Craigslist... Buehler jet..project

My friend just happened into the boat and since has become quit interested (he bought another Bueller in some what better condition). He has spoken with one of the Buehler family members and has researched the hull numbers to try and determine if this boat was used on Colorado River expedition. His 1959 (I think) turbocraft has a v-8, in production specs Bueller only list v-6's for that year model. This and our location (Indy area) lead him to believe that his may have made the Colorado River trip. It is a long shot but worth checking into. As to the performance, I was referring to the trek up the Colorado River not the boats performance as a tow boat. I have never skied behind one but we plan to take one out this spring after some winter work.

Bryan,I just did a internet search on Buehler just to see what comes up and to refresh my memory. Quite a lot of history but it didn't seem like there was a big following. Does your friend belong to any group of buehler owners that just doesn't show up on the Net? The only group was the Fiberglassics guys.

I do have to disagree with your statement on performance. They were horrible out of the water, you needed a 200' ski rope and own a gas station to run one. I still loved them and really don't know why!

How long has your friend been into them?

Behl wrote: The Buehler jet boat was made here in Indy by Indiana Gear Works which was owned by the Buehler family. I went to grade school with one of their sons. The boat was tested on a small creek in Indy, Fall Creek, which is only a few feet deep. Their sale promo film was the Indiana Gear is since long gone. The company does not exist. I may be wrong but I think the pump for the boat had Swedish ties.

boat being drive up stream on the Colorado river.

I rememeber seeing those boats do that on TV when I was a kid. IIRC, there were competitions on ABC's Wide World of Sports.

Wow what a find! I'd have bought that Arena Craft for $2k. I never heard of or saw a boat like that. It's a good thing I don't have lots of money or time, or I'd end up with a museum.

For some odd reason, I always liked the Buellers even though I knew they were slow, sluggish and bad on gas. Maybe it was the traditional stying that paralleled the 60's CC's. It would make a interesting project for someone with the time and desire. They are rare!

Hey Steve,

You gonna stack that one on top of the Barracuda?

Chuck