It's a matter of sound, when its forward all you'll hear is it sucking air and its loud. Spin it around and she's quiet.

Without getting into atmospheric pressure, coanda effect, and other such scientific things associated with the large air pumps we use I'll throw in my .02 cents. Point it whichever way you want, you'll feel no difference in power. Nor is there and actual difference in power output. You don't drive fast enough to create a high enough pressure zone to boost power. And there is no air pressure drop with it on backwards to reduce power. Some guys turn it backward to reduce the chance of something flying into the intake i.e. hats, sunglasses, beer, water, hair etc....

Hey I go plenty fast!!! Down river with .2 gallon of fuel and 105lb driver the boat hits 69  mph. and the bigger the scoop the bigger the lies of mph

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I have mine backwards 1.) Bugs, water etc. Wont fly in.. 2.) More quiet. 3.) Looks more propper/aerodynamic 4.) Motors creat air suction themselves. Like a big vacuum... either way it doesn't matter. If you like it forward then run it farward

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Backfire in the 80's w aqua-net

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While I'm not the argue with the lawman type (usually) re-reading 46 CFR 25/58 and see noting in that provision that would allow them to dictate the direction of your air intake. Even a velocity stack is acceptable... Maybe you are subject to some local regulations I'm unaware of, otherwise my boat has to meet the standards of the year of it's manufacture (1973). Lots of additional stuff was added 1980ish that I don't have to worry about.

I haven't ventured with my boat beyond the Klamath river, Crescent City harbor, and Humboldt bay - never been even asked for my paperwork. But, I'd like to venture out this summer and I guess I need a crash course on local regulations. You can get away with whatever you want on the Klamath, except take salmon out of season - that they'll get you for. :-)

1. Its a jet boat- performance aint gonna be great.

2. It's a big block, it will draw air for intake.

3. Put some gangster rap on the radio and point it sideways at a 90*

Um, Ok?... NO!

1) Jet boat is the only way to get where I'm going.
2) She's got a small block, and yes it draws air for the intake and needs all the help it can get!
3) Gangster rap? Radio? I've got marine VHF, and CB - I'm so far out that there are NO radio stations.