Jet Boats, Any Pointers or thoughts??

[robm3]

Looking at buying a Yamaha SR230 which is basically a twin engined jet boat.

Any PH'ers got advice about these, especially when compared to a Sea Ray with a Mercruiser inboard?

Would be using 60% lake/river and 40% semi open water (Sydney Harbour) but I think the V is deep enough.

Some other benefits for me are:
Twin engines = Back-up
The engines seem to have a lower height and so it has three seperate areas onboard (front, centre & rear).
No prop is appealing for watersports and I also heard the single prop mercruisers are a little tricky to handle at low speed maneuvers.

Any thoughts?

[Dunk1982]

Hi Rob, Just saw your post and remebered one of the guys in the Middle East forum has just bought something similar.

PH id is jezzaaa send him a message on here im sure he could answer some questions for you.

[FUBAR]

PHer Maser_Spyder seems to sell them, he would be worth a PM

Quite like the look of this http://pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&t...

[maser_spyder]

You looking at new or S/H?

[Rum Runner]

Don't bother. Load of trouble, 30% less efficient than prop, drink juice, most are shallow angle V hull.

Go for standard issue outboard or inboard.

Remember reverse is a waste of time and they only turn when power is on. You come off the gas and turn the wheel you go straight on. No natural rudder / skeg in the water to turn the boat when underway even if neutral like in standard prop driven unit.

Much less hole shot ability if pulling someone up on board / Ski.

Edited by Rum Runner on Tuesday 7th September 20:05

[maser_spyder]

Rum Runner said:

Don't bother. Load of trouble, 30% less efficient than prop, drink juice, most are shallow angle V hull.

Go for standard issue outboard or inboard.

Remember reverse is a waste of time and they only turn when power is on. You come off the gas and turn the wheel you go straight on. No natural rudder / skeg in the water to turn the boat when underway even if neutral like in standard prop driven unit.

Much less hole shot ability if pulling someone up on board / Ski.

Edited by Rum Runner on Tuesday 7th September 20:05

You really don't like them, do you!

A properly designed one is actually better than a prop driven vessel, especially suited to towing since there's no mincing device fitted to the back.

Reverse is slower than forwards, but when you can spin the boat in it's own length in forwards only, you really don't need to use reverse all that much. It does take practice though....

It's not strictly true they carry straight on off throttle. The reason is the jet is always moving the boat slightly forwards (there's no 'gears' on a jet boat), so you always have drive.

Basically, it's a different type of drive to a prop boat, and the skills are slightly different. Don't expect to jump in to a jet and manoeuvre it like a prop boat, it takes a bit more practice than that.

Having had both, I'd go jet all the way, but it's really a personal preference.

[Rum Runner]

maser.
I know they have there place and great in rivers...just seen to many accidents with ski's over the years...and some many poorly maintained jet drives and engines.
At same time I have seen a lot of prop chop including the 2000 Southampton boat accident.
Yes I understand what you have is different but the likes of the twin engine Sea Doo things are not the best

[robm3]

maser_spyder said:

You looking at new or S/H?

Second hand, looks good too although doesn't have a 'Hours' guage on the motors.

I've a little time on Powerboats, mainly 140hp outboard on a 20ft savage so would need to get used to the Jet.
Will take note on the 'straight only once off throttle' comment and play around with that when I do a quick sea trial.

[maser_spyder]

robm3 said:

maser_spyder said:

You looking at new or S/H?

Second hand, looks good too although doesn't have a 'Hours' guage on the motors.

I've a little time on Powerboats, mainly 140hp outboard on a 20ft savage so would need to get used to the Jet.
Will take note on the 'straight only once off throttle' comment and play around with that when I do a quick sea trial.

Just remember, off throttle, turn wheel, on throttle will spin the boat round 180 - 360 degrees almost instantly.

Known as a 'Hamilton turn' or 'Jet Spin'.

It's much fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ldr2TjP5Z0&

[robm3]

maser_spyder said:

robm3 said:

maser_spyder said:

You looking at new or S/H?

Second hand, looks good too although doesn't have a 'Hours' guage on the motors.

I've a little time on Powerboats, mainly 140hp outboard on a 20ft savage so would need to get used to the Jet.
Will take note on the 'straight only once off throttle' comment and play around with that when I do a quick sea trial.

Just remember, off throttle, turn wheel, on throttle will spin the boat round 180 - 360 degrees almost instantly.

Known as a 'Hamilton turn' or 'Jet Spin'.

It's much fun.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ldr2TjP5Z0&

Haha, I can see the reaction from wifey wife when I pull that stunt off (and I'll have to go back to retrieve my two young children out of the drink).

[robm3]

Here's a shot of the model:

Edited by robm3 on Wednesday 8th September 14:00