Thrust Vector: What's New For 2022

[Taylorman]

I’ve put a deposit down on a 2022 Yamaha 252SE which is my first jet boat. I have driven jet boats but that was many years ago. I’m much more experienced with I/O & outboard boats. My wife, however, has never really driven any boat. For that reason alone I’m leaning towards adopting a steering system early on.

I’ve done some research on the TV and CJ systems and both have many pros and few cons. I’ve found the videos that the TV team provides to be very helpful. As a newbie it’s really helped me understand what I’m signing up for if I were to purchase their product. And the videos showing the steering difference without and with their system, albeit in older boats, are very helpful. I do wish there was more content out there specific to the newer Yamaha boats but I understand the limitations there.

There is also a lot of positive feedback on the CJ system on this forum. However, I do find that product line more confusing than the TVs. There’s fins, fangs, ultimates, vipers, and all kinds of other names. I realize the owner/inventor is very active on this forum and accessible. I’m confident he’ll help but I’d prefer to be able to do my own research ahead of time. More clarity and simplicity on the CJ line would be nice.

That’s my $.02 as a consumer who is actively shopping these two systems now. The 20% off on the TVs is enticing. I’d hoped it applied to the TV/LV combo but it’s still an enticing promo. If anyone out there has used both systems on the newer Yamaha boats I’d appreciate hearing about your experience. Any feedback from users that are brand new to boats would be appreciated as well.

Also curious if anyone had an issue with kids or anyone getting hurt on the CJs while swimming? It seems unlikely but we have 3 young boys and expect many of their friends to be onboard. I greatly appreciate any and all feedback.

 

[Taylorman]

Word of caution, take it FWIW. I am new to the jet boat world and just bought my first one a couple of months ago. Your posts ITT have more or less already turned me off to your product before I even started. Let your product speak for itself and don’t bring drama into another vendor’s thread. Especially one you compete with and seems to be highly regarded. It’s a huge turnoff and I can’t imagine I’m the only one that feels this way. Regardless of the backstory or history.

Well said and I agree. I want to know how well the product works and what differentiates it from the competition. I want that info to be as clear and easy to understand as possible. All this other stuff just muddies the waters and turns me off.

 

[RobbieO]

Word of caution, take it FWIW. I am new to the jet boat world and just bought my first one a couple of months ago. Your posts ITT have more or less already turned me off to your product before I even started. Let your product speak for itself and don’t bring drama into another vendor’s thread. Especially one you compete with and seems to be highly regarded. It’s a huge turnoff and I can’t imagine I’m the only one that feels this way. Regardless of the backstory or history.

When I was first contemplating whether I was going to buy the cobra jet fins or the jet boat pilot Thrust Vectors this jerk made it easy for me.

 

[captras]

I’ve put a deposit down on a 2022 Yamaha 252SE which is my first jet boat. I have driven jet boats but that was many years ago. I’m much more experienced with I/O & outboard boats. My wife, however, has never really driven any boat. For that reason alone I’m leaning towards adopting a steering system early on.

I’ve done some research on the TV and CJ systems and both have many pros and few cons. I’ve found the videos that the TV team provides to be very helpful. As a newbie it’s really helped me understand what I’m signing up for if I were to purchase their product. And the videos showing the steering difference without and with their system, albeit in older boats, are very helpful. I do wish there was more content out there specific to the newer Yamaha boats but I understand the limitations there.

There is also a lot of positive feedback on the CJ system on this forum. However, I do find that product line more confusing than the TVs. There’s fins, fangs, ultimates, vipers, and all kinds of other names. I realize the owner/inventor is very active on this forum and accessible. I’m confident he’ll help but I’d prefer to be able to do my own research ahead of time. More clarity and simplicity on the CJ line would be nice.

That’s my $.02 as a consumer who is actively shopping these two systems now. The 20% off on the TVs is enticing. I’d hoped it applied to the TV/LV combo but it’s still an enticing promo. If anyone out there has used both systems on the newer Yamaha boats I’d appreciate hearing about your experience. Any feedback from users that are brand new to boats would be appreciated as well.

Also curious if anyone had an issue with kids or anyone getting hurt on the CJs while swimming? It seems unlikely but we have 3 young boys and expect many of their friends to be onboard. I greatly appreciate any and all feedback.

I have had my CJ fins going on 4 years now. I have kids and grandkids, 4 and 8, and we have yet to have anybody hurt by the fins. They dont hang down any lower than the articulating keel and are set back far enough from the edge of the swim deck that they are not a problem.

 

[InmyElement]

I have both and go back and fourth as new versions come out. The problem I have with both is around 2k to 3k rpm whenI I'm turning to pick up a fallen surfer the steering is so stiff and stressed I have to lower the rpm to idle to turn the wheel and when I straighten i can up the rpms. I'm learning to use the dual throttle to my advantage when performing these turns.

 

[Taylorman]

I have both and go back and fourth as new versions come out. The problem I have with both is around 2k to 3k rpm whenI I'm turning to pick up a fallen surfer the steering is so stiff and stressed I have to lower the rpm to idle to turn the wheel and when I straighten i can up the rpms. I'm learning to use the dual throttle to my advantage when performing these turns.

Thank you. Great feedback. When you say you have “both” do you mean the CJ fins and fangs or the CJs and the TVs? I would assume the TVs would be up at 2k - 3k RPMs and have no impact on steering. It would negate that “pro” for them if you are still experiencing steering stiffness.

 

[bigwaves]

I’m wondering if the new JBP Lateral Thrusters 2.0 will work with Cobra Jet fins already installed on a 2020 AR190??

 

[mwalker4]

I’m wondering if the new JBP Lateral Thrusters 2.0 will work with Cobra Jet fins already installed on a 2020 AR190??

Dogs sleeping with cats. In another thread someone was making it work by putting the fins as high as possible.

 

[Stan M]

Personally...I like the way the boat handles from the factory. Figured out how the boat handles in no time, and can put it exactly where I want, even in windy/current conditions. But, I love Will's constant innovation, customer service, and informative content!

 

[ripler]

Word of caution, take it FWIW. I am new to the jet boat world and just bought my first one a couple of months ago. Your posts ITT have more or less already turned me off to your product before I even started. Let your product speak for itself and don’t bring drama into another vendor’s thread. Especially one you compete with and seems to be highly regarded. It’s a huge turnoff and I can’t imagine I’m the only one that feels this way. Regardless of the backstory or history.

If you knew the backstory or history, you may feel different.

 

[bigwaves]

Word of caution, take it FWIW. I am new to the jet boat world and just bought my first one a couple of months ago. Your posts ITT have more or less already turned me off to your product before I even started. Let your product speak for itself and don’t bring drama into another vendor’s thread. Especially one you compete with and seems to be highly regarded. It’s a huge turnoff and I can’t imagine I’m the only one that feels this way. Regardless of the backstory or history.

 

[tabbibus]

If you knew the backstory or history, you may feel different.

Why would he. He can only go by what is in front of him. I've been in this forum for some years and I don't know this back story either. All I see are unhinged posts over and over again. If there is a back story and somehow Jeff was wronged, he continues to damage himself with his posts

 

[JetBoatPilot]

I’m wondering if the new JBP Lateral Thrusters 2.0 will work with Cobra Jet fins already installed on a 2020 AR190??

Apparently some have installed them successfully with the Cobra system, but had to raise the fins up so high they become very ineffective. To get maximum performance from a rudder it is best to place as much of the rudder in laminar flow as possible. We learned this when we created the Thrust Vector XL. It was only 2 inches longer than the original Thrust Vector but it was significantly better in terms of low speed control.

Raising the fins high enough to allow Lateral Thruster flow to pass under the fin places the fin in turbulent flow. In turbulent flow the fin will not have much influence nor contribute to much added control at low speed.

If low speed control is important for you then I'd consider looking at the Thrust Vector L. And by the way we do offer a $50 trade credit if you send in your old fins.

 

[bubbasuwannee]

Apparently some have installed them successfully with the Cobra system, but had to raise the fins up so high they become very ineffective. To get maximum performance from a rudder it is best to place as much of the rudder in laminar flow as possible. We learned this when we created the Thrust Vector XL. It was only 2 inches longer than the original Thrust Vector but it was significantly better in terms of low speed control.

Raising the fins high enough to allow Lateral Thruster flow to pass under the fin places the fin in turbulent flow. In turbulent flow the fin will not have much influence nor contribute to much added control at low speed.

If low speed control is important for you then I'd consider looking at the Thrust Vector L. And by the way we do offer a $50 trade credit if you send in your old fins.

I'm planning on getting the lateral thrusters 2.0 for my 21' 195 FSH. I grabbed your thrust vectors last August. From my understanding, these would have to be modified in order to work(due to the lack of a cutout). If I go the upgrade path, I believe is $249, I can get a $50 credit if I send my old fins back? I've been going back and forth whethr I want to just trim them myself or get a new set. I've had enough time with our boat, I hope to do some video work for my YT on the benefit as I see it, from a new boater's perspective. I thought I saw a 20% off, but it seems like that's only for the older lateral thrusters.

 

[bigwaves]

Apparently some have installed them successfully with the Cobra system, but had to raise the fins up so high they become very ineffective. To get maximum performance from a rudder it is best to place as much of the rudder in laminar flow as possible. We learned this when we created the Thrust Vector XL. It was only 2 inches longer than the original Thrust Vector but it was significantly better in terms of low speed control.

Raising the fins high enough to allow Lateral Thruster flow to pass under the fin places the fin in turbulent flow. In turbulent flow the fin will not have much influence nor contribute to much added control at low speed.

If low speed control is important for you then I'd consider looking at the Thrust Vector L. And by the way we do offer a $50 trade credit if you send in your old fins.

Thanks for the fast reply. Slow speed maneuvering within marinas is paramount for me. That’s were bad and expensive things can happen. Far more important than any high speed maneuvering.

 

[JetBoatPilot]

I'm planning on getting the lateral thrusters 2.0 for my 21' 195 FSH. I grabbed your thrust vectors last August. From my understanding, these would have to be modified in order to work(due to the lack of a cutout). If I go the upgrade path, I believe is $249, I can get a $50 credit if I send my old fins back? I've been going back and forth whethr I want to just trim them myself or get a new set. I've had enough time with our boat, I hope to do some video work for my YT on the benefit as I see it, from a new boater's perspective. I thought I saw a 20% off, but it seems like that's only for the older lateral thrusters.

The upgrade for current Thrust Vector owners (2021 Release) is only $50 per engine. So if you have a single engine boat you'd pay $50 for the upgrade. And yes, that 20% discount is for older version of LT. The new version just came out so it will be a while until it goes on sale. Likely in the fall during our group buy. Call us or email us to get the upgrade package going.

 

[JetBoatPilot]

Thanks for the fast reply. Slow speed maneuvering within marinas is paramount for me. That’s were bad and expensive things can happen. Far more important than any high speed maneuvering.

That's what we've learned. We focus on low speed control because that is what our customers want to enhance. No one ever calls and says "Gosh I really wish my jetboat steered better at high speed".

Thrust Vector will give you the most low speed control available while moving forward and Lateral Thruster 2.0 will give you the most reverse control available. You'll be very pleased with the confidence you'll feel around the dock. So much so you may want to let others try docking and trailer loading!

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

Remember do your research then decide what you want "if anything" I spent the last 20 years of my life blazing this trail , making jet boats steer and drivers smile I specialize in it I started it in 2001 It's what I do and I do not make altered videos EVER! It is my honest opinion that you should not modify the new style nozzles if you really insist I will look into make you something that will not remove 30+percent of your reverse power, stopping power etc. I expect there are people out there that do realize every year we have the new class of jet boaters with little or no experience and today is no exception the class of 2022 . I post for the silent majority every year I deal with the trolls I just block them. I an too old a cat and I don't have time to join the kittens playing in the litter box. If you add steering to your boat and you do not understand the difference like tempered aluminum, adjustability, round edges, very carefully designed super fins that automatically change their influence level with the position of the hull on the water. Steering that helps with all boating conditions and water sport activities. Reverse upgrades that do not reduce your real reverse thrust but enhance it. If you want to make phone calls buy a flip phone if you want a lot more features and benefits get a smart phone go on Facebook pages and do searches look for real profiles.
That is the first thing I check when I read something and remember it's your boat so do what you want , And if you install one of my systems remember the admiral may just take over the helm!​

Here is an account posted on Facebook by a recent customer, He mentions a few of the common issues my steering handles , Note he only had the base setup not even the deluxe system.

Mark Hoogendoorn
Npooves0mber 7,c4r 627092d1 ·

So, had 5 peeps in the bow and leaving my canal, had to decelerate while taking a hard corner and ended up in the mangroves. No damage or injuries fortunately but scared the crap outta everyone. I've taken the same turn a bunch of times but thinking the people in the front made the keel a little less effective and I couldn't control the slide

Adding a steering system next week to hopefully help.

Anyone else find benefit with steering additions at probably 20mph to help control the slide and maintain the turn when decelerating?



This was posted on a Facebook FSH owners group page by a customer who owns a 2022 F S H 252 after trying out the base super magnum ak-19 steering system on his boat.



"Cobra Steering AK-19 first test run on 2022 252 FSH. Sorry for the length.

My Canal- No wake, about a mile long with bends, turns, docks, shallows, narrow, overhanging mangroves and other stuff. Before Cobra had to start steering way before an obstacle and the start steering back after or at the obstacle.

It was hard to not oversteer and I had to constantly adjust steering.

After Cobra install, can steer right before the obstacle and a responsive turn right after.

Boat tracks easily and did not have to adjust steering all the time, very responsive turn without having to oversteer at slow speed.

Coral Creek- Mangrove estuary, 2 miles long.

Can go high speed except for a couple of narrow areas with docks that are no wake zones.

Usually have to be on plane to get over some of the skinny stuff at lower tides but many of the skinny areas require an on plane turn.

Before Cobra, taking a sharp turn at about 25 mph, boat would slide wide and put me near the mangroves or shallow edges.

After Cobra, boat turns sharp, almost like my outboard but not quite.

Really felt like the boat was digging in when doing a hairpin turn around some mangroves while on plane.

Tidal flow- Prior to Cobra install, In narrow areas of Coral Creek where there is no wake allowed, the tidal flow would push me around and was constantly moving the wheel to make corrections.

After Cobra Install, the boat tracked exactly where I steered and only had to make small corrections.

Hands Off- 3/4 mile straight on coral creek, going about 35 mph. I've never been able to remove my hand from the wheel, boat would always veer off to starboard.

After install was able to be hands free and boat tracked straight going about 35, didn't veer off in either direction.

Turning while decelerating- Prior to Cobra, boat went straight and kind of slid in whatever direction you were going.

After Cobra, Boat did turn the way I wanted but not sharply. Have to test more.

Steering in general with Cobra installed was the same at low speed but required a bit of more effort than stock at higher speeds.

I'll take that to keep me out of the mangroves

Just a quick test drive.

My 3rd jet boat but my first in FL on skinny water, with twisting turning canals. I probably would have learned either way but I really like the added response for my situation. I went with Cobra due to the added high speed control.

Next test will be out in the Gulf where I had pretty decent chine walk in 1 to 2' chop while going 30+. Was always adjusting the wheel. "

Cobra jet steering

Here is a video this customer posted on Facebook showing where he has to navigate and how his boat handles it after he added my steering to his boat . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2UtdA4_GVI



YOUTUBE.COM

Placida Road Bridge, Coral Creek, Placida FL

Placida Road Bridge, Coral Creek, Placida FL

 

[USKBoater]

The irony of these is never lost on me.

 

[2kwik4u]

....It’s a huge turnoff and I can’t imagine I’m the only one that feels this way......

You're not alone in that sentiment.