Jet Rib - Finding Neutral and Neutral Thrust

wakeup

wakeup

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I had the opportunity to drive a jet rib tender (Williams 325) over the summer break. I appreciate that the jet drive only spins in one direction and that it is spinning even in neutral; and that in order to achieve reverse a bucket drops over the jet output to reverse thrust direction.

My question is, when starting my pal's rib obviously in Neutral (it will only start with the neutral interlock in position), the rib continues forward in 'neutral' at about 3 knots. Is this usual for a Williams Jet Rib?

I did find however, that when dropping the bucket slightly (half an inch to an inch) on the throttle towards reverse that I could get the rib to 'sit still'. I assume that enough of the bucket was deployed to reverse half the forward thrust at tick over. Is this the way a jet rib should behave or should the cable to the bucket be adjusted so that when started in neutral the bucket sits at half reverse thrust over the jet?

I have to say this thing went like a scolded cat, control at low speed was an issue until I got the haggish of neutral thrust. I didn't give it full throttle as conditions weren't flat but it could shift.
 
We've just purchased a new 325s and have to say ours also behaves in a very similar manner to how you describe. Like you I've played about hovering, by going into reverse and this does work, but I can't remember ever get it totally stationary. Maybe I haven't played with it quite enough yet and this speed........just seems whenever I get into it with 30 seconds I'm doing 40 mph!!!!
 
It sounds like adjusting the bucket would help. Ie putting it in more of a reverse position when the stick is in neutral

On the two jets I had you could get it to less than a knot in neutral; there was no need to put up with 3 knots

Congratulations illusion on new toy!
 
Yes. That is ok. Left is right right is left etc but going fwd is far more manoeuvrable.

It also has a u bolt to connect the painter to that is the perfect height to bash my bathing platform trim.

I like it but the quality seems Dreadful. It will be fixed under warranty but ....
 
I like it but the quality seems Dreadful. It will be fixed under warranty but ....
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I've often wondered what the attraction is to the williams jet ribs, they seem awfully expensive compared to a seperate rib and powerful outboard (to acheive similar'ish speeds), and I imagine they must be less reliable. Is it just the more compact dimensions of them?
 
julians said:
I've often wondered what the attraction is to the williams jet ribs, they seem awfully expensive compared to a seperate rib and powerful outboard (to acheive similar'ish speeds), and I imagine they must be less reliable. Is it just the more compact dimensions of them?
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It is fun. It is very quick. We bought is as basically it was the std fit for the boat. I am happy with it but I am surprised stuff does not work ex factory. Suggests low quality control which is not expected on £20k odd tender.
 
We have a 2 Year old Williams 325 and it has been excellent. We are going to upgrade to a 2015 model year one with the new engine and extra spray rail.

It it has been generally reliable but we have always had it serviced on time, even during the winter run it every month and always flushed it with stop salt after every use.

Andrew





jrudge said:
It is fun. It is very quick. We bought is as basically it was the std fit for the boat. I am happy with it but I am surprised stuff does not work ex factory. Suggests low quality control which is not expected on £20k odd tender.
Click to expand...
 
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