1979 Sanger Picklefork

[howard25bullet]

I've been looking for a 23' Sanger Alley Cat and came across this boat that caught my eye. http://www.yachtworld.com/boats/1718815/0
Any opinion on the price, set-up, claimed mph or the boat? I've never owned a jet at this point but this looks like an interesting combination.
Thanks,
Bill

[Squirtin Thunder]

Summer excitement- 120 MPH Picklefork ready to blast you through the heat! 550 HP Jet drive. Roller rockers, Port Polished 454-60 0ver! If this doesn't change your Summer- What will? Includes custom trailer and all the power the river can handle!
120mph with 550hp not going to happen.
That boat is a Sanger Tunnel Hydro, and the best person to talk with is Sanger Rat here on Just Jets being he has one.

[79centurion]

It looks like a clean boat. It doesnt say what pump it has. I would say by the hp probably more of a 80 mph boat.
Dan

[howard25bullet]

Thanks guys for the quick responses. I'll track down Sanger Rat.
So, it's NOT a picklefork then?
Any opinion on the price?

[Squirtin Thunder]

Yes it is a pickel fork, but it has a tunnel bottom on it. Great boats.

[sanger rat]

That boat will go 80 easy with 550hp. After that its alot of work and $$$. Fun boat that will take a beating.:D

[howard25bullet]

Thanks Sanger!
What should I be looking to pay for something like this? I see another one on Craigs list for about $9,000.
How does this hull handle in 1-2 foot chop?
Thanks for your help.
Bill

[sanger rat]

I live for 1ft chop.:D This was taking out on one of the Great Lakes. http://www.hotboatpics.com/pics/data/500/826910-21-2006-15-med.jpg It's only worth what you are willing to pay for it. If you like it go for it.

[howard25bullet]

Thanks for the help!
What engine do you have in yours and how fast will it run?

[howard25bullet]

Here is another nice one that is even closer to me and a lower price...
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/eby/boa/376214784.html

[sanger rat]

Last year best was 85.5 with 468 oval port motor. I have not been out yet this year with new motor. Hope to have it out in a couple weeks with new motor. 468,aluminum heads with a 8-71. Goal is over 100mph.:)

[howard25bullet]

Wow!!!!
I've been up to 85 or so on the water and can't imagine the thrill (and scare) of going 100+...
Looks like you have a nice paint job on your boat as well looking over the bow. Must be a labor of love for you.
Hope you make your goal and I'll let you know what I end up doing.
Funny how I started out with the Alley Cat idea and have evolved some. I grew up in Fresno skiing behind the Sanger flat bottoms. What a thrill that was and you sure didn't want to fall.
Good luck,
Bill

[sanger rat]

Thats a nice boat. Smokin deal. Sounds like you could get it cheaper yet. http://mages.craigslist.org/01010101021101030020070717f24d49509146697cab005b3a .jpg Thats the newest jet hydro I've seen. Wasn't sure when they quit making them. Call me if you want 989 751 2638

[howard25bullet]

Thanks!
I've got your number down and will call if this deal progresses some more.
I sent the guy a note to get some more info and pictures so we'll see what happens from there.

[howard25bullet]

Well, I think I'm going to go for the Picklefork. Seems like a great boat with lots done to it and should be fun to play with around Havasu.
Thanks for all of your help and input here.
Sanger Rat- I called and got your message machine but didn't leave a message. I've got more pics if interested. Send me your email to wgibb@aol.com if you'd like.

[sanger rat]

Sorry I missed your call. I sent you a email. Send some pics. :)

[Squirtin Thunder]

Well, I think I'm going to go for the Picklefork. Seems like a great boat with lots done to it and should be fun to play with around Havasu.
Thanks for all of your help and input here.
Sanger Rat- I called and got your message machine but didn't leave a message. I've got more pics if interested. Send me your email to wgibb@aol.com if you'd like.
The Sanger Jet Hydro is a nice boat, but now that I know where you plan on using it I would steer you more twards the Alley Cat, The Sanger Alley Cat is also a very nice boat.

[the return of the donut club]

120 mph, you have got to be focking kiddin me

[Jet Hydro]

I can brake 100+`s but not even my boat has seen 120 :eek: and I have 1200hp.
The Sanger is a good boat that will run the 1/4 in the mid 10`s if you have enough HP and know the set-up. I`v worked on a few of em in the last few years and they are good boats. the sanger could go pretty fast with a little work.
whats up with this trailer :eek:
http://images.craigslist.org/01010101021101030020070717f24d49509146697cab005b3a .jpg

[Jet Hydro]

I live for 1ft chop.:D WHY?
Only time I want chop is when I`m on one of my jet ski`s. My Jet Hydro doesn't like chop at all, nether do I but I`m getting kinda old....rotflmao

[VAMI]

Maybe its kilometers:D :D :D :D :D

[howard25bullet]

Thanks for the recomendation Thunder. I have a Howard Bullet as the main boat and was looking for a toy to play with in the mornings and evenings before it gets rough.
I've got a neighbor at Crazy Horse that fires up his Flat bottom early on the weekends and goes and plays around so I got envious...
Like I said I did start out with the Alley Cat and will likely get one someday I suppose but the Picklefork Hydro caught my eye and it's quite a bit cheaper to just go play with. I haven't bought it yet but I'm definitely leaning in that direction.

[howard25bullet]

Jet Hydro- not sure of the comment on the trailer. I thought it was kind of nice myself even though a triple is a little much...

[Jet Hydro]

thats what I`m talking about " triple is a little much"
:idea: My God, that thing would be a tire eater and a bitch to move by hand.
Looks like it should have tracks on it....rotflmao :eek: :)

[howard25bullet]

Yep, not likely any movement by hand...
I have an electric power mover though that I use for the Howard and will likely add the connector onto this trailer as well.
It looks cool (imo) anyway even though it's overkill.
Thanks for the comment though as you never know I might not have picked up on it.
Bill

[Jet Hydro]

Dont get me wrong, I love the set-up. Looks cool as hell :D

[howard25bullet]

Oh, no offense taken at all.
I'm appreciative of anyone's thoughts or comments and I can be as sarcastic as anyone. Your sense of humor is like mine.
I'm not into jets yet and haven't owned an older boat like this before so it's a new adventure.
I still need to cut a deal with the owner and go pick it up though.
I finally got a call back on the first picklefork I found up in OR. It's still for sale even though it's not likely to go anywhere near the advertised speed. I think I like the silver one with the tri-axle trailer best though (I'll start lifting again tomorrow).

[howard25bullet]

Well, tomorrow is the big day when I go to pick up the '84 Sanger Picklefork Hydro in Fresno. Can't wait to try it out at Havasu this weekend...:D
Now we need to paint the topside and we are ready to go play.
I tried to cut and paste some pics in here but haven't figured it out yet. The Craig's list posting has expired so you can't see it any more. It's silver with a black bottom and named "Hot Wheels". It has a 454 with tunnel ram and a polished Berkley jet.
More to come after I pick it up. Thanks for your help and thoughts.
Bill

[sanger rat]

Good for you Bill. Post up some pics when you get it home. Got mine out for the first time last Sat. http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa202/Dirt_racing/100_1493.jpg?t=1186452987

[howard25bullet]

Thanks Brian!
Beautiful boat that you have. I assume you are still breaking in the enginer before you "go for it"?

[sanger rat]

Yeah. Got couple oil leaks to fix. Bump the ride plate up some. Everyone in town heard me out last night. Had the CG and the sheriff go by and they never said a word about the zoomies.:D

[howard25bullet]

How many hours do you want on the engine before you get on it. The 454 in my boat will have about 10 hours on it when I pick it up and it hasn't been tested at WOT yet.
I'm thinking 10 hours should be plenty. Any thoughts?

[sanger rat]

Normally I set the timing, warm it up, check valve lash, put the pedal to the floor.:D With the ride plate set too low the sponsons where digging in to much. Didn't feel to safe going over 85.