jet pump on a 14 ft Zodiac

[zodiac_mat]

Not new to boating but new to outboard jets and new to SIBs. I just got a 14 ft Zodiac (1985) with a 50 hp mercury with a jet pump on it. I have two questions.

1. Anyone have any tips for setting the jet up?

2. The Zodiac has a stainless steel plate attached to the aft of the transome, under the drain plugs. Can anyone tell me it purpose?

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: jet pump on a 14 ft Zodiac

ZM,

1-Why would you like setting the jet up, to achieve more thrust ?
2-Could be a water deflector plate or trim tab like of some kind.

Happy Boating

 

[ronaldj]

Re: jet pump on a 14 ft Zodiac

ZM
That boat is 30 years old.
Have you checked to make sure it is seaworthy?
Exactly what kind of engine is this?
Can it even be used on a Rib or Sib?
14 feet is small for 50hp

 

[ronaldj]

Re: jet pump on a 14 ft Zodiac

Not new to boating but new to outboard jets and new to SIBs. I just got a 14 ft Zodiac (1985) with a 50 hp mercury with a jet pump on it. I have two questions.

1. Anyone have any tips for setting the jet up?

2. The Zodiac has a stainless steel plate attached to the aft of the transome, under the drain plugs. Can anyone tell me it purpose?

Are you sure that boat isnt closer to 16 ft
Also is that the engine that originally came with the boat
While the boat maybe rated for 50hp. The jet assist is the scarey part


Are you sure that boat isnt closer to 16 ft

 

[fbpooler]

Re: jet pump on a 14 ft Zodiac

Some inflatables were fitted with a metal angle at the bottom of the transom to protect the fabric from wear. Is this what you have?

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: jet pump on a 14 ft Zodiac

Is that a Rib with a inboard 50 HP jet drive or it's a Sib with an OB 50 HP jet drive at back transom ? Great difference between both regarding handling and sea behaviour at full speed.

A pic is much better than 100 written words. Tyr running a 50 prop engine on a 14 Ft inflatable, would be scarry as hell too. Don't know if 50 HP from a jet drive is same as 50 HP from a prop dive, assume 50 HP is 50 HP ?

Happy Boating

 

[ronaldj]

Re: jet pump on a 14 ft Zodiac

Is that a Rib with a inboard 50 HP jet drive or it's a Sib with an OB 50 HP jet drive at back transom ? Great difference between both regarding handling and sea behaviour at full speed.

A pic is much better than 100 written words. Tyr running a 50 prop engine on a 14 Ft inflatable, would be scarry as hell too. Don't know if 50 HP from a jet drive is same as 50 HP from a prop dive, assume 50 HP is 50 HP ?

Happy Boating

Thats exactly what I was thinking.

 

[fbpooler]

Re: jet pump on a 14 ft Zodiac

A 50 HP powerhead on a jet delivers less power than it does with a prop.

 

[zodiac_mat]

Re: jet pump on a 14 ft Zodiac

It's a 50 hp 2 cycle mercury outboard (tiller stear) with a jet pump on the bottom. It's possible that it is a 16 ft. The plate rates it for 65 horse. If it matters it has an air keel and aluminum floor. Motor starts awesome. It's in really good shape. Been kept, inside on a trailer with enough air to hold its shape. I will post a couple pictures when I figure out how.

 

[Sea Rider]

Re: jet pump on a 14 ft Zodiac

A 50 HP powerhead on a jet delivers less power than it does with a prop.

You are right, was comparing 2 same 30 HP OB's, one with jet drive, the other with prop, the jet drive has less power than the propped one and runs with less wot rpm. Not to blow out....

Happy Boating

 

[Peter_C]

Re: jet pump on a 14 ft Zodiac

My 14ft Zodiac GT Sport is rated for up to 50HP.

Please post a picture of the stainless bracket as I am curious what you have.

 

[zodiac_mat]

Re: jet pump on a 14 ft Zodiac

seems like no matter what I do, When I get a picture file in the uploader it doesn't do anything else. So I cant seem to get it on here.

 

[zodiac_mat]

Re: jet pump on a 14 ft Zodiac

I did, however, just find out that the a angle piece on the transom is part of the jet pump kit.

 

[Guest]

Re: jet pump on a 14 ft Zodiac

use google chrome and as soon as u select the file click the upload button and wait

 

[zodiac_mat]

Re: jet pump on a 14 ft Zodiac

Howdy folks. Still can't post pictures on here. It just sits there. BUT. ... I put it on the water today and was very pleased. Shot right out of the water on plane. To cold and windy so wife and kid didn't get in on the fun. Water was really rough. If you are not familiar with Utah lake, it's really shallow so the waves really kick up. Probably nothing to you guys running the salt water. Being so light the wind kinda pushes it around a lot. Gonna do some stuff to make it more comfortable. Looking forward to warmer weather.