Looking for my first jet boat.

« **on:** April 15, 2016, 01:13:40 AM »

I'm looking for a good running jet boat that is water ready. I'm not sure what a good budget is for these, but I've got $6,000 I'm ready to spend on one. I'd like to have one purchased by June 20th ready for the lake. Trailer must be included. And if anyone knows of an event happening that following weekend near or in the state of Texas that'd be helpful too. Thanks guys.

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« **Reply #1 on:** April 15, 2016, 05:56:31 AM »

At $6K you should be able to find a good running jet boat. The important things to be looking for are rotting wood at stringers, transom and floor. Visually look at the impeller for rock damage. Check all cable operations unless you plan on replacing cables before you take it out. I'd recommend staying away from anything that still has original fiberglass fuel tanks installed (if not failing yet, they will).

Welcome to SCJB

« **Reply #2 on:** April 15, 2016, 11:32:39 AM »

Thanks for that. I'm always up for good pointers. Do the seals and bearings on the impeller shaft go bad often or is that something that usually is maintenance free? And thanks for the warm welcome.

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« **Reply #3 on:** April 15, 2016, 01:57:04 PM »

Check out the Rayson craft I have posted for a buddy boat is in great condition. He has receipts for 5,000 in engine work that was done last season.

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« **Reply #4 on:** April 15, 2016, 04:03:11 PM »

Yes definitely look for rotting floor, replacing mine currently. It's not a lot of work to fix but it is a lot of time. Welcome though hope you find a great float!

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« **Reply #5 on:** April 16, 2016, 03:07:03 AM »

Great deal here.

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« **Reply #6 on:** April 16, 2016, 04:30:22 AM »

I'm kinda leaning towards the open bows, but I've got a grand scheme here. I'm looking for a "turn key" boat. I like the open bow or bow riders a lot but also like the closed bow ( not sure if that's the right terminology, but you get the jist I hope, forgive me for not knowing but sort of new to the whole boating thing ) because it's a bigger canvas to work with. I'm trying to do a custom southern pride theme, on a jet boat model like the commander or a model that somewhat resembles the commander. The only thing I would change on the commander model is have an open engine bay and exhaust headers coming up and out, sort of resembling a top fuel dragster. If I can find something that runs, preferably a 21' boat either the commander model or something similar with an open engine bay, then that's a perfect piece for what I'm looking to do. But I really don't want to be picky. This is my first boat and I'm just really anxious to get something to go have some fun with this summer.

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« **Reply #7 on:** April 16, 2016, 04:31:53 AM »

I intend to have a 25 to 30k budget by the time this thing is done. I'll be sure to keep everyone updated with the purchase and ongoing project.

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« **Reply #8 on:** April 16, 2016, 02:46:54 PM »

That Rogers is a killer deal. If its condition is sound, you won't find a better hull.

« **Reply #9 on:** April 17, 2016, 01:31:44 AM »

What about that Tahiti, for $4500. Any thought on it?

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« **Reply #10 on:** April 17, 2016, 10:43:24 AM »

The brands don't matter as much as how it's been treated for the last 25-50 years. Most of what you'll be looking at will have been built with similar techniques and materials, and the biggest differences will come down to engine, jet and overall rigging.

If you're not a brand specific follower (Chevy, Ford, Chrysler...) you will have a lot more choices available. If you know you really want an open bow stay on track and find an open bow, buying a closed bow boat with limited seating because it a great deal isn't going to make you happy in the long run.

« **Reply #11 on:** April 17, 2016, 11:37:23 AM »

I have been flirting with buying a new boat and all I see is open bows. Everywhere I look there are nothing but open bows if you are looking for over 19 feet. And that ain't what ol' Glasscutter wants. Don't need that much seating and I hate the wind buffeting. Good luck in your search. Don't be impulsive, there are always a ton of boats available. Just keep looking until you find the right one.

« **Reply #12 on:** April 17, 2016, 10:12:47 PM »

Thanks for the advice. Every little bit helps.

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« **Reply #13 on:** April 18, 2016, 11:00:33 AM »

That's a deal right there seven grand or best offer it's out of California Craigslist. Good Luck.

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« **Reply #14 on:** April 21, 2016, 08:19:34 AM »

Ok so I got a new question for y'all. I'm a newbie when it comes to boating. I've just got my boaters education certificate and one thing that I've noticed, all these jet boats are straight pipes. No muffler. In Texas these boats would be illegal to operate... Now I'm not a party crashed or anything, but any one else have some insight on this? Is this just a Texas law or is it nation wide? And is it something that the marine patrol enforces strictly or slacked on? I do drive semi trucks so not looking to have any issues with my license on the water. The punishments for a class a license is 10 fold that of the standard license.

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« **Reply #15 on:** April 21, 2016, 09:37:50 AM »

Quote from: Pony_Boy on April 21, 2016, 08:19:34 AM

Ok so I got a new question for y'all. I'm a newbie when it comes to boating. I've just got my boaters education certificate and one thing that I've noticed, all these jet boats are straight pipes. No muffler. In Texas these boats would be illegal to operate... Now I'm not a party crashed or anything, but any one else have some insight on this? Is this just a Texas law or is it nation wide? And is it something that the marine patrol enforces strictly or slacked on? I do drive semi trucks so not looking to have any issues with my license on the water. The punishments for a class a license is 10 fold that of the standard license.

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OK, Driver, here's what I found-

"Texas Parks and Wildlife Code § 31.070. Exhaust Water Manifold; Muffler.

A motorboat operating on the water of this state must have an exhaust water manifold or a factory-type muffler installed on the engine."

So, Bassetts with water injection would be legal. Baffled headers would be a better choice, IMHO.
Logs and snails usually never get a second look.

CA and AZ is SAE J-1970, and J-2005. These have distinct decibel limits, yes, even on the river. Mine are drilled like Swiss cheese, virtually worthless, but passes the 'night stick' test.

In Texas, It looks like you have to have a boater safety coarse to go boating:

"If you were born on or after September 1, 1993, yes, you must complete a Boater Education course to operate a PWC or a boat with a horsepower rating of more than 15 hp."

If that's the case, then you don't need to have a (vehicle) drivers licence to operate a boat, and a noise ticket would not go against your CDL...in theory. But I'm not a lawyer.

Good luck driver

Dan'l

« **Reply #16 on:** April 21, 2016, 09:41:29 PM »

I'm so new to this its not even funny. I feel stupid because I know very little about working on anything on a boat. I know what a bilge pump is and what it does. I know how an engine works, but only the very basics. I know what headers are, but help me out here, water injected manifold? Baffled headers? What is this and how does it work. I am extremely grateful for all the help any one offers. And I actually just finished the education course and waiting on my certificate. Lots of good info in there.

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« **Reply #17 on:** April 22, 2016, 09:23:17 AM »

Bassetts and Rewarders are water injected headers. there are slip in baffles available for them. Some run them dry.

Water manifolds- can be MerCruiser style or logs and snails, usually through transom. For a first jet boat, I'd recommend these.

The smaller hulls are usually more responsive to horsepower mods than larger boats. a 21' daycruiser may take 750 hp to do 70, and a light 18' bubble deck would be substantially faster, with the same HP.

Test drive something jet drive to see if its something you are comfortable with. Jets have true power steering. No power, No steering.

One boat usually is not enough- 18'er with big hp for high speed runs, and a 21'cruiser for the family truckster, and big/bigger water.

Check out the classified parts on here, to get familiar with jet specific terms, there's usually pics.

thats all I got.

Dan'l

« **Reply #18 on:** April 22, 2016, 09:35:00 AM »

He is correct on the water headers. Only thing is some lakes or towns have city ordinance against over transam headers.

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« **Reply #19 on:** April 22, 2016, 09:39:00 AM »

Driving a jet boat to me is like driving a truck in slippery mud. Throttle to turn sharp and depending on the boat it will feel like it's sliding instead of turning.

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« **Reply #20 on:** April 22, 2016, 10:02:48 AM »

First pic is a manifold exhaust, also referred to as logs and snails. This system is water jacketed. They don't get hot and are great for running under a covered motor.

Second pic is a set of headers. These are less restrictive than manifolds. This set is water injected. What that means is above a certain RPM (1800) water is injected a couple inches from the flange to keep them "somewhat" cool. A lot of people also run them dry.

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« **Reply #21 on:** April 22, 2016, 10:21:10 AM »

Thanks for that. What I've got in mind, I'm looking for a turn key boat that's ready to hit the water. Simply so I can use it and get the "feel" for exactly how they handle. I'd like something that I can use for multi purpose. Fast, and fun to drive but still enough room to go fishing with. Maybe a 19 or 20 would be better? And a good radio (stereo) is a MUST 😂

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« **Reply #22 on:** April 22, 2016, 08:42:13 PM »

I could be wrong, but I believe it is against the law to carry a fishing pole on any jet driven boat.

« **Reply #23 on:** April 22, 2016, 08:46:29 PM »

I'm sure you could pick this up for next to nothing. It's sitting on the north bank at Lake Perris.

« **Reply #24 on:** April 22, 2016, 09:02:44 PM »

Quote from: Pony_Boy on April 21, 2016, 09:41:29 PM

I'm so new to this its not even funny. I feel stupid because I know very little about working on anything on a boat. I know what a bilge pump is and what it does. I know how an engine works, but only the very basics. I know what headers are, but help me out here, water injected manifold? Baffled headers? What is this and how does it work. I am extremely grateful for all the help any one offers. And I actually just finished the education course and waiting on my certificate. Lots of good info in there.

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Don't worry, you'll learn. If you're somewhat mechanically inclined, they are fairly simple. Keep asking questions and read a bunch of threads.
Use the search mode to find topics. Guaranteed whatever question you have, it has been covered.

Welcome to jet boats and welcome to SCJB.

Pony_Boy

crewchief22

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88 Baker

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mash on it

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mash on it

JoeDirte

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