New to the forum and jet boats. Recently picked up a 20' targa 460 with a JE Berkeley jet,  and place diverter and smart-tabs. It doesn't have a ride plate or rudder. Runs and cruises pretty good, the issue is when I get on the gas and speed up to 40-45 the boat unexpectedly will totally spin out. I've done this with the place diverter down, up and in the middle. Would a ride plate and or a rudder help with stability  at speed?
Thanks


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That just sounds scary and dangerous. Hope the pros can help you out and fix it.

This will be a interesting one to figure out. You mentioned the boat had trim tabs. I would assume that you are not tring to run that speed and have them in the down position. If you are, that could be making the boat bow steer and spin out for sure. If you're not running them in the down position, are you sure they are not getting sucked down at speed?

Check the bottom for softness.

Does it spin the same direction every time? 

What is the steering cable condition like?

Have you tried to move the nozzle with your hand against the steering system?

Got a picture of the pump area?

Might check your loader? 🤔


Sent from my shop setting in my boat making motor noises

The smart tabs came with the boat and were down, I was told they raise on their own when on step by the previous owner. Not sure if they help tho. Think the tabs would cause it to spin?


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I'm thinking this might be your problem. Can you post pictures of the tabs?

Do you have an indicator on the dash of their position at speed. Can you override the system?

Also any input about a ride plate and or rudder? The boat isn't quite as large as a mini-daycruiser, but bigger than the typical low profile jet boat


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The JE pumps came stock with a "cavitation plate" which in a JE is often mistakenly called a "ride plate". They are MANDATORY on the JE. Since yours is missing, I would start by acquiring and installing the stock cavitation plate and rechecking operation.

That ride plate does look fresh. How much was that bad boy ? I have a JF which looks exactly the same with the factory plate deal and it's never spun on me.


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They are smart tabs. They are just plastic plates with a shock dampener that raises and lowers on their own, no controls. I just took them off of the boat. I'm hoping they were the problem. Any input on this is very helpful, thanks for taking the time to help me out!


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I have a feeling this is the problem. Please report back after you run it now that you have removed them.

I can't remember what I paid for it. I known it wasn't cheap and I know it's the only one right now.


Sent from my iPhone using SoCal Jet Boats

The JE pumps came stock with a "cavitation plate" which in a JE is often mistakenly called a "ride plate". They are MANDATORY on the JE. Since yours is missing, I would start by acquiring and installing the stock cavitation plate and rechecking operation.

This is the correct answer.  Frankly I am surprised you ever spun it out a second time or a third even?   I would have parked that boat right then and there.

That's good news. Either those tabs were stuck in the down position or mounted incorrectly from the beginning.

Good to hear it's running well now.