78 Borum Jet

[tonyg11780]

Hey everyone,
Im new to the site, and would like to tap into some of the expertise I have seen on here. I recently ran across a 1978 Borum jet boat. It is 18' in length and has a BBF 460. The seating is two buckets and a bench in the back. The engine compartment is enclosed, unlike most of the jet boats I see running up and down the river here in MS. My questions are, is there anyone who knows approximately what model of boat it is? Are they known for good or bad hulls? Anything particular about the boat I should know? A kid has the boat and has no idea what he has Im afraid. Hes only asking a grand for it. The transom, floor and stringers appear very solid. Need to know if this is a project I should pass on or not....

Thanks,
Tony

[BIGA]

although not familiar with this brand i will wade in with my 2cents worth. somebody once told me that the cheapest boat i bought would be the most expensive that i ever owned. years of experience later i see the logic in this statement. the boat is 30 yrs old and at a bargain basement price, tread wisely. use the same logic as if it were a car, i would never buy it if i couldnt test drive it. if i cant drive it it is a project. do i want a project that probably will require ever part in it repaired or replaced? hope this helps good luck.

[tonyg11780]

I appreciate that. It will definitely be a project. It has all the particulars I want. It has an enclosed engine, seats four and is a jet drive. I expect to have to do some glass work, go through the engine, wiring, electrical and interior. With that being expected, the transom floor and stringers were my biggest concern. They are all very solid, so Im kinda looking for some manufacturer specific info. I have searched on here for Borum and found some pretty good info...just want some opinions. I appreciate yours....

Thanks,
Tony

[tonyg11780]

I will try to get some photos on here this afternoon if I can get by there.

[BIGA]

some do not like them but i had two mantras that had the covered engines, i really like the looks and they were much quieter. one had storage boxes on each side of the engine which i lined with foam and turned into coolers, great not to have all the totes in the passenger area, good luck on your find look forward to the pics.

[tonyg11780]

A friend of mine raced for years, and swears by the Mantra Performer hull...says there is no faster hull...

I will have two photos here in just a moment.

[tonyg11780]

try these

[tonyg11780]

There it is above....the 1000 dollar boat. Any idea what model Borum it is? Any info on it would be greatly appreciated

[tonyg11780]

And BIGA, I much prefer the enclosed engine...theres no hot exhaust to touch, no turning belts in the open...etc.

[mike bryan]

i believe borum was made in jax fl. someone on here knows about these boats.

[delawarerick]

Go for it at that price the trailor and parts are worth more. Does it turn over run? There was a member here that restored the outboard version. Rick

[bulldogdaddy]

it's a borum panther,waterslinger on here has a chetah jet with a 540 ford,i think thats what he put in it or was,he stole that boatthe only difference is the top decks,same as mine and borum18's bobcat,ours are the outboard style of the chetha. you have alot of work in front of ya but will be happy once there done,oh and btw,the hulls are built like tanks

[Shawnco00]

Tony, I just picked up a '78 borum cheetah same boat prettymuch in the two pictures on this thread. How far have you gotten with the project? im starting out square ONE with this beast. Could you post some pics of youre progress?? Mines torn down to the carpeting and SOO many things missing engine parts and half of the jet drive assy i am desperately trying to find answers to what this beast is supposed to look like. HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!

[thompy]

never seen one, but performance boat forums has a great used parts spam section, and jet boat section as well, probably get some help there, lots of traffic

[Shawnco00]

Thanks alot man ill have to check it out