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Jet Drive vs Prop

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Nerosync

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When looking through the boats.net site at the cost of some bigger outboards, because I am always looking for bigger and better. lol (I have that Tim Allen personality for sure.) I noticed that Yamaha makes a 115HP Jet Drive as well as Prop drive outboard while Merc only makes a Prop option. I am curious why, and what are some of the key differences, performance, or opinions on them. I have ridden many jet ski's so I have experience with them but never one on an actual boat.
 
The jet drive is for shallow/weedy water.
 
I can definitely see the benefits in shallow water like you said. Just seems awefully high priced for only being used in one aspect like that, but I guess if that was your only option for boating in.
 
Back in the 1970's there were many jet boats on the market--most with 455 Olds and Berkley or Jacuzzi jet drives. With their straight pipes they sounded like they were fast, but I'd be surprised if many would break 55-60 mph. Jet drives are limited by rpm's, and the 455 Olds was just good for 5000 rpms at best.

You could have taken the same hull and put a V-drive (inboard) with the same engine. You'd get almost 100 mph with a prop.

The jet drives on full hull boats are good in shallow water, but they're not built for speed. Gimme a prop anyday.
 
Kind of what I figured but, I had never seen and outboard jet drive before. Thanks guys.
 
Did you know that Yamaha sells more boats in the 21-24ft class than all other boats combined. They are by far the number 1 selling boat. We traded our 2010 242 limited S twin jetdrive boat in for our Bennie. It was a great boat!! Only compliant a little loud you would run 10500 RPM's! I would get another in a heartbeat. It was a giant Ski on steroids!!! However, I disagree with the weed issue. They are terrible in weeds and often can clog the Jet, not fun!!! Overall nice boat especially for the price!!!
 
Oddly enough I did know that, I was wavering between the 242 limited S and the toon I have now... not that it matters, but I'm darn happy I went with the Benny! LOL
 
Jet outboards and boats are used a lot in the upper west coast rivers and Canada. Lots of fishing guides use them in shallow rocky rivers. You lose typically 25% of hp from a jet vs prop. Ie 100hp prop boat is 75hp jet. Jets are notoriously inefficient.

And weeds are the jet boat / drive worst nightmare. Those yamaha boats and popping the cylinders to get the weeds clean is a pain in the ass. Have to do it with my cousins boat a few times a season before they kill the weeds in his canal.
 
Wow, Bennington should start advertising on Yamaha's boat forum, we too were tossing around the idea of both a Yamaha and a Seadoo boat before coming to the conclusion that the pontoon style would be better for the dogs. Then we were looking at a used 'other' brand of pontoon, until we saw the Crimson Red! Bought new instead! Haha
 
I had a 14' Four Winns Fling 115hp jet boat, it was fun, 50 mph .... but it ate fuel like crazy !!!!

I did not even run it that much and would eat 6-8 gallons minimum a day .... Like stated above, highly inefficient vs props ..... BUT IT WAS FUN while it lasted ..... But I like our Benni A WHOLE LOT MORE !!!!! Even though 20hp lake, I can run all day on 2 gallons !!! LOL !!!!
 
My problem with SeaDoo and Yamaha jet boats is with the engines. The PWC engines simply don't have the lifespan of an outboard motor, especially the older 2 stroke PWC engines.

I'd hate to have a boat with the engines slap dab worn out. There's nothing you can do but do an expensive rebuild.

I still prefer the efficiency of a propeller boat versus a jet drive.
 
I'm with Off Call.....a friend of mine has a 22 ft. Yamaha jet boat w/2 engines. He took us for a ride and he told us to hang on and we quickly found out why.............It was a Rocket! Couldn't believe the hole shot! It literally yanked his daughter out of the water when she skiied!
 
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