Chris Craft XK18 Surface Drive Application Advice

[rustnrot]

The next project after the F14 that we are finishing up will be a surface drive app, either this boat or a Cobalt GT500. Probably this Chris Craft.

I am soliciting advice from you all, here is what I have and where I want to go with it.

Chris Craft XK18 was originally an 18' jet drive boat with a 454 big block and jacuzzi drive. It has an 18 deg vee. I want to install a Pulse Drive surface drive and a 300 hp 3800 V6 engine in it. I will be happy with 55 mph, priority is to be different, not ultimate performance.

The existing hull has no rocker that I can see. However, it does have recesses for tabs at the transom (see pic) so methinks it may have ridden a tad bow-high with the jet. I was thinking of leaving the recesses there with no tabs, a poor-mans rocker if you will. Since I need to fill the jet hole, any ideas on a pad? Or do major construction and give the hull a proper rocker? No steps, not going there.

Lastly, I am considering this as a two seater, lengthening the front deck and have the two buckets where the rear seat is. Should also help in getting weight rearward.

What do you all think?

Anybody that can Photoshop this to a two-seater? I have other pics that may be better to work with.

Thanks in advance, ya'll.

For more pics...

http://s104.photobucket.com/albums/m178/rustnrot/Chris%20Craft%20XK18/

[Mercrewser]

just my 2 cents but....... that is a very rare and collectable boat. Are you sure you want to modify it that drastically?

[sweet 16 1966]

Lil late for that would'nt ya say?
What was the build number for such a boat.

[rustnrot]

I think 100 and some odd built. Too late for putting a jet back in (it actually never had an engine in it when I got it and the jet was in pieces if that makes you guys feel any better). Now if one of ya'll wants to put a jet back in it, make me an offer and "rescue" this boat.

Not too late as far as I'm concerned to keep it a four seater though. Still thinking about that one. But the more of these I do I have to keep raising the "challenge" bar or why bother. That is why I really want to do a surface drive, never did one before.

[TXDONZI]

How about a v-drive?

[Mercrewser]

Already done with my 19'





http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e148/Mercrewser/100_0400.jpg

[sweet 16 1966]

Time to use up the surface drive.

[rustnrot]

Agreed

I have more than one of these drives actually, one for the XK18 and one for the Cobalt GT500. And a selection of ZF trans with diff ratios and props-on-the-shelf I hope to be able to dial-in with.