Buying A Jet Boat

[camesser]

Need advice on purchasing a smaller-sized jet boat (12' - 16') that will seat 4 confortably and is still towable with a car. I have been looking for a newer Sea Doo Speedster LE but will consider Four Winns Flings, Bayliner Jazz, etc. which I know are no longer in production. I have also been told, as well as read about, to stay away from OMC jet motors as parts availability and service are difficult to obtain. Any advice on this upcoming purchased would be welcome.

 

[wakataka]

Re: Buying A Jet Boat

Check out this article for some good comparisons of the smaller jet boats of a few years ago.<br /><br /> Compact Jet Boats 1995

 

[11 footer]

Re: Buying A Jet Boat

I've got some advice, DON'T BUY A JET BOAT.<br />I've had the disspleasure of rideing in a bayliner jazz. That boat is a lemon, JUNK.<br />As with all smaller jet boats. Boston whaler could not even make the jet boat work for them. Buying a small jet boat is like cutting off yout foot.Don't do it.<br /><br />11

 

[Trent]

Re: Buying A Jet Boat

Sorry I disagree. Iv got a Seadoo jetboat and love it. Very quick and turns on a dime. Great for pulling the kids on water toys and skiing.

 

[JAZZedBW]

Re: Buying A Jet Boat

My friends have a Seadoo 1800 challenger, twin engine job. Nice boat! it flys! we had it up to 65 one time. BUT (there's always a but)Its a gas hog. <br /><br />We had a 14 Whaler Jet Rage, Nice boat, only if it had a prop The boat would get up to 20 and thats how fast it was. .....you don't even want my opinion on bayliners <br /><br />I would go with prop. Even though gets are nice, props are nicer and well, they don't plug up. Thank you<br /><br />JAZZ

 

[Tabman II]

Re: Buying A Jet Boat

camesser,<br /><br />You may want to check out this web site too;<br /> http://www.jetboating.net/jetboating/forums/main.aspx. They deal with jets only and have a huge amount of seat time, so they should be able to start you in the right direction on your quest. <br /><br />Also, try explaining your reasons for wanting a jet vs. a prop, so we'll have a better idea of your situation and can provide some suggestions for your choice!<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />MJ Thomas<br />Bennett Marine, Inc.<br />Client Services<br />trimtabs@earthlink.net

 

[clanton]

Re: Buying A Jet Boat

The 90 HP and 115 HP OMC engine in the jets is the standard V4 crossflow engine that has been around for about 20 years, plenty of parts for the engine. A plain jane engine that should last 10/15 years if maintained and not abused.<br /> The number 1 problem is overheat from the jet picking up sand and stopping up the cooling system.<br /><br /> Take a look at a whaler, when the jet goes, you could repower with an outboard.

 

[clanton]

Re: Buying A Jet Boat

I just noticed the name Tabman 11, with 2 of you guys taken care of Bennett trim tab service, the CEO must sleep very well at night.

 

[Capt Ken]

Re: Buying A Jet Boat

I picked up a Sea Rader fall of 2001 with a blown engine for $250. Last spring I bought a factory rebuilt engine from Mercury and installed it. I love the little boat. The engine is just a run of the mill Force engine, but so far, no problems. Got to the point now, its so easy to use that I've quit using my bigger boats. Also, I can turn my grown children loose with it and I'm not afraid of them running aground and tearing the running gear out from under it. The small tank of fuel will usually last longer than I will.

 

[ndemge]

Re: Buying A Jet Boat

Anyone ask what the aplication was going to be?<br /><br />My boss has a jet on his jon boat.... he does small river fishing where a prop motor would never make it.

 

[jacobachristopher]

Re: Buying A Jet Boat

I have had a Seadoo Speedster (95 w/ twin 85 hp rotax), a 94 Four Winns Fling, and now a 2000 Challenger. Loved all 3. The Speedster with the twins was the fastest, and it was nice having 2 engines, because if one broke down, you could still get back to the dock. The Fling was nice, but not as fast. I bought it with a bad powerhead, and tore down a used 110hp OMC outdrive and put it on. Worked out well, but was a real pain to do. I would stay away from the JAZZ. I have never owned one, but a friend had nothing but problems with his. All those mid 90s jet boats are similar. I like the Seadoo twin rotax the best, but no matter what brand, if you can find one with a Merc instead of an OMC, it is a better powerhead. I actually had less problems finding parts for my Fling than I did for my speedster.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Buying A Jet Boat

that thread was from 2003...