Re: Jet to Prop to Jet Conversion
Hello Peter,<br />Coincidentally, I'm going out tomorrow (Feather River) on a friends boat that swaps from pump to prop regularly.<br />He's powered by a 110 Johnson on a 19' Fishing Ski Barge, very wide, stable, heavy fiberglass boat. He runs with a LOT of gear and usually there is 3 men on board. He will run at 30mph at 7/8ths throttle in 6-8 inches of water. His pump is equipped with a stainless steel impeller. He also uses a manual CNC jack plate. He also has both units fitted with water pumps. His conversion time can be completed within a beer and a half (45-55 min.). His setup has always impressed me (except for the 2stroke exaust headache I'll have).<br /><br />Here is what you have to check out for your set up.<br />1. Some outboards, midsized 4 strokes, Honda and Suzuki's run a different ratio primary gearset for props and jets. Double check with your manufacture on this possibility. This has been the only snafu in my jet to prop conversion. This<br />situation has made my particular conversion not reasonable at this time.<br />However, I'm making some engine, pump and boat modifications to enhance my pumps output instead.<br /><br />2. Thought101 has a valid point and I've been made aware of possible problems regarding jackplates that don't have enough adjustment for some boat/motors. However, it was brought to my attention that there is a recent manufacture of a jackplate that addresses this concern. I believe the manufacture was from Specialty Mfg. Co., the manufacture of your jetpump.<br />The person telling me about this was Smith Marine Sales, Red Bluff, CA. 530-527-6634. Nice guy, very helpful and reasonable prices. So double check this out.<br /><br />3. You state your boat is <1000 lbs. While you'll very definitely notice a difference in power between pump and jet. You'll be satisfied with the<br />performance of the pump in the conditions you plan to use it in. I believe it'll be more then sufficient. However, since you are making the trip, the stainless steel impeller will be beneficial to you. It makes the jet more efficient and it lasts many, many years.<br /><br />BTW, please don't forget to give iboats a crack at selling you some of these items, if they have them. They provide a top notch service and without doubt, the best internet boating site.<br /><br />By all means ask for additional help if needed and I hope this is useful.
