SoCal Jet Boats
Tech Talk => Jet Pumps => Topic started by: rstp on December 04, 2008, 07:03:01 AM
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question do you need the rudder on for better handling or can you run with out it and is thier that much of a difference.
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i have never had a rudder on any of my jet boats, never had any problems but i am sure it helps somewhat to have it, the powers that be will chime in shortly with their experiences as well ;D
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We sell hundreds of Jet Pumps ,conversion kits , nozzles and trim units annualy, the sales numbers average about 60% vs 40% in terms of rudder preference , lots of folks like the "look " on no rudder but lots also appreciate the enhanced low speed steering offered by the add on rudder , conversly rudders have almost no effect above 5 to 10 mph .Jet boats steer with directional "thrust", as long as the motors running you have steering , when the power is cut as most of you know the boat goes where it was pointed I'd say start with one and get a feel for the boat and the way it handles if your new to this then make a choice just my .02 Tom
http://www.jetboatperformance.com/index.php?p=jetrudders
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Have a stock Berk rudder. Always thought is was useless but reverser linkage fastens to it so there it is. Boat still wanders all over at slow slow speeds. X2 what Tom says. The gas pedal steers a jetboat.
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Thanks for the replies guys i think ill save some $ and leave it off.
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I've got one on my Place Diverter and to tell you the truth, it really doesn't do much. You still need the gas peddle to steer. Also, if you get into shallow water they bend and break.
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I've got one on my Place Diverter and to tell you the truth, it really doesn't do much. You still need the gas peddle to steer. Also, if you get into shallow water they bend and break.
Use an aluminum one. :P
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This is good stuff! I used to have this big ugly daycruiser, it had a 360 AMC and an Italian POS jetpump call a Casalde (I butchered the crap out of the spelling) and it only had two rubber flaps for steering, major garbage, it "sort of" turned...Had the boat for two weeks... :screwy: A rudder would have helped, no matter how small and insugnifigant... :banghead:
I run the rudder on my Place Diverter but could not tell you what it does, I think it's a comfort thing (been in the rocks twice due to a dead stick).. :o
GT
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When we raced rudders were not required and no one used them. There were some bad accidents where jet boats in the drags lost there motors and ran up on the beach killing some spectators. It was thought that a rudder could have saved lives. Now it's required.
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on a personal experience with a rudder, I always thought the rudder was just for slow speed stuff. well i learned different. I broke my rudder off on a sand bar and thought it was no big deal, My boat handled totally different and I spun it I replaced the rudder and my handling came back. the boat was a 1976 brendella with a berk j.c and a original jet-o-vator. fordfan on the boards was in the boat when this happened.