Help this NOOB out!

[K-034]

Hey all and thanks for allowing me to join. I have lusted after a jetboat since my teens and yesterday (suffering sunstroke) went out and bought one. It seems to be in fantastic shape purchased from an older collector of toys such as myself. Problem is, the fella couldn't seem to remember too much of the ins-and-outs of the machine. I kinda need ground floor help. First off, its a '73 Southwind with a Berkley pump (I think a jetovator, rather than a Place - something goes up and down!) and a 455 Olds.
First Question: What's the basic jet advice? What's the one thing you'd say, "Marc, whatever you do, don't ever forget to..."? Keep in mind I'm a boater, so yes I know about the drain plug and boater's rules; I'm asking more jet related. Don't run it dry? Don't run too much with the trim up or down? I don't know, I'm asking!

Secondly: With running it out of water; I'm a pipefitter and the engine seems plumbed rather well. Today I added a spot to hook up a hose to run in my driveway. The fella I bought it from mentioned that getting the water pressure right was crucial, but didn't remember exactly what that meant. Here's what I have now:





Third: Here's a pic of my jetovator (??) - What type is it?





Fourth: I received this with the deal as well... what is it?




That's all for now... there will be MORE!
Thanks in advance for your help

Welcome pipefitter, the diverter you have on the boat is a place diverter style, the one in the box is a stock Berkley jetovater style. Southwind is a great boat, I had one with a 460 in it an loved it. A couple of things to look out for, with the Oldsmobile try to avoid long distance full throttle passes, the 455's have oiling issues, they tend to suck the pan dry and wipe out bearings. Also make sure you have as little water if any at idle to the headers to keep the water from going into the exhaust, especially if it has a bigger cam, other then that make sure the pump is greased and check all the engine bolts and steering once a year which is normal maintenance for any boat and have fun with it, that's the great thing about jet boats is they are simple.