Jet drives -good or bad?

[Freebee]

My bertram 25 has engines and out drives that are clearly past their best. So I am considering the repower options with diesel engines being top of the list to replace twin petrol. I have seen jet drive packages and wonder if this would be a better option than outdrives. Less wetted parts, simple construction and no damage on grounding. Has anybody had any experience. Do jet drives absorb more power? Do they wear out quickly? Are boats with jet drives difficult to handle?

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[omega2]

You will require a lot of power to get things moving compared to props, if you can go the right way and fit shafts

<hr width=100% size=1>J HAMER

 

[truebrit]

What about surface drives? prices very cmparable to outdrive and lower maintainence costs,and a lovely rooster tail ,its the way Ill aim when my outdrive is knackered have a look at www.pulsedrive.net

<hr width=100% size=1>Mike....... V8s are sweet music

 

[byron]

Personally I think they're a brilliant idea but I know naught about them. There must be drawbacks otherwise everyone would have fitted them after all, no prop worries, no shallow water worries, more manouvreability etc. etc.

<hr width=100% size=1>http://www.alexander-advertising.co.uk

 

[wellcraft_175]

Hi,

Personally I'd say ok, but if you can afford, go the way of the prop! I used to have a hamilton jet, but on a much smaller boat than yours! The acceleration is not as good as a prop (hp for hp) but it may have a higher top end. Like you, I do think they are a good idea, especially as engine bits are not as expensive as outboards, and not having a prop from a safety point of view can only be a good thing! However, it's VERY different to drive. An emergency turn in a jet means to floor it and lock it over. If you panic and lift off throttle (as I have done!) Then there is no thrust coming out of jet and you have no control over boat what so ever!

Just my 2 cents!

Steve


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[adarcy]

Suggest you put "Gludy" AND "jet" into the search engine, search all posts + I'm sure you will get plenty of information !!!!

Basically you really need a hull that is optimised for jets.

You've got a lovely hull - don't do it IMHO

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