Project started--73 X-18 Jet [Archive]

ITTLFLI

05-02-2008, 09:51 AM

So dad bought this 1973 X-18 Berkely Jet last fall. She is usable in it's current form but obviously I want to try and bring it back to original. He just stored it all winter as we really don't have a place to work on our boats inside.

So...we were talking about AOTH and I asked him if he was going to do anything to his "X"? He kind of acted like he had too many other things going on so I said if he dropped it off at my house I would at least pull some maintenance on it!

Well....the maintenance turned into a decision to sand off the ugly 3 tone middle stripe someone had painted on this thing at some point. I am also doing a wet sand and buff restoration on the white gel coat.

Here are some progress pics.
Hopefully it will be done by AOTH otherwise she will be there bearing the name..."Work In Progress"...

The Hedgehog

05-02-2008, 10:09 AM

Cool!

Are you noticing any fade in the location of the paint stripe?

I have been there. I found the fade to be slightly noticeable for a few weeks then it went away.

MOP

05-02-2008, 10:16 AM

Nice project sounds like it will turn out good, the jet is a fun ride. I mouched a ride up at 1K I was amazed how you could throw the boat around, it was super stable. Note the owner said it put him in the poor house fuel wise, the jets guzzle gas like crazy!

Morgan's Cloud

05-02-2008, 11:39 AM

Very cool little boat !

ITTLFLI

05-02-2008, 11:49 AM

Cool!
Are you noticing any fade in the location of the paint stripe?
I have been there. I found the fade to be slightly noticeable for a few weeks then it went away.

There was just a hint of fade. I was able to sand/buff it out though.

Tonights goal is to get the whole deck prepped with 800 then paint the stripe on. After the stripe is done the gel will get 1000, 1500, then 2000. I will then cut it with wizards turbo cut then seal and polish it with wizards. Should come out real nice.

Yeah...dad has had and still has his jets from the 70's. In fact my first 2 years were spent on a Sanger jet. He knows they love the fuel!!!! But they are cool! :wink:

Sam

05-02-2008, 12:30 PM

Tell your dad to get rid of a few of his wrecks :tongue: and maybe he would have some room to work on a boat. All kidding aside tell "Pop's" I want to fly co-pilot with him at AOTH. Good luck with the wet sanding, maybe we can do mine in the parking lot :yes: .

samjannarone

05-02-2008, 02:59 PM

You guys have a real cool boat, the jet looks wild. What a combo. Kind of like a waverunner on steroids, I would think. Are you doing the sanding with random orbit and discs or by hand? The hatch looks good already.

catch 22

05-02-2008, 04:58 PM

What kind of power does it have. I have never seen one with a jet in person. Very cool boat.

ITTLFLI

05-02-2008, 05:26 PM

Tell your dad to get rid of a few of his wrecks :tongue: and maybe he would have some room to work on a boat. .

Preachin' to the chior!!!

It has a 454(unknown variety)and a Berkley jet with a Place Diverter. She will throw a ROOST!!

ITTLFLI

05-02-2008, 05:28 PM

roadtrip se

05-04-2008, 11:18 AM

Do you remember that X-18 with the bass buggie seats that floated on the other side of the Jamestown restraunt for a couple of years during AOTH? Now, if someone showed up with that beauty for the run, we would have a true WIP boat.

I say bring it, because at least it IS a true work in progress!

Saw one run in the 1000 Islands a few years back. Totally cool, if you like a nice rooster.

tamburello

05-04-2008, 02:04 PM

Very cool. Looks like a fun project. I hope you bring it down to AOTH. No need to bring spray detailer this year, I'll just run behind your boat to wash off the road grime from the trip down.

- Jeff

DONZI

05-04-2008, 02:19 PM

Great Father/Son project ! :smash:
It could mean a lot to you someday down the road.
Look forward to the running shot's.

Saw one run in the 1000 Islands a few years back. Totally cool, if you like a nice rooster.
Luv that boat !

http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/42838/2610035490101021175S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2610035490101021175fkAxYm)

ITTLFLI

05-04-2008, 06:50 PM

Thanks guys. I took it over to dads this A.M. and masked the whole boat off. He called me around 4:00 and said she had color!!!

Now...either way this "beaut" is W.I.P. It desperately needs the correct X-18 interior!! Can anyone help with this? It needs everything!!!

I will post pics when I get some....:crossfing:

ITTLFLI

05-06-2008, 08:10 AM

here are a couple of it with color. They don't look that great but when its all shined and done it should be pretty! It should be done by early next week. :smash:

MOP

05-06-2008, 08:16 AM

Great Father/Son project ! :smash:
It could mean a lot to you someday down the road.
Look forward to the running shot's.
Luv that boat !
http://inlinethumb23.webshots.com/42838/2610035490101021175S600x600Q85.jpg (http://good-times.webshots.com/photo/2610035490101021175fkAxYm)

I had the pleasure of a ride in this boat up at 1K the handling was simply amazing!

Phil

MOP

05-06-2008, 08:20 AM

here are a couple of it with color. They don't look that great but when its all shined and done it should be pretty! It should be done by early next week. :smash:

Very nice looks like it will come out like new, dad must have a chit eating grin on! mine should be so nice!

ITTLFLI

05-13-2008, 06:49 AM

Well the weather finally cooperated with me last night and I got a chance to buff it out. There is still some work to be done but it's at least presentable now!

samjannarone

05-13-2008, 07:20 AM

ITTLFLI

05-13-2008, 07:37 AM

ITTLFLI,

Real nice buff job- did you use wool pads or sponges? I see a wool one by the hatch. Is there wax on the deck or buff only so far? Read about the Wizards, seems like good stuff. Again, deck looks great.

Thanks!

I used a wool pad for the wizards turbo cut. That is what you see in the pics. After these pics were taken I used a sponge pad and applied wizards shine master polish and breathable sealant. Seeing as though I am in a rush there will be areas I can get even better as time goes on! The paint was done outside so there is some additional wet sanding that needs to be done on the black to sand out some debris but it will work for now!

hot shot

05-13-2008, 05:15 PM

Nice work byron, we sell a ton of wizard products, I'll bet your dad is grinnin from ear to ear. see ya soon mick:propeller:

RetroBoats

01-11-2009, 09:40 PM

Lenny

01-12-2009, 09:26 AM

Retro, your number is ??? DMR18.......X ???

RetroBoats

01-12-2009, 10:00 AM

Nope....hull ID says CX18J-B455

Got some pitures of it someplace this all I can find at the moment.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42017&d=1231776303 (http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42017&d=1231776303)

FISHIN SUCKS

01-12-2009, 04:01 PM

TOOOO COOOL!!! I love squirt boats. looking forward to seeing more pix Retro. I missed my opportunity to ride in Larry's (ittlfli's dad) boat at AOTH. I may be wrong, but I thought Byron said the speed was around 45-50, but the 455 was tired if not mistaken.

ITTLFLI

01-12-2009, 04:08 PM

I've got 1973 18X like yours with a Olds 455. Factory tag say Olds 455 and Berkley jet drive. My seats look the same.

What speeds did you get out of yours ?? Mine isn't dialed in and I'm getting ~ 50 MPH.

Wonder how far apart our serial numbers are.

I'll try to post some pictures later.

Very cool! I am not to sure what sort of speeds he is getting. We never gps'd it. I will tell you it felt like we were going nowhere compared to my 22!:eek: He(we) never bought it with the intention of making it a speed demon. They are fun-cool-rare boats! His still needs some love but he has other priorities at the moment...like john deeres, 64 tbird, 72 corvette, and his 427 cobra replica.....:kingme::nilly:

ITTLFLI

01-12-2009, 04:10 PM

So it looks like we know of 3 of these factory equipped X-18 jets! Cool!:thewave:

ITTLFLI

01-12-2009, 04:11 PM

BUIZILLA

01-12-2009, 06:08 PM

is it an Olds 455 or Buick 455 ?

RetroBoats

01-12-2009, 07:31 PM

It's a Olds 455...I'm guessing the B455 = Berkely 455. There are some other serial numbers on the ID tag....I'll check them tomorrow. Arizona issues their own numbers, so that is useless. No numbers that I can find on the pump.

I bought it early last year. The owner owned it for 22 years and didn't really want to sell it. He brought to AZ from Chicago years ago....never seen another 18X Donzi around here. It has a sticker on the transom from Jet Specialties....previous owner said it had the sticker on it when he bought. Wonder if they are still in business.

Would like to get in the mid 60's with it speed wise. There are a lot of fast jets out here and it's embarassing.

ITTLFLI

01-12-2009, 09:03 PM

Lenny

01-12-2009, 10:08 PM

What still kills me is that the windshield on the X's was "Standard equipment" and yet we know of only a couple that have 'em.

Donzi Racer

01-12-2009, 10:30 PM

Yeah...you all out there have preserved the old squirt boats! I love them! My dad still has his 1974 Sanger Super Jet, a Hawaiian 19 Jet, and a retired 1/4 mile Sanger Competition Hydro V-drive:shocking:.

I think I found this on here but I will post it again. It is the price sheet from 1972 which gives some clarification as to what the options were back then!

That is strange that the windshield shows as standard. I have only seen the x-18 we had with a windshield.

That regular 18 2 plus 3 w/jet shown on this site earlier had what looks like the same windshield we had.

As far as interior, I saw Forrest was selling his x-18 and his seats look great. Maybe he would know someone that could do a set for you. Also Apollo has a nice set for the X and might know someone that could duplicate them. He is in the boat brokerage business in Mobile Ala. He is registered here on the registry.

I thought I rememberred the black x-18 jet had a 454 engine in it?

I loved it when it was for sale in Minn. Now it is looking like brand new or better! Very Very Nice! Just remember who was # 3 on that purchase list after Lenny & you were # 1 & 2. Keep that in mind when Dad is ready for it to go down the road. ha ha Enjoyed this thread. I just missed it at AOTH. Tell Dad I need a ride this year. Tom

Donzi Racer

01-12-2009, 11:02 PM

Lenny, that is funny you and I look at all that info and we both see the Windshield Standard about the same time. I was trying to find a way to reduce the size of the pic I added, otherwise we would have posted within a minute of each other. I hope you are enjoy seeing what is being done with the beauty, as much as me. I am not sorry I missed it anymore. It is really looking great. Tom

ITTLFLI

01-13-2009, 07:18 AM

That is strange that the windshield shows as standard. I have only seen the x-18 we had with a windshield.

That regular 18 2 plus 3 w/jet shown on this site earlier had what looks like the same windshield we had.

As far as interior, I saw Forrest was selling his x-18 and his seats look great. Maybe he would know someone that could do a set for you. Also Apollo has a nice set for the X and might know someone that could duplicate them. He is in the boat brokerage business in Mobile Ala. He is registered here on the registry.

I thought I rememberred the black x-18 jet had a 454 engine in it?

I loved it when it was for sale in Minn. Now it is looking like brand new or better! Very Very Nice! Just remember who was # 3 on that purchase list after Lenny & you were # 1 & 2. Keep that in mind when Dad is ready for it to go down the road. ha ha Enjoyed this thread. I just missed it at AOTH. Tell Dad I need a ride this year. Tom

I will check with those folks on the seats.

Thanks for the compliments! Yes dads has a 454 in it.

Does anyone know if the 454 BBC would have been an option in 1973? My dad has been itching to put an Olds 455 in a boat. If it would take the X back closer to original I bet he would do it!

RetroBoats

01-13-2009, 09:27 AM

A lot of Olds developed issues because they had problems with oil flow. I would suspect it was replaced with the Chevy at some point in it's life. Also I was told the Olds and Berkley jet drives were sold as a package back in the day and that is why there are so many of them.

About 5~6 years ago a friend of a friend found a 1972 originial owner Hornet about 1/4 from my house. I checked it out for him. Turns out it was super clean and had a 350 LT1 Corvette motor. I didn't see that on the option list or is that the Mercruiser option.

Only other numbers on the tag are the engine and jet serial numbers. Somehow I think lost the pictures I had of the boat....this is the only other one I have at the moment.

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42027&d=1231860374 (http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42027&d=1231860374)

RetroBoats

01-13-2009, 09:00 PM

Found a few

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42035&d=1231902019 (http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42035&d=1231902019)

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42036&d=1231902019 (http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42036&d=1231902019)

http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42037&d=1231902019 (http://www.donzi.net/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=42037&d=1231902019)

gero1

01-13-2009, 09:08 PM

looks like it has 2 fuel tanks, true???

Donziweasel

01-14-2009, 07:12 AM

A very cool squirt pic-

http://i176.photobucket.com/albums/w190/johnnyalltrans/donzijet.jpg

ITTLFLI

01-14-2009, 07:46 AM

Very nice looking!

My dads has 2 tanks as well. :yes:

FISHIN SUCKS

01-14-2009, 08:45 AM

I want one!

glashole

01-14-2009, 08:49 AM

I always thought that the extra stainless fitting would be for a pump-out

does this not have a head?

RetroBoats

01-14-2009, 09:39 AM

I always thought that the extra stainless fitting would be for a pump-out does this not have a head?

What fitting are you talking about ??

Yes, the boat has two tanks. Will check the s/n numbers.

ITTLFLI

01-14-2009, 11:32 AM

Would DMR446331773 be a good HID?

RetroBoats

01-14-2009, 12:38 PM

The Berkley S/N on the hull ID tag and the Berkley Jet housing jive....they are the same. I don't know where the S/N's on the Olds engine are. The motor very close to the rear seat, so it's hard to get in there to see.

BUIZILLA

01-14-2009, 12:48 PM

what letter is cast into the front top of the block, adjacent to the oil filler tube ?

these are good sources for info

www.realoldspower.com (http://www.realoldspower.com)

www.442.com (http://www.442.com)

ITTLFLI

01-14-2009, 01:22 PM

What engine/pump are in it? S/N's on them?

Motor is: 14015445...454.......78-90...2 or 4 bolt

The boat is at the house in Cumberland and do not have record of the pump numbers on file.....

RetroBoats

01-14-2009, 04:08 PM

What jet #'s do you have ??

RetroBoats

01-15-2009, 01:50 PM

Numbers on the hull ID tag and engine pad on drivers side don't jive. Wondering if that is the Olds/GM number on the block and Donzi stamped it some place else ?? Anyone have any info about this ??

Engine could have been replaced at some point in time.

RetroBoats

01-27-2009, 10:13 AM

Bump....another have any other pictures of a jet 18X ??

Lenny

01-27-2009, 04:46 PM

There is a BEAUTIFUL baby blue X-18 jet in Colorado. I have not seen or heard from the fella in about 6-7 years. The old "Registry" does not seem to work (for me) anymore so I can not link the pics for you, nor find em. I have the pics of this particular boat all over the shop wall, so it did exist. :yes:

ITTLFLI

04-09-2009, 07:06 AM

Started the power transplant last night:wrench: This is the engine that came out What an ugly peice! :drinkbeer:

mattyboy

04-09-2009, 08:04 AM

neat project, a rare uncommon boat, I like it :)

hard candy is one of my favorite all time classics

FISHIN SUCKS

04-09-2009, 10:11 AM

I love that Jet! Can't wait to see how she performs after a fresh Byron/Larry treatment:yes::yes:!

ITTLFLI

04-09-2009, 07:37 PM

Thanks guys....Its just getting a standard 330hp/454...really...it is. Kinda dissappointing but its dads boat and he makes the calls. I guess he's "been there done that"..already. I grew up on his blown sanger jet ;)

ITTLFLI

04-09-2009, 07:38 PM

I still need some X-18 front buckets......if anyone knows of any...:garfield:

FISHIN SUCKS

04-10-2009, 06:59 AM

cough cough bull**** cough cough..
DITTO!!!

So no O/T pipes or anything??? Granted, O/T pipes would look a little redneck-ish on a boat like that. But no mods at all........c'mon

ITTLFLI

04-10-2009, 07:06 AM

I have no authority fellas! Well sort of.....He asked if he could put my original 454 out of my 1994 Classic. I'm okay with that I suppose.....Gen V 454 Mag still factory sealed.....kinda lame huh:rolleyes:? Tell him when you see it at AOTH!:kingme:

I guess we always have my boat and my brothers blown502 powerplay if we wanna go fast...:biggrin: Or we could always break out dads hydro....(sorry for the crappy pic....it has become a storage table:frown:

FISHIN SUCKS

04-10-2009, 07:13 AM

What's with the crappy pic..........looks like a storage table.

Is that your sanger next to it in the photo? Boy would I love to go play with either one of those........wanna trade for a day?

ITTLFLI

04-10-2009, 07:26 AM

What's with the crappy pic..........looks like a storage table.
Is that your sanger next to it in the photo? Boy would I love to go play with either one of those........wanna trade for a day?

Thought the pic i had was in the garage with crap all over it with just the engine sticking out! Ha!

Thats dads Sanger SuperJet next to it. Yes...he still has it! My sanger is sitting out in the weather waiting for me to save it!

FISHIN SUCKS

04-10-2009, 07:44 AM

My sanger is sitting out in the weather waiting for me to save it!
You're a 'bad dad'! What kind of father would leave their Sanger out in the cold??? You should be ashamed of yourself. My neighbor's bayliner gets better treatment than that. And to think.........you probably gave a ford garage space over the Sanger.........shame shame shame!

ITTLFLI

04-22-2009, 07:17 AM

You're a 'bad dad'! What kind of father would leave their Sanger out in the cold??? You should be ashamed of yourself. My neighbor's bayliner gets better treatment than that. And to think.........you probably gave a ford garage space over the Sanger.........shame shame shame!
HA! It really is a shame! I should do something about it!
Here is the "new" (gen V 454 Mag) motor getting mocked up for install. Thinking about doing braided line or at least pushloc line.
Dad wants to leave the stock valve covers but I think if we could find a set of "flagship' ones it would be vintage cool!
I think we discovered we need a Gen V/VI "jet boat oil pan. The stock one will hit the bolts on the jet pump!:frown:

FISHIN SUCKS

04-22-2009, 07:36 AM

HA! It really is a shame! I should do something about it!
Here is the "new" (gen V 454 Mag) motor getting mocked up for install. Thinking about doing braided line or at least pushloc line.
Dad wants to leave the stock valve covers but I think if we could find a set of "flagship' ones it would be vintage cool!
I think we discovered we need a Gen V/VI "jet boat oil pan. The stock one will hit the bolts on the jet pump!:frown:
Oooooooooh, I like the Flagships A LOT! Do that, do that!

Just Say N20

04-22-2009, 09:54 AM

DITTO!!!
So no O/T pipes or anything??? Granted, O/T pipes would look a little redneck-ish on a boat like that. But no mods at all........c'mon

Those flagship V8 headers look like they could almost be O/T!

FISHIN SUCKS

04-22-2009, 05:19 PM

Those flagship V8 headers look like they could almost be O/T!
You know, taking a second look, I think you're right! So the redneck part would be if you cut holes in the deck to clear the Flagships to run through the transom:nilly::confused::bonk:

gero1

04-22-2009, 09:52 PM

its going to have a jet-o-vater right!!!!!! nutting better than a donzi with a rooster. bring the hydro for the dale hollow races at the end of summer, better yet bring'em both, even better bring all ya got!!!!

yeller

04-22-2009, 10:28 PM

Those flagship V8 headers look like they could almost be O/T!Keep in mind, with a jet, the engine will be several inches lower than with an sterndrive.

Easiest thing for the oil pan would be to modify it yourself. Reduce the depth, but extend the bottom all the way to the front for increased capacity. Mig or Tig would be easiest, but I've done several myself with only a gas welder.

.....and those manifolds are old school BAD ASS!!

ITTLFLI

04-23-2009, 10:39 AM

Keep in mind, with a jet, the engine will be several inches lower than with an sterndrive.

Easiest thing for the oil pan would be to modify it yourself. Reduce the depth, but extend the bottom all the way to the front for increased capacity. Mig or Tig would be easiest, but I've done several myself with only a gas welder.

.....and those manifolds are old school BAD ASS!!

True! This engine is in the BASEMENT! These headers are not even close to the hatch!

Yeah...I think we are opting to fabricate the existing pan to fit the boat.

I really like the headers/manifolds too! Its a shame you really don't see them when the motor is in the boat because the engine sits so low.