TOPIC: My turn to say hello, and show my Glass

Just picked up a 1971 Kona. 17', 1150 Merc. Not sure if there was any other model, maybe just 17' OB at the time. Kinda hard to find much on a company that is long gone.
I have heard really good things about the quality of Kona, and the boat is in really good shape.

Cool boat! Is it ready to go or are you planning any upgrades/maintenance?

The carpet, it turns out, looks to be original, and I'll change it next winter. At that time, I'll look to installing sound. Will be getting around to a ski pylon, hopefully before too long.
Mainly right now, is just run it and enjoy!

Will

Early to mid 70's, Wellcraft had 2 models of Konas in their catalog. Wish I hadn't tossed all those catalogs out when I moved years ago.

In the case of my Kona, the brand Kona was produced by JRS Fiberglass Unlimited, in Westminster, CA. Mostly Jet boats, but also this outboard. Back then, there were a lot of builders in So Cal.

Will

Willdiver,

WELCOME ABOARD. - NIFTY boat, too.

yours, satx

Thanks, Satx. I've been looking to get a boat like this for quite a while, just waiting for the right deal. This came along and I was all over it. You just don't find these things often. The hull is in really really good condition, the vinyl is clean (origional!). There are a few challenges. I almost lost a wheel from a toasted bearing, but now have all new (not a difficult task) and I just tonight got done replacing the origional fuel line (didn't enjoy that job.)- overall, I'm loving the boat owner experience. Next week, I'm gonna ski thus girl! Time for the fun part.

Will

Will,

Your Kona is my Regatta. Mine is the smoothest handling boat I've ever driven and the ski ride is superb . Unfortunately, mine is in less than good shape and is in for some restoration this summer. Although I know it needs transom work I'm beginning to suspect that there is more in store. I am looking forward to the restoration which will probably cost more than the boat in the beginning.

Welcome to the group from another new guy.

sportivo

When I picked up the boat, the engine cowl only had 2 of the 3 latches. the "hook" of the latch screws into a black nylon bushing, and didnt take long for another to break.
A little lath time, and I'm back to having latches!

Will

[image /] I am a new member who recently picked up a 1973 Kona 16 foot with a 115 Johnson.
According to the plate on the transom this one was made in Westminster California. How it got to central Kentucky is a mystery.
If anyone has any pictures of the original interior that would be greatly appreciated. New interior has to be done on this one!
Jerry

[file/] [file/] [file/]

Sorry I am having trouble getting pictures to post

Try again

There's a Kona thread here: www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?321302-Kona

A general discussion of Tahiti Boats here: www.screamandfly.com/showthread.php?163850-Tahiti

So it's a long and convoluted story, but ... Seems that Glastron came up with that Deep Vee configuration. They did not patent it or copyright it or protect it in any way... So some enterprising builder "splashed" the hull and started making boats. Others built the Lo-Pro deck arrangement, etc.

All those So-Cal builder were copying stuff from each other and trying new ideas, refinements, etc. The basic hull shape is Glastrons. They actual boat is prolly a mod'd version of either a Tahiti, or a So-Cal Sidewinder ...

I have a built in White City Oregon Marlin, much like yours, but not in as good a shape. Next years hot-rod project ...

Yours is a lovely boat. Have fun. That one's a keeper for sure