so called jet boats- any good?

[joebeadg]

I've been trying to get a boat lately, funds have dwindeled, 2.5-3.5 to spend. I see these 15-16' jet boats advertized a lot for that kind of money. I'm near the st. johns river in Eustis fl, thats where I'd be going. Are these boats any good? For my wife, me and our dog, maybe another couple. I'd really like something with a windsheild and top, but on my budget, I don't think thats happening. Any thoughts, thank you, Joe

 

[JustJason]

Re: so called jet boats- any good?

There's advantages and disavantages to every propulsion type, from Sterndrive to Ouboard to Jetdrive. The only real advantage Jet has is that it can operate in extremely shallow water. If thats of no consequense to you, then your much better off with an IO or OB as a Jet has many disatvantages.

 

[Philster]

Re: so called jet boats- any good?

Locally, Yamaha jet boats are very well supported and pretty reliable.

What boats ya talking about there???? Who supports them???

 

[CheapboatKev]

Re: so called jet boats- any good?

If you take your time and dont mind used...your budget will buy a lot of boat.
I personally wouldn't put that much into that small of a boat only to discover your are out of room and drooling over other people's 19 & 21 footers..

Also..others can (and will ) correct me, the St.Johns can get fairly serious in some areas, and I would want more than a 15 ft open bow.

Best of luck in whatever you decide

 

[H20Rat]

Re: so called jet boats- any good?

I'm a huge proponent of jet boats, search around on here for my posts, but... The boats in that price range are most likely merc sportjet 90/95/120's. (Tons of those were made in the 90's. Every boat manufacturer had to have one) Those aren't mercs, those are force/chyrsler engines and not exactly the best things out. The 90/95's are also horribly underpowered. 4 people in one of those boats and it isn't going to be on plane.

If you don't want to spend more than 3k, get a small outboard powered bowrider. If you want to spend around the $6k area, you can get either a larger merc SJ powered boat (with a real merc engine), or one of the decent seadoo rotax or yamaha boats.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: so called jet boats- any good?

$2500 would get you a real nice tin Starcraft. Join the club

 

[joebeadg]

Re: so called jet boats- any good?

Yea, the one I see advertized is a regal rush with a 120 merc, so, seems like there kids boats, and I'm 57, though, a kid when it comes to toys like cars and boats. I see mostly boats with soft floors, wich could mean rotted stringers also in my price range.

 

[soaringhiggy]

Re: so called jet boats- any good?

uhh.. are you talking about the type of jet with a small or big block chevy or Oldsmobile?

more like the boats in this listing? If so a lot of fun, not real practical but huge fun. See them all the time 3-4 K.
http://boise.craigslist.org/boa/1910962272.html

 

[sasto]

Re: so called jet boats- any good?

We had one as a dingy. There was nothing I liked about it except the draft. She was louder than the 2400 HP mother boat. Fuel range was nil. Maintenance was very difficult. Manuverability makes a seasoned boater look like an ametuer. I could go on and on with my rant. It was a good day when the Yahama 2 stroke locked up with less than 100 hrs on her due to flooding the engine with saltwater. Only my opinion.