Bill,

For a work boat, I'd have to agree with you 100%. Unless, you're working in
the shallows like you mentioned. However on a pleasure boat, they are
nothing but fun.

I have a Yamaha twin engine jet (23') (320hp total) and it's a pure blast.
Tubing, wakeboarding, skiing, and just cruising, it's great. Maybe the fuel
economy is poor, but I don't see a huge difference in usage over my last
boat that was a 190hp stern drive. Try doing a "U" turn in less than 15'
radius at 45mph, and you'll understand the "fun factor." Don't worry,
everyone is warned before I pull a stunt like that. g

--Mike


"Bill Kiene" wrote in message
t...
I was up in Cordova, Alaska a few years ago and saw aluminum commercial
work boats that were powered by GM gasoline V8s with jet drives. I asked
why they used them in the ocean because they are not as fuel efficient as a
propeller drive. They said because they work nets right in close to the
shallows and they had less damage with a jet drives. Outboard jets have
about 30% lose of power while inboard jet drives have about 15%.

If you don't have a reason (running in shallow water) for a jet drive I
would stay away from them.

--
Bill Kiene

Kiene's Fly Shop
Sacramento, CA, USA

Web site: www.kiene.com


"mark" wrote in message
...
Does anyone here have any experience with a 250hp mercruiser/cummins
jet/sterndrive. Would it be a good candidate to repower a 31' X 12'
aluminum workboat. What are the pros/cons of a jetdrive vs a prop
sterndrive.