Classic Jet BoatMake:- Dowty 146 Turbo-craft In production from 1959 to 1965 Unfinished project Work carried out so far:- New ply deckingNew bearing seals on jetFitted Rover V8 re- conditioned engine (will most defiantly shift along a bit)Fly wheel for prop shaft fitted by engineer.Hull repainted but has been standing for a few months under canvass and will be cleaned off. All it needs to finish is a rewire and a cooling system fitted. All original steering mechanism, reverse gear and control panel.
Turbocraft Boats
Sorry can't help you but my first boat was a Dowty Turbocraft - straight six marinised Ford Zephyr engine of about 85hp and a jet drive. I recovered her from the bottom of the harbour at Tarbert Loch Fyne and completely rebuilt her. She was old then and that was in the early eighties. The Dowty Turbojet boat hull was built by H. Attril & Sons (IoW) Ltd (under licence to Dowty, Gloucester), on the Isle of Wight in the 1950’s to 1960’s and was a revelation, it was also a reasonably expensive boat at £789, which makes it at todays value worth £22888.09.
Original maintenance manual Trailer included not great but is fit for purpose. Please do not contact me with any questions as I am selling for a mate who does not do computers but is a very clever mechanic.He is selling due to lack of time because of two series one Landrover projects.Please call Mick on:-93 For questions and further general information, clarification on the work carried outside far and what exactly needs to be done and how to finish this rare project boat.Thanks.
CategoryJet BoatsLength18.0Posted Over 1 MonthGoogle Turbocraft and learn about these first American Jet Boats. Real innovators for the time and very exclusive. Kennedy owned one. Nikita Kruschev ordered one but may never have recieved it due to embargo. James Bond's girlfriend had a Turbocraft in the movies. Supposed to run in three inches of water but six is more realistic.
Look for pictures on google of prototypes running the rapids of the Colorado River. Has a three stage Hamilton Pump which is a premium brand even on new Jet Boats. Powered by famous Intercepter marine power. Ideal restoration project but could be usable with much patina with relatively little financial investment. The transom is rock solid. The floors are not. Floor will need fiberglass repair or possibly replaced with wood.
The stringers look good but probably need reinforcement around the motor mounts at least. All of the wood trim that touched the floor is bad also. The upholstery is brittle and cracked from age. The hull has a repair on the bottom about a foot in diameter-see pics.
Apparently someone tried out the shallow water performance and failed. The repair looks adequate but amateur. Engine turns over by hand and looks super clean and low hours from looking in the oil fill hole in the rocker cover. The starter was bad but a rebuilt one is included not installed. The generator will probably need rebuilt or replaced. It is not currently installed.
It appears to have been removed for access to the starter. It was a barn find for me years about eight years ago and it came home to my barn for another long slumber. The last sticker on the boat is 1993 I think but one for 1995 is in the dash. The jet drive had a crack when I bought it and that is why I think the previous owner parked it.
I had the drive housing welded by a pro. I can text a closeup if needed. Also, I put new bearings in the front drive housing while it was out. Impellers and wear wings looked great. Drive is installed in boat but intake grate and driveshaft are not hooked up so you can turn the drive and inspect it thoroughly. The carbs are dual Carter sidedrafts and are in need of rebuild from sitting. Parts are available as they were also used on early Corvettes and the Corvair Turbo.
The gas tank will be in need of cleaning or possible lining or replacement. The steering turns free. The throttle cable moves free but is unhooked at the carb linkage.
The cable to the spotlight is stuck. The trailer will need new tires and bearings and lights. Ideally it would be hauled to its new home on a flatbed. I am capable of installing new parts for a fee if absolutely necessary.
Boat is sold as is where is. I will answer questions to the best of my ability at 256-Eight Four Six-0831. Call or Text.
You are bidding on a classic. It is not as easy to repair as your lawnmower. Don't bid unless you are prepared to deal with such challenges or have someone to do so for you.