Jet drive or prop?

Question

what are the pros and cons

Answer 1

Jet drive...  Good in shallow water & straight runs.

Bad to catch debris in intake & lose power, clog the port, dificult to stear in no wake zones....   Hyped up Jet ski...

Props Quick out of the water, turns, can add trim tabs for shallow water...

Answer 2

If you are looking for a fun high performance boat, go with the jet drive.  I have a 1971 Tahiti 18 ft with the Olds 455 and a Berkley jet.  Sooo much fun.  That thing will turn on a dime.  Great in shallow water.  you have to make sure you have a screen over the intake as rocks or debris can get in there and slow you down/overheat the engine.  It is NOT hard to find someone who works on jet boats.

Check out www.socaljetboats.com

Answer 3

cant ski, more fuel, hard to manuever at slow speed and expensive to repair.

Answer 4

You already have great answers.  Jet boats are a blast and perform well.  Jet boats require a minimum of water.  There are some "drawbacks" to these boats.  As you "crank up" and move in shallow water the jets can "suck up" debris, especially in less than 6 feet.  At times it may be necessary to "clean out" the jets of fishing line, rope, etc.  The biggest "con" is when skiing.  As someone is skiing there is a definitely and noticeable "jerk" as they move side to side because there is no prop to maintain stability but may not be a big issue to most.  Wakeboarding is not as noticeable since you maintain a "line" more behind the boat.  Tubing is great fun with a jet boat.  Cost to service is equal to prop engines unless your jet boat has two engines as some do.  Then you will be invoiced on two engines each time.

I ski a lot and own a prop due to this although jets are a blast.  Props are either Volvo or Mercury and you will hear pros and cons on these manufacturers.  Last numbers I saw Volvo was almost equal to engine installs by manufacturers and I am certain due to Volvo's aggressive pricing.  Personally, I prefer Mercury because I have always been around "Mercs" and they perform well with routine service.  Volvo's same HP and output is a little less in comparison in my opinion due to what I feel in a boat.

Jet boats are lighter in weight if this becomes an issue, i.e., towing capacity of vehicle, etc.  Due to the nature of the "jet drives" recommended service is more often as well.  Resale on jet boats can be effected, as well, due to many used boat buyers "leaning" more toward props.  This is mainly the publics "misunderstanding" of jet boats.

Whatever you purchase make sure the boat is large enough for the amount of people and where you plan on using.  Horsepower is a must as well to consider.  Remember, on the brochures the weight indicated is boat only.  Trailers weigh approx. 750 to 1,000 on 18 to 23 foot boats, fuel weight is approx. 7 pounds per gallon, and I always add 300 for gear,etc.  Make certain you have the proper vehicle and tow package.

Good Luck and have fun.

Answer 5

The biggest pro for jet=shallow water .That is why they are are found on "sleds".(river fishing boat)Unfortunately the jet soaks up alot of horsepower.Say a power-head has 100hp.

With a prop you are actually getting near that use.A jet will only get roughly 65-75hp. Out of a 100hp. motor.And use the difference in fuel as well.If you are not running shallow(1-2ft.)

id go with a prop.

Answer 6

Jet drive.... is good foor very shallow water... over a prop...

prop- however I think is more dependable.. great performance out of the hole , turn etc....    jet drive is good for straight runs...

                         better yet try to find someone to work on jet drives..! ! !   hmhmhmm      like a needle in a hay stack....