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Last Updated on September 27, 2024 by Paul Clayton
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The 6 Best Jet Boats
Jet boats are the way to go if you want high-performance, thrilling water rides. With these jets, you can drive at exhilarating speeds, enjoy unparalleled maneuverability, and leap onto planes without holding back. These watercraft are uniquely different from your traditional water boat.
Key Takeways:
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- Jet boats are propelled by high-pressure jets of water.
- Their propulsion system is enclosed, ensuring safety and maneuverability.
- They can operate in very shallow water, which is ideal for rivers.
- Jet boats are capable of high speed and quick maneuvers.
- They have no external rotating parts, reducing injury risk significantly.
- They tend to be less fuel-efficient and can be pretty noisy.
Unlike the conventional prop and outdrive used in water boats, jet boats are powered by single or double-engine configurations with an impeller that sucks water in through a grate in the hull and propels the boat.
Safety is one of the most significant factors here; without a prop at the back, anyone can swim or tube near the stem without worrying too much.
Another advantage of jet boats is that they can practically be taken anywhere because they have less of a draft. These jet boats can have drafts as short as 14 inches (SX190 Yamaha) and 34 inches (19 Sport Sea Ray).
You can easily take your jet boat stern in and walk out onto the beach without having to swim to land. Ensure the water is a couple of inches deep and has no obstructions.
With a jet boat, you can get multiple seating rooms with enough space to move around the boat, thanks to the compact engines.
These smaller boats are commonly used to navigate inland waterways like lakes and rivers or near the shore. They also make an ideal choice for family watersports like waterskiing, wakeboarding, and tubing.
What is a Jet Boat?
A jet boat is a crazy adventure sports boat initially developed by a New Zealander. These boats do not operate like regular motorboats. They have water intake systems similar to jet skis.
The first jet boat did not have propellers, so it could navigate the very shallow rivers that New Zealand is known for.
With a massive jet boat like a Shotover, you can travel at an impressive 85 kph in waters as shallow as 10 centimeters. With propellers, these boats can perform their signature 360-degree spins.
History of Jet Boats
Sir William Hamilton originally developed jet boats in 1954 for use in the shallow and fast-flowing rivers in New Zealand. These boats were specifically designed to overcome the problem of propellers striking rocks.
Before Hamilton, many attempts were made to make water jet propulsion. Still, they did not last mainly because the units’ designs were inefficient and did not prove to be better than conventional propellers.
Unlike previous attempts at water jet developments, such as the Hanley Hydrojet and Campini’s, Hamilton was specifically targeted at developing a propulsion system that could operate efficiently in shallow waters.
This was the beginning of the popularity of jet boats and jet units. With further improvements, water jets proved more advantageous than propellers for various vessels.
Today, water jets are widely used in several high-speed vessels, such as patrol boats, rescue craft, offshore supply vessels, and passenger ferries.
Jet-powered boats may date back to the 1950s, but they did not enter the mainstream market until the 1990s, when the sale of jet and personal watercraft kicked off at an impressive rate.
The industry dipped in 2012-13 but quickly underwent a massive comeback in 2014 after big players like Chaparral and Rec Boat Holdings (RBH) entered the jet boat market following BRP’s exit. Both companies have signed engine supply agreements with BRP.
Their entry into the market was made with jet boat runabouts powered by the BRP 4-TEC Rotax 1503.
From its earliest years in the market until today, its allure remains the same: thrilling acceleration, the absence of spinning propellers at the stern, and a compact power train.
How Does A Jet Boat Work?
A jet boat works off thrust. By forcing the water in a rearward direction, it generates a propulsive thrust, a perfect example of Newton’s third Law of Motion, which states that ‘there is an equal and opposite reaction for every action’.
Think of the thrust you feel when you hold a high-power fire hose or the recoil you feel on your shoulder when you fire a rifle.
The jet pump draws water into a bowl, which is then pressurized. The water then leaves the pump at a high velocity. The resultant effect on the boat is a backward-moving thrust that gets the boat moving forward.
The thrust/weight ratio in the boat is determined by the amount of thrust the jet pump can generate and the weight of the jet boat.
The boat’s weight and the hull’s hydrodynamic design also determine the thrust needed to get the boat moving at a given speed.
Ultimately, the size of the impeller determines the amount of thrust generated at a certain RPM (other factors also control this, but for simplicity, we will not get into them).
The impeller’s size also determines the horsepower required to spin it at a certain RPM. The speed at which the impeller spins will directly affect the amount of horsepower absorbed.
Horsepower requirements vary with the size of the impeller. Let’s take, for instance, the Berkeley brand impellers.
Berkeley impellers are categorized as A, AA, B, C, etc. The size of the impeller decreases as the letter increases and the engine loads less. It also requires less horsepower to spin it to maximum RPM.
Simply put, impeller A will take more horsepower to spin it to 550 RPM than impeller C.
On the other hand, impeller C spinning at 5500 RPM will generate less thrust than impeller A spinning at 5500 RPM, but it will need less horsepower than impeller A to spin it at 5500 RPM.
I was hoping you could closely examine the Impeller curve chart I found at Berkeley. It shows the horsepower needed to spin different impeller sizes at a certain RPM.
The chart shows that impeller A requires 400hp at 5050 RPM to spin it to 5050 RPM. Impeller C, on the other hand, only needs 280hp at 5050 RPM to spin at the same speed.
Remember, though, that impeller A will generate more thrust at this rate than impeller C since impeller A moves more water at that given speed.
The more water an impeller moves at a certain RPM, the more load an engine will experience, requiring more horsepower to spin at that speed.
However, because impeller A can move more water at the given speed, the pump’s water pressure is higher, generating more thrust at the given RPM.
How Much Do Jet Boats Weigh?
On average, a 16-foot jet boat weighs around 1600 lbs, an 18-foot jet boat weighs 2000 lbs, and a 20-foot jet boat weighs between 2200 lbs and 2400 lbs.
An important thing to remember before you set out on the water is the boat’s maximum weight and the maximum weight it can carry.
Before you go on a boat trip, ensure you are taking the correct number of people on board, as shown in the ‘maximum number of people on board and the maximum gross load.’
If you don’t find a capacity plate in your boat, you can estimate it yourself with the help of this equation.
Length of the vessel (ft) x width of the vessel (ft) ÷ 1.5 = Total number of passengers
Normally, the capacity plate in your boat shows the maximum engine power.
Maneuverability and Water Depth
Jet boats can operate in shallow waters by ejecting water above the waterline. Vents or props that protrude right below the hull are unnecessary for this.
It also makes jet boats highly maneuverable: there is no drag on the hull as it skims across the surface, which would otherwise disrupt changes in direction.
Due to its high maneuverability, you can reverse most of it at full speed and bring it to a complete stop within a little more than its length. This maneuver is popularly called the “crash stop.”
Another high-speed maneuver is the “jet spin,” or Hamilton turn. Here, you cut the engine throttle and then turn the steering sharply before reopening the throttle. This makes the boat spin around quickly and creates a large water spray.
Can You Fish from a Jet Boat?
A few years ago, the answer to this question would have been an easy “no” until specialized fishing jet boats entered the market.
A popular example is the Yamaha FSH 190, with its center console design and jet-driven inboard designed for serious fishing. It has features like fish boxes, washdown, a live well, and rod holders for an ideal day out fishing.
Jetboats generally have certain fishing advantages. You won’t have to worry about wrapping lines around the prop.
You won’t have to work around the outboard when struggling with a fish, as a jet board has no outboard. With the boat’s transom design, the built-in seating and swim platform make an ideal spot for casting.
As you approach the water on the stern, it becomes easier to unhook the fish and release it back into the water.
Our 7 Favorite Jet Boats in the Market
Jet boats are all the rage right now, and we have found 7 of our favorite models worth your money. In no particular order:
1. Yamaha 220 FSH Sport
The Yamaha 220 FSH Sport stands out in the center console boat category, ideal for family fun and serious fishing. Starting at $58,099, this versatile craft measures 22 feet long with an 8’6″ beam, providing a stable and spacious platform for up to 10 passengers.
It’s engineered with a draft of 19 inches and a deadrise of 20 degrees, balancing agility and comfort in various water conditions.
Weighing 3,325 lbs when dry, the 220 FSH Sport maintains impressive maneuverability without compromising robustness. Its impressive storage capacity of 718 gallons ensures that all gear, from fishing rods to picnic baskets, is easily accommodated.
Key features include a high bridge clearance of 9 feet, perfect for navigating different waterways without worry.
For fishing enthusiasts, the thoughtful layout, dedicated tackle and rod storage, and easy-access fish lockers make any trip out on the water practical and enjoyable.
Whether it’s a day of casting lines or cruising with the family, the Yamaha 220 FSH Sport delivers an unbeatable combination of performance, comfort, and utility.
2. Scarab Jet 215 ID
Meet the Scarab Jet 215 ID, a sporty, high-performance jet boat that starts at $80,985 MSRP. With an overall length of 21 feet, this model is designed to accommodate up to 10 people comfortably.
Power-packed, it can be equipped with up to 600 horsepower for an exhilarating ride. Despite its robust engine capacity, it manages a sleek draft of just 15 inches, allowing you to cruise shallow waters effortlessly.
The 215 ID is not just about speed; it’s also engineered for convenience and enjoyment. Its beam of 8 feet 4 inches provides a spacious deck area.
The boat’s fuel capacity is 41 gallons, ample for extended outings without constant refueling. For those who enjoy water sports, the optional arch or tower raises the bridge clearance to 7 feet 3 inches, facilitating the easy towing of wakeboarders and skiers.
Designed for both thrill and practicality, the 215 ID has a total weight (including engine) of approximately 3,100 lbs, making it a solid choice for stability and maneuverability.
Whether you’re looking to entertain, race across the lake, or enjoy a peaceful sunset cruise, the Scarab Jet 215 ID promises to deliver an unforgettable experience on the water.
3. Yamaha AR250
The Yamaha AR250, with a starting price of $72,199, epitomizes versatility and style in family watercraft.
Designed to cater to the adventurous spirit, this 24′ 6″ boat blends ample space with functionality, accommodating up to 12 passengers. Its dry weight is 4,021 lbs, underscoring its robust yet manageable build.
What sets the AR250 apart is its focus on watersports—a perfect pick for families looking to maximize their fun on the water.
With a substantial fuel capacity of 75 gallons, long adventure days are guaranteed without frequent refueling stops. The boat’s storage solutions are thoughtfully integrated, ensuring all your gear stays organized and easily accessible.
The AR250 performs well and looks good, too. Its “Cool” interior color scheme adds a contemporary flair that promises to stand out on the water, making it a powerhouse of functionality and a head-turner.
Whether you’re wakeboarding, tubing, or simply cruising, the Yamaha AR250 promises a memorable day out on the water for everyone on board.
4. Yamaha 275 SD
This Yamaha 275SD sports boat is designed for dayboat luxury and features wide beams with smart innovations. It is Yamaha’s first-ever foray into luxury, powered by 250-hp twin marine engines.
The 27-foot long, 9-foot beam is perfect for families invested in a luxurious waterfront lifestyle. However, it is too wide for daily trailering and is not sold with a trailer.
You will love their DRiVE technology (available only in this model), which improves maneuverability at low speed with paddle controls and a swim-up seating (patent-pending) under the waterline that attaches itself to the stern.
When the boat is in DRiVE mode, the right paddle throttles the engines forward, while the left paddle throttles the engines in reverse. If you release both paddles, the thrust reverts to neutral.
It has a Connext display screen that appears to “float” above the dash. The screen shows controls for the audio system, mapping function, and data. Its display is bright and can be seen in bright daylight.
Starting at $158,999, the Yamaha 275 SD is a 27-foot marvel with yacht-certified seating, perfect for social gatherings on the water.
It weighs 5,803 lbs and features a 90-gallon fuel capacity, ensuring extended enjoyment. Its “Cool” interior color scheme enhances the stylish design, promising comfort and class.
5. Scarab Jet 255 Open ID
The Scarab Jet 255 Open ID is a marvel of modern boat design, encapsulating 25 feet of sheer adventure and joy.
With a capacity to comfortably accommodate 13 people, it is perfect for gathering friends and family for a day on the water. Under the hood, it packs up to 600 horsepower, ensuring thrilling speed and powerful performance.
This model isn’t just about speed and power; it’s designed with practicality. The boat features an expansive beam of 8′ 4″, providing stability and ample space in the cockpit for socializing and relaxing.
Its draft is a mere 15 inches, allowing for closer access to shallow waters and enhancing your exploration capabilities.
You are equipped with a fuel capacity of 56 gallons; the 255 Open ID is built for long days without frequent refueling stops. Storage is no issue, with a maximum capacity of 2100 lbs, you can bring all your water sports gear without a second thought.
Plus, with a water capacity of 12 gallons, you can stay refreshed all day. Starting at $102,500 MSRP, it offers superior value for a boat of this caliber and capability.
6. Chaparral 347 SSX
If you’re looking for a boat that masterfully blends luxury and practicality, the Chaparral 347 SSX is a standout. This model redefines expectations with its spacious bowrider layout and surprisingly extensive full-beam cabin. As mentioned above, you will be looking for a used model as Chapparel has exited the jet drive business.
A real head-turner at 33’6″ in length with a 10′ beam, this boat doesn’t just promise space; it delivers an expanse usually only seen in much larger vessels.
The 347 SSX can comfortably and stylishly take you and your guests anywhere. With yacht certification, it can host a large group, making it perfect for those who love to entertain.
The cabin is nothing short of a revelation. Upon entering through the innovative port side door, you find yourself in a luxurious retreat complete with entertainment options, an enclosed head, and cozy accommodations for overnight stays.
Performance-wise, the boat doesn’t skimp. With up to 760 horsepower, a 150-gallon fuel capacity, and a 22° deadrise, it cuts through the water with ease and stability.
Whether cruising the coastline or anchored for a night under the stars, the Chaparral 347 SSX impresses with its sophistication and utility.
Jet Boats Pros and Cons
Pros:
Jet boats have a lot of advantages over traditional stern drives. Considering where and how you plan to do your boating, here are some benefits that will make you ditch the conventional stern drive for a jet boat.
Performance
Jet boats have unmatched maneuverability and rapid acceleration. These boats can perform in ways a stern drive couldn’t even imagine. They can also ride at high speed, depending on the horsepower rating and engine setup.
Shallow Draft
Almost nothing is hanging below a jet boat because it doesn’t have a driveshaft/prop or outdrive.
This means you can drive your jet boat in water as shallow as 12 inches or less (although we wouldn’t recommend it). If you are boating in a shallow lake or it has stumps, a jet boat could be a great option.
Safety
Jet boats are touted for their safety benefits. The jet pump is enclosed; no whirling prop or hardware under the hull could injure or strike a skier or swimmer.
All boats are quite safe irrespective of what power plant is used, but knowing there is no exposed propeller below certainly does give people a sense of security.
Watersports
Jet boats are ideal choices for watersports like “wake surfing.” This is a new watersport, but it is already taking over some of the most popular activities, like wakeboarding and skiing.
It requires the wake behind the boat to push a surfboard to the person’s standing position without the help of a rope.
Typically, this is done close to the boat at the back, which is why an exposed outdrive or prop can be dangerous. Wakesurfing can be safely done behind an inboard boat, the latest Volvo FFD, or a jet boat.
Draft
Any boat with a jet drive has a superior draft advantage. In a jet boat, the draft runs only as deep as the hull, unlike in a stern drive.
This allows people to drive their jet boats in shallow waters without issues and eliminates potential drive damage or running aground in skinny waters.
Acceleration
A jet boat can quickly plane with minimal bow rise, giving it an unmatched visibility advantage. The captain will not lose sight as the jet boat comes on the plane.
In certain propeller boats, drivers often lose forward vision for about 3-4 seconds.
This acceleration can also be thrilling, and jet boats typically have an almost instantaneous throttle response that you wouldn’t usually get in propulsion systems.
Interior Space
Modern-day jet boats have significantly larger space inside the cockpit than a stern drive. This is mainly because the jet motors are lower and back in the boat.
Jet boats usually don’t need a large sun pad at the top and can extend the cockpit area 12 to 18 inches longer than a stern drive of the same size.
This means a 22-inch jet boat will have an interior cockpit space similar to a 24-inch stern drive.
Handling
Jet boats have an impressive sportscar-like handling performance. Jet boats can be quick and agile with a thrust that can be redirected in a flash. Even an average jet can leave behind other boats in a flash with a quick jerk to the wheel and a punch on the throttle.
Cons:
All boats have their share of pros and cons, and a jet boat is no exception. Here are a few cons to remember when purchasing your jet boat.
Noise Level
Most of the latest jet boat models are designed to operate at higher RPMs than stern drives. There is little debate that jet boat motors will be noisier than stern drives.
This doesn’t necessarily mean it is noisier for the boat’s passengers. You can stop the noise from escaping the compartment where the engine is located.
Chaparral has significantly improved in reducing the noise level in its jet boats. The noise level has now reached a point where you can’t tell the difference.
The differentiating factor lies in the type of noise. Jet boat motors tend to emit a higher pitch, while the motors in stern boats make a deeper, lower noise.
Fuel Consumption
Fuel consumption goes hand in hand with the noise topic, and for the same reason – RPMs are higher. It has the potential to lower their level of efficiency. But this is not the case with all jet boats.
Many factors determine fuel economy, and RPM is just one of them. Fuel consumption in a jet is slightly higher than in a prop boat, which may result in 10-25% higher fuel efficiency.
The jet drive can harness less of the engine’s power.
Level of Maneuverability
There is an asterisk to this one because it has to be made very clear that it is limited to only a few jet boats, and different jet boats use different turning systems.
Some do not fare well with reverse turning, and others do not. However, most are good, sometimes even better than traditional stern drives.
It is essential to do your research. A good idea is to get a test drive. Vortex Jet Boats by Chaparral is an excellent place to start.
Low-Speed Handling
Jet boats are not the best in low-speed handling. A jet thrust can be advantageous sometimes, but you will miss having a rudder, skeg, or prop.
It can be challenging to drive your jet in a straight line as the boat wanders off at the side, especially on a windy day. If you are not experienced, you might over-steer as you approach the dock or drive in slow-speed zones.
Reverse and Neutral Shifting
A jet is incapable of reversing the direction of its impeller. To reverse, you can drop a bucket over the water from the pump. The bucket will redirect the water flow, making it shoot forward rather than aft.
A jet is always in gear and has no neutral because it constantly pumps water through the nozzle. You can position the bucket so the water is partially deflected, recreating the neutral in other power systems.
It can be quite a challenge to ensure the boat does not move.
Are Jet Boats Dangerous?
Jet boats are reasonably fast and can accelerate as fast as 80 km/h. And their famous 360-degree turns can be paralyzingly fast.
But these are specifically for jet boating sports, where you pay money to be thrown from side to side and bounced around violently as it accelerates at lightning speed and avoids rocks by mere centimeters.
One of the biggest risks to having a jet boat is ingesting random objects or ski ropes. Jet boats can suck up everything – rocks, weeds, plastic bags, life jackets, rope, you name it.
Be extra careful when you travel in shallow water, as it can and will suck up small rocks and sand from just a couple of feet from the bottom.
It also has less torque compared to a propped boat, so if something like a thick weed bed in a lake gets sucked into the pump, you are stuck till you get it out.
These boats are built for anything but idling. You will have almost no directional control without the help of some thrust.
This can be dangerous, especially if you are running down the river at Wide Open Throttle (WOT) and you find yourself chopping the throttle to avoid something. You will lose the steering simply because there is no thrust.
It can also be tricky to back up jet boats. When this happens, it is likely for your boat to suck up large rocks when backing off the beach.
The steering will not be the same as the outboard or stern drive. Your control over the steering will increase as the boat speeds up.
As it picks up speed, the shafts, rudders, struts, etc., generate extra hull resistance, making them more efficient at speeds between 20 and 50 knots (approximately 60 mph; 90 km/h).
Other than that, jet boats are very safe and are popularly favored for the shallow draft that they allow. They can be very agile when driven by an experienced hand but can be dangerous in the hands of a novice.
Final Thoughts
Jet boats are a unique type of marine transportation characterized by their high-speed capability and distinct propulsion system.
Powered by high-pressure water jets, these boats exhibit impressive agility and maneuverability due to their enclosed propulsion system.
This enclosed design eliminates the need for external rotating parts, significantly decreasing the risk of injury and enhancing the safety of jet boat operation.
Furthermore, jet boats are versatile and can function effectively in shallow waters, making them particularly suitable for riverine environments.
However, it’s important to note that while jet boats excel in speed and agility, they tend to be less fuel-efficient than other marine vehicles.
Additionally, given their propulsion mechanism, they can produce a substantial amount of noise, which may be considered a disadvantage in certain situations.
Nevertheless, jet boats remain popular for their unique advantages, particularly in speed, safety, and maneuverability.
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