I just bought a Vintage Aqua Craft....

[foolsgoldxxx]

I'm new to this site and pretty much new to the boating world. I've been into hot rods for a while and ive always wanted to get an old v drive but never really pursued it. I saw this boat parked outside of a cadillac dealership and instantly the gold flake paint and the Buick nailhead in it caught my eye. I stopped and starred at this wonderful time capsule in front of me and instantly wanted it. It fired right up and the hull was perfect so i got it. Its named Bananas!!! First, Im wondering if anyone recognizes the boat or knows any history about Aqua Craft? Secondly i'd like to get it repainted ( in the original paint scheme of course) and was wondering how much that would take out of my pocket? The boat is 17 '9. Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!! Cheers, Chris

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/9409/dscn2235sl9.jpg


http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/7366/dscn2234xj2.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/8886/dscn2236sm1.jpg

[boatguy222]

Wecome to the site. Aqua-craft were build by Skip Volk in the 60's and 70's They good boat in there day and with you Nailhead it will make a good skiboat. Skip build most of his boat for marathon racing, so most of his boats were heavy.
It looks from you pictures that your boat is in pretty good shape for it's age... The gelcoat looks good, you my want to try to buff it out, and if the metalflake is coming thru the clear, you can have it re clear coated. it should be cheaper that a new paint job.

[poncho]

If i read this right nice first boat

[hm66Howard]

Welcome. Your boat is in WAY better shape than what I bought for my first project! Good score. The people here will steer you "fo-shua" in the right direction! :D

[RiverRacer]

Wow that is a cool piece, is there any strakes on the bottom??, that will make one cool ski boat, shouldn't take much to revive it either from the looks of it!..

[tunnelrunner]

Why the hell didnt someone build cool old boats like that down here in Aus?

What an excellent score, especially with the original nailhead!!!!

[Moneypit]

Possibly a very clean piece of history there.......The nailhead, well the nailheads were cool, but if you want to see the ultimate Nailhead, look at 63 Stevens pictures........Blown, yeah but not like you would think!......Check it out, I'm a machinist, but that nailhead has some technology, and home made parts that'll blow you away, far and above anything out there........From a "what can we do to make this blown motor run like it should"....To the unbelivable results......So trick you can't hardly hear it idle, until, "OH SHIT, DID YOU SEE THAT".......Welcome aboard to the best V drive site in the world......Ray

[LeadSledMerc]

Very cool boat you found...and a Nailhead in it also!
I've been running Nailheads in the last several hot rod cars I've built, and I yanked the hemi out of my Stevens thi swinter and dropped a Nailhead in it.

Good luck with your project and have fun!!

[dry]

Welcome to the site from another new member and by the way a Very Nice Find..........

[RiverRacer]

Why the hell didnt someone build cool old boats like that down here in Aus?

Well, I don't know about that some your shit is pretty damn impressive, there's a couple of them I'd like to have!...:cool:

[AquaCraft]

If anyone is interested in an AquaCraft; I saw this boat advertised on Craigslist today for $2900; it's located in Claremont, CA. I have no affiliation; but I wish someone would buy it soon so I won't be tempted to buy a twin for my AquaCraft.

Here is the link:

http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sgv/boa/773955949.html

I'm new to this site and pretty much new to the boating world. I've been into hot rods for a while and ive always wanted to get an old v drive but never really pursued it. I saw this boat parked outside of a cadillac dealership and instantly the gold flake paint and the Buick nailhead in it caught my eye. I stopped and starred at this wonderful time capsule in front of me and instantly wanted it. It fired right up and the hull was perfect so i got it. Its named Bananas!!! First, Im wondering if anyone recognizes the boat or knows any history about Aqua Craft? Secondly i'd like to get it repainted ( in the original paint scheme of course) and was wondering how much that would take out of my pocket? The boat is 17 '9. Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!! Cheers, Chris

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/9409/dscn2235sl9.jpg


http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/7366/dscn2234xj2.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/8886/dscn2236sm1.jpg

[RiverRacer]

Wow, wonder if it's the same guy that posted it here that he just bought it??, only one post and never heard from him sinse???, wouldn't mind having that!..

[poncho]

Man that looks like a really good deal for the money a weekend of detailing and head to the river

[tboats52]

Wow, wonder if it's the same guy that posted it here that he just bought it??, only one post and never heard from him sinse???, wouldn't mind having that!..

Sure hope his old lady didn't beat him soft for bringing it home?? Ya never know??

[AzDon]

Well-
Both guys are named Chris..... There could be dozens of reasons why this boat is being resold, beginning with "it needs work"..... Cosmetics often hint about the mechanical condition. Bad gas, no reverse, insurance cost per use (?) Lotta issues that can beat a guy down!

[boatpoor]

Ok, where is George. Is he in time out or is he still at the lake. This should be good. By the way, very cool find. Not to many like that running around.

[poncho]

WHY do you keep calling out George, are you guys friends and its just a case of busting balls or something sinister?
I happen to enjoy his responses good or bad and theres alot to be learned

[RiverRacer]

Sure hope his old lady didn't beat him soft for bringing it home?? Ya never know??

That did enter my mind, LOL..:D:D

[boatpoor]

Yes we like busting his balls and yes I too: learn from him. Sorry if it`s annoying, I`ll try to contain myself.

[gfinishline]

OK! THE SUCKING SOUND DREW ME INTO THIS THREAD! This boat is cool, what are your plans? It looks like a 'fair find' at $2900. I would need to see it in person, for more accuracy. I love the NAIL HEAD and don't mind all the old hardware used within. I personally would fabricate a "6 - 2's log" type intake for it. I also would try to purchase a 59' El Camino or a 57/58' Ranchero to tow it. I like the FLAKE STUFF!

[harlan orrin]

I'm new to this site and pretty much new to the boating world. I've been into hot rods for a while and ive always wanted to get an old v drive but never really pursued it. I saw this boat parked outside of a cadillac dealership and instantly the gold flake paint and the Buick nailhead in it caught my eye. I stopped and starred at this wonderful time capsule in front of me and instantly wanted it. It fired right up and the hull was perfect so i got it. Its named Bananas!!! First, Im wondering if anyone recognizes the boat or knows any history about Aqua Craft? Secondly i'd like to get it repainted ( in the original paint scheme of course) and was wondering how much that would take out of my pocket? The boat is 17 '9. Any information or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!!!! Cheers, Chris

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/9409/dscn2235sl9.jpg


http://img46.imageshack.us/img46/7366/dscn2234xj2.jpg

http://img87.imageshack.us/img87/8886/dscn2236sm1.jpg

I build the plug for your 18' AQUA CRAFT in '66. They were used as marathon boats, speed ski boats, and good ski boats. I also built a v-bottom on that boat and used jets and a few drives. My GIRLWATCHERS #96 was a great speed ski boat. 475 hp L-88 and a v-drive.
Harlan Orrin

[boatpoor]

Nice lines even today Mr Orrin, great job.

[poncho]

I build the plug for your 18' AQUA CRAFT in '66. They were used as marathon boats, speed ski boats, and good ski boats. I also built a v-bottom on that boat and used jets and a few drives. My GIRLWATCHERS #96 was a great speed ski boat. 475 hp L-88 and a v-drive.
Harlan Orrin
How KOOL is that