Weeds and newer jet drive boats

[yam350yfm]

Can anybody advise on how the newer jet drive boats from Sugar Sand (Merc jet), Yamaha, and Sea Doo are on lakes with weeds? I know the older jet boats had problems sucking up weeds but is that still a problem with the newer jets? I am talking about jet drive boats in the 18 to 23 foot range, not the PWC's or those old Sea Raider style 14 foot boats.

The lakes I go on are in Wisconsin. On the small side is 500 acre, and the biggest of the non-flowage lakes I go on are 3,500 acres. Typical weeds that are becoming a problem are murfoil. The major issue I have are on Nokomis flowage where props meet stumps too frequently.

I am well versed with i/o's and outboards but know nothing about the jet drive boats other then you can not steer them if there is no power. Any other points on the jet drives would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[tashasdaddy]

Re: Weeds and newer jet drive boats

all boats have problems with weeds clogging intakes. Jets are very inefficient, you loose 30-40% or your horsepower in the conversion. compared to a propped motor.

 

[smclear]

Re: Weeds and newer jet drive boats

I have a seadoo Speedster 150 SCIC. It's one of those 15' models. Not what you are considering. That being said, I've owned it for 2 summers now and have only one issue with sucking up weeds. And even then, I was able to get them out with very little effort. I do my boating on a 3,200 acre lake with a fair amount of weeds.

As for no steering when not under power, that's rubbish. Really, these boats maneuver much better than any other boat I've owned (inboards, I/O's and outboards). Takes a little practice to get the hang of it, but it really is easy.