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

"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




One reason is basic efficiency. Ol' John Ericsson, arrogant and pig headed
as he was, came up with a winner with the screw propeller. Simple and very
efficient. Although peaked and tweaked over the years, the basic design
hasn't changed.

RCE

jets drink gas faster than prop powered boats!


"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

Hi Duke,

I have a Yamaha SX230 HO, and couldn't be happier with it. When I was
looking for a boat to replace my 19' I/O, a jet wasn't even in the
equation...until I saw the rear deck setup of the Yamaha. Take a good look
at it on their website. The rear deck is very cool, and very functional.
It's a fabulous family boat...big, beamy, and loads of storage, which is
what we were after. Besides that, the top end is just over 50mph (GPS), and
it accelerates like a rocket.

The downsides you read are true. It's gas hungry, but not as bad as some
would lead you to believe. We go out maybe 3 times a month, so it's really
not an issue. If you boat every day, that it could hurt the wallet.

It does handle wierd, but compared to what? It just depends on what you're
used to. I had an I/O for a few years, and whenever I drove my friends
inboard, I thought THAT thing handled wierd g. That said, I did want to
improve the slow speed handling, and found a product called Cobra Jet
Steering Fins that did the trick. They bolt on to either side of the jet
nozzles, and now the boat handles much more like an I/O (even in reverse).
It was a quick fix for less than $300. Hell, you could probably make your
own, but you'd need a plasma cutter to cut the stainless steel.

That's my 2 pennies for whatever it's worth. Good luck with your decision.

--Mike







"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

Well said, Mike.

Over on Carlyle Lake, though, it's known to be brezey and water can
chop and swell with a gust of wind.

It's beknownst that some really low profile Jet boats have gone under
there, because of "torpedoing" when the water drops right out from
under neath you and you bullet the next wave with about 4 feet of water
heading over the bow. The nose drops, the wave is high, and the boat
heads right for the bottom.

Of course, I suppose that can happen to about any craft with the same
type fo profile.



MGG wrote:
Hi Duke,

I have a Yamaha SX230 HO, and couldn't be happier with it. When I was
looking for a boat to replace my 19' I/O, a jet wasn't even in the
equation...until I saw the rear deck setup of the Yamaha. Take a good look
at it on their website. The rear deck is very cool, and very functional.
It's a fabulous family boat...big, beamy, and loads of storage, which is
what we were after. Besides that, the top end is just over 50mph (GPS), and
it accelerates like a rocket.

The downsides you read are true. It's gas hungry, but not as bad as some
would lead you to believe. We go out maybe 3 times a month, so it's really
not an issue. If you boat every day, that it could hurt the wallet.

It does handle wierd, but compared to what? It just depends on what you're
used to. I had an I/O for a few years, and whenever I drove my friends
inboard, I thought THAT thing handled wierd g. That said, I did want to
improve the slow speed handling, and found a product called Cobra Jet
Steering Fins that did the trick. They bolt on to either side of the jet
nozzles, and now the boat handles much more like an I/O (even in reverse).
It was a quick fix for less than $300. Hell, you could probably make your
own, but you'd need a plasma cutter to cut the stainless steel.

That's my 2 pennies for whatever it's worth. Good luck with your decision.

--Mike







"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

Hi Tim,

I guess when many folks think of a jet boat, they think of those slender low
profile bullet looking things (for the most part). The newer ones (my Yamaha
in particular), look just like any other big bow-rider. It's 23' long has a
102" beam, and 20 degree dead rise. Heck, my boat handles the chop better
than my buddy's X-30. I guess what I'm saying is that you can't tell it's a
jet unless it's out of the water...or you hear it g.

--Mike

"Tim" wrote in message
oups.com...
Well said, Mike.

Over on Carlyle Lake, though, it's known to be brezey and water can
chop and swell with a gust of wind.

It's beknownst that some really low profile Jet boats have gone under
there, because of "torpedoing" when the water drops right out from
under neath you and you bullet the next wave with about 4 feet of water
heading over the bow. The nose drops, the wave is high, and the boat
heads right for the bottom.

Of course, I suppose that can happen to about any craft with the same
type fo profile.



MGG wrote:
Hi Duke,

I have a Yamaha SX230 HO, and couldn't be happier with it. When I was
looking for a boat to replace my 19' I/O, a jet wasn't even in the
equation...until I saw the rear deck setup of the Yamaha. Take a good
look
at it on their website. The rear deck is very cool, and very functional.
It's a fabulous family boat...big, beamy, and loads of storage, which is
what we were after. Besides that, the top end is just over 50mph (GPS),
and
it accelerates like a rocket.

The downsides you read are true. It's gas hungry, but not as bad as some
would lead you to believe. We go out maybe 3 times a month, so it's
really
not an issue. If you boat every day, that it could hurt the wallet.

It does handle wierd, but compared to what? It just depends on what
you're
used to. I had an I/O for a few years, and whenever I drove my friends
inboard, I thought THAT thing handled wierd g. That said, I did want to
improve the slow speed handling, and found a product called Cobra Jet
Steering Fins that did the trick. They bolt on to either side of the jet
nozzles, and now the boat handles much more like an I/O (even in
reverse).
It was a quick fix for less than $300. Hell, you could probably make your
own, but you'd need a plasma cutter to cut the stainless steel.

That's my 2 pennies for whatever it's worth. Good luck with your
decision.

--Mike







"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

you got a point there, Mike.

Thanks for the clarification


MGG wrote:
Hi Tim,

I guess when many folks think of a jet boat, they think of those slender low
profile bullet looking things (for the most part). The newer ones (my Yamaha
in particular), look just like any other big bow-rider. It's 23' long has a
102" beam, and 20 degree dead rise. Heck, my boat handles the chop better
than my buddy's X-30. I guess what I'm saying is that you can't tell it's a
jet unless it's out of the water...or you hear it g.

--Mike

"Tim" wrote in message
oups.com...
Well said, Mike.

Over on Carlyle Lake, though, it's known to be brezey and water can
chop and swell with a gust of wind.

It's beknownst that some really low profile Jet boats have gone under
there, because of "torpedoing" when the water drops right out from
under neath you and you bullet the next wave with about 4 feet of water
heading over the bow. The nose drops, the wave is high, and the boat
heads right for the bottom.

Of course, I suppose that can happen to about any craft with the same
type fo profile.



MGG wrote:
Hi Duke,

I have a Yamaha SX230 HO, and couldn't be happier with it. When I was
looking for a boat to replace my 19' I/O, a jet wasn't even in the
equation...until I saw the rear deck setup of the Yamaha. Take a good
look
at it on their website. The rear deck is very cool, and very functional.
It's a fabulous family boat...big, beamy, and loads of storage, which is
what we were after. Besides that, the top end is just over 50mph (GPS),
and
it accelerates like a rocket.

The downsides you read are true. It's gas hungry, but not as bad as some
would lead you to believe. We go out maybe 3 times a month, so it's
really
not an issue. If you boat every day, that it could hurt the wallet.

It does handle wierd, but compared to what? It just depends on what
you're
used to. I had an I/O for a few years, and whenever I drove my friends
inboard, I thought THAT thing handled wierd g. That said, I did want to
improve the slow speed handling, and found a product called Cobra Jet
Steering Fins that did the trick. They bolt on to either side of the jet
nozzles, and now the boat handles much more like an I/O (even in
reverse).
It was a quick fix for less than $300. Hell, you could probably make your
own, but you'd need a plasma cutter to cut the stainless steel.

That's my 2 pennies for whatever it's worth. Good luck with your
decision.

--Mike







"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

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