Questions about Jet Drive Outboards

[engineered34]

I am new to this website. I grew up in Alabama fishing big water lakes like Jordan and Martin for over 20 years. I now live in Roswell, GA only a few miles from the Chattahoochie River. As many of you already know the Chattahoochie is extremely rocky and in some places only a few inches deep depending on how much water they are releasing out of the dam on Lake Lanier. I am in the process of trying to buy a rig to fish the Chattahoochie begining this Spring and Summer. My plan is to buy a used Jon Boat (12'-16') and trailer and then outfit it with a Jet Drive outboard. I am on a shoestring budget so ANY tips for saving money would be greatly appreciated!

My questions are:
1. Is a Jet Drive Outboard the correct motor for this application?
2. How reliable are they?
3. Are there any major trade off's as far as performance from a traditional outboard?
4. How expensive are they?
5. Is it possible to buy them used? If so where?

THANKS IN ADVANCE FOR ALL THE HELP!

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Questions about Jet Drive Outboards

1 Might be, I haven't been on that river.

2. No different than a normal outboard.

3. A huge loss in power, at least 30%

4. If you buy a pump new expect to pay 1,500 to $2,500 depending on the application. (yours will be on the lower end)

5. Yes, Craigs list and most any outboard dealer in Washington or Oregon.

 

[robert graham]

Re: Questions about Jet Drive Outboards

Jet drives are very nice and really necessary for shallow, rocky water, but you give up about 30% in efficiency, so if you buy a 40HP motor you'll only have about 30HP at the impeller/pump. There's a lot fewer of jet drive outboards so it may be more difficult to find a good used one. Otherwise the motors are the same, just no prop. If you can buy a jon boat/jet drive rig already set up and running the overall price may be better than buying the boat and motor seperately. Check Craigs List, EBay, online, etc....you'll find one! Good Luck!