Re: Why Aren't There More Jet Boats Out There?
I think some opinions on here are slightly leaning towards biased, but that's ok everyone has their opinions. I guess my opinion is just as biased, but in favor for Yam Jetboats.
Yamaha jetboats have come a very long ways since they first came out in the mid 90s. Not only has their size increased significantly, but their hardware and fit and finish have become high quality, they are using highly advanced and efficient EFI 4 stroke engines (no more 2 strokes), and in my opinion the reliability is above average when compared to other similarly sized boats.
The handling can be deemed as quirky when compared to conventional boats. Just like a pwc (personal watercraft aka jet ski) you can't steer unless you're under power. They require thrust in order to move. If you let off the throttle then you have no thrust to turn. It's a rather simple concept... if you want to turn, keep the power in! If you're idling forward you still have the same amount of turning thrust as compared to a conventional boat idling in forward.
"Cobra steering" came out with two sets of twin tabs that look like small rudders and attach to the steering nozzles on the jet boats. They act like a conventional rudder and completely eliminate the issues with low throttle steering. They're pretty much a crutch for those that don't wish to learn the handling of their particular boat and aren't needed, but they can assist you especially in docking situations.
Fuel consumption on the newer models really isn't an issue. If you're comparing the HO models (the high output.. aka 160hp x 2) then yes they can be a bit of a pig but not much more than your comparable conventional boat. Compare the smaller non HO models (110hp x 2) fuel consumption and I wouldn't be surprised to see them more fuel efficient than a comparable conventional boat. I believe the AR230 non HO model has 280hp so it should be right around the same ballpark as a similarly equipped I/O.
The newer AR, SX, and SR models Yamaha puts out have very deep V hulls which give an amazingly smooth ride.
Pros:
Very fast to plane (very little bow rise)
Very fast to accelerate
Higher top end speeds than similarly comparable boats
Very little draft allowing you to operate in shallower waters
Two engines increase safety margin for getting back to shore
No exposed prop
Much more maneuverable
Fewer moving parts in the driveline (no transmission)
Cons:
Debri can be sucked into intakes (simple to get out)
Very little wake which makes them not the best for wakeboarding
Unique handling when docking in stock form
No off throttle steering in stock form
I've owned several pwc over the years and am very comfortable working on them and am very familiar with how a jet pump operates/ handles. Yamaha has proven to be top notch as far as reliability. The new 4 stroke engines are highly efficient and well proven in the industry. I just recently purchased my first boat (18.5' Monterey BR) and if I could have afforded one of the newer Yam jetboats I definitely would have purchased one.
I guess I'm a bit biased, too!
