This is the original Craig Craft 168, a rare and unusual vintage jet boat that earned the nickname “Porsche Jet Boat” thanks to its striking resemblance to the Porsche 993, the final air-cooled generation of the legendary 911.
When this boat was built in 1995, the 993 represented the newest and most technologically advanced evolution of the 911 lineup, and its styling clearly served as the design inspiration here.
Under the fiberglass shell, however, the Craig Craft 168 is very much its own machine. Power comes from a 4.3-liter V6 sourced from General Motors, sending output through a Berkeley jet drive equipped with a hydraulically operated reverse bucket.
Measuring roughly 16 feet (about 4.88 meters) in length, this compact vintage speedboat also comes with its own single-axle trailer, emphasizing its role as a practical weekend toy rather than a large offshore cruiser.
A Rare And Mysterious Model
Very little concrete information exists about the Craig Craft 168 Boss. Enthusiasts know of at least two examples that were built, both featuring styling heavily inspired by the Porsche 993, but it remains unclear whether this design came directly from the factory or if the boats were later modified to achieve the look.
What is clear is that the fiberglass bodywork is only a visual homage. There is no indication the project was officially licensed or endorsed by Porsche, and the connection to the brand is purely aesthetic.
That has not stopped the boat from attracting attention, particularly among automotive collectors who appreciate unusual crossovers between car culture and marine design.
Rear Engine Layout And Jet Drive Performance
Much like the car that inspired it, the Craig Craft 168 places its engine at the rear. Instead of a flat six, however, it uses a conventional 4.3-liter GM V6 producing around 200 horsepower. The engine is paired with a Berkeley Jet Drive 12JE system and a Dominator hydraulic reverse bucket, a setup commonly used in performance-oriented jet boats of the era.
Jet drive boats differ from traditional propeller setups by using water thrust rather than an exposed prop. The design improves shallow water usability and reduces the risk of propeller damage, while also delivering quick acceleration that suits watersports like skiing or wakeboarding. While not built for top speed records, the configuration makes the Craig Craft a playful and agile platform for lake use.
Automotive-Inspired Cabin Design
The interior continues the car-inspired theme. Up front are two sporty bucket seats separated by a central console, while an additional two seats are positioned in the rear. The cockpit includes a car-style windshield, side mirrors, cupholders, and an audio system, reinforcing the impression that this boat was designed to feel more like a sports car than a conventional vessel.
Safety padding lines the interior walls, and speakers are mounted both front and rear. The center console includes a lockable storage compartment designed to protect phones, cameras, and other small items from water spray, a thoughtful detail that reflects the practical side of the design.
Instrumentation is also automotive in character. The dashboard features gauges for speed, engine rpm, voltage, oil pressure, coolant temperature, and fuel level. Interestingly, speed is displayed in miles per hour rather than knots, another subtle nod to car culture and U.S. buyers.
Styling, Colors, And Weekend Use
The hull wears a turquoise exterior finish, while the cabin combines two shades of turquoise with yellow accents. At the rear, a ski pole and compact swim platform make it easier to launch and recover water skiers or wakeboarders, reinforcing the boat’s recreational focus.
At just under five meters long, the Craig Craft 168 is relatively compact and easy to tow, making it ideal for weekend trips to lakes or smaller waterways. Included with the boat is a white single-axle Shore Land’r trailer equipped with a movable support jack, manual winch, padded bunks, lighting, and 13-inch steel wheels.
A Collector Curiosity For Porsche Fans
Because of its unmistakable 993-inspired shape, this unusual jet boat is likely to appeal especially to Porsche owners, particularly enthusiasts who already own a 993 and want something visually matched for summer recreation. It sits at the intersection of automotive nostalgia and marine novelty, which helps explain why it continues to attract interest despite its obscure origins.
The example currently offered for sale comes with a clean Michigan watercraft title in the current owner’s name, while the trailer is being sold with a bill of sale. Interested buyers can find more details and register for bidding through the listing, where the Craig Craft 168 stands out as one of the most unconventional interpretations of sports car-inspired design ever to reach the water.
This article originally appeared on Autorepublika.com and has been republished with permission by Guessing Headlights. AI-assisted translation was used, followed by human editing and review.