Adding a jet drive

[Tacklewasher]

I've got a 1980 115hp Evinrude and someone is trying to sell me their jet drive unit for this motor.<br /><br />It seems like a good deal but a question has come up.<br /><br />Do I need to raise the motor higher when putting on a jet? The reason I'm asking is I kinda screwed up in my boat modifications and need to lower my motor. If I would just have to raise it after, I may pick up the leg, sell my stainless prop and be done.

 

[ondarvr]

Re: Adding a jet drive

Yes, the motor will need to be higher when using a pump, about 5 inches. Plus you will lose about 30% of the rated HP with a pump, so make sure you have enough extra HP that you can afford to give some up.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Adding a jet drive

Okay. It looks like I'm doing this.<br /><br />What do I need to look at on the jet pump to make sure it isn't crap. And what is the impact of using it without raising the motor?<br /><br />I'm hoping to try it out next week while fishing the Fraser river. But I may not be able to lift the motor before the first trip out. My motor is too high as it is but I guess I could raise it one hole after putting the pump on.<br /><br />Anything else I need to worry about for the conversion?

 

[LubeDude]

Re: Adding a jet drive

Originally posted by Tacklewasher:<br /> Okay. It looks like I'm doing this.<br /><br />Anything else I need to worry about for the conversion?

Yes, how you are going to pay for all the fuel you are going to use, you are not going to believe how much more fuel you are going to use.<br /><br />Oh, did I mention that the jet is going to use a "LOT" more fuel. <br /><br />What is your reason for wanting the jet unit in the first place? In my experience, boats that are designed for Jet pumps have a flat pad in front of the jet pump, if yours is a deep V, you may have problems you wont be able to correct.

 

[Tacklewasher]

Re: Adding a jet drive

I bought this boat to run on the Fraser after both Salmon and Sturgeon. Having a leg on this river is a bad idea.<br /><br />I plan to swap back and forth depending on whether I'm in the river or the lakes, so part of the time I will run the leg.<br /><br />When I'm on the river, I'll be anchored while fishing. The fuel use is not going to be terrible and the loss of power is my bigger concern.