What inboard engine/pump on 16 foot boat?

[Chad Ryan]

I am interested in getting an aluminum 16 foot, inboard, jet powered boat. I've found a handfull of manufacturers that make such a boat but most use the Mercury 175 Sportjet (even while rating the boat at a lower HP). Isn't 175hp kind of overkill on a 16 foot, aluminum boat? Are there any other options for a smaller inboard/jet drive?<br /><br />One thing the 175 Sportjet has going for it is it's weight, less than a Mercury 75HP outboard.<br /><br />I see that Mercury made a 90HP inboard/jet for a while, although getting a used one might be more work than its worth.<br /><br /><br />thank you<br /><br />

 

[bluewater19]

Re: What inboard engine/pump on 16 foot boat?

You don't have to drive full out!<br />Tracker makes a little cute bass boat with the 175 sport jet and I think it runs around 40-45mph!<br />The 175 sportjet is also cheaper than the same boat with a 115 outboard.<br />Good luck

 

[Chad Ryan]

Re: What inboard engine/pump on 16 foot boat?

That's true, I don't have to run it wide open. Plus I don't see myself saying "Dangit, I hate having this much power!"<br /><br />I guess I'm more worried about fuel usage and boat durrability with a larger engine. By the way, if anyone has a fuel useage chart for the 175 Sportjet I would like to see it. I haven't been able to find one.<br /><br />It seems as though there aren't many (any?) options for a smaller inboard/jet.<br /><br /><br />~Chad

 

[ZmOz]

Re: What inboard engine/pump on 16 foot boat?

Sounds about right to me. My 16' Glastron has a 150hp, and it's a little slow for my liking. (50mph) A jet is much, much less efficient than a prop, so a 175 jet inboard is probably equal to about a 115-125hp outboard.

 

[bayman]

Re: What inboard engine/pump on 16 foot boat?

ZmOz is right on here! A jet boat requires a lot more power because of the lower efficiency. The Sea Doo 185 Utopia jet boat, for example, has either 200 or 240 hp depending on the buyer's preference:<br />200 hp OptiMax Mercury M2 Jet Drive/<br />240 hp EFI Mercury M2 Jet Drive<br /><br />That boat is a little larger at 18' 3". So, I don't think 175 is too much at all.<br /><br />Sounds like a fun boat, let us know how it goes!<br /><br /><br />So

 

[496 Cubic Inches]

Re: What inboard engine/pump on 16 foot boat?

Every person I've talked to that owns a SJ all say the same thing,they are really loud and they burn alot of fuel. <br /><br />They do offer alot of bang for the buck though.

 

[496 Cubic Inches]

Re: What inboard engine/pump on 16 foot boat?

If you check out Willie boats they have a link to SJ fuel consumption.

 

[Chad Ryan]

Re: What inboard engine/pump on 16 foot boat?

Originally posted by 496 Cubic Inches:<br /> If you check out Willie boats they have a link to SJ fuel consumption.

Thanks. Actually Willie makes a version of the boat I'm looking for. I hadn't noticed the fuel consumption info though.<br /><br />