On Tue, 23 Sep 2008 09:50:10 -0400, "Roger Long"
wrote:

"Larry" wrote


Knowing how inefficient the jets are, how many GPH is she guzzling at 20
knots?


These boats actually spend a small proportion of their time at cruising
speed and only about 10% flat out. Most of the time is spent maneuvering
around slowly. The jets are even more inefficient at those low speeds but
total power requirements are so low that it isn't a big issue.

The real efficiency for a boat running around doing research in a shallow
bay is being able plow through an oyster bar if there is a navigational
error and still being operational as opposed to needing to be towed
immediately to a shipyard where they would spend the better part of a year's
fuel bill. The additional shallow areas they can operate in safely also
greatly increase her scientific value. There are hundreds of square miles
open to here that would be closed to a prop version.

Of course, two years ago, when we were all sitting around running the
numbers for jets vs props, we were saying, "Wow, even if fuel goes as high
as three bucks a gallon, these numbers still favor jets."

Been driving the same Turbocraft jet drive runabout for fifty years.
Came with a 109 hp Graymarine flathead six that you could kick start
with a crank. Handy, since the only thing that ever went wrong was the
reverse rotation starter, that took weeks to replace.[ flywheel was at
the front of the engine.] Replaced it with a Buick V-6 that my brother
marinized with kit parts. Great boat. Came with lifting eyes. The
front one is ideal for the anchor. There are chocks for the rode. The
rear one is ideal to attach the ski tow line. Came with clamshell
vents on the gunnels. Remote operated spotlight. The engine is
central, under a doghouse that detaches with two one finger latches.
It has a hinged lid, to open for ventilation before starting engine.
You can sit in it, it's padded. You you lift out the rear bench seat,
just forward of the fuel tank and fill the oil cups on the pump while
the nonexistant fumes escape. Came with both bilge fan and bilge pump.
Both trouble free all these years. Hull number 10 of the first jet
boats sold in the US. One oddity is the foot operated
throttle that is not a red hot idea.

Casady