outboard jet/zodiac

[gkis]

Hello Gents,
I am thinking about getting a Zodiac Mark IIC HD and a jet outboard for our shallow fast rivers in BC. I have tried a couple of aluminum boats 17'+ but found them to difficult to handle on my own, therefore a Zodiac would seem a better choice.
Mark IIC HD is rated for Max40HP and 209lb weight on the short transom. I would like to get a Yamaha outboard, and have two choices, a 4 cycle 40/28Hp jet that weighs 206 or 2cycle 50hp on which I can replace the leg with a jet pump bringing the power to 35 at the jet for a total weight of 190lb. The cost difference is appx.$500 more for the 50hp. Very difficult to find 2 cycle 40hp used and in good shape...
Which outboard would you choose and why?
The outboards are long shaft so I would have to raise the transom, correct? That will not affect the performance, will it?
Most of our aluminum boats have a tunel for the jet pump, obviously that is not an option for the Zodiac, will I have problems with cavitation?
If there is anything to add pls. do so.
And for your help I will take you fishing for steelhead in the God's country-Terrace/Skeena,
George

 

[deejaycee_2000]

Re: outboard jet/zodiac

Welcome to iboats .... yes a yamaha is a great choice, as yamaha and inflatables works great together .... I would personally go with the 2-stroke, because they can take alot of beating and they are very reliable .... I would not raise the transom of the Zodiac as the pontoons of the boat will wear out quick and your boat will not last long then, you would have to find a short shaft, you can add the long shaft on the short transom and it will go but, as you said the rivers there are shallow so you would have a problem ....

 

[Snowdrggn]

Re: outboard jet/zodiac

gkis,

Something to remember.......
When you put a jet on a short leg (15") outboard, it in effect becomes a long (20") shaft motor because the pick up is at the bottom of the drive unit. If you have a boat with a 15" transom, you will have to raise the motor approximately 6" to get the jet to work properly. This means installing a jack plate, or otherwise raising the transom.

I'm familiar with your area as I used to live at Lakelse, and have fished the Skeena, Copper, and Bulkley rivers....

Cheers,
Snow.

 

[gkis]

Re: outboard jet/zodiac

Thank you gentlemen,
Snow,
If I get a 50 hp long shaft which is 20" and replace the leg with a jet pump, would that make it 25" long?
You left Heaven for PG?
George

 

[Snowdrggn]

Re: outboard jet/zodiac

George,
That's right. it would become an extra long shaft (25")
For an inflatable, you're pretty much looking for a short shaft for a jet.

As for my location, it is near the end of a 30 year saga..........



Snow

 

[gkis]

Re: outboard jet/zodiac

Thank you,
George