Outdrive versus Jet, Which would you chose ?

[Ackee]

Hi all, we are thinking about upgrading our fleet and wondering about the operating values of jet drives over our trusty bravo 2 legs.

Discuss !

Cheers

[wavelength]

just love twin jets.........

[GJ0KYZ]

Advantages of jet drives are that they offer increased manouverablity (see this video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tzCzmYtWKw

), they can operate in significantly shallower water and there's nothing to hit below the waterline like a prop or a leg.

The downside is they are less efficient than a conventional sterndrive (by about 30%) and so require a larger engine to maintain the same horsepower. They are noisier and vibrate more as everything's inside the boat (they also take up more room as a consequence) and they are more expensive to buy and fit. Also, if you're not careful you'll suck up stones or weed and this will damage the impellor and may stop the boat in its tracks.

Mind you, how many stern-driven ribs would dare try this? -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zsf_1gr3xJU

(f/forward to 1:35).

[colblinky]

Personally I have only driven military jet drive ribs which I found to be brilliant on flattish water but as soon as the swell picks up lacks drive when you leave the water due to the propulsion system needing to intake water to constantly drive the boat forward. I found them not to be that great either when operating in aerated/turbulent water ie surf or coming alongside a ship underway not ideal to be losing drive whilst trying to embark a boarding party but hardly a problem youd find with a commercial operator.