I want a jet boat..newbie

« **on:** July 21, 2014, 03:32:11 PM »

Hey Guys, every since I was a kid I wanted a jet boat...I rode in like a 70s 80s something Tahiti with a BBC and I was hooked...I want one and I familiar with jet drive as I have a seadoo challenger 1800... I have looked at a ton of them and like a Advantage open bow with a BB for my needs...I`m a little concerned with what the fuel issue will be...The seadoo is 220 hp (2x110) strokes. I want to stay in the same ball park as far as fuel cost...Do I need a SBC or i/o to stay in that area...I don`t want to get the thing and be shocked if it just sucks gas...I understand it varies with how you drive it, but does a BBC jet drive just suck fuel? thx...Jason

« **Reply #1 on:** July 21, 2014, 03:45:19 PM »

You may want to keep the Sea Doo if you are worried about fuel use. BBC jet boats will not even come close to the what you are looking for as far as fuel use.

« **Reply #2 on:** July 21, 2014, 03:48:42 PM »

Don't buy a jet boat if you're worried about fuel costs.

Any boat is expensive, but jets do use more fuel in my experience.

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« **Reply #3 on:** July 21, 2014, 04:03:51 PM »

Thanks...I Know they burn fuel at a good clip...Not being a cheap ass as I know a 400-500hp boat uses a lot of gas, but are you guys using like 40 gallons in a normal Saturday? Its not like a car were I can compare MPG..Just trying to get an idea...I know it hard to judge...Jason

« **Reply #4 on:** July 21, 2014, 04:16:53 PM »

Honestly. Go with a prop if you're worried about fuel. Our Bahner runs 65-70 with passengers, a small block, and is turn key.

And I have not had any issues where the prop hurts us as far as depth. Even usually go to Blythe

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« **Reply #5 on:** July 21, 2014, 04:21:00 PM »

If you plan on pulling tubers/skiers.... get an i/o. Jets get on average 1-3 mpg. WOT is like holding a milk carton upside down .

« **Reply #6 on:** July 21, 2014, 04:29:29 PM »

Thanks guys...There is what you want and reality...Boats are expensive, but I don`t need a boat that sucks 100 bucks of gas in a day...I look for something with a SBC and i/o or keep the seadoo...thanks! Jason

« **Reply #7 on:** July 21, 2014, 04:31:26 PM »

Quote from: mazjag on July 21, 2014, 04:03:51 PM

Thanks...I Know they burn fuel at a good clip...Not being a cheap ass as I know a 400-500hp boat uses a lot of gas, but are you guys using like 40 gallons in a normal Saturday? Its not like a car were I can compare MPG..Just trying to get an idea...I know it hard to judge...Jason

I normally go through 20 gallons a day with a mild 460 BBF and a good amount of floating / hanging out. If I am motoring all day then 40 gallons in a day isn't out of the question.

I only hold 20 gallons and I fill up every day at the river.

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« **Reply #8 on:** July 21, 2014, 04:34:18 PM »

Thanks...That is kinda what I was looking for......I want a boat just like yours! Love the open bow...thx..Jason

« **Reply #9 on:** July 21, 2014, 04:51:44 PM »

Thanks. It's a good boat. Honestly I have access to my father in laws boat with a merc 350 and bravo outdrive. It seats more people, is more comfortable, tows the toys better, and goes all weekend on 40 gallons and we're always cruising with it.

However, I wanted a jet because I grew up on them and just have a passion for these boats.

When it's all said and done as long as I'm on the water, I don't care what it's in.

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« **Reply #10 on:** July 21, 2014, 04:54:53 PM »

Quote from: Your Mom on July 21, 2014, 04:21:00 PM

If you plan on pulling tubers/skiers.... get an i/o. Jets get on average 1-3 mpg. WOT is like holding a milk carton upside down .

Them sea doos get ~2 to 2.5 mpg, he's already there. I figure my BBC @ 2 or so, a 3300 lb barge. My SBC/jet was closer to 5 mpg @ cruise, BHC to needles and back on 11 gallons.

Dan'l

« **Reply #11 on:** July 21, 2014, 05:11:12 PM »

I think the manual says about 1.5 hours it can burn all 40 gallons at full throttle..I normally use like 15-20 gallons on a saturday..You have to figure the 2 stroke oil at 35$ a gallon as well...I probably need a small block to stay in that mileage...thx..Jason

« **Reply #12 on:** July 21, 2014, 06:17:21 PM »

Same here I'm at about 20 gallons a day in my mini day cruiser with a stock 460 almost 100$ a day depending on where you fill up

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« **Reply #13 on:** July 22, 2014, 04:34:10 AM »

I am getting just about 1mpg out of my BBF 460. I have 2 10 gal tanks and costs $8.97 a gal to fill. We go to where we are hangin out for the day and stay there till we need to go back, we will go for an occasional cruise but not much more than that! I am limited to about 20 miles before a fill up and that gets very costly.

« **Reply #14 on:** July 22, 2014, 08:27:35 AM »

Quote from: mazjag on July 21, 2014, 05:11:12 PM

I think the manual says about 1.5 hours it can burn all 40 gallons at full throttle..I normally use like 15-20 gallons on a saturday..You have to figure the 2 stroke oil at 35$ a gallon as well...I probably need a small block to stay in that mileage...thx..Jason

If you are planning on a jet boat, don't think a small block is going to be that much better than a big block on gas. It's the jet that's sucking all your fuel. Small block and I/O = fuel efficient. Small block and a jet= should've just got a big block.

« **Reply #15 on:** July 22, 2014, 12:56:27 PM »

Quote from: icecreaman on July 22, 2014, 08:27:35 AM

If you are planning on a jet boat, don't think a small block is going to be that much better than a big block on gas. It's the jet that's sucking all your fuel. Small block and I/O = fuel efficient. Small block and a jet= should've just got a big block.

Not totally true.

If you build the small block right and use a spread bore carburetor like a Rochester, keep the rpm around 3800 with a modest AB impeller, with the right (read; light and little) hull. I would expect it would be quite efficient.

Granted, it will be a 45mph boat.

My first jet had a Chevy 327 in it and you could play all day on a 15 gallon bow tank.

This was all in a 17 foot Marlin.

Honestly, that was a seriously fun little boat.

GT

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« **Reply #16 on:** July 22, 2014, 08:15:19 PM »

Quote from: GT Jets on July 22, 2014, 12:56:27 PM

Not totally true.

If you build the small block right and use a spread bore carburetor like a Rochester, keep the rpm around 3800 with a modest AB impeller, with the right (read; light and little) hull. I would expect it would be quite efficient.

Granted, it will be a 45mph boat.

My first jet had a Chevy 327 in it and you could play all day on a 15 gallon bow tank.

This was all in a 17 foot Marlin.

Honestly, that was a seriously fun little boat.

GT

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it's funny you said that I was thinking a little 16' tahitti would scoot along pretty good with a small block set up right.

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« **Reply #17 on:** July 22, 2014, 08:19:11 PM »

I run my 21' open bow commander all day long I leave the islander go to pirates Cove have lunch fill one tank ,haul ass back to Havasu to Havasu springs fill up a tank and wake up and do it all again the next day .I always try to leave gas in one tank so I don't get stuck .I usually burn about a grand worth of gas in a week.

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« **Reply #18 on:** July 22, 2014, 09:03:33 PM »

I have a 514 Ford and I drive it a considerable amount in a day. I have 2 10 gallons tanks and I'll usually still have some left. Roughly 5 gallons. And that's gettin on it too. I usually fill up everyday regardless. My opinion, it's the price u pay to have a great time. (Not saying you wouldn't have a great time on a I/O or small block) it's worth it. Especially with the roost flying

« **Reply #19 on:** July 22, 2014, 09:49:44 PM »

Yep you can't put a price on throwing a roost

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« **Reply #20 on:** July 23, 2014, 10:58:19 AM »

Quote from: GT Jets on July 22, 2014, 12:56:27 PM

Not totally true.

If you build the small block right and use a spread bore carburetor like a Rochester, keep the rpm around 3800 with a modest AB impeller, with the right (read; light and little) hull. I would expect it would be quite efficient.

Granted, it will be a 45mph boat.

GT

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350 L31 ( Suburban motor) crappy swirl port heads , Eddy intake, 750 Holley, Headers, A impeller, 45-4600, all day long, solid 55-58
mph. 19' bowrider, sipped fuel

Dan'l

« **Reply #21 on:** July 23, 2014, 11:14:51 AM »

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