best outboard jet

[Henry Ferris]

I am leaning toward a 4 stroke jet such as the Yamaha. <br />I would consider a Mercury opti but it looks like you can't get it with their jet. I will be running about a 70-100hp[depends on final choice on boat] for river running.<br />So anyone know what's the best outboard jet set up. Reliability is prime consideration!<br />Henry

 

[JB]

Re: best outboard jet

I think any differences in reliability among the available brands are relatively trivial, Henry.<br /><br />I suggest that you make your selection based on the availability and quality of parts and service.<br /><br />Good luck.

 

[youngboater]

Re: best outboard jet

I don't know a thing about jet outboards. I know that down by Lees Ferry (a decent sized river with monster trout) they run all Mercurys. I've driven past there the last 4 or 5 years on deer hunting trips and they still have them. I think they are the jet 40 which is 60 H.P. They use them on about 18-20 footers which are just jazzed up aluminum boats. I hope this helped somewhat. They are 2-strokes though.

 

[bossee]

Re: best outboard jet

Hi,<br />Just remember that a Jet drive outboard has lower Jet pump hp compared to prop shaft outboard. So with a 115 hp Jet drive You get ~80 hp at Jet pump. With 90 hp Jet drive You get ~65 hp at Jet pump.<br /> http://www.yamaha-motor.com/product...ar=2005&cat=Four+Stroke+Series&scat=Jet+Drive

 

[KennebecRiverGuide]

Re: best outboard jet

All jet outboards use lower units manufactured by the Outboard Jet dividsion of Specialty Manufacturing. The drives themselves come in different sizes according to the horsepower of the powerhead. Getting parts for the pumps is no problem and they are *very* user servicable.<br /><br />I would base my choice on reliability and price<br />of the top end as well as availability and quality/knowledge of service. I have seen more than a few jets mounted totally incorrectly (way to far below the transom line) by dealerships, which renders them about useless other than as crawdad suckers.<br /><br />There is nothing worse than having a under powered sled so bigger is better if you have any doubts. I run a Merc. 80/115 on my 18.5'. <br /><br />Keep in mind that idling a jet for any time in weedy water is going to result in no holeshot until you clean the suckings out of the grates, so having a kicker motor comes in really handy.<br /><br />Good luck and enjoy your sledding.<br /><br />Kennebecriverguide