Any jet boaters in here?

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DucatiDragster

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
May 21, 2008
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I'm looking at getting a older boat with a jet pump (berkeley/jacuzzi).
Might end up with a Kona, Hawaiian, or most likely my favorite: a Tahiti. Just want to know what I should look for while purchasing one? I have prop powered boat knowledge but know nothing about the older jet boats. Any 2 cents for me?
 
I wouldn't get a jetboat. I have driven a couple and personally I think they handle terribly.

Disadvantages:
At low throttle they hardly turn at all.
They have slow acceleration.
They waste horsepower.
A clogged intake is very difficult to clear in the water.

The only real advantage is their shallow-water capability, but you can still suck gravel and jam the impeller. When I hit a gravel bar with my prop I was still able to get home with a mangled propeller...

Sorry I didn't answer your questions at all, but I would definitely test-drive a few jet-pwered boats before you buy, if you haven't already.
 
MY cousin had an old jet boat with a 454. It was a sweet boat he used to take it down the rivers through towns doing like 60MPH. it was a sight to see. BUT every time he took it out something broke. One time it was his stearing linkage so he was stuck turning left until he killed it and rowed back to shore. So they are sweet for shallow water but make sure you invest in some good oars lol
 
Thanks for the info. I should pilot one to see how comfortable I am with it.
 
DucatiDragster;2811969; said:
Thanks for the info. I should pilot one to see how comfortable I am with it.
Click to expand...

I drove one with a mini skeg on the pumps spout. About 4 inches or so. It turned sharp and hard.

I loved driving it, had a blast.
 
Not a jet boat, but I'd like one of these

Together.jpg



twistjump.jpg



http://www.innespace.com/VidAd


http://www.innespace.com/
 
Just curious if you have test-driven any jet boats yet. As a diehard prop fan I wonder what your reaction will be.
 
The new Yamaha jet boats aren't bad, but I'm still a Sea-Doo person myself..
 
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