Looking for help with 1973 Marlin Jet boat

[tomndarali]

I am new to the forum and new to boating. I am looking at getting into classic jet boats and I have a line on buying a 1973 Marlin jet boat. The owner gave me the last registration with this information on it:
Make: Marlin
HIN/VIN: SPRMF1280373
Length:17
Year: 1973
Prop: IN
Type: RUN
Use: PL
Fuel: GA
Hull: PL

The owner said he bought the boat back in the 80s without the motor. The original Berkley Jet was with the boat. He said the last owner took the 427 out of the boat to use it in a drag car. It now has a 454 chevy motor in it.

I am going to look at the boat tomorrow after work. The owner told me that the boat has been sitting uncovered in Colorado for a few years and will need new interior. He said he would let it go for the price of the trailer. I do not know what we are talking yet, but I'm sure it will be less than $1000. I am able to turn wrenches and would do most for the work myself.

What should I be looking for in the hull as far as rot? What else can you tell me by the Hull #s.

Thanks for any input on this boat.
I hope to post some pictures after I go look at it.

Thanks
Tom

[Jetboat Jared]

make sure the floor isnt mushy and of course no holes with a motor it seems like a good deall new interior isnt to hard if you could get some pics tha would help 2

[Noah1]

I had a 1973 Marlin Tarus jet boat. Take some Pic.

[94nubble]

I recentley finished a 73 Marlin. Every bit of wood was replaced. Check out the before and after pics. Tom

[tomndarali]

What I great looking boat! What motor do you have in it?
I have not seen too many pictures of the 73 Marlin. That looks loke the one I am going to look at today after work. I will post some pictures if the weather permits. We are having some snow showers today, so I may have to postpone the trip out to check out the boat.

Thanks for the pictures.

Tom

[94nubble]

It has a 455 Olds. With a few modifications. It does about 65mph at 4500 rpm. If your not into a rebuild, I 'll sell you mine for what I have in it. $13k All the hard stuff is done.
Tom

[tomndarali]

So what do you think?
Is it worth saving?

Here are so pictures.

Tom

[tomndarali]

It has a 454 in it that has not been started in a few years.
The Good:
The hull looks like it is in good shape.
Looks like everything is there.

The Bad:
Needs complete interior redone.
The engine may need to be reringed.
I would also want to rewire the boat.
Windshield is cracked in 3 places.

So what do you all think?

Tom

[Auggie2612]

Git-R-Done.. Follow my thread on my rebuild.. Best way to put it is.. It's only money..!! Looks to be in better shape then mine.. Good luck with it..

[boatermike]

yes yes

[classicboater]

Nice rebuild on 73 Marlin 94nubble. I wish I had seen these pictures before. I have given up on my 71 Sidewinder with 455 and Berkely. I now have a 73 Bayon Daycruiser. Go for the Marlin, I wish I could keep both boats.

[94nubble]

My rebuild took me three years of "spare time" LOL. We took the Marlin totally apart. The bow was cracked and the spares where rotted. Cut the top off, new keel, floor, transom (put in 3/4" ply for towing hook), and engine rails. Then we glassed it back together. Damn that was fun. Actually gave it a tummy tuck. The aluminum bumper rail was a 1/2" to long when I went to put it back on. Weird!
The windshield was broke in three pieces. A replacement cost almost $800. So I found some adhesive for plastic that makes Supperglue look like Sillyputty, put a little bondo on it to smooth it out and painted it to match the boat. Had the frame powder coated white. I think it really gives the boat a better look than a clear windshield. Besides you don't look throught it anyway.
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