Re: boat design for outboard jet
I also like that article. I've been running jets for about 10 years on shallow rivers - inboard V8 type and outboard. I think all the factors and info in that article are good. For me, the most important thing to look for in your jet boat hull is beam - a wide boat really works quite a bit better. A shorter, wider hull is much better than a longer, narrower hull given approximatly same interior space. My current boat is a full 6 feet at the water line with just a little deadrise like described in the article (don't get a perfectly flat bottom jon boat), and distinctly reverse chines. Pops right up on plane with a full load and stays on plane at a very slow speed which is good for reading a tricky river or maneuvering. My old boat was quite a bit narrower and not nearly as useful at slow speeds.<br /><br />If you do a web search, you'll find companies that build alum. hulls specifically for outboard jets. Phantom and Alweld are two I'm familiar with. With the proper design, tunnels also work very well with jets.<br /><br />Although a lot of people don't think they're important, I also like a hydraulic jack plate for fine tuning the height depending on load, cornering, etc. Not absolutely necessary, but nice. Stainless impeller is also a good feature. Have fun with your OB jet.
