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Thread: Smallblock I/O vs. BBC jet.......

  1. #1
    Jim B.
    What would the pros and cons of a BBC jet drive vs. a smallblock I/O setup in a new 21 bowrider like an ultra or essex?? My wife and I are looking and i'm trying to decide what would be better.............I mean I know a jet drive is going to cost less vs. an i/o in the same boat and is going to be less maintenance and safer(for the kiddies) but would a smallblock I/O get better gas mileage??
    How is towing a skier between the two? I've never owned an I/O only jets so those that have experienced both please chime in.
    i'm looking for a good all around performance ski setup that gets descent gas mileage. Going fast is not a concern........this is going to be a family ski boat....What are your recommendations??? Thanks!
    JiM

  2. #2
    Run_em_Hard
    Where do you boat the most???

  3. #3
    pw_Tony
    An I/O would whoop the Jets azz on gas mileage!
    Have you ever driven a BB jet?
    I/O small block is more practical, but if you're a real boater then you have enough money for more gas right?
    BBC jet is probably more "fun"
    and a small block I/O is more user friendly I suppose, get you to the sand bar, tueb, and go back

  4. #4
    Boa1277
    Take it from a big block jet owner who is probably going to convert to a small block I/O because not only will you get much better gas mileage you will probably get 10 more mph. (Depending on how trick the Big Block is) You can get a little small block pushing out 350 hp and you will run 65+ all day long.

  5. #5
    pw_Tony
    Take it from a big block jet owner who is probably going to convert to a small block I/O because not only will you get much better gas mileage you will probably get 10 more mph. (Depending on how trick the Big Block is) You can get a little small block pushing out 350 hp and you will run 65+ all day long.
    Obviously I'm not sure what kind of boat you have, but one of my fathers boats has a small block I/O, it's a 20' and can get a max speed of 45mph, trim all up, and a couple passenegers with no cargo.
    And my friend's other cheetah 21' has a small block I/O and runs 48mph all day, not quite 65.
    As for the average jet BB boat under 22' will probably do a good 55mph, but that's with a lot more holeshot, and fun factor
    And a jet can plane alot faster

  6. #6
    77charger
    I use to have a 19ft jetboat did fine for a jet but like most used some gas.Needed a better family boat so i searched for a 21 ft open boaw and wanted a prop wheter it was a454 bravo or 350 alpha.Found a clean 21 w 350mag/alpha combo(93 eliminator).Top speed is around 58 and on agood day can barely hit 60.with 8 people in it it can still pull 54-55,has no prob pulling skiers and gets on plane pretty good even if loaded heavy.But does not use much gas at all 35 gallons gos a long way with alot of drivin.
    It will take a strong big block/jet in the same size hull to match my speed and i see some of them struggling with full boat to get on plane if they are trying to go against a strong current plus use alot more gas

  7. #7
    dicudmore
    I/O all the way jet-drives are for sea doos not family cruisers

  8. #8
    Jim B.
    Where do you boat the most???
    Here and there and alittle bit of everywhere .................CA lakes and the river (Parker,Needles)

  9. #9
    Jim B.
    An I/O would whoop the Jets azz on gas mileage!
    Have you ever driven a BB jet?
    I/O small block is more practical, but if you're a real boater then you have enough money for more gas right?
    BBC jet is probably more "fun"
    and a small block I/O is more user friendly I suppose, get you to the sand bar, tueb, and go back
    Yes I driven a jet.lots of them. My last boat was an 18 ft. eliminator bubble with 800hp .............................. it's hard to compare that with a stock BBC 21' ultra bowrider

  10. #10
    pw_Tony
    Well then you know about what they're good at!

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