low speed control w/ jetovator

My dad just bought an early 90's Carrera Elite 20.5', 454, jet w/ jetovator and trim adjustment. We've figured out the proper trim to maintain good control at high speed but at low speed it is very difficult to keep pointed in the same direction. We had a similar boat 15+ years ago and even though it did not have a jetovator it is much easier to control at low speed....at least as far as we can remember.

So, what could we be missing that is causing it to be problematic at low speed? Is this normal function of a jetovator? Are we missing fins under the boat or the jet? Could this be sorted out with the trim (we've tried playing with it but it doesn't seem to make a difference).

I've searched this forum and Google so any help you can give us would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

I've never seen a jet boat that could hold a straight line at idle. If the idle is set high it makes it a little easier.
Even the rudders don't really make a difference which is why nobody uses them.
Steer with the gas pedal.


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I've never seen a jet boat that could hold a straight line at idle. If the idle is set high it makes it a little easier.
Even the rudders don't really make a difference which is why nobody uses them.
Steer with the gas pedal.


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I agree. It's frustrating at times but I've experienced the same issue. I'm still new to the jet world so maybe with experience comes a certain touch... either way, I experience the same thing.

MORE THROTTLE!!

Dan


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They will never ever steer straight. I like to turn the idle up a little. Really helps! Make sure the steering is adjusted correctly so that the nozzle moves fully left and right. I have seen some doozies in the past. Every boat has that sweet spot. Don't over think it, you will find it.

Yup, I have fins and rudder and they don't do anything while at low idle, pump and steering is tight but no matter what it seems to need constant steering input at low idle to maintain forward linear direction. Like everyone else said, more throttle/increase idle.

thanks guys! I appreciate the quick and consistent responses and I guess it makes sense right? The boat is always easier to steer with light to moderate throttle. I never considered raising the throttle to help with that but it certainly would make it easier.

We'll try this out and just to make sure we have all of the equipment we should have, we'll check for a fin on the jet as well. Thanks again everyone!

Yep I have two identical boats one with a rudder one without makes no difference just looks more complete to me with a rudder lol

1976 and 1977 Challengers

You can buy an electric idle stepper from a 1980's GM car for cheap, put an idle up switch on the dash when cruising in the dock area, simply flip the switch for an adjusted idle rpm.

Used it on both jet boats and rock crawlers.

Makes you look like a real pro.

GT

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http://www.partsgeek.com/frj2684-chevrolet-el-camino-carburetor-idle-stop-solenoid.html?utm_source=shoppingcom&utm_medium=pf&utm_content=dcs&utm_campaign=PartsGeek+ShoppingCom&fp=pp&utm_term=Chevrolet+Carburetor+Idle+Stop+Solenoid

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People might disagree but I can say I added the large rudder in my 20.5 it to me it was a pretty big difference.


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Same over here
Nature of the beast


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You can buy an electric idle stepper from a 1980's GM car for cheap, put an idle up switch on the dash when cruising in the dock area, simply flip the switch for an adjusted idle rpm.

Used it on both jet boats and rock crawlers.

Makes you look like a real pro.

GT

That's a great idea, thanks for the suggestion and the link. I think this would be a much better idea than adjusting it directly at the carb.

People might disagree but I can say I added the large rudder in my 20.5 it to me it was a pretty big difference.

got a link for that by chance?

You can buy an electric idle stepper from a 1980's GM car for cheap, put an idle up switch on the dash when cruising in the dock area, simply flip the switch for an adjusted idle rpm.

Used it on both jet boats and rock crawlers.

Makes you look like a real pro.

GT

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That sounds like a win!  I'll be going into NAPA and seeing if I can pick one of these up in the very near future!  Sounds like a jet boat life hack!