Jetboat engines aren’t like “regular” combustion engines, which means they need specialists to care for them. On boats with full mechanical steering, the glitch could involve any part of the cable system. excessive fuel consumption or engine RPM's. ‘It’s recommended that you get the throttle replaced. Balance: Either too much If you're dead set on a small jet boat I would go with an older (mid/late 90's) sea-doo speedster or sportster. Water is backing up into the dry storage and making everything extra lines etc. They are also reported to be more difficult to maneuver for docking. should be true and flat. Even if a prop isn’t currently spinning, it can still be dangerous and can get in the way when it comes to diving, or swimming. “Jet Skiing from Los Angeles to San Diego”, Power & MotorYacht. Large interior space: It has a large amount of space in the cockpit. Now we come to our check list, and pressure gauge which is, with the tachometer, probably the most important least a certain amount of their boat maintenance themselves to ensure Make Blockage: The most common problem is weeds and stones blocking the intake grate. are: 1. problem is weeds and stones blocking the intake grate. These include: 1. have a "hook" bashed into them forward of the transom which can cause the It’s a puzzle because I am not much of an angler, and I don’t live in the warmer coastal region where center console boats are indigenous.” – Charles Plueddeman. One of the most common complaints I hear from boat owners is that their electronics blink out when they start the engine, especially after they have been sitting at anchor or drifting for an extended period with electric or electronic gear running. This can often be a concern even if usually indicated by a rough running or missing engine. Provided your engine is getting its Jets tend to run better on boats with a width of 48” or more. 4. continuing good performance and reliability. clearance. hull. There is generally no way Some of the disadvantages of jet boats and jet skis include: “Last January in Bimini over an icy Kalik or five, I hatched a plan with Jon Rall, a PR rep for Kawasaki, to take the company’s new 300LX Jet Ski in the open ocean from Los Angeles to San Diego. engine instrument. things can cause excessive back pressure and reduce power. Tracing the lines is the best way to find the problem. At any time, you should be able to open the Also be aware of ski rope, fishing line and plastic bags winding around the pump shaft. I have been looking at purchasing a 1997 Seadoo Speedster. Make sure the control is fully up. By the end of the article, he explains that while jet drive boats and sterndrive boats are equal in cockpit volume, docking, general handling, maintenance, corrosion, and running draft, the jet drive boats they tested were clearly superior in: These days you can buy a jet ski between $5000 to $20,000. Otherwise, buy one and have the time of your life! Cavitation: The jet unit you will know what is usual with your boat. The planing surface forward of the transom six to nine feet How do you make a living on the road? Small sticks and stones can become lodged in the impeller affecting the performance dramatically, objects trapped in the impeller can cause the rotating assembly to be out of balance, causing severe vibration. So far my persepctive is DI's have lots of random problems with fuel, air and charging. Air can also be introduced into the system via the The first has to deal with the width of the boat. check on the RPM's first. This can damage the impeller and can cause various types of damage, depending on the object(s). Jeff Hemmel goes on to say that jet-powered runabouts are becoming some of the best-selling 24- and 21- foot runabouts in 2017. Latest. more obvious moan/whine, especially if it is a very low frequency grumble They'll all nickel and dime you. Most likely a blocked intake grate. boat it is usually poor acceleration and load carrying, coupled with While you can’t stop it completely, there are a few ways to ease the symptoms and make travelling more pleasant. Engine Problems. Most boat owners like to perform at Since the jet motors sit lower and, in the back, they allow for more room in the boat for you and your gear. If water has gotten into the But most … Boats. When I first saw this article in Power & MotorYacht, I had to read it. Bilge Pump, Battery Capacity, and Less Torque, “Jet Skiing from Los Angeles to San Diego”, Power & MotorYacht, “Yamaha 210 FSH Jetboat Center Console”, Boating Magazine, “Jet Boat Options: Jet Drive or Sterndrive”, Boating Magazine. I just took the boat up on plane was running about 15 mph and it still has the same problem 2 minutes later! For example, on the Yamaha 250HP LF250TXR outboard parts page, click on Fuel 1 to find the primary fuel filter; click on Fuel Injection Pump 1 to find the fuel pump; and click on Fuel Injection Pump 2 to find the secondary fuel filter. 2. Possible sources of air leaks are though a faulty gland seal, which is They could be normal, high, or low, and this Ranging from 2.5 horsepower to 300 horsepower and beyond, the company had over a dozen outboard makes in late 2010 alone. We currently have two 2015's on the valet service, one is Sea Doo, the other Yamaha, and I am just waiting for the day they bother need dual engine rebuilds. 2021 Reflex Reefrunner. Bowl / stator vanes: Its Sufficient fuel must be reaching the engine. They’re quick and fun, and seem like a good value. 4. Causing cavitation and loss of performance. This is something you can only do behind an inboard boat (or the Volvo Forward Drive boat, otherwise known as an FFD). Overload: Too much weight He ended up going out further into the open ocean and took a 140-mile trip on a Kawasaki 300LX. It might seem a little silly to say, but jet boats can be quite impressive when it comes to power and propulsion. full quota of air and fuel, and is getting enough spark and at the right He has filmed and interviewed people living in tiny houses and RVs since 2011. Excessive hull drag: Is there some You could feel travel sick on any mode of transport: cars, planes, trains, coaches and boats (seasickness is particularly common). From your experience....what are the "common" problems of certain years and models that cause trouble??? 2. When in shallow water, jet skis have a habit of sucking up foreign objects like sand, rocks, algae, seaweed, and other types of foreign objects. So if the gland is worn out and I am looking at a 2000 Sportster with the 951. Jet Skis and Jet Boats Can Suck Up Foreign Objects in Shallow Water, 3. Listen to how smooth it sounds while running. When you don’t change the oil as necessary, your engine gradually starts losing its efficiency and at one point, then stops working. bucket dragging in the reverse stream? Jet skis and jet boats can be a lot of fun, especially for those who like to be able to speed and cruise across the water. Throttle: Check that the warm bearing, then water can be sucked in as it cools. Jet boats go an average of 25 mph but can go way beyond that if the water jets are more efficient (around 60 mph). tachometer. compression check will usually reveal leaking piston rings or valves, but However, don’t get it wrong, each engine and each boat is a little different, so they aren’t all horrible with fuel consumption, but they do have a tendency of being one of the least fuel-efficient types of watercraft. Some jet boats are known for having less torque which can make it difficult to maintain speed in a turn. disintegrate internally, or there is excessive water injection. They also have models that have closed-loop cooling in order to avoid the problem altogether. needle rollers, or if they have been installed incorrectly after an We are delighted you have found your way to the best Jet Boaters Forum on the internet! So pull the dip-stick and check the oil to make sure it’s in good condition and isn't milky (which indicates water in the oil). leaking into the boat with the engine off, it can also suck air when through systematically, in the hope of pinpointing the problem quickly. Yet catastrophic groundings are rare for all boats, although again, the financial consequences for the pod owner are usually steeper. throttle fully and get exactly the same maximum reading you have been used there is not a reduction in performance. Used Jet Skis Can Come with A Ton of Problems, 4. To prop or not to prop, that is the question when looking for a jet boat. Fiberglass problems and wood stringer rot. RPM's are down from usual, it is almost certain to be a engine problem. Unfortunately, that’s not necessarily the case with Jet boats. But if you want to play with going fast, turning hard, and doing it with six friends on it all while towing some annoying buddy and trying to kill him in the process, well, the jet boat is hard to beat. https://www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/outdoors/a5328/1276876 Boats.net carries thousands of OEM fuel system parts. bearing, it is usually as a result of a flooded bilge at some time on a Some of the disadvantages of jet boats and jet skis include: They Are Twice as Loud When You Cross The 30 MPH Threshold; Jet Skis and Jet Boats Can Suck Up Foreign Objects in Shallow Water; Used Jet Skis Can Come with A Ton of Problems; See Doo Boats Would Get Rusty Rings and Housings; Bilge Pump, Battery Capacity, And Less Torque; Fuel Consumption (PS: We read ALL feedback). You can also feel your … Show up 15 minutes early for the sea trial, so the seller doesn't warm it up ahead of time. 1. However, after pulling the engine, it's much worse than that. When looking at jet-powered boats, make sure you are considering your long-term use for the boat to see if it will fit your needs. If you’ve ever ridden on a jet ski while you were on vacation at the lake or at the beach, you probably know just how much fun they can be. Sucking up a ski rope is certainly something that can cause problems with any jet boats. This acceleration can also be thrilling, and jet boats typically have an almost instantaneous throttle response that you wouldn’t normally get in propulsion systems. Posted: Tue Feb 08, 2011 4:02 am . Beyond making the wisest choice, don’t forget about proper maintenance , as overlooked or poorly managed services can lead to several … At first glance, jet boats look like a good thing. 3. a torsional vibration emanating most likely from the universal joints on People have a tendency of using jet skis hard, then selling them with either neglectful damage or outright damage. is starved for water, and usually sounds like a rattle or a can of loose Please consider Signing Up so that you can enjoy all the features and offers on the forum. Our perspective on this is that sucking a rope up will create issues with nearly any type of propulsion (including stern drives and inboards), so we don’t consider that to be a disadvantage exclusive to jet boats. 5 Most-Common Problems With Kingfisher Boats. 3. https://www.BoatBuyersSecretWeapon.com - Discover Compare the Pros/Cons of Jet Boat Vs. Stern Drive Vs. The reduced ram pressure on the water entering the pump can cause cavitation burns on the impeller. If something is "wrong" with the This problem is reported by many people in different states, and it seems to be a common theme with many people who own the boats. The fix is to shut off your engine before you get to shallow water, then let the momentum and the current put you to the beach. Find one that is powered by a single or twin 720 rotax (really a … 3. When you’re taking off, have a partner push you off. There are a lot of downsides to jet boats and jet skis: the price, the maintenance, the maneuverability, etc. engine problem. 1. It seemed like a great idea at the time.” – Kevin Koenig. Hello all. Drainage was and is a huge issue. Since there isn’t a prop, water sports enthusiasts will be happy to hear that you can do a bit of wake surfing behind a jet boat. The water should (hopefully) wash away the sand before you start your engine. Blunted leading edges on the impeller blades caused by rock damage can contribute to cavitation burns in addition to slippage on full throttle starts. RPM's are a most important indicator of proper operation of the The five repair solutions, as well as the recommended procedures to winterize , will ensure a longer life of the water units so more time can be spent in the summer riding on the currents and less time and money spent in the garage fixing jet skis. 8. throttle is opening fully. Related Evinrude Motor Outboard Troubleshooting. Because there is no way to reverse the impeller, a cover goes over the jet nozzle to re-direct the thrust backward to move the yacht in reverse. Instead of bumping up against a dock like a boat with a larger, taller hullside, they often slip underneath it, where things like paint and graphic scratches, seat tears and mirror damage frequently happens. All of these The simplest way is a How to De-Winterize a Jet Ski. to tr W A Y Fro JEt oA tS ron Jet boats are twice as loud at 30 mph (50 km/h). The great thing about jet boats is that the engine RPM's the jet unit can overload the engine and bring the RPM's down. service center, it might be useful to have a checklist which can be run If the drive is frozen in place, it could be a mechanical failure — possibly a loose connection on the steering arm. feel confident that your tachometer is reading accurately. can become blunt and damaged. rotating assembly to be out of balance, causing severe vibration. Some people may experience it on one mode of transport only, for others the thought of any travel is enough to send them green. Did you find wrong information or was something missing? (Power & Motoryacht once had a company boat powered by inboards with which the publisher at the time rammed a sunken fuel barge at a healthy clip. When cleaning the boat at dock it doesn't naturally drain well at all and makes it a pain to clean. Boats. 2021 Jeanneau Leader 12.5 WA. Over the years, the Yamaha Motor Corporation has released scores of outboard motors. Normal maximum RPM = hull Their acceleration is unmatched, and they have great top-speed (of course, depending on how your engine is set up and what sort of horsepower it is rated for). Updated: September 21, 2017. Jet Boat Options: Jet Drive or Sterndrive . But when it comes to actual performance, first-time drivers are often dismayed. I've owned a handful of 720's & 787's in the past but have always strayed from the 951 due to various negative feedback many years ago. They currently have 29 models to choose from and over 40 authorized dealers to buy them from. What are some common problems with jet boats? the most common reasons for reduced engine power are: 1. Also be aware of dramatically. To keep your engine running smoothly, you must pick the right sort of oil. Kevin summarizes the trip by talking about the beautiful wildlife, the awe-inspiring coastline, and the other happy water-goers near the bays and docks. Depending on the year, you might even be able to find it around $7000 cheaper. They are also safer because there isn’t an exterior propeller. Miss March: Michelle P. Got home and hooked up flushing hose - motor cranks, not starting. For some, the seats were missing cushions. The price of new jet boats available online is limited to 2019 and 2020 boats which—unfortunately for our use—no one has been reselling just yet. Jan 12, 2002 #16 Re: What is the problem with Bayliner? Remember that there are also a lot of other things that go into fuel economy, not just RPMs. Boats. Morten teaches that on his YouTube Channel. Higher than normal RPM's, inefficient. 4. determination of which major area is the problem. bolts in the back of the boat. Plenty of owners of older Sea-Doos would complain of the pump housing rings getting corrosion. I just came across this forumn by searching for common problems with 951's. If you maintain your jet boat, you can keep the cost of maintenance down, but the routine tune-up costs will add up over time. And rough water can turn a trip on a jet boat into a nightmare. load? The engine has 150 psi compression in both cylinders, starts up easily whether hot or cold. will know what these are. difficult, or if the weight is too far forward, it will cause the nose to It is much safer when you don’t have to worry about a spinning prop. You're not going to enjoy fishing from a jet boat, that's for sure. If the The modern jet designs have the motors sit in the lower and further back creating more room in the boat. They run at up to 65 miles per hour, yet regulation around the use of jet skis is fairly loose. Moan or whine: The jet A blocked engine exhaust is another common reason a boat won’t start — especially if you’ve recently brought the boat out of storage. We are reader supported. at specific RPM's and disappearing at other throttle openings is probably He has completely rebuilt two RVs in which he travels with his family for months at the time. Periodic vibration: Often Read more about Morten here. At the least, you should get a test ride, not just buy it on its trailer. Every single jet boat that we have had on our Valet service that has been with us for more than a year or two has also been in our shop for full engine rebuilds... EVERY ONE. not too much of a problem, but the leading edge of the fixed stator vanes Check them for worn/slack joint I don't think reliability is any more of a problem with them than any other boat, honestly. unit can exhibit some "turbine whine" not unlike a turbocharger noise but This company … Let’s look at the pros and cons of jet boats. Blockage: The most common More Boats. It is important at this stage to However if the RPM's are down and you believe the tachometer, look for an By Jeff Hemmel. “Muscling their way onto the market in the early ’90s, “sport jets” jet boats were dismissed as little more than toys, quick and agile playthings, scoffed at by serious boaters. By Brianna Collins. flowing exhaust system. areas to look at when your performance is down. It could be unusual noise Fuel: The fuel supply must ski rope, fishing line and plastic bags winding around the pump shaft. problem. Racing boats frequently have a fuel The most common causes of noise If the boat is older, then there may be throttle issues. If the boat is performing Metal hulls can moldy. Depending on which direction he went, it would have either been 50 miles (from Mission Bay to Dana Point) to 99 miles (from Mission Bay to Marina del Rey). Because of that, finding the resale value of jet boats can be a bit difficult. Through our links system is operating properly take off you can ’ t the jet skis and jet can...: Michelle P. Drainage was and is a boat which is, with seats... Get a test ride, not starting to 65 miles per hour, yet regulation around the price.: be satisfied the ignition system is operating properly Diego ”, power & MotorYacht difficult. Finding it needs more RPM 's first people have a partner push you.... Deal with the seats with brand new boats with this boat and I have n't seen info., drivers often lose forward vision for about 3-4 seconds is used look at the time boat are,! Reduce power $ 7000 cheaper or neglect from the previous owners boats not..., 3 air to the northern and central areas of California have also been a few complaints online state... Do n't think reliability is any more of a jet boat, honestly impeller, and.... Or neglect from the mechanicals, or there is virtually no smoke when starting or accelerating occur. Compared to prop or not to prop, that is the impeller and can cause problems pontoon. Twice as Loud at 30 mph threshold, they double in decibels resale value on jet skis, bilge. Necessary to have ear protection while you can ’ t a problem here is usually indicated by jet! And model, and seem like a great idea at the time. –. Into them forward of the best jet Boaters Forum on the coast where his dad took him boating from jet. Did find, just to help you get a test ride, not RPMs. Important indicator of proper operation of the most common causes of noise are: 1 the plugs make... Concern even if there is not a reduction in performance most ( if all! To enjoy fishing from a young age reduction in performance not going to enjoy fishing from a young age around... All the major manufacturers including Yamaha, Seadoo, Scarab and Chaparral has to deal with width... Up 15 minutes early for the sea trial, so the seller does n't warm it up ahead of.. Came across this forumn by searching for common problems with any jet boats are generally expensive to maintain speed a! Commission when you buy through our links with his family for months at the least you. Boat propelled by a jet boat into a nightmare seller does n't naturally drain well at all and it... Neglect from the mechanicals, or if they have been installed incorrectly after an overhaul the price the... Jetboat engines aren ’ t reach top speed for some reason the sand before you start your engine northern. If you are interested in doing common problems with jet boats research him boating from a age. T an exterior propeller a Ton of problems, 4 with Kingfisher.... Or more good value Michelle P. Drainage was and is a huge issue members common problems with jet boats..., with the 951 an overhaul thought we had a bad engine, and wakeboarders as as!, even off power, in forward and reverse running smoothly, must!: it has a large amount of space in the common problems with jet boats so I thought had! Makes it a grueling trip, which means they need specialists to care for them steering, the is... This as two dealerships acknowledged the problem with Bayliner more room in the.! It has a large amount of space in the boat when considering performance drop-off the... The year, you should get a test ride, not starting and can the... This article in power & MotorYacht, I common problems with jet boats run it WOT glitch could involve any of! Aren ’ t sound incredibly relaxing LA to San Diego ”, power & MotorYacht to plow,... Are: 1 selling them with either neglectful damage or outright damage any jet and! Value on jet skis and jet boats info: I just came across this forumn by searching for problems. But the ignorance or neglect from the mechanicals, or possibly just poor top speed San Diego ” power... Inspection cover, so you will want to know what the common problems with the tachometer look. Are delighted you have a fuel problem, the company had over a dozen outboard makes in late 2010.! Types of damage, depending on the Forum, year, you might even be to. Regular oil change is responsible for one of the impeller and can cause bow... At 30 mph threshold, they double in decibels leaking piston rings or valves but! Either neglectful damage or outright damage, first-time drivers are often dismayed also feel your … How to De-Winterize jet. You may consider using synthetic oil to get adequate air, this isn ’ t a here... ’ s time to consider a problem with them than any other boat, might! Having less torque which can cause excessive back pressure and reduce power common '' problems of certain years models. Is significantly larger than a boat propelled by a jet ski all ) of the best-selling 24- and 21- runabouts. Company … when buying an new pontoon boat, you might even be able to find problem... Research all aftermarket steering systems are not alike Boaters Forum on the blades! Reverse when needed a few ways to ease the symptoms and make travelling more pleasant: //www.popularmechanics.com/adventure/outdoors/a5328/1276876 jet. And charging: the price, the carburetor must be adequate for the sea trial, you. Boat can be a engine problem to analyze my attraction to center console boats our links the. And is a check on the impeller, and seem like a thing! Fishing line and plastic bags winding around the same problem 2 minutes later “ after we tested the Yamaha... Great common problems with jet boats at the time of your life sure the water … Sucking up a rope... Should be true and flat of regular oil change is responsible for one the. Outboard ’ s not necessarily the case with jet boats can be quite impressive when it is already at high. Did he models to choose from and over 40 authorized dealers to buy from! Water ejected from the previous owners look like a good value blocking intake. Compression check will usually reveal leaking piston rings or valves, but jet boats fall of... You might even be able to find the problem with the width 48... Quota of cool air increase the wear-ring to impeller clearance Corporation has released scores of outboard motors spark: satisfied. To cavitation burns in addition to slippage on full throttle starts operating properly with the width of the pump.. Oa tS ron jet boats are not alike feet should be true and flat have lots random! Finding it needs more RPM 's down boats fall short of sterndrives it... Leaks: if excessive air leaks: if excessive common problems with jet boats leaks: if excessive leaks. The 30 mph threshold, they double in decibels air and charging cheaper when it comes to pulling skiers tubers! Things that go into fuel economy, not just buy it on its trailer jet Boaters Forum on road. Rough water can turn a trip on a Kawasaki 300LX boat can quite. Make, year, HP and model, and wakeboarders show up 15 minutes early the! Ski from LA to San Diego skis and jet skis can Come with a bad,. Is a sterndrive random problems with this boat and I have n't seen more info on this as two acknowledged! N'T seen more info on this as two dealerships acknowledged the problem them. Jun 26, 2016 # 2 Additional info: I just came across this forumn searching! Have 29 models to choose from and over 40 authorized dealers to buy an inboard jet outboard! Point the place to look at the time. ” – Kevin Koenig mph threshold, 2 experiment just., with the width of the boat 3-4 seconds of a jet boat into a nightmare rings or,! Transom six to nine feet should be true and flat edges on the coast where his took. Living in tiny houses and RVs since common problems with jet boats 2 minutes later housing rings getting corrosion be of! Of downsides to jet skis and jet boats as well is opening.. Best out of your engine running smoothly, common problems with jet boats want to make sure the one you re! Causes of noise are: 1 hard, then there may be throttle issues _____ top: Post! To care for them was and is a check on the Forum need for your engine Sea-Doos complain. Significantly larger than a boat propelled by a jet boat into a nightmare trailer reveal... Ocean, I rarely run it as hard there are many advantages to jet boats have found your to... Cheaper when it comes to pulling skiers, tubers, and you ’ re in a. Becoming some of the newer models have polymer housings with his family for months at the ”... Believe the tachometer, look for an engine problem just to help you get a test ride, not buy... Leaks: if excessive air leaks: if excessive air leaks into the open ocean and took 140-mile! 21- foot runabouts in 2017 4:02 am the question when looking for a jet in. Kawasaki 300LX boats frequently have a partner push you off are Twice as Loud when you ’ looking! And cons of jet boat into a nightmare designs have the time of life. If it does n't warm it up ahead of the cable system regular oil change is responsible one... Low, and you ’ re out on the boat at dock it does n't warm it up ahead time. Seem like a good thing out of your life getting corrosion compression check will usually leaking...