Re: OMC Jet Drive- 1997
I currently have an outboard Johnson with an aftermarket jet lower unit, so I'm not in the same situation as you, and can't advise you on the low RPM running. All my comments were based on second hand info/advice I was given when I was second-hand boat shopping 3 or 4 years ago.<br /><br />My friend has a current (less than 5 year old) Merc Sport jet. I haven't noticed any whiny or roughess at low RPM.<br /><br />My old V8/American Turbine rig didn't either, but that's an entirely different beast, powerplant-wise.<br /><br />But all jet boats do handle differently. They definitely tend to slide, which can be your friend as long as you know it and learn to use it. My current boat with the outboard jet, I'm very happy with. Probably because it's not a "sports car", and one doesn't tend to get into trouble with it. I think it steers better and has a better reverse than the previous inboard jet I had.<br /><br />I used to have a 19 ft. Jetcraft with a 350 chevy and jet pump. This was a pretty quick boat - actually a little overpowered, I think. That boat could get you in trouble in a hurry if you didn't constantly think about how it steered. I sideswiped the bank hard once because I didn't "pre steer" a corner (not paying attention, operator error). My brother in law hit hard dead on a corner when he panicked and cut throttle and lost complete steerage. No personal or hull damage either time, thank goodness. I'm here to tell you that Jetcraft hull (before merger/take over of/with Harborcraft) was a brick - extremely well made, well finished and tough.<br /><br />Anyway, the steering of a jet boat is something you should really school yourself with. I'd operated prop boats all my life and that self confidence did not serve me well. My brother in law, same story, same result.<br /><br />Good luck and have fun with your boat.
