Jet Boats Are Out - Outboards Are IN

[JimS123]

Last year was the year of the outboard. Many manufacturers that previously only sold I/Os introduced OB models. This year, even more companies followed suit. Based on my own persomnal observations there were more new OB boats than Jets last season.

While recently on vacation in the Caribbean, I saw a real Frankenboat. It was used as a for-hire towboat. The guy took a SeaDoo jet boat and removed the engine. A outboard bracket was installed where the jet pump was and on the back he hung a Riva customized Evinrude. From what I could see that boat performed quite well.

 

[H20Rat]

Industy experts tend to not agree with that statement... Jet boats are currently experiencing a resurgence, much like in the mid 90's.

Market Trends: Return of the Jet Age
Tom Kaiser, Senior Editor of BoatingIndustry

http://www.boatingindustry.com/top-s...f-the-jet-age/

Currently own 2 boats (well, 4,but two of those are human powered!). 1 jet, which I use for shallow water operation, and 1 I/O. I see no need for an outboard and the cons that come with it. Next boat will probably be an inboard. But as it always is, no boat is perfect at everything, they all have benefits and tradeoffs. Your personal use cases dictate which is best.

Jets are somewhat of a niche market, so it goes without saying that there are more outboard powered boats introduced each year! Outboards are very much a jack of all trades, master of none.