Jet drive

[Richard74]

I ?m looking at a boat 16ft with a jet drive? What are the pros and cons of a jet drive I?m talking to keep it maintain and the durability.

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Jet drive

1st you loose 40% of the engines rated horsepower, in the jet conversion, over a propped motor. jet motor rated at 100hp equates to a 60-70 hp propped motor.

the jets are good in rocky bottom rivers, like in the North Western States.

 

[RotaryRacer]

Re: Jet drive

What kind of boat and how are you going to use it?

 

[Hogger]

Re: Jet drive

I've got a 16' Sea Rayder. About the only con is the fuel economy. The jets burn through gas pretty fast. They are extremely safe due to lack of exposed prop, you can run in very shallow water without having to worry about damaging a prop or tearing off a lower unit on rocks, logs, etc...
Yes you do lose some power with the jet, but I've got 175hp, and it's plenty. Of course more would be fun, but I hit 55, and it planes fast. Even with passengers and gear.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Jet drive

**deleted**

 

[SS194]

Re: Jet drive

It may lose a lot of power, but there's also a lot less drag in the water, right?

 

[bhammer]

Re: Jet drive

I have never owned one or driven one but I have heard they tend to be harder to steer at low speeds compared to an I/O, reverse is even more of a challenge. Maybe other owners could elaborate some...

 

[smclear]

Re: Jet drive

I have a Sea Doo Speedster 150 SCIC. I have owned inboards, outboards, and I/O's and it is by far, the most maneuverable. There is certainly a learning curve with them but once you've figure it out, you'll find they will truly outmaneuver anything on the water at any speed.