So how do I drive one of these jet boat thingies?

[Mountainstone]

We are researching our next boat purchase, so I spend a lot of time lurking on ***boat. Yesterday as I was looking through the Spam section, my wife looked over my shoulder and saw the jet boat I was ogling. "Ooh that is so pretty" she says, so I pounce: "Would you like to have one of those?"
I had never seriously considered a jet, since the ones I have seen are over-the-transom units with about four inches of freeboard and only two seats. However, there are several very nice jets in the Spam section that might fit our needs (at least for a couple seasons). Never having ridden in a jet, can someone compare their operating characteristics to an outdrive for us? What's up with the foot pedal? Why are jets so inexpensive relative to similar hulls with similar power? Any fatal flaws I should know going in? Can I teach myself to drive one without killing us or anyone else? I grew up with outboards and outdrives (though nothing "***boat" worthy)...
Thanx!

[Jbb]

Jet boat driving.....easy
foot to the floor........hold on......never lift.........buy gas.......:D
Easy to drive.....start slow and sensible.....practice
They are sluggish steering and docking.....and require some power when turning.....
like anything else in life.....with a little practice.....it becomes easy in no time...
RD SUX!......:D

[wsuwrhr]

You have NO steering when the engine is off, otherwise fuel consumers, low to medium horsepower jets are pretty maintainance free.

[scarabrick2]

ITS A BIG SIDE BY SIDE JETSKI
Gas it to steer and have fun. Willbe very easy for you as you know the boating basics.
Buy one and have fun.

[Havasu Hangin']

Go into your backyard.
Turn on the garden hose.
Put your thumb over the end.
Practice.

[yopengo]

They are by far the most fun to drive. They have a lot less moving parts within the pump and are great for shallow water. They are much safer than a prop. I just sold my 6th jet boat for a prop. We are on Lake Havasu almost all the time and needed a larger boat. :(
It does take a lot more HP to gain any speed over 60. Don’t go over 22’ on the hull length….jets are not as efficient on larger boats.
A jet is a great starter boat. It does take some practice to learn the gas to turn process.
When Froggy perfects the 28 footer with a large efficient jet that will do 90 ill will be the first in line. :D

[AirtimeLavey]

They are by far the most fun to drive. They have a lot less moving parts within the pump and are great for shallow water. They are much safer than a prop. I just sold my 6th jet boat for a prop. We are on Lake Havasu almost all the time and needed a larger boat. :(
It does take a lot more HP to gain any speed over 60. Don’t go over 22’ on the hull length….jets are not as efficient on larger boats.
A jet is a great starter boat. It does take some practice to learn the gas to turn process.
When Froggy perfects the 28 footer with a large efficient jet that will do 90 ill will be the first in line. :D
This pretty much nails it. Like everyone else already said, steering requires some throttle. The foot pedal is the throttle. The shift lever is only forward or reverse. It's a lot less to think about than an i/o etc. You'd have no probs. There're easy and fun! Go for it! :D

[Big Inch]

Jet boats are less expensive because of the drive is far less expensive and also a jet boat motor and drive require much less rigging in my opinion. Other then that jet boats are great for a starter boat. Inexpensive, safe, easy to operate and maintain and a whole lot of fun to drive. Expensive at the pump though. I still miss my jet boat dearly as a matter of fact I still have the motor stored in case I ever get a new one :idea:

[BrendellaJet]

you dont have to accelerate to turn, but you must be under power. In reading the posts above I could see how someone would think you have to nail it to make a turn-that wouldn't be safe. Slow speed turning is rather poor and takes some time to get familiar with. you will be correcting with the steering wheel a lot, its normal.
To get the boat on plane you need to give it some gas. You may have ssen or been on other boats where they started out slow and then gave it gas. In a jet thats kinda like digging a hole for your boat in the water. Watch the tack and put your foot in it. In any given boat I would say 3500-4000 rpm minimum to get the thing going your first couple times, maybe more depending on pump condition. Get it on plane as quick as possible. once on plane you can back it off...

[LAFD]

jet boats are fun and safe. dont have to worry about the prop dont have to worry about runnin your drive into rocks or ground. easier and cheaper to work on. easy to learn how to drive once youve learned how to drive they are very easy to manuver around. but you need to throw alot of power to get above 65-70 not the most economical on gas. other than that there awesome.

[dunaholic]

Have any of you guys seen or heard of the boat with a double pump setup on Havasu? Only runs one engine through a gear box of sorts and had two pumps on it......Supposed to be a new product that a giuy has ben testing for the last couple of years. I was talking to his son the other night. I am supposed to meet them at Havasu on the 21st of July.

[andy01]

Don't buy a jet boat unless you boat in a bath tub that is less then 2 feet deep. Buy an I/O and get more speed with less fuel issues for your money. When all jet boaters grow up they buy a I/O, now if this is your first boat and you are boating in the bath tub then cool, otherwise don't bother. If you want a small fun boat to drive buy a v-drive. Oh and ask your wife if she likes riding in a wheel barrel, a small jet boat is going to ride real rough.
Andy

[Some Kind Of Monster]

When all jet boaters grow up they buy a I/O
Best Cartman voice:
Weak.....
It takes REAL power to go fast in a jet. I think of it as more of a challenge :D

[yopengo]

Don't buy a jet boat unless you boat in a bath tub that is less then 2 feet deep. Buy an I/O and get more speed with less fuel issues for your money. When all jet boaters grow up they buy a I/O, now if this is your first boat and you are boating in the bath tub then cool, otherwise don't bother. If you want a small fun boat to drive buy a v-drive. Oh and ask your wife if she likes riding in a wheel barrel, a small jet boat is going to ride real rough.
Andy
True but most newbees are not going to throw down 75k + for a nice IO. I will take any 21 jet over a 21 IO. Same ride and a lot more fun. :D

[Legal Chemistry]

like hangin' said below... hope on a skateboard with a garden hose - that's how you learn.
jets can be reasonable as far as initial purchase (vs. i/o), but the gas will probably cost you more if you wanting to run at the same speed as an i/o.
my jet below... not a racer, but get the jobby-job done.

[Jbb]

Don't buy a jet boat unless you boat in a bath tub that is less then 2 feet deep. Buy an I/O and get more speed with less fuel issues for your money. When all jet boaters grow up they buy a I/O, now if this is your first boat and you are boating in the bath tub then cool, otherwise don't bother. If you want a small fun boat to drive buy a v-drive. Oh and ask your wife if she likes riding in a wheel barrel, a small jet boat is going to ride real rough.
Andy
:D

[RitcheyRch]

Dont take jet boating lessons from Later. Someone had to say it. :D

[Mountainstone]

my jet below... not a racer, but get the jobby-job done.
LC -
Forgive my ignorance, but what is that you are driving? I like the idea of an open bow v-hull with some deadrise and jet drive.
After reading some more, it seems a stock(ish) EFI motor with a jet would be pretty maintenance-free, and I am pleased to hear so many positive responses regarding the jet fun-to-drive factor. I still think the foot pedal is a little odd; wouldn't you tend to bounce the engine RPM crossing wakes?

[76ANTHONY]

LC -
Forgive my ignorance, but what is that you are driving? I like the idea of an open bow v-hull with some deadrise and jet drive.
After reading some more, it seems a stock(ish) EFI motor with a jet would be pretty maintenance-free, and I am pleased to hear so many positive responses regarding the jet fun-to-drive factor. I still think the foot pedal is a little odd; wouldn't you tend to bounce the engine RPM crossing wakes?
hahaha not in a jet, you usually have it floored, im on my second one, i dont think i need a i/o just yet, but havasu isnt my home either:D :D :D

[pw_Tony]

Don't buy a jet boat unless you boat in a bath tub that is less then 2 feet deep. Buy an I/O and get more speed with less fuel issues for your money. When all jet boaters grow up they buy a I/O, now if this is your first boat and you are boating in the bath tub then cool, otherwise don't bother. If you want a small fun boat to drive buy a v-drive. Oh and ask your wife if she likes riding in a wheel barrel, a small jet boat is going to ride real rough.
Andy
I went from a jet boat to a deck board I/O. My deck i/o was fun cause it could hold more people, but could never give me the same fun factor, or rush as a jet can, and that's why I finally had to give up and buy another jet boat.
When it comes to toolie runs or just running like a rapped ape everywhere they are a blast, they're just not that fast for what HP they have.
And the foot thing I think is better from not having one. My old outboard boat I converted to a foot throttle. And my Spectra Jet had a throttle/forward reverse all in one and I switched that to a foot throttle alos, it's just more car like. Once you go motoring around in a jet boat turst me, you'll always own one!

[mdunn01]

I would say buy a jet boat. You can get a nice ride for under $7,500 easy. I have had two jet boats now and dont want a prop, I/O. I just like the fact they are easy to drive, easy to maintain, loads of fun in shallow water and dont have to worry if you have a prop. In all honesty, a Jet boat is a first for most boaters.

[zudnic]

The reason I bought mine is/was in-expensive way to ensure having a decent boat for lakes and rivers in mine and soon new area.
Big warning jets are very addictive, all stern drive and egg beater drivers that have gone out with me, after driving themselves they have agreed jets are the best. for small lakes (low chop) and rivers nothing is better for boating over a jet.
As far as driving goes its not hard if you keep in mind that while engine is running the jet is working, never in or out of gear. When docking no power no steering. Once you get use to that I preffer docking with a jet, really a matter of playing with forward and reverse. Reverse also acts as an instant on brake, no waiting for gear engage and smooth no worries with stressing your transmission..... Also like a little weird at first the feeling of the jet kicking out the stern in tight turns.

[boatsnblondes]

Don't let these guys fool you...jet boats are GREAT boats, and tons fo fun. Easy to get in and out of shallow places, just take it out to a secluded cove, and practice manuevering a little...back up, take notice of which way to steer, (opposite) and things like that. Even at idle, there is water going though, though enough to push you gently forward, gas it a little to help manuever....easy does it, take your time, have fun bro....:D
ONe last thing...make sure when you head out from the beach, you have 3-4 feet of water under you, a jet can suck stuff up even from those depths if you have enough HP....had a neighbor do that in 3 feet....put a rock right through the thing....

[MADDOG355]

Where are you located?
There is bound to be someone close to you with a jet that you could meet up with for a day on the water, (you may have to supply the beer but it is a small price to pay :D ). That way you could get a better idea of what you are looking at.

[GunninGopher]

Get the Jet unless you are a complete puss or plan on going to a large lake. If you are thinking about that blue Placecraft or Carribean then I say "hell yeah". If you are going to a huge lake then you probably don't want one because of the speed and efficiency, but if you cruise the river then go for it.
I've run a bubble deck jet (19'), an outboard pontoon (24') and an outboard mini-day cruiser (18'). I currently run a 19' Mini-cruiser jet and will eventually sell it and probably buy a 21' open bow jet. I'll be keeping my eye open for an Eliminator Edge. I don't think I'll ever buy another prop boat.
The outboards had more room but I never liked them because they just aren't any fun to me and I couldn't hope to fix it in a pinch. I've never driven an I/O and don't think I'll ever own one.
I love jets because they are easy to own and fun to drive, and yes, they are cheaper, too. Sure they aren't very efficient and you lose about 10mph over an equally powered I/O, but so what? I can always add more power or bring more gas. If I can't see it I won't hit it and my favorite quote about jets is. "It's like driving a Camero on a gravel road." The places I like to go are perfectly suited for a jet boat. I've never been to Havasu and don't know if I ever will. I go to the lower Colorado around Martinez Lake and Parker.

[Tom Brown]

BS
I'm calling BS on your BS.

[MADDOG355]

Hey Tom did you used to have a Glastron, Or hang out on some Glastron boards?

[Tom Brown]

I used to have a Glastron. It was the best boat I ever had. The ladies were all over me when I was a 'Tron man.
Now I have a jet but don't bother running it because of the terrible fuel economy, poor performance, lack of maneuverability, and general rejection the ladies give me when I try to talk to them from my jet boat.

[prkr247]

These jet thingies are great to drive...have fun..

[Tom Brown]

Perhaps I should point out that I don't really have a jet. That last post was made in jest.

[ahhell]

and you can do this.........:D
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/SIGGY.jpg

[Tom Brown]

Didn't we delete you Mr wannabee jet boat pimp
The last alias HH asked me to stop using was a character, 'Miserable F uck'. That was before the profanity filter and multiple ID rules so it was some years ago.
HH said it wasn't funny. Having him say that made it all the more amusing to me.
As I recall, that character didn't have a particularly positive disposition.

[canuck1]

The last alias HH asked me to stop using was a character, 'Miserable F uck'. That was before the profanity filter and multiple ID rules so it was some years ago.
HH said it wasn't funny. Having him say that made it all the more amusing to me.
As I recall, that character didn't have a particularly positive disposition.
WTF......I keep hittin the delete button but you keep blabbin.... shut up Brown:mad:

[Tom Brown]

.... shut up Brown:mad:
Will you be my friend, Mike? :)

[Tom Brown]

I'm OK........................ you're OK............................ :D

[HM]

Perhaps I should point out that I don't really have a jet. That last post was made in jest.
Well, we have all seen our fair share of German Pornography.

[meaniam]

WTF......I keep hittin the delete button but you keep blabbin.... shut up Brown:mad:
that there is classic:D

[MADDOG355]

Ok I think I have talked to you before. Back when you was still restoring the Glastron.

[Tom Brown]

I recall chatting with you. I still enjoy your screen name. :D
How's it going?

[MADDOG355]

Now back to our regular programing.
Mountainstone. If you are in the market NOW is the time to buy, There are more boats for sale then normal and alot of motivated sellers. Like I said earlyer put your location on your profile or Post it up and ask for members in your area. You might get a ride in one to see how you like jets, And you are likely to find someone who knows someone who has a screaming deal sitting in a yard somewhere not advertised.

[MADDOG355]

Pretty good I had a little 14' Carlson with a 85hp Merk, That was a fun little boat SCARY but fun. Now I have a 19'5 Howard jet.

[Kim Hanson]

BS
Yes, you are full of it boitch.............( . )( . )...........I have an OB and a V-Drive...both with alittle bit of power and I just gave a jetboat away :D :D

[boatsnblondes]

WTF......I keep hittin the delete button but you keep blabbin.... shut up Brown:mad:
I thought I was the only one with this problem....SHUT UP BROWN!!!!!!!!!!!

[Jbb]

I used to have a Glastron. It was the best boat I ever had. The ladies were all over me when I was a 'Tron man.
Now I have a jet but don't bother running it because of the terrible fuel economy, poor performance, lack of maneuverability, and general rejection the ladies give me when I try to talk to them from my jet boat.
Tron man Tom.....
Saw this one a few weeks ago...
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=33619&stc=1&d=1182569010
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=33620&stc=1&d=1182569161
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=33621&stc=1&d=1182569161

[scooooter7]

Buy the jet and put a rudder on it.

[3 daytona`s]

Buy the jet and put a rudder on it.
After jet boating for most of my life,you now tell me I need a rudder?:idea: I promise you if you need a rudder sell the JET and buy a Bass Boat

[RaceFace]

They are by far the most fun to drive. They have a lot less moving parts within the pump and are great for shallow water. They are much safer than a prop. I just sold my 6th jet boat for a prop. We are on Lake Havasu almost all the time and needed a larger boat. :(
It does take a lot more HP to gain any speed over 60. Don’t go over 22’ on the hull length….jets are not as efficient on larger boats.
A jet is a great starter boat. It does take some practice to learn the gas to turn process.
When Froggy perfects the 28 footer with a large efficient jet that will do 90 ill will be the first in line. :D
You nailed it....except for WALK IT ON THE TRAILER your first few times out. We all had to learn the hard way. I'm just glad I had my friends around (experienced jet guys) to keep me from attempting to drive it on my first few times out.....probably woulda ended up in the back of my truck!! :D :D :D
I just sold my second jet and will always want another one....just need something bigger for Havi. Maybe a '19 CP for "my" boat...bigger one for the family :idea: :idea:

[pw_Tony]

You nailed it....except for WALK IT ON THE TRAILER your first few times out. We all had to learn the hard way. I'm just glad I had my friends around (experienced jet guys) to keep me from attempting to drive it on my first few times out.....probably woulda ended up in the back of my truck!! :D :D :D
I just sold my second jet and will always want another one....just need something bigger for Havi. Maybe a '19 CP for "my" boat...bigger one for the family :idea: :idea:
Seond that!!! Idleing around I always thought was the hardest part. But I've been putting a jet on the trailer since 10yrs old

[76ANTHONY]

After jet boating for most of my life,you now tell me I need a rudder?:idea: I promise you if you need a rudder sell the JET and buy a Bass Boat
A ROW BOAT, jets are easy to drive, it is docking and parking that you will have to learn, and ta make it easy, just remember, high idle when your coming in and just use the shifter to slow and speed up dont have ta use the throttle, just keep it at 1000 rpms or so and you'll move slow, and i always walk my jet onto the trailer, id hate ta scratch my boat:D

[Dan Lorenze]

When all jet boaters grow up they buy a I/O
Andy
I've been Jet boating on the river since the 70s... Guess I'll never grow up... Honestly, I've never even considered owning a boat with an outdrive. (not that there's anything wrong with it)..

[shueman]

I've been Jet boating on the river since the 70s... Guess I'll never grow up... Honestly, I've never even considered owning a boat with an outdrive. (not that there's anything wrong with it)..
Same here...a true product of the (low river) environment. They are not the best for a breezy Saturday afternoon at Havasu...:)

[GunninGopher]

I've always felt that putting around the harbor and docking was easier in a jet. There is no shifting in and out of gear so you can go forward and back at any speed you want to. It is also easy to get the boat to turn 180° in its own length.
Row Boat, like I said in an earlier post, unless you are going to boat in a big lake, and are really considering getting into boating, go for it. If you make a good deal now you won't lose much money if you don't like it. If you sell it a year from now you'll likely get near the same price.

[superdave013]

Have any of you guys seen or heard of the boat with a double pump setup on Havasu? Only runs one engine through a gear box of sorts and had two pumps on it......Supposed to be a new product that a giuy has ben testing for the last couple of years. I was talking to his son the other night. I am supposed to meet them at Havasu on the 21st of July.
yep I know those guys. They come to my shop all the time. They have some new stuff cookin that should be pretty cool.

[Mountainstone]

Now back to our regular programing.
Mountainstone. If you are in the market NOW is the time to buy, There are more boats for sale then normal and alot of motivated sellers. Like I said earlyer put your location on your profile or Post it up and ask for members in your area. You might get a ride in one to see how you like jets, And you are likely to find someone who knows someone who has a screaming deal sitting in a yard somewhere not advertised.
Thanx for the suggestion, but I wouldn't feel right asking for a ride in someone's boat since I do not currently have a boat to return the favor. Plus we are currently in Salt Lake City and many miles from a decent lake (Powell). On top of which, we will not actually be purchasing until next fall when I return from a one-year remote assignment to Korea (I leave with the Air Force this October).
I do not yet know where we will be stationed upon my return, but I have asked for Texas or Vegas, Where we land (and the lake/river closest to us) will really determine what kind of boat we buy. I had just never cosidered a jet until my wife made the mistake of greenlighting one. As suggested here, I may buy one for a season or two just for the fun of it since older hulls do not appear to depreciate much if maintained properly. If it only costs a couple grand to play for a couple years, I'd be stupid NOT to buy one, right?

[pw_Tony]

Thanx for the suggestion, but I wouldn't feel right asking for a ride in someone's boat since I do not currently have a boat to return the favor. Plus we are currently in Salt Lake City and many miles from a decent lake (Powell). On top of which, we will not actually be purchasing until next fall when I return from a one-year remote assignment to Korea (I leave with the Air Force this October).
I do not yet know where we will be stationed upon my return, but I have asked for Texas or Vegas, Where we land (and the lake/river closest to us) will really determine what kind of boat we buy. I had just never cosidered a jet until my wife made the mistake of greenlighting one. As suggested here, I may buy one for a season or two just for the fun of it since older hulls do not appear to depreciate much if maintained properly. If it only costs a couple grand to play for a couple years, I'd be stupid NOT to buy one, right?
Exactly:D :D :D ... and my 20' Spectra handles some pretty narly waves with ease, such as Lake Havasu. For the price of a Jet you can't beat it.

[rlemn8r]

I have an eliminator 210 eagle with a 496ho f/i indamar with 450 hp and a jet. It runs 62 mph completely reliable, and all considered not bad on gas. The only reason i would change to an outdrive would be to go to larger boat..

[andy01]

and you can do this.........:D
http://www.***boat.com/image_center/data/500/SIGGY.jpg
Or have a I/O and do this............
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=33624&stc=1&d=1182631828
Oh and I did have a jet boat, there is an ass for every seat. I didn't like the pounding and ass kicking it did in rough water. It looked cool though........

[andy01]

Here's a roost for ya......... :D This might be considered a jet, and they are tricky to drive from what I hear.......
http://www.turbinemarine.com/video_ATS.html

[SmokinLowriderSS]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/robertryan/AaronsSS-3x.jpg
Proof you can have a fun, fast jet that has been turnkey for 30 years, without worrying about every little wave that washes at the back of it sinking her.

[SmokinLowriderSS]

Seond that!!! Idleing around I always thought was the hardest part. But I've been putting a jet on the trailer since 10yrs old
I started about age 12.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/robertryan/AaronsSS-4x.jpg

[SmokinLowriderSS]

Or have a I/O and do this............
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=33624&stc=1&d=1182631828
I don't really consider a SURFACE DRIVE an I/O.
Now, find me a shot of a true I/O running 1/2 the prop in the air to make a tail like that and the boat will be a foot out of the water.

[pw_Tony]

Can't be that hard to drive.... been driving one since the age of 5....literally:D :D
http://i14.tinypic.com/4q4nlhl.jpg

[ahhell]

Id really like to have one of each (I/O and jet)...I live on the Colorado and a jet fits my needs, I also like to go to Mohave and unless its a 'smooth' day Im fukt....
<------ahhell, waiting on lotto to hit...:D

[Mountainstone]

I have an eliminator 210 eagle with a 496ho f/i indamar with 450 hp and a jet. It runs 62 mph completely reliable, and all considered not bad on gas.
This sounds like the perfect comprimise. You give up ultimate top speed and sacrifice a little fuel economy but can run shallow rivers or handle big lake chop with a reliable engine/jet combo.

[Amm]

Thanx for the suggestion, but I wouldn't feel right asking for a ride in someone's boat since I do not currently have a boat to return the favor. Plus we are currently in Salt Lake City and many miles from a decent lake (Powell). On top of which, we will not actually be purchasing until next fall when I return from a one-year remote assignment to Korea (I leave with the Air Force this October).
I do not yet know where we will be stationed upon my return, but I have asked for Texas or Vegas, Where we land (and the lake/river closest to us) will really determine what kind of boat we buy. I had just never cosidered a jet until my wife made the mistake of greenlighting one. As suggested here, I may buy one for a season or two just for the fun of it since older hulls do not appear to depreciate much if maintained properly. If it only costs a couple grand to play for a couple years, I'd be stupid NOT to buy one, right?
If you are interested in water sports, like tubing, skiing, etc, then utah lake is pretty good, especially for a jet. It's a huge lake but fairly shallow. No speed limit and plenty of open space to run.
Of course its also a turbid lake, you can't see the bottom even though its only 10 feet deep at its highest. Also, there are no beaches.

[phebus]

To be proficient with a jetboat, you must have a birthdate that is pre 1965, or you will have a hard time relating.
Pink Floyd forever!! :D

[RaceFace]

To be proficient with a jetboat, you must have a birthdate that is pre 1965, or you will have a hard time relating.
Pink Floyd forever!! :D
Well, I'm pretty good with a jet at all speeds...been doing it for years, BUT I was born in '67.
...and I can't relate to Pink Floyd.
Guess I better start drinking!! :D :D

[sleekcraft80]

To be proficient with a jetboat, you must have a birthdate that is pre 1965, or you will have a hard time relating.
Pink Floyd forever!! :D
I have the pre 1965 birthdate and I can relate.
And yes Pink Floyd and don't forget about Molly Hatchet!

[MBlaster]

I've always felt that putting around the harbor and docking was easier in a jet. There is no shifting in and out of gear so you can go forward and back at any speed you want to. It is also easy to get the boat to turn 180° in its own length.
Jets are a breeze to manuver.
I run my 21 ft Carrera all over Havasu. Granted when the water is big I have to pay attention and the ride is rougher.
Though its always fun to trim down and watch the big i/o and tourney boats follow me upriver;)
My next boat will probably be a larger i/o since the kids are getting bigger and we need more room.
In a perfect world you need a nice jet AND a bigger i/o in the garage.

[superdave013]

Oh and I did have a jet boat, there is an ass for every seat. I didn't like the pounding and ass kicking it did in rough water. It looked cool though........
C'mon Andy, don't be a hater. You sold yours before it ever got it close to dialed in. Did you ever even leg that thing out once??

[RiverOtter]

Go into your backyard.
Turn on the garden hose.
Put your thumb over the end.
Practice.
Now thats funny :D

[Legal Chemistry]

Jet's have a love hate with everyone: an I/O hates us b/c it cost 100k to do the same roost, lol.
To answer your PM: it's a 24' Hawaiian. Uh, rather large for a jet though... so it isn't the fastest! For the price and ease of operation I get a kick out of it. It does have a V for the chop, seats plenty, and moves about the lake okay. Yes, an I/O goes 10-15+mph with the same engine. So, I'll get there a few minutes after you. Personally, I like how a jet drives -esp. at low speeds and docking. Forward/Reverse can be done at anytime and you can turn on a dime. Each to their own.

[Riverbass]

If you you buy a low free board jet you wont be going to Havasu becuse you spend most of your time pumping out water you will take over the back of the boat. These boats are made for low water with a lot of sand and rock bars. Read (just jets).
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/srferjo/boats/IMG_0262.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/srferjo/boats/IMG_0065.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/srferjo/boats/IMG_0219.jpg

[Riverbass]

I forgot 3 hr of run time = 33 gal of gas.:D :D :D :D

[RaceFace]

If you you buy a low free board jet you wont be going to Havasu becuse you spend most of your time pumping out water you will take over the back of the boat. These boats are made for low water with a lot of sand and rock bars. Read (just jets).
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/srferjo/boats/IMG_0262.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/srferjo/boats/IMG_0065.jpg
http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e316/srferjo/boats/IMG_0219.jpg
THAT is a clean ass boat!! What is it? What year?? What kind of power??
Very nice!!

[Riverbass]

1988 Dana 19', 454 bbc, berk je pump got it for 7000.00.:D :D :D

[Twins+one]

LC -
Forgive my ignorance, but what is that you are driving? I like the idea of an open bow v-hull with some deadrise and jet drive.
After reading some more, it seems a stock(ish) EFI motor with a jet would be pretty maintenance-free, and I am pleased to hear so many positive responses regarding the jet fun-to-drive factor. I still think the foot pedal is a little odd; wouldn't you tend to bounce the engine RPM crossing wakes?
If you get the foot part right, the ride in a jet is like gliding across jello! ITS ALL IN THE FOOT!

[Riverdog1]

Don't buy a jet boat unless you boat in a bath tub that is less then 2 feet deep. Buy an I/O and get more speed with less fuel issues for your money. When all jet boaters grow up they buy a I/O, now if this is your first boat and you are boating in the bath tub then cool, otherwise don't bother. If you want a small fun boat to drive buy a v-drive. Oh and ask your wife if she likes riding in a wheel barrel, a small jet boat is going to ride real rough.
Andy
That all depends on who's jet boat you'r riding in. V-drive's are ball slappers, especially flats. Different hull designs give you different rides. Steering under power depends on if you took off the rudder that is bolted to the nozzle...(guilty)...True, you get more performance with props for the same HP but acceleration in a jet is jaw dropping, even with a mild 350 hp motor. Gas guzzling is an engine choice. Fords to me seem like the are gas hogs while Chevy's seem to be kinder on gas. Any boat with any kind of power is not going to get mileage. A jet boat will turn on a dime under power (look on Banderlog for JEThro for pics). Sandbars aren't much of a problem on plane. If you're not interested in doing your own MA you shouldn't bother. Very easy to work on. Unless the tower boats are not digging holes in front of me, I have a smooth ride. White caps? Hit the gas buddy, you're rolling over the top...no ball slapping. Forward..Reverse...Forward...Reverse...You can drive that boat sideways and parallel park no problem..It just takes some getting used to. It does take some work to get it over 70, but it's not just a power issue...You can do that without adding power, just a little elbow grease and some upside-down time.
Jet's are very cool. I am addicted. I love racing v-drives with my jet. I smoke them off the line (They can run me down) just not before the finish line...:D :D
My .02, don't just buy something because it looks cool, make sure you ask some questions about the hull. That purdy boat could be a toad.
Bottom line is, I can have just about any boat I want. And I do want. But I will never give up my jet and I can't tow both. So Jet won. Although I have to admit, I've always wanted to drive a hydro:devil: :D

[Legal Chemistry]

Gas isn't too bad -it's a bbc they suck gas up. I did 68 miles on Saturday and ~45 gallons of gas -granted I only have 400hp bbc. Windsor to Topock and P. Moabi, to Steamboat, Copper Canyon (maybe the Spings.. don't remember) and back. I would have gone through the same amount w/an I/O, it just would have been a quicker ride :)

[pw_Tony]

I have both, actually a few lol.:D
I/O is greater for top end speed, and more efficient that's true.
But I have one I/O and three jets. I had always had jet boats and decided to "grow up" to an I/O. I used it for a few years with lots of boating, but it just wasn't the same as a Jet boat, and that's complete honesty.
Jet boats for the money will whoop an I/O(that are comparable to a jet) for
money per fun factor. They really do. Jets just turn so awesome, with acceleration, and whipping them around. I still like my I/O but when my drive broke it was quoted at $3500 to fix. So I just bought a Jet boat:D and had a blast. It was always in the back of my head that I wanted another jet boat. And now I have three:D
Boating is all about fun to me, which you can do with any boat, but a jet is what I feel like is the funnest under $20000

[Bense468]

Don't buy a jet boat unless you boat in a bath tub that is less then 2 feet deep. Buy an I/O and get more speed with less fuel issues for your money. When all jet boaters grow up they buy a I/O, now if this is your first boat and you are boating in the bath tub then cool, otherwise don't bother. If you want a small fun boat to drive buy a v-drive. Oh and ask your wife if she likes riding in a wheel barrel, a small jet boat is going to ride real rough.
Andy
LOL...Once upon a time.

[Blown 472]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b315/robertryan/AaronsSS-3x.jpg
Proof you can have a fun, fast jet that has been turnkey for 30 years, without worrying about every little wave that washes at the back of it sinking her.
That is a nice pink shirt you have on there smokin.

[eliminatedsprinter]

I stared out as a kid with an OB with a hand throttle.
Then as an adult I got used to driving a jet boat.
My boat is an OB with a foot throttle.
I had no trouble at all getting used to driving a jet boat. But adjusting to an OB with a foot throttle took a little doing, because I kept wanting to shift before I let all the way off the throttle.:)

[andy01]

C'mon Andy, don't be a hater. You sold yours before it ever got it close to dialed in. Did you ever even leg that thing out once??
One time, early in the morning as the sun was rissing........I came down river by Foxs and stayed in it until it felt like it wouldn't go any faster then I stayed in it about 2 more seconds and let off. I know it was spinning 6,200 rpm. with a SS AA impeler. How fast was it going? I have know clue, but I did it and that is all I was out there for that morning.
Would I care to do it again? If rigged by a different person yes........ If I did a small boat now I would have Gary @ GT rig it.
Andy

[wright27]

LC -
Forgive my ignorance, but what is that you are driving? I like the idea of an open bow v-hull with some deadrise and jet drive.
After reading some more, it seems a stock(ish) EFI motor with a jet would be pretty maintenance-free, and I am pleased to hear so many positive responses regarding the jet fun-to-drive factor. I still think the foot pedal is a little odd; wouldn't you tend to bounce the engine RPM crossing wakes?
I have owned alot of jets, and I am the complete opposite of you. I think hand controls are odd. I put a foot throtle in my 24 ft Eliminator daytona (I/O). They are much easier IMO.

[andy01]

LOL...Once upon a time.
Yeah, once upon a time.......
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34015&stc=1&d=1183063596
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=34016&stc=1&d=1183063656
Andy