Looking into a fine jet-powered watercraft? You’re not the only one. Demand continues to surge after the start of COVID-19 this past year.
Look no further than a jet boat. Jet boats offer several advantages over their contemporaries and ride far smoother than your typical jetski.
In this article, we’ll cover all that and more. Let’s dive in.
What is a Jet Boat?
A jet boat is a boat that doesn’t use an external propeller. Rather, as the name suggests, the boat is propelled by a high-power jet of water ejecting from the stern of the boat.
How’s it do this? There’s an intake beneath the boat that sucks in water, only for it to be blasted out through a nozzle at the back of the boat.
The more powerful engine, the more powerful the stream. In many jet-boats, they use V8 engines similar to those in muscle cars, to create this high-power stream.
Jet Boat Advantages
Jet boats are some of the best boats for their acceleration and their visibility. Many propeller-based boats have high bow rise, which makes it difficult to see what’s immediately in front of you.
Jet boats offer quick acceleration with low bow rise. This acceleration comes from the near-instant response of the powerful engine, mixed with the water intake always being full and ready to blow.
These speed boats are also safer than propellor based-boats.
First, no one should ever be at the stern of the ship when it’s about to depart. But a propeller can severely injure anyone who gets in its way. The jets, meanwhile, can blast you back, but they won’t leave you going to the hospital.
There’s a reason the US coast guard doesn’t list “jet-related accidents” but does list “Person struck by propellor” in their annual water-craft accident statistics.
Then there’s driving safety. If you’re not paying attention and drive over a shallow area or some debris, a propellor could get hit and break. A jet boat can glide over these narrow spaces far easier.
Jet Boat Disadvantages
The big one is low-speed handling. While these boats can whizz left and right when going at high or top speeds, the lack of a propellor and rudder makes them significantly worse at low-speed handling.
Their handling is based on angling the jet-powered streams after all.
This leads to their second disadvantage: reversing. Through engineering trickery, the pump nozzle angles in a way that slows and ultimately moves the boat backward.
Neutral, however, is next to non-existent. If you don’t want to move, you’ll need an anchor.
Jet Ski vs Jet Boats
A lot of folks ask this question. The truth is, it depends on your needs and your budget.
Jet boats are smoother, allow multiple people on board, and can handle rougher waters. Jet skis are better at maneuvering, generally are cheaper, but they tip over more easily.
Learn more about jet boats to make an informed decision.
Invest In the Best Boats
Now you know what jet boats offer. If you’re intrigued, now is a great time to buy. The end of the season is a popular time to sell, meaning you could find yourself a deal.
Of course, before you buy make sure you can take the boat out on the water and get a feel for it yourself.
Like this content? Want to learn more about boats and travel? Check out our related blog posts.
