Rare mini jet boat looking for info

[Copter8]

I have a rare jet boat from the 80s looking for any information. What I know is that it is called an SOS Express. It’s a little over 10’ Long with a 70 hp Yamaha out board power head. I’ve only come across a few, supposedly an Exacutive at Donzi left the company and started making these out of Tampa FL. I’m currently restoring mine and am

 

[Copter8]

looking for any info that anyone might have.

 

[Gym]

Can't help you with any info but it's a really cool looking boat.

 

[Brendon Miller]

I'd love to see some more photos of the boat it looks like a fun little boat.
And I'm interested in how the engine is set up

 

[Copter8]

Thank you, it is a very fun boat. I'm looking forward to getting it completed. Here are some additional photos including the motor and pump.

 

[Brendon Miller]

Thanks @Copter8
I'm very interested in how the power head is connected to the jet unit
It must have a right angle drive gearbox under the motor attached to the pump? I love this boat.
It's made me want to do similar to my mini jet boat I have that I'm in the process of fixing up

 

[Copter8]

Thanks, I’d love to see what you have in them works, do you have a build thread?

As for my setup it’s a little unique. My intake grate is on the bottom, directly after the grate is my “impeller.” Mine is actually a brass corkscrew type, it pulls in the water directly from the outboard power head, then goes through the pump. The pump is a circle that then shoots out the back giving me the thrust. You can see it in the third picture I posted, I have better pictures I can add later, they’re on my old phone. I’ll add them when I can. Right now I threw a bearing or something so the corkscrew impeller is seized against the side of the intake. I’ll be getting that fixed soon, should be taking that to the mechanic hopefully this week. Once I get it up and running I place for a new snap cover, full body wrap and I will fiberglass a new cowl induction style hood. Possibly upholstered, might take a poll on that idea. I love doing fiberglass work so all options are on the table for that. I also will be re-wiring a whole new dash with new gauges and sounds. I’m new to this forum so I’m not sure how active it is yet but all of that will be happening within the next 6 - 10 months. I will be adding new bumpers all the way around with some hydroturf work since I will sit lower than most docks. Are there any good sites to purchase hydroturf people have felt with? I haven’t bought any in years since my old stand up Kawa project.

 

[Copter8]

Also, I came across an old magazine article on eBay about these boats. I ordered them, once they arrive I will post the pictures of them for others, hopefully I will learn a bit more of the history, I’d love to confirm the Donzi story. These boats started as jet boats and were eventually changed to outboards, there are a few boats you can find on Google picture wise, I’d say maybe 10 and I’ve only come across two jet boats. Videos and picture link below.

https://www.google.com/search?q=sos...j0j4&hl=en-US&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8

 

[Weeb]

I had an 1988 funjet similar to that it was awesome. You can go full throttle, dump a 180 while keeping it floored going backwards then it will catch and shoot you back forward. Have fun.

 

[Brendon Miller]

Hey @Copter8

I don't have a build sheet yet
So far I have only been able to identify the jet unit in mine to a doen dj60 and is only rated to about 100hp
But I'm going to strip it down and see if there is any room for upgrades and possible power upgrades.
The boat originally had a 202ci straight 6 in it so I'm trying to decide if I do the same or possibly get a jetski motor for it instead....
I'm going to have to make a custom front screen and love to look of the wing

Anyway I'll be interested in seeing a build thread for you and I can let you know once I start my own

 

[Copter8]

Update, The boat is currently at the mechanics. Looks like so far I have two bad bearings, right now he is stalled from getting the rest of the pump out because my drive shaft connects to my impeller shaft. He isn't sure how and there isn't away to see. I added a picture (not my boat, one I found online). Anyone ever come across a similar set up? Thanks