind it out and build back with glass, then a new gel coat finish to seal it. That keel is probably 1/2" thick there and no goop on top is going to hold. The previous owner probably drill some rocks when sliding up to shore.

[@2vintage]

Just temporary fix for the first test drive

[@AL4N.]

​​@@2vintagethere is no wrong and right way to do anything. Just opinions.

[@MR-puffnstuff]

Agreed don't make work harder then easier do it right the first time. But great flip and video content thank you.

[@chichidouglas5078]

​@AL4N. That's ridiculous because every repair that fails was done wrong

[@AL4N.]

@@chichidouglas5078 That's just your opinion.

[@bobm2331]

I didn't notice a paddle. A lot of trust in the engine. Nice video, enjoyed very much.

[@paulweigle6872]

The best way to fix that crack is to start fixing front the inside. Then go to the outside. The patch you put on will work for now. You scored big with that boat. They are a blast. Great video as usual. Keep them coming. Love the fact that you are willing to try fixing anything.

[@rvmonkey1669]

After you repair the keel, they make a heavy rubber adhesive backed guard to help prevent damage to the keel when you beach the boat I applied mine 10 years ago and it’s still holding on great.

[@fromex2lsturbo]

Joe pay attention to these guys telling you how to fix that crack the CORRECT way!! Grind out all that crap you put in there, get some real resin and fiberglass! No more gimmicky bullshit products! That is a high pressure zone and requires legit repair! Great find tho!! That thing is super slick 😁🤙

[@DevinBoynton]

I like it when you do voiceovers for some of the video like this. It gives us a much better perspective of what was going through your head in that moment when we cant hear you all that well

[@bruceadams5204]

Most repairs require sawing open an access to right above the crack, dripping fiberglass resin down into crack, covering with fiberglass cloth and then a few layers back and forth of resin, glass, resin. Then put the sawed piece back in with more rezin and fiberglass. Paint over bottom repair using emron for water sealing, no primer. Several coats of emron might help, but just doing the blemish cover surface repair won't keep it from opening back up, first beaching or big wave you fly over will slap the water hard enough to increase the crack.

[@keithcrampton1438]

we are just kidding Ed because you are a fantastic mechanic and if we have a service problem with our boat we will come to you first!

[@PerformanceArt19]

Love the channel. First time commenting. I’m sure somebody has told you this by now? But just in case. Whenever you start your boat after sitting for over 24 hours you ALWAYS, open the engine hatch and then turn the blower on. In that order. If you get into the habit of turning the blower in first you will sometimes forget to open the engine bay hatch. You need that fresh air into the engine bay in order to clean out the fumes.

[@mattpouley4721]

Use 'Barkeepers Friend' in the bilge area and on the deck. Scrub it on with a little water, let it sit for 10 minutes, scrub it around a little more, then hose off with liberal amounts of water. It will remove all of those stains on the fiberglass deck and bilge like nothing. Super easy to use, very little scrubbing required.

[@jimg9942]

You might not have noticed, but the boat that passes you on the left with a water skier - at about minute 39, the guy skiing is skiing barefoot - hence the huge water spray he was creating. Cool footage!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

not bad cjef went behkbe mooon raker yaght waters jetz 30000 hp jets

[@keyper555]

Always take a paddle with you in case you need to row to shore if it quits running, also a fire extinguisher and a life jacket in case it sinks lol. But hey nice find and you got very lucky it had no major issues, sweet deal. Been boating since I was 6 yrs old, grew up on a bay in Puget Sound in the PNW, had many scary experiences on the water. always be prepared just in case. Happy boating my friend.

[@MDTAR15]

Not that we need another comment here, but this is my 2 cents worth. I think he did a great job on the boat mechanically. Thats definitely his strong suit. With that being said... Someone called his hull repair a total bodge job.....i would agree that the hull repair was not done right but i wouldn't have put the time and effort in to repairing it right until i knew the boat was sea-worthy and it would hold up on the water. Now that it is known to be a good boat....i'd grind out that temporary fix, get it back to solid fiberglass, make sure its completely dry and repair it with fiberglass as it should be. All in All...great find for 300 bucks and a nice job getting it out on the water and tested.

[@mcmoffitt]

Just a quick tip to avoid a lot of sanding. After the the patch is applied be it epoxy or resin, a sheet of waxed paper drawn tight over the area and affixed with tape will help contour the patch a push excess into the void. After curing it should pull right off.

[@martyfield694]

Waxpaper is the trick to smooth things out.

[@john50054]

If you want to remove the last little bit of water from the crack (4:55) prior to applying epoxy, wipe it down with acetone. It will mix with the water and evaporate more readily.

[@xSinisterTx]

I used Marine-Tex to repair a cracked engine block. That stuff makes JB Weld look like silly puffy!!

[@tanksalotgaming3166]

That is awesome! I would love a little tiny boat like this. Probably the only boat my tiny truck could tow lol.

[@paulbudgen1422]

Hi, in the UK and love your videos and the different kinds of machines you repair and demonstrate. I'm restoring a Triumph Spitfire from 1973 with a lot of the work based on you tube videos but in a way wish it was a motorbike as learnt so much from watching your channel! Great to see you out on the water and well, my only observation would be why not put some foam on the boat seat can't be that comfortable 😂 and some display of boat speed from a phone app or similar. We all like speed and to see what they will do.

[@Speedytrip]

I love your channel. I know nothing about boats, but I would definitely fiberglass it. For 300$, totally worth the time and effort to fix it properly. :)

[@RonaldDaub-xi5jz]

Or squeel lake a pig😂

[@gixxerofsweden9409]

Fibreglass repair is easy done and holds perfectly, nice buy there ! make some polish and some new seats and paint top of the motor and you'll get some nice cash from this one !

[@airmailman1971]

I suspect that those drains were similar to my Yamaha jetski's. They're special, acting like a check valve that draws the water out of the boat when under way but not allowing water to come back in the boat when stopped. Without them, you will need a working bilge pump. Love your video's young man - you are a go-getter.

[@donrichter9859]

If this boat was sitting for 16 years and it was full of water, there is a good chance the stringers are soft. If that's the case, you will have to remove the upper deck from the hull to access the stringers to replace them and fiberglass them to the hull. If the stringers are soft and you keep running it hitting/jumping those waves the hull will over flex and you could end up cracking the complete hull open. I would not run the boat again, until the stringers are checked.

[@timjordan3671]

Great video as always Joe! I thought that patch would have worked better than it did. Sounds like it runs great! Could you still buy new seats/ cushions for that boat? Looks like fun! .....send it! Great buy!

[@ryanjohnson1814]

Got to grind down and layers of fiberglass, that crack is likely thru, both sides, will happen again. Best to do both sides of crack. Do atleast grind down and 3 to 6 layers of fiberglass matt.

[@coxie230179]

New to your channel I’ve watched a few videos over the last couple of days seeing you work on the bikes and I have to say I’m enjoying your content so far. 👍

[@Spectre226]

I love your channel. I’m really enjoying the boat videos. Great work!

[@albertrussell4224]

i think if you epoxy the crack from the other side it will fill in much better, loving the videos, Scotland is watching.

[@Bobtowngarden]

Make sure to mix in rodadendren water with the epoxy. It makes it smell like flowers when you use it in the bath tub.

[@Riiyan]

I did one for a buddy of mine recently. Spent like 200 in stuff getting it running hit it with some acid to clean the haul and he was so excited dude dropped me 1k and ever since him and his little boy been using it a few times a month for a majority of the year. It's already been like 3 seasons and they still getting good use out of it. I had to braise a hole in one of the water exhaust manifolds and I added a brass cap with a nice fillet braise weld to make sure it never leaked.

[@Detailing849]

Always a good day when 2vintage uploads

[@paulpuglia8480]

For getting that boat next to nothing. I would spend the money and get that crack underneath done the right way. Put a little money into it. You don't have to worry about it anymore, beautiful boat bro you did a great job.

[@sandmanbub]

If/when the Marine Tex fails in the long crack after it's scraped off when the bottom makes contact with something, take a Dremmel or angle grinder and V-notch the crack so the Marine Tex will have a larger area to fill. This will help it to resist being scraped off. Might end up placing a fiberglass patch over the damaged area in the future.

[@chrisboissoneault7798]

Thee best 300 dollar boat I've ever seen. Congrats

[@rjaquaponics9266]

you need at least 7 in of foam on the seat so your don't injure your spin on the seat. If it doesn't have fix tine intake grate you can install one. Them adjust the ride plate to best speed. you should start to plane just above idle if correct. I owned a 240 hp seadoo jetboat. and had a forum to tech. You did a great job. Likely hit rocks in FoX River.

[@paulhamilton4756]

Great channel, I don't know how you put out so many great videos. I would look at that trailer and where the boat is hitting, maybe raise the bunks to keep it up higher before it hits the rollers. The speedometer pickup in the back needs to be flipped down so it can be down in the water flow. It's made to flip up if it hits something. Just senses water pressure to run the speedometer. I agree with you about working on UTVs they're a pain. Don't buy a Polaris RZR 800. Great videos, keep them coming.

[@Liesthroughisteeth]

A full scale repair involving feathering the inside and the outside down, letting things dry out and then using multiple layers of glass and resin over a fairly wide area is the only way to really deal with a crack like seen in this keel.

[@wflasales]

Marine Tex my go to for tuff jobs, very hard to sand, And I’m amazed the resin didn’t over kick usually the test it stays sticky or burns up, MEK can be an enemy

[@deliveryguy7402]

Awesome project, sir. Maybe put some bunk rollers on the trailer and lift them up so only the bottom sides of the boat touches. That will keep your keel from touching anything. And y'know a full length keel guard won't hurt. But you did a fine job and that thing is fast!

[@martyfield694]

Maybe think about checking out the impeller in the jet drive. Those are critical for getting the most out of the boat. Especially with the age of that one.

[@martychilders7754]

Good job, your a knowledgeable mechanic. Thank you for helping others. A lot of good info.

[@fhm5384]

Once you do a good fiberglass repair, get some keep tape and run that down the length of the keel. Will protect against future run ins with the beach.

[@michaelferik8060]

Hi Joe. Not much storage in the boat but I would at least purchase a collapsible oar to keep in it. Have had to use mine before, so you never know.

[@TroyRosenbaugh]

Changed out an impeller on one of those type a couple years ago for guy who beached it on a shallow island. What a nightmare!

[@walakin123]

This is a very nice boat and I'm glad you were able to bring it back to life

[@coastalcleaningandmaintena2884]

He did sell it cause of the hole Hopefully he didnt cook the impeller and I hope u inspected it by taking off the intake grate. If the fins have any dents in the. Buy a new solas or if its not to bad you can get them refurbished. But their cheap either way

[@Samalyzer45]

You need a J-Roller to smooth the carpet that you're laying with the cement. And the reason the guy sold it for $300 is that the way it sat when you bought it, it was junk. Most people would pay for someone to do the the transom repair and crack repair in the hull. That would mean sanding off the gel coat, fiberglassing an area at least a foot on either side of the keel, and re-gel coating it. The whole transom would almost need to be replaced to satisfy most, and all of that would be pricey.. But since you're willing to do a lot of work on these yourself, it's a risk worth taking.

[@michaelhager9889]

Tongue depressors work real well has a stir stick.

[@StudioOfRandom]

As someone who just got done doing what you're doing, skip the marine tek, skip the everglass reinforced filler, just go with good ol resin and glass

[@rogertrudeau4169]

When I was ready to launch my worked on boats , I would leave them on the trailer for a test run ! Engine runup shifting and the like . That way when and if ya have trouble yer not drifting around the lake .

[@mikebarriball]

SHE'S A GOOD LITTLE BOAT. YOU GOT LUCKY ON THIS ONE.

[@erocker78]

I always thought these jet boats were weird but it sure does look like fun. That thing is a rocket!

[@theupscriber65]

That boat looks fun! Consider updating the paint/graphics scheme to make it look more modern. It may make it more desirable when you sell it. But you can't go wrong with the small investment you've got in it anyway.

[@netropolis]

I would recommend reapplying the exact same late 80's retro look. It is so Tackey, it is cool. In fact, buy matching windbreaker jackets for yourself and the Mrs.

[@ocavant]

@@netropolisIt’s from the 90’s but I agree. Keep it “vintage”. Lol😂

[@gardeningfishingjimw9364]

When you glass that crack, use at least 3 good layers of fibreglass cloth and don't use the chopped stuff as it won't give you the strength required. Wish I had a boat like that for my fishing expeditions!!

[@garysandiland9045]

try fiber glass, check the passion of your, grt boat trailer supports that your boat and trailer make connection, get paddle and safety gear, fire extinguisher

[@ROTV-DanLockhart]

Very cool to watch you work and have fun when you get to take the boat out!

[@thomas7770]

Watching that thing go on the water looks super fun!

[@mattbywater7347]

Get a keel guard. That will help with the crack. Great job...your a damn good mechanic.

[@ionracer3284]

I cant believe u scored a deal like that. reminds me of my youth on lauderdale lakes in elkhorn WI. Thanx for sharin

[@kodiakyamaha8688]

Made a nice lil boat! Great work!! Love the videos!!😎

[@Rfrank566]

Joe I love the video keeps up the great video and work and do you still have your 1998 cr250

[@2vintage]

Thanks, yep still have the 98

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Cr crawling 25 fooit cabin crusrr

[@JohnRyan-o4m]

hey it looks like that crack might be a rotting keel in your frame . you will need to grind back the fiberglass to the soft wood. remove and replace rotten wood . use thickened epoxy as a filler, sand , use several layers fiberglass , sand use primer and paint. get a life jacket,, flares, fire extingusher, a throwable floatting seat, and a ankor with rhoad attached to hall

[@benschlack5814]

That's nice you can't even wait for the water to drain out of the boat B4 you put the sealer on 😂 it was literally dripping while you were applying it

[@Iseerightthruyou]

Just for future reference, when you're glueing the carpet down, let it air dry more before sticking it down. Let it get almost a brownish tint to it before laying the carpet down. The wetter it is the more the chances that glue will seep up through the carpet and you'll see it.

[@donjuan7428]

1/8” notched trowel for the carpet adhesive. Nice find.

[@simonpritchard6074]

Wow man what a bargain!! Great film about time you had some good luck! Thanks

[@johnb5519]

That damage could have bee caused by trailer mishaps. A bunk type trailer is more forgiving for driving the boat onto. Good luck with getting it fixed, it's a great find.

[@paullevesque6203]

Fiberglass hull will require a real fiberglass repair. Reinforced mesh from inside and then layered mesh/mat on outside to match existing hull. Anything less is just a temporary bandage. All soft fiberglass needs to be ground out first.

[@murraymadness4674]

Nice temp fix on the hull to test the boat on the water. $50 is a bit much for a temp fix, but then you know if you should spend more time on the rest of it (can't sell the boat with that patch!) Looks like a great deal on the boat.

[@pmccoy8924]

He can sell the boat four times what he paid for it easily even with the jury rigged patch. That entire hull needs to be cut out and re-fibered. I bet it stays like that for quite some time though. Perhaps just a hunch.

[@dominickmarge5049]

How fast does it go?

[@8bert9]

Great deal. Those mercury 2 stroke engines are the best. They are reliable and last a long time.

[@TWLML420]

That boat freaking rips dude I’ve literally always wanted a small 4 to 6 seat jet boat.

[@sharonbraselton4302]

buy yamha 192 ir 222 jet biat

[@Onewaycgarage]

im loving these boat videos keep up the great work my man

[@greathornedowl3644]

Great find, great project. congrats on getting it put together. Next up, Jade and Vinny waterskiing

[@taurota1554]

Awesome as always.thanks for sharing and taking us along

[@jhaedtler]

Years ago I had a 21 foot jet boat, 460 ford engine at 375 hp that boat scared me every time I got it over 60 mph! I did pull 8 water skiers at one time!

[@sharonbraselton4302]

chief had 22 foot d8ddonzeo cab risrr hp 65 moh plys 137 mioe rabfe 70 galone gas tank

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Di zi 2 ckisic canb cruse 575 hp. Jet v 8. Cabin cruser 65 mph

[@jasonwoolard1886]

Keel guard after grinding and glass repair with cloth..2 layers

[@kwassner]

You're normally so thoughtful and professional. You look like a DIY dope!

[@reelfishingtradition1655]

Ya I'd def put fiberglass webbing and resin on that hull crack, every time you hit a wave, the sides of the hull are gonna flex up in which thats gonna keep pulling open at that crack. Need something there to hold that crack closed when the hull flexes.

[@fstlnj29]

Do not mix on cardboard. Affects the chemical bonding. Might not make a huge difference but if you are going to go through the effort .... Enjoy the channel as most of what you mess with takes me back to my youth in Wisconsin.

[@Southalabamaoutdoors]

If you would have flipped the drain plugs housings over it would have lined up perfectly..yours are upside down also next time apply the sealant to the screws and to the back of the housing.

[@joebyedone2351]

Nice score! That’s exactly what I like to do. Fixing them up is almost more fun for me than using it. Not to mention, only way I can afford boating.😂

[@kailenpiardi2721]

Damn joe has some fine commenters keeping him safe. Good work yall!!!!

[@doug42780]

Not sure if you saw it or not. But there was some more of the white hose. On the up left side. By the vent

[@genegreear4183]

Have you seen those aluminum boat kits that you have to weld together and then install a jet ski motor onto the bottom. It showed it going down a River. Nothing stopped the darn thing. I will watch you build one. If you care to do the work.

[@sharonbraselton3135]

Yes fibergkaspne plastic version

[@bobbarmer9247]

Your videos are awesome . I wished that i could find the deals that you do . Keep up the good work😂😂😂

[@gordonwilloughby8793]

If the fiberglass is cracked under the paint I would if possible mix up some resin and pour a thin layer on the inside where the crack is hoping it will run through the crack and set up filling the crack it in from the inside too. Make sure there is no water on the inside and it is completely dry on the inside before using the resin. Add a piece of glass on the inside and outside to strengthen the repair.

[@hoosierpete]

You need to get West System and fix that crack right, especially with it being right where it rides up on the trailer.

[@blackbartbartholomew7122]

Great Vid! I always look forward to ‘em.

[@Heysupdan]

Great job! On future first drives please show the gauges!

[@timmore1]

There's a sticky keel material that's for helping keep it from getting all cracked up from running it up on shore a lot of jet skies use it

[@willmc42]

Let the glue dry opaque before applying covering. This insures adhesion to wood without any problems of glue squeezing into the fabric through the backing.

[@mikeh4686]

Nice video, and good find. Can I ask what lake you were on. Looks very familiar. Thanks

[@danielsplayhouse3804]

That definitely needs to be fiberglassed over cut open and let dry it out before you glass it. Your marine-tex is going to let go because the area is moist or even wet tell him by the drips on the trailer.

[@darrynruzicka2883]

If that thing is anything like the Yamaha Exciter, you can spin that thing like a jet ski. I think i mentioned stainless staples for marine use on something else you worked on, I see you took my advice, good on you for that. That hull needs to be glassed. Also, pop the back cap off that pump and check the impeller and wear ring along with the stator vanes. If any of that stuff is roughed up or out of spec or damaged it can play a major roll in performance.

[@tomvansoelen6557]

Where are u in WI? I'm in SoCal and miss the days on the lakes growing up in Northern WI. Can't believe how quiet a smooth that boat runs. Also it never ceases to amaze me how people will lose interest and leave a boat like that rot out in the weather. Sell it to someone cheap and let them have fun vs rotting away in your yard or storage lot.

[@tomvansoelen6557]

@OfficialVintage01-on-tele-gram what??

[@beaker2000]

You really need to fiberglass over the penetration. Build it up with the putty, sand it smooth to get the right shape, then sand off the gel coat around the damage, maybe 220 grit with a DA sander. then a couple oval shaped layers of glass over the defect and about 3" all around or more. Then you can fill the glass with more of that putty, then sand smooth, then paint the whole area. That putty isn't meant to be structural.

[@wayne7521]

Hmmm that bilge pump , air extraction , hmmm seems to be moved from original mounting .... And correct me if I'm wrong , but doesn't petrol vapour rise, in the air ... hence why we smell it ?? Just curious As when you have a gas can ,and remove lid, you can see the vapour escape ,and its seeming to slowly float upwards ....