Advice

[Nujetter]

I have been into water sports for years, mostly comp. waterskiing. This winter I am picking up my first jet boat. My question is for race and recreation purposes what type of hull should I look for and or pump, engine, etc...? I have mostly been around inboards (comp ski boats).

[76sanger]

well im kinda new also, i have a sanger, and have heard from a few that they made a good hull.... as to jet..... hmmmmm ive heard dominator is good, and if your looking for a complete berkeley jet, there is one on ebay as we speak, i think its at $125. and for the engine question, thats a no brainer
BIG BLOCK CHEVY cuz i dont think ford and dodge make a motor (haha). and you ford and dodge guys please dont take offense at that just havin fun here. and chevy's are by far cheaper to work on i.e. parts!!! wink

[1tricky1]

If your looking for speed, a tunnel hull is the way to go. A tunnel will be about 7-10mph faster with same horsepower and drive unit as a v-bottom type hull. It seems with tunnels you usually sacrafice some interior room though. There are still a bunch of very cool v-bottom hulls that haul ass. There are several here on these boards.
You can't go wrong with a Berkeley or a Dominator. American Turbine and Agressor are also popular pumps. As for engine preference, it's gotta be a big block Ford or Chevy. Oldsmobile parts are expensive and they are known to have some oiling issues. Good luck in your venture. Here's a picture of my ride.
[img]http://free.***boat.net/gallery/Reader_Rides/Jet_Boats/boat_lf_rear.JPG[/img]

[Nubbs]

I bought an 18.5' Nordic bubbledeck in June. It's got a Dominator pump and a BBC engine. I'm very happy with the whole package. It pulls skiers with no problems. It goes fast enough to satisfy me. The only things I don't like are it only seats 5 people and only holds 20 gallons of gas. The gas tanks are changeable, but the seating is not.
Good Luck

[rivercrazy]

It just depends on what your goals are. Do you want a large enough boat for the family? How fast do you want to go? Do you run in rough water? How flat of a wake do you want for skiing?
A good all around boat is a 21 daycruiser style hull.
As for jets, I would stay with Dominator, American Turbine, or Legend. IMHO they are the best pumps.
Try to get a motor with forged parts thoughout and as big on the cubic inches as possible.

[canuck1]

buy an aluminum hull

[NorCal Gameshow]

a spectra would be a good choice, with a jet the 20' would be the longest i'd go, unless you want to put mucho dinero in the engine.happy hunting you're looking at the right time of year.

[diggler]

I have a v-hull with an Olds 455. No problems with the engine after I knew how to take care of its unique oil issues. TONS of room inside also. The only problem I have with it is that it get VERY, VERY, squirrely over 70mph. I believe a place diverter will solve that problem though.
[img]http://free.***boat.net/gallery/Reader_Rides/Jet_Boats/1PF_at_Lost_Isle_2.JPG[/img]

[Liberator TJ1984]

Hey Diggler ..how's it hangin'....what oil issues did you have ??? Dave didn't have oil problems that I knew of ...and that is a Stout Olds' motor in that boat ! that's why it runs so good..I think dave tried a diverter on there...worked to a certian point ,but I remember him saying it was porpoiseing real bad ..Next time I see him I'll ask and let you know what was up ....
Gopherrrrr.........

[diggler]

Liberator TJ1984:
Hey Diggler ..how's it hangin'....what oil issues did you have ??? Dave didn't have oil problems that I knew of ...and that is a Stout Olds' motor in that boat ! that's why it runs so good..I think dave tried a diverter on there...worked to a certian point ,but I remember him saying it was porpoiseing real bad ..Next time I see him I'll ask and let you know what was up ....
Gopherrrrr......... Just low oil pressure after it heats up. I only pull about 30psi at high rpms. I believe an oil cooler and roller rockers should resolve this.
I've actually been up over 75mph a couple of times, but it gets very dangerous at that speed. Can you ask Dave how effective a diverter was for me? Would a jetovator be any better?