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Coupeute
04-21-2011, 01:33 PM
I took this boat to Australia in 1975 and ran it in a sixty mile river race in the 6 liter class ( 366 ci ). We had to build a bigger gas tank to go the distance ( see behind seat ). Just too much fun.
Kylemenz1
04-21-2011, 01:51 PM
Thats way too cool!
DragDad
04-21-2011, 02:52 PM
Wow.. I bet you needed a bigger gas tank.. Australia is a LONG DAMNED WAY!

:drunk
Sharp Shooter
04-21-2011, 08:26 PM
That a great pic!!!!

http://www.v-drivevideo.net/pictures/albums/2/XH511T_001.jpg
NorCalRiverRat
05-16-2011, 03:26 PM
think it might be the Jet model



http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w243/mellowdays/Copy3ofPhotograph.jpg
Sharp Shooter
05-16-2011, 03:53 PM
think it might be the Jet model


The jet model was eventually named the Pantera. This ad shows the Pantera with the GT deck option.
http://www.v-drivevideo.net/pictures/albums/2/Jet_boat_ads_2_016.jpg
Coupeute
05-17-2011, 08:00 AM
It was a 1974 Hondo Sprint with a 12 degree Casale V-Drive. This set up put the engine way back because the V-Drive was under the back seat. It was a great river boat which would "turn on a dime". We had it set up for a small block or a big block.
NorCalRiverRat
05-18-2011, 09:23 AM
It was a 1974 Hondo Sprint with a 12 degree Casale V-Drive. This set up put the engine way back because the V-Drive was under the back seat. It was a great river boat which would "turn on a dime". We had it set up for a small block or a big block.

trick pic.
I looked at small block Engine placement, bench seat, gas tank & 60 mile River race, thought that all spelled jet boat. did you leave the boat downunder ?
Coupeute
05-19-2011, 01:29 PM
Yes, the boat is still down under with a friend of mine. When ever I go there, we always take it out for a run on the river especially on a Sunday morning when we can wake up the Koala bears sleeping in the eucalyptus trees by the side of the river.
NorCalRiverRat
05-19-2011, 05:20 PM
Yes, the boat is still down under with a friend of mine.


wonder if there are any "Australian" Hondo's ? Boat Splashing was very popular in California all through the 70's
Coupeute
05-19-2011, 09:44 PM
I had seen some T- decks copied and glued to existing hulls from their molds about that time. The basic California flat bottom hull configuration was not that popular there at that time in the Sydney area for river work. They preferred more of a ribbed " Clinker " design.