Reliability? Think of all the twists and turns from engine shaft to prop in
an outdrive. Now add hydraulics and steering cables to articulate those
joints and then throw in a gearbox for reverse. My boat has an impeller
attached directly to the engine shaft. Nothing moves but the nozzle to turn,
and a bucket that drops down for reverse. And it's safer. Absolutely no
chance of a propeller injury, or even an impeller injury since the rotating
parts are unreachable. I consider it to be the perfect all around sport
utility type of boat. Since I can't afford a boatyard, it's the best
compromise. Welded aluminum is more likely to survive shallow water than the
glass boats you're looking at.

"Duke" wrote in message
news:ifmhg.9463$3i3.523@trnddc08...
Hello all,

I am thinking of getting a boat towards the end of this year. My wife and
I have been looking at the Sea Ray, Maxum, line up in the 20 - 22 foot
range. We have also looked at the Yamaha and the SeaDoo jet boats of the
same size. The only difference I can really see between the two are the
engines. Both types pretty much offer the same amenities. On the plus
side for the jet boats I see they have more horsepower (assuming standard
engine) and weigh about half as much as a conventional boat. However,
when out on the water you don't really see that many jet boats as compared
to the thousands of conventionally powered boats.

Is this because they have just not really caught on or is there some
underlying factor that I am missing ? Are the jet engines not as reliable
as the more conventional I/O engines ? Anyway own one that would buy one
again ?

Thanks for any insight,

Duke

With heavy engines there's some viberation to be considered, though.

stress cracks in aluminum etc. Not saying it happens over night, but
problems can develope in the long haul. But nothing that an aluminum
welder can't cure.

Glass v. Aluminum?

When they hit the rocks, the glass would probably be able to survive
better than the metal.

Not saying it would be good though......



stevenal wrote:
Reliability? Think of all the twists and turns from engine shaft to prop in
an outdrive. Now add hydraulics and steering cables to articulate those
joints and then throw in a gearbox for reverse. My boat has an impeller
attached directly to the engine shaft. Nothing moves but the nozzle to turn,
and a bucket that drops down for reverse. And it's safer. Absolutely no
chance of a propeller injury, or even an impeller injury since the rotating
parts are unreachable. I consider it to be the perfect all around sport
utility type of boat. Since I can't afford a boatyard, it's the best
compromise. Welded aluminum is more likely to survive shallow water than the
glass boats you're looking at.

"Duke" wrote in message
news:ifmhg.9463$3i3.523@trnddc08...
Hello all,

I am thinking of getting a boat towards the end of this year. My wife and
I have been looking at the Sea Ray, Maxum, line up in the 20 - 22 foot
range. We have also looked at the Yamaha and the SeaDoo jet boats of the
same size. The only difference I can really see between the two are the
engines. Both types pretty much offer the same amenities. On the plus
side for the jet boats I see they have more horsepower (assuming standard
engine) and weigh about half as much as a conventional boat. However,
when out on the water you don't really see that many jet boats as compared
to the thousands of conventionally powered boats.

Is this because they have just not really caught on or is there some
underlying factor that I am missing ? Are the jet engines not as reliable
as the more conventional I/O engines ? Anyway own one that would buy one
again ?

Thanks for any insight,

Duke