Small waterjet (4-8 HP)

[saffi]

Anyone know if there are small waterjets on the market? I've been looking like crazy nut can't find any water jet propulsion system for under 35HP. There's one I know of developed for the Mokai Kayak. I've written the company to ask if buying just their jet system is an option but no reply.

I looked at RC jets but they are too small (biggest I could find was something like 0.9HP).

Now maybe you are thinking: "why would anyone like a jet like that"?

I built a Minimax for my daughter and son and they can really fly with a 4HP outboard engine. The thing is that I would like to add a steering wheel and throttle to make it easier for them to boat (they are 6&8 yo now but started last year). I notice that my daughter is a bit impressed by the engine although they can both start it and operate it.

I would like to try and make a really compact drive train using a jet (also with safety in mind) they could maybe operate with a joystick. Will probably be using a very small honda engine. Speed and fuel economy are not important. maneuvrability, ease of use and safety are.

Anyone ever came across one that wasn't "home made"?

Happy boating....

Lucas

 

[saffi]

Re: Small waterjet (4-8 HP)

Mokai doesn't sell the water unit only, and another comapny I found never developed the small jet further than testing stage...

Would it be possible to have one made?

Alternative would be to pull one from an old jetski but I guess it will be too big.

No-one?

 

[5150abf]

Re: Small waterjet (4-8 HP)

Don't think you will ever find one, the smallest jet I have seen is a 40 I think, there just is no market for a low horse jet, seems like it would be easier to modify the exsiting engine than to invent your own drive.

 

[nwcove]

Re: Small waterjet (4-8 HP)

what do the amusement parks use for their bumper boats......probably props with cages....but just a thought. ( have never seen one upside down......but i tried!! lol)

 

[saffi]

Re: Small waterjet (4-8 HP)

Funny, when I was small I remember they used small outboards without cages And I have seen one upside down

Just too bad that Mokai seems the only company making these small jets.

I'll search for bigger R/C jets, Graupner makes jets but the biggest is just too small.. See if there are other manufacturers.

 

[nwcove]

Re: Small waterjet (4-8 HP)

i like the rc stuff also, i made a scratch built cape islander, used mostly basement junk...other than the speed control and the prop. but the rc stuff is too small to handle what you want. maybe a dead , small jetski and some "backyard" engineering is the only option. ( it does sound like a fun project!)

 

[saffi]

Re: Small waterjet (4-8 HP)

A friend offered me some space in his club to build a new boat. I'll start with a jet and will build the boat around it. Much better than converting the other small boat I guess.....

He used to have the DJ booth in a big boat under construction

 

[nwcove]

Re: Small waterjet (4-8 HP)

perfect plan saffi, build the boat around the drivetrain, dont try to retro fit a drivetrain into a boat. (if you find the right jetski, for the right price, maybe use a portion of the jetski hull and add to it!

 

[saffi]

Re: Small waterjet (4-8 HP)

Old thread but I found something usefull.... Seems like this jet could do the job with a geared 49cc engine:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__13388__CNC_Precision_Jet_Boat_Drive_X_Large.html

Only problem: there's no reverse or steering nozzle available to my knowledge...