SugarSand Jet Boats

P

Pam

Recruit
Joined
Feb 14, 2002
Messages
5
Went to boat show and purchased a 20' Sugar Sand Sole jet boat. Does anyone have one of these boats, need feedback. We were leaning toward the Yamaha LX2000 however the Sugar Sand had many more features and much more room. Any comments? Thanks :> )
 
S

singerjr

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
240
Re: SugarSand Jet Boats

Welcome Pam,<br /><br />To the best boat site on the web!<br /><br />I don't know how many responses you will get for this type of leisure water craft, it's not something we see everyday here.<br /><br />Maybe you can educate those of us who don't know about this boat by telling us about it. You may get some opinions about the mechanics and the companies that manufacture it.<br /><br />Size<br />Construction<br />Intended purpose<br />Motor type and horsepower<br /><br /><br /> :)
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: SugarSand Jet Boats

Pam,<br /><br />Plenty of Sugar Sands here in the "valley of the sun". They are fine boats. Built well.<br /><br />Unfortunately they are the choice of "mind altered" knuckleheads here on local lakes. Dangerous people driving too fast boats. The ya hoo that cuts you off on the freeway diving a Lexus is the same one on the lake doing the same thing. They are the preffered prey of the H2O, 5-O.<br /><br />Don't be one of them-PLEASE!
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: SugarSand Jet Boats

Pam,<br /><br />Sorry for the double posts, you being from MI, I would expect that you WILL be a target on Wixom Lake, Belleville and Ford. Not to mention, Sanford, Higgins, Houghton, Missaukee and those of the Indian River chain.<br /><br />Have Fun, be on guard and go equipped with EVERYTHING!
 
S

singerjr

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
240
Re: SugarSand Jet Boats

djohns,<br /><br />Tell us what you really think!!<br /><br /><br />Seriously what are these, it's obvious that they are fun boats like PWC's but looking at that pic it's strange.<br /><br />What's it made of, is it rigid, what kind of motor & HP what's it for going fast, for skiers, for floating out and partying, what?<br /><br />Maybe I wasn't looking but I go to boat shows all the time, went to 4 this year. I don't think I saw one. I get 6 Hunt/Fish/Boat mags a month it's not in there.<br /><br />I don't think I've seen one on the water unless I just didn't know what I was looking at.<br /><br />On that pic with all those people standing up fooling around and the front looks bent down and it looks like there is a lot of water in the boat. Did I just explain what it is with this question?<br /><br />djohns I just gotta know, I just gotta. It's freakin me out I just gotta know. Tell me dlohns tell me!<br /><br /> :confused: :eek: :confused: :eek:
 
M

michaelsen

Petty Officer 3rd Class
Joined
Dec 20, 2001
Messages
94
Re: SugarSand Jet Boats

Well, exept for the strange bowrider/bathtub function it seems to be a pretty neat boat. There is more pictures here http://www.sugarsand.com/sole/sole.html . I do not know anything about the jet stuff, but I wonder after seing it used on a bigger boat like this, if this could be the future instead of our good ol' props.
 
S

singerjr

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
240
Re: SugarSand Jet Boats

Mike,<br /><br />As I'm sure you know jet drives are nothing new I'm putting one on a flat bottom semi v for river navigation. But what's so great or not about this Sugar Sand. Maybe Pam will tell us more.<br /><br />Merc makes a nice 30 HP O/B and much larger units too, I guess like the ones in the kink you posted.<br /><br />But whats up with that other pic and a "bathtub"?
 
P

Pam

Recruit
Joined
Feb 14, 2002
Messages
5
Re: SugarSand Jet Boats

Hey thanks for all the replies. We will be using the boat on Tawas Bay, Mi. Main uses will be wakeboarding and skiing, we have 2 children 16 and 14 who enjoy the sport. The Sugar Sand boat co has a website: SugarSand.com where you can actually see a picture of the Sole. The picture you see that you refer to as a "bathtub" is showing that if the boat were sinking....it would sink evenly I guess....some kind of level flotation feature. Anyway, the boat is fiberglass hand laid hull, Deep v design for a better ride on rough water. It is 19'6" long, the boat is powered by a 240hp V6 Mercury jet drive. Top speed is 50 mph. Seats up to nine people, has a pop up changing room w/porta potti. Lots of storage. Jenson am/fm CD radio w/ 4 speakers. The chairs swivel and you can put up a table in between the back seat and the helm. Coolers under both seats at the helm. Many features the Yamaha did not offer. Also only one throttle control which the Yamaha had three. The other reason we went with Sugar Sand is the gas consumption....Yamaha gets 1.5 MPG at 37.8 mpr. The Sole gets 2.6 MPG at that speed. I have not seen the boats in any of the boating magazines I have checked out, and was just wondering if anyone had any info on the vessel. Can't wait for summer now... we will be tearing it up on the Bay and Lk. Huron! Cautiously of course!! Thanks Again, Pam :> )
 
P

Pam

Recruit
Joined
Feb 14, 2002
Messages
5
Re: SugarSand Jet Boats

Hello Again, just forgot to mention the fact that the draft on these jet boats is only 12", I don't have to worry about any lower ends hanging down, not on the boat anyway (hehe). As you know, all the lake levels are down, so this is a VERY nice feature. The Sugar Sand also has an automatic weed removal system which other jet boats do not. Ok, I'm ready for your feedback!!<br />Pam :> )
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: SugarSand Jet Boats

Capt_Ultra,<br /><br />I'm not saying anything until you tell us what kind of engine you bought-just kidding. :D By the way, I'm bettin the farm on the EFI 4 Stroke 115.<br /><br />My comments about Sugar Sands are not derogatory about the boats, they're well built. The picture shows the "level" flotation. A federal law for boats under 26 feet. Some do it better than others. These do it very well.<br /><br />My comments are pointed at SOME of the owners of these jet powered water boilers.<br /><br />The Sugar Sand boats have been around since the 70's when when big block Olds and Ford engines with Berkley pumps ruled the jet boat craze. <br /><br />I have hust seen too many people have too many close calls with these things due to mostly inattention, substance abuse and/or SUPERIOR attitudes.<br /><br />Unfortunately MANY owners will misuse this boats greatest attribute-speed.<br /><br />Pam, If you like it buy it. You wouldn't be on this board if you weren't a serious boater. I'm just saying that the law does profile and this rig is in their crosshairs. The officers I have talked to on our local lakes have told me straight out.<br /><br />Be safe, have fun-expect some company.<br /><br />Enjoy!!
 
T

TxRiverRat

Petty Officer 2nd Class
Joined
Feb 1, 2002
Messages
140
Re: SugarSand Jet Boats

My 2 cents...<br /><br />1. Make sure the boat comes with the biggest motor available - I know too many people who invested in sea-doo jet boats and were sorely disappointed by the lack of power to yank skiiers up...<br /><br />2. Automatic weed puller? Will run by remote control in my front yard? I may look into it then... :D
 
S

singerjr

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
240
Re: SugarSand Jet Boats

55 MPH MAX IN A 1300 POUND BOAT WITH 240 HP<br /><br />And thats the best? Those jet drives require a lot of HP to make MPH.<br /><br />You can take an 18 foot, 8 foot beam - 1600 pound deep V aluminum fish-n-ski put a 125HP O/B and at medium load get to 54 MPH.<br /><br />Pam can you tell us what these big jet boats go for $$$ Just generally don't want to get too personal.<br /><br />djohns do you know what the tech reasons are for this? I have an intrest cause I plan to get a 30HP jet for a small boat I have. Will it be equivilant to a 10 or 15 HP.<br /><br />If you run the #'s weight to HP = speed thats (10HP) what it would be.<br /><br /> :)
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: SugarSand Jet Boats

Capt_Ultra,<br /><br />Jets simply aren't efficient as props. There is alot of power lost because the stream a jet creates does not push directly against the water. It's at an angle.<br /><br />Lost power (slippage) in a prop is about 10%. For a jet it's about 30% or more.<br /><br />Your 30 hp jet is that-30 hp. However, it has the eqivelant powerhead of a 50 hp or better. It will use fuel like a 50 also. A 150 hp. powerhead is needed to make a 100 to 110 jet. <br />Jets are now rated at the "nozzle". That has removed some of the confusion about ratings. This is true for outboard jets only. Inboards are not rated this way. I do not believe Pam's 240 hp. jet is a 300 hp. or more engine. In fact it's a GM 4.3L V-6. There is NOT 240 hp. at the nozzle.<br />Jets are most efficient at high speeds, just like aircraft jets, props are much more efficient at low and moderate speeds. That's why I made my statements about people driving them fast. That's what they're best at.<br /><br />The same engine with an outdrive would produce 220 hp at the prop. and speeds about the same as the jet with a great deal more efficiency and pulling power.
 
P

Pam

Recruit
Joined
Feb 14, 2002
Messages
5
Re: SugarSand Jet Boats

Dear Ultra Captain:<br /><br />You and the boys are getting too technical for me with all this "tested at the nozzle" stuff.....The boat is 19'6" long, weighs 2300 lbs. (not 1300). On the engine it reads: Mercuriser 240 hp. It comes with trailer, mooring cover, bimini top, carpet. Like I said our main use of this boat is skiing and wakeboarding, we need lots of power to pull people out of the water. We like the jet because it can go where no prop boat can go, 12" draft. We got a price of $22,000. including everything mentioned above. I think you boys should check out the website so you can find answers to some of the questions I can't answer. <br /><br />Think Spring,<br />Pam :> )
 
O

ODDD1

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jan 23, 2001
Messages
1,054
Re: SugarSand Jet Boats

Uh, djohns...there aint no GM hardware under that hatch...that is mercs venerable 2.5 litre outboard powerhead under the hatch....a proven engine.
 
D

DJ

Guest
Re: SugarSand Jet Boats

Oddd1,<br /><br />Yep, you're right, my mistake. Wishful thinking. That engine bothers me even more. It is going to be working VERY hard. Is that engine putting out 275-300 hp. at the crank?<br /><br />Our opinions do not matter, they already bought it.
 
O

ODDD1

Lieutenant Junior Grade
Joined
Jan 23, 2001
Messages
1,054
Re: SugarSand Jet Boats

nope...240 at the crank..its a jet....workin hard? 100% output with 100% duty cycle, just what a 2 stroke likes...
 
S

singerjr

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 24, 2002
Messages
240
Re: SugarSand Jet Boats

Opinions aside and whether this motor will like runnin full out it's a small moter on a boat that's 2300# dry. Relitive to other boats like a run-a-bout hole shots will be slow according to mercs own specs. Top speed LIGHT load is 49 MPH. Load, up to 9 people and gear, it doesn't seem like a lot of skiing will be hapnin, but than again it doesn't make much mention of skiing on the web-site.<br /><br />Just Monday I picked up a BOOK with all merc's motors they mfg, a really nice book I picked up in the owners office, glossy pages with everything you would want to know about any motor except service. It's amazing what they will let you have when you're buying a boat. They only had a few, I think for use just around the dealership. But anyway...<br /><br />This boat seems underpowered for some of the advertising. They make mention of skiing (not much) and taking 9 of your best friends along "for a day on the lake"<br /><br />It's a beutiful boat but I think it's more designed for comfort cruising. It's real nice for that, a very comfortable boat for a lot of people. It will be real good for relaxing, entertaining, swimming (on board fresh water shower) and cruising for 150 mi + before needing fuel.<br /><br />I'm sure Pam & Co. will have great fun with this boat. It is a lot of boat for the money.<br /><br />Good luck Pam, have fun, it sure is a good lookin boat!!!<br /><br /> :) :cool: ;) :D :p
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top