Jet Tenders

[Nick_H]

Totally agree Mike. There are a few issues with jet ribs in use, but they're mostly minor niggles and you can live with them, but the reliability issue is a showstopper for me. I had the 2 stroke, and I ended up swapping it for a RIB in Plymouth mid way through a west country cruise because I was so sick of the thing breaking down. I've heard the 4 strokes overcome some of the minor niggles (except they're even heavier), but by most accounts they're just as temperamental.

I guess if you only use the RIB for playtime off the boat then a jetrib still makes sense and just don't use it when it's broken, but if it's mostly for ship to shore duties then save yourself the stress and get something with an outboard IMO.

 

[A&K]

Aha, the bi-annual jet rib bashing thread. I've been expecting you!

I've yet to meet someone who's been out for a spin in a jet rib and not come back with a smile on their face! I think a lot of the problems people have had were on the 2 stroke version - we've had both and love the 4 stroke Williams 285 we have now. If you have children, teenagers, young adults - actually everyone - will love it. Servicing is more expensive I agree, but it cracks me up that everyone on here has decided to spend their leisure money on the most mind blowingly expensive hobby but suddenly gets all sensible when it comes to tender servicing costs...

I've also heard a vicious rumour that eminently sensible outboard powered tenders have had to be rescued by "temperamental" jet ribs...would anyone on here know anything about that???

 

[jfm]

...it cracks me up that everyone on here has decided to spend their leisure money on the most mind blowingly expensive hobby but suddenly gets all sensible when it comes to tender servicing costs...

That cracked me up!

I've also heard a vicious rumour that eminently sensible outboard powered tenders have had to be rescued by "temperamental" jet ribs...would anyone on here know anything about that???

Hang on hang on! There's no need to bring that up - how long do I have to wait till you accept that is ancient history? It was 2009, ffs! I haven't even done any jetrib bashing on this thread: I agreed just to RTFQ. Anyway, no, I don't know anything about that, no

 

[Hurricane]

Aha, the bi-annual jet rib bashing thread. I've been expecting you!

I've yet to meet someone who's been out for a spin in a jet rib and not come back with a smile on their face! I think a lot of the problems people have had were on the 2 stroke version - we've had both and love the 4 stroke Williams 285 we have now. If you have children, teenagers, young adults - actually everyone - will love it. Servicing is more expensive I agree, but it cracks me up that everyone on here has decided to spend their leisure money on the most mind blowingly expensive hobby but suddenly gets all sensible when it comes to tender servicing costs...

I've also heard a vicious rumour that eminently sensible outboard powered tenders have had to be rescued by "temperamental" jet ribs...would anyone on here know anything about that???

Sorry - just my own personal experience with both types of craft.
And what I've seen with others.

 

[Nick_H]

it cracks me up that everyone on here has decided to spend their leisure money on the most mind blowingly expensive hobby but suddenly gets all sensible when it comes to tender servicing costs.

It ain't the servicing costs that's the problem, it's the breaking down between servicing. Anyway, you're young, you'll learn ...

 

[A&K]

You can't steer them either you know Nick!

Sorry, my reply was tongue in cheek but as pretty much the only jet rib lover here I feel duty bound to defend them!

Now I've written this my own rib will fail to start and the throttle will fall off the first time I use it of course...

 

[SwedeSkipper]

Sorry for opening up a can of worms in the outboard-vs-jet battle!

Anyhow, I will be getting a jet rib with the pre-owned boat I recently bought, and I would like to get some advice on daily and regular checks/service. I have very little experience with jet ribs. I know outboards, however.

Thanks!

 

[wakeup]

A&K,

I think we need to know more about this serious incident requiring a rescue. I am not sure the wider SoF contingent know about this nor the wider forum.

Can I lodge a forum freedom of information request?

 

[MRC]

Sorry for opening up a can of worms in the outboard-vs-jet battle!

Anyhow, I will be getting a jet rib with the pre-owned boat I recently bought, and I would like to get some advice on daily and regular checks/service. I have very little experience with jet ribs. I know outboards, however.

Thanks!

The main one is ALWAYS flush it through with freshwater after the days use. Everyday. On top of that just routine servicing and visual checks.

 

[MRC]

Hope i havent put 2 and 2 together to make 5!

sounds like an expensive fender but cheaper than parking a volvo on the hi lo platform!

You did comment recently about no photos of the Manhattan 70.