Conference vicki::boats

    The latest issue of Popular Mechanics has once again featured this
    lineup of jet boats.
    
    They look like a lot of fun to drive.  Obviously not an all purpose
    craft though.  Seems like a nice boat for short duration uses.  Does
    not look large enough for gear and accessories.  You notice all the
    pictures its just the studly guy and foxy babe, no coolers, skis, gear,
    etc, etc...
    
    I'd love to try one!  Mark

	They had some at the boat show.  First time I saw them.
	I don't like Jet Ski's at all.
	I place them in the same catagory as Ski Doo's.
	Limited use vehicles for folks that like to throw $$$ away
	on a toy that is non flexable and weather dependent.

	But these looked pretty neat.

	They are low to the water but are wide and seem stable.
	Can hold 2 or ? passengers and are rigged for yanking a ski-er.
	Very stylish.  Seems you could even fish from it to a degree.
	More so then those folks I've seen fishing from jet-ski's in
	the Merrimack 8^0

	Prices were around $9K as noted before with 90hp engines.

	-< Tuna Tail >-

    There are two mfgr's of the powerplants; Merc with the 90 hp, and OMC
    with 90, 100, and 110 hp choices.  Look to this segment of the market
    to really take off, since it combines the ease of maintainence and
    light weight of the outboard (these are ob 2 stroke powerheads hooked 
    to a jet pump) with the esthetically pleasing good looks of an inboard. 
    
    Carl

    Also, most of the fun of a jet ski without being banned from every lake
    and pond around.
    Wayne

    	They come in more variety than most people realize.  I'm personally
    more familiar with the Boston Whaler versions which come in a 14 footer
    w/90 hp (rated for 5 people) and a new this year 15 footer w/115 hp.
    	Also, Pro Craft (I think) has a 15 footer that they are marketing
    as a combo fun and flats fishing boat.  Rod holders, livewell, ability
    to run on plane in -4 inches- of water...  This one is also available
    in a standard OB.
    					B.C.

    Thanks for the input, I have now received some brochures from Boston
    Whaler, IMC (Baja) and Dynasty Boats.
    
    The Guy at Dynasty looks interested as he hand wrote a complete page
    and has advised me to wait intil the end of May when they are putting
    the oil injected 120 hp unitinto their boat.
    
    As for the use of the boat, its just for fun and skiing. We live on an
    inlet and I have no interest or time for fishing. I usually get home
    from work (late) look at the water, grab the kids and the wetsuits and
    go for an hours skiing. So something low, wide, stylish and fun is what
    I am after to replace my conventional boat and 85 hp Suzuki outboard.
    
    Cheers
    
    Richard

    I once saw a tv documentary about some guys taking jet boats up the
    ganges into the Himalyas via the most awesome rapids.......is that
    enough power for water-skiing?

Jet Setters,

Has anyone had the opportunity to drive one of these babies ? Is the 14' 
length a little too small ? How about the 90hp powerplant, is it enough to 
get a 185 lb guy up on one ski ? ...I know...I know...but I'm now drinking 
light beer, on Sundays and holidays. I saw the Sea-Doo addition to this market,
it had twin 80hp engines, went like a little stinker.

Any info would be great.

Rev'in Rob

    Any new information about the Jet boats.
    
    TRACKER makes an 18 ft BASS boat with a 90 hp jet motor.
    It seem like it might have an advantage in shallow water for
    fishing.  I can not afford a large motor to keep up with the
    big BASS boats so I thought this might give me an edge in shallow
    water.
    
    What speed can a 90hp 17 ft Jet motor reach, and how many gallons of 
    Gas per hour do they use.
    
    Should I look at one or would I be better off looking at the same
    package with an strandard outboard motor. (? 40 hp)
    
    thanks john
    
                 

 Mr. Biro,

 Please remember one rule of thumb.


 THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR MEER CUBIC DISPLACEMENT.

 I know the jet boat that Roland Martin used to win the CT river
 in Hartford tourney was only capable of 35mph. He was not the only one
 way up the river. Guys with props were there too, although they had to
 have complete knowlege of the channel and some moxie.

 People have watched me navigate the Northfield stretch of the CT river to
 the Brattleboro Dam, as well as the merrimack from chelmsford till you 
 can;t get much further. The Northfield to Brattleboro run @70MPH over
 gravel bars and hairpin turns is sure exiting. I should have a few fish
 in the boat before I hear you coming.

 - Dave

    Dave, If I recall correctly Roland also said he lost a lower unit 
    and some gelcoat during practice with his big Ranger 8^)
    
    John, unless you plan on spending a great deal of time in the
    shallowest sections of some of our rivers, I'd suggest sticking with
    the prop.  From what I've heard you'd probably end up spending twice as
    much on gas with a 90hp jet, compared to a conventional 40hp. And with
    the waters around here in New England, I'd say that 99% of the time a 
    flat hulled tracker with a prop is going to be able to get you just 
    about as shallow as you want to go - the exception being some of our
    rivers.  It'd be alot safer running up rapids with a jet than with a 
    prop. (Not to say that it can't be done, I've gone from Nashua to 
    Manchester on the Merrimack with a prop, in high water 8^)
    
    Also, properly maintained conventional outboards will last a long time,
    I'm not convinced the jets have been around long enough to provide the
    same level of relatively maintenance free durability.
    
    BTW, the 40hp on the 18' tracker might be a little underpowered.
    
    -donmac

    Does anyone have any first hand experience with Jet powered outboards?
    
    I know the displacement to HP ratio is terrible compared to props and
    they suck up alot of gas.
    
    How is the maintenance?  
    
    Do that hold up in the salt?  
    
    Can they slow troll?
    
    Has anyone heard of any 4 strokes in the works?
    
    -donmac (not planning on repowering with a jet at the moment but
             curious on how they are performing in the real world)