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 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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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.

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

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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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

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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!