Thoughts on jet boats

[wiegs]

We are looking to possibly upgrade to a much larger boat so we can have more poeple join us. We currently have an 18' glastron which we love but any more than 6 adults we are stepping on each other. I came accross the yamaha jet boat site and it caught my eye. The 24' models seem to have a ton of room and the prices are not bad either. What are your opinions/thoughts on jet boats vs a standard IO?

 

[jestor68]

Re: Thoughts on jet boats

Check out the the topic" draw backs of jet boats" on page # 4.

 

[wiegs]

Re: Thoughts on jet boats

Thanks. I checked it out but I would still like to hear more from owners of the newer models. Seems like the yamaha jetboats are very nice and boattest.com gives good reviews. I am more concerned about the quality and longevity.

 

[jtracc]

Re: Thoughts on jet boats

If you have ever owned a Pwc then you know that the jet engines aren't as reliable IMO opoinion. I find more mechcanical problems seem to prop up more frequently. On those boats the turning rods seem to snap once a season. But if not abused I don't see it being too much a hassle.

 

[H20Rat]

Re: Thoughts on jet boats

I'd bet for the yamaha jet reliability against a merc 4 stroke any day, and I own both... A modern jet isn't related to a mid 90's 2 stroke PWC in any way. A yamaha jet has a 4 stroke engine that has more proven pedigree than any modern outboard... I posted my manifesto of jets in the other thread, so here is the link.

http://forums.iboats.com/showthread.php?t=576131

Long story short, buy the yamaha. If you aren't happy with it, sell it to me for cheap, I'm looking for a good used yamaha of that size, they just haven't quite dropped to the price range i'm happy with. A little more and I'm jumping on one!

 

[haulnazz15]

Re: Thoughts on jet boats

I have a 2-stroke pwc that has started every time without fail since new. I had the carbs cleaned once to smooth out the idle during long no wake zones. 14 years old and not a hiccup is some pretty good reliability with nothing but gasoline and oil! The new 4-strokes are even better while being quieter. Take the Yamaha out for a test drive.

 

[OrangeTJ]

Re: Thoughts on jet boats

I have a 2011 Yamaha SX210. It's been a great boat for us, although I do recognize it is still new. We love the layout, storage, swim deck, hole shot and nimble handling at speed. The twin 4 stroke 4 cylinder Yamaha engines and jet drives in these boats are simply not problematic, are very easy to maintain and there is just less "stuff" to deal with than on a stern drive. The boats aren't perfect, of course, but they're certainly reliable and spacious for their size. They aren't well suited for slip storage in salt water and they wouldn't be a great choice for the boater who likes to do a lot of low speed putting around, as they don't have the best low speed handling and they require quite a bit of RPM to cruise in the 5 - 7 mph speed range. For the family looking to get out on the water and have fun on the weekend for a reasonable price and with relatively low regular service requirements, I'd say they're a great choice.