Cobra vs Vector 2021 Edition

[poordealguy]

Hello all - Please hold the eyerolls...We just purchased a 2021 AR190 and are looking for recommendations on a Cobra Jet vs a Thrust Vector.

Much has changed in 2021 - The 19 foot boats have an articulating keel and Jet Boat Pilot and Cobra seem to have come out with a brand new iteration of their Thrust Vectors and Super Ultimate Deluxe Fang Viper Things...The pricing seems to have gotten a lot closer as well.

I realize feedback is subjective based on what you have but some specific topics to guide that I have picked up on the other versus threads -

1. Plastic/Polymer vs Metal - Longevity
2. Depth in Water - Scraping the driveway
3. Low Speed vs Higher/Operating Speed Use
4. Cost
5. Support
6. Ease of Installation

Please guide us oh learned ones...Jet Boat Pilot and Cobra Jet (Jeff) - Guidance on the right product (and cost) for a 2021 AR190 would be appreciated as well!

Please note that we are upgrading from a 16' Seadoo Sportster Jetboat that does not have any keels or thrusters and are doing ok with docking/trailering - even a "you don't really need it" is a reasonable guidance...

Thanks in advance!

 

[suke]

Honestly I would try it without. I dunno if it's cause I came from an older 212x, but I've been super impressed with my 2020 with articulating keel and pump redesign. Especially when it comes to maneuverability.

 

[Dean P]

to the forum!!! Do you have the boat? Please share pics (we love pics).

I would wait and drive it first. Some people like it stock. One thing for sure is it will not handle anything like the Seadoo especially in reverse (think backing up in a car is how the Yami will turn). If you unable or unwilling to handle it then I would definitely go with Cobras. I had both and loved the Cobras.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

My recommendation for your boat is the super ultimate AK-19 deluxe Time tested and proven, it has the super fins, these Laser cut tempered aluminum fins have a special design that automatically places the top half of the fins out of the water when the boat is on plane and then puts them in contact with the water when off plane for extra slow speed steering influence without the issues of huge fins hanging down under the boat.
Next the system has several adjustments so you can decide the exact amount of influence your system provides when the hull is on plane.
This is excellent for high speed turns and for control of the boat during watersport activities, as well as in rough conditions so you can handle waves with confidence. And have control when rapidly decelerating.
Also This system is spring loaded and it has the plaining surface side force stabilizer combination so that the boat will get on plane very quickly this is a nice feature and especially important for non super changed boats.
The plaining surface also helps to provide a smoother ride in chop providing one more feature that is important to the smaller hulls.
And for watersport activities the plaining surface provides a cleaner wake by shielding the jet thrust water exiting the nozzle from being influenced by the water rising up from the bottom of the hull when the boat is on plane.
If you want the best patented steering for your boat with the most features and benefits there is no contest.
30 day satisfaction money back guarantee from the innovator of jet boat and P W C steering with 5 US patents.

 

[Dave burke]

There’s a ton of info on this forum about the advantages of both options.

One thing I’ll say is that the Yammies are not nearly as responsive as the Sportster. After getting used to jets with a Sportster for 8 years, I got my 212X in 2017. I tried it without fins for a summer but was frustrated with the lack of turning ability in reverse. So I get the Cobra Jets and Jeff provided excellent support. They helped a lot although even with them, the Yammie is still not as nimble as the Sportster. I think there are several reasons for this on my boat which may not be as significant on yours.

 

[dbfl]

Interesting you ask... I too came from a Sportster, currently have TVXs on my SX190 - basically same boat as yours, and am likely to soon order a set of CobraJet fins. Reverse seemed to actually get worse with the TVXs and I don't like the mini rooster tail through 5-10 mph. They do help somewhat with low speed forward, though not as much as I had expected - perhaps because the articulating keel on the newer models already helps somewhat.

Watch out for neutral too. I really liked the directional control in neutral with the Sportster, how it could spin around in its own length. Totally gone with the Yamaha. I still catch myself putting it in neutral, turning the wheel... and nothing happens. Gotta be either in fwd or rev a click to actually maneuver. Overall love the Yamaha but the great reverse bucket design is one thing I definitely miss about the little Rotax boat.

To your other questions: polymer vs. aluminum... dunno, the polymer seems fine. It's certainly not as rigid. Scraping on the driveway is no problem. The bottom of the TVXs are about even with the articulating keel and if it was a problem, it's easy enough to stuff a piece of a water noodle in the nozzle to raise them. Installing: the epoxy bit on the TVXs seemed like a hack, and I hope I can get that bracket back off with a heat gun (to melt the epoxy). I know there's a new model of those that doesn't require epoxy.

 

[LakeErieJB129]

About how long does it take to install the Cobra Jet system?

 

[HangOutdoors]

About how long does it take to install the Cobra Jet system?

Not that long, depends how slow you go and how comfortable you are doing mechanical things. I would say an hour give or take. I did mine longer than that cause I was looking around doing other things at the same time and kept rechecking things. First time I worked on the boat really.

 

[LakeErieJB129]

That's not too bad. Thanks

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

Usually a super ultimate AK-19 deluxe takes 30 to 40 minutes to do if you take your time . I also encourage people to send me a few pictures if they have any questions about the install. When I send the tracking number I also send a detailed email with pictures to make the install easy.

 

[LakeErieJB129]

I'm waiting on an ar210 and I'm highly considering a set once it comes in...eventually

 

[HangOutdoors]

I drove my boat either two or three times without, pulling tubes and also plenty of no wake. Once I put on the Cobra's it was like night and day. Especially at speed, it tracks very good.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

@LakeErieJB129

That would be a twin engine with the articulating keel I have special super magnum ak-19 deluxe steering for that boat model, Including the patented second tie rod for balance, the plaining surfaces for fast hole shot and a smoother ride in chop and cleaner wake, and the super fins for high speed and low speed that are adjustable along with the top fins for even more influence at slow speeds And no where close to the bottom of the factory keel and rudder so no increase in draft .

 

[swatski]

SIngle engine 190/195 - Cobras make huge difference, especially if using it for water sports.

--

 

[Bayou boater]

I just recently bought my first jet boat in November. After doing a lot of research primarily on these forms I selected Cobra jet steering. I cannot compare it to competitors or a boat without it but I can tell you that the boat handles very well, in my opinion just as well as my prior outboard handled.

 

[AmesJainchill]

That would be a twin engine with the articulating keel I have special super magnum ak-19 deluxe steering for that boat model, Including the patented second tie rod for balance, the plaining surfaces for fast hole shot and a smoother ride in chop and cleaner wake, and the super fins for high speed and low speed that are adjustable along with the top fins for even more influence at slow speeds And no where close to the bottom of the factory keel and rudder so no increase in draft .

Definitely looking forward to installing the dlx upgrade kit for my existing super mag ak19 this spring! After enjoying the original set for a couple seasons, definitely interested to experience and compare the addition of the dlx upgrade kit. Too bad the boat is in storage till April as I keep looking at the hardware and the calendar, lol.

 

[adrianp89]

1. Plastic/Polymer vs Metal - Longevity - Three years in salt and my Cobras still look new.
2. Depth in Water - Scraping the driveway - The keel hangs lower than the Cobras so no issue there
3. Low Speed vs Higher/Operating Speed Use - Big improvement in low speed, I don't turn much at high speed so can't comment much.
4. Cost - This you can research on your own
5. Support - Jeff is great with support, as people have already mentioned here. He lives down the street from me so when I bought my set, he just came out and tossed them on pretty quick for me.
6. Ease of Installation - See above, but seemed pretty easy.

I could be off base here but I feel Jeff just does this as a hobby and really cares about the product and likes to do it. I feel JBP does this as a business with profit in mind first.

 

[poordealguy]

Thank you all for the feedback.

Jeff - Any deals on the horizon for the newbies or to convince those on the fence?

 

[Elliott]

Since most comments extol Cobra, I will provide a different perspective. I have always used JBP Thrust Vectors; I installed them at the dealer before I took delivery. I had done the sea trial without any modification. I have been very pleased with the JBP product in terms of performance, ease of installation and reliability - after 3+ years in salt water only.

Are they better than or worse than Cobra? I have no idea; my guess is that both work well. I can say that, with JBP Thrust Vectors and Lateral Thrusters (newer boats do not need them), I can easily control my boat without using much thrust around the docks in my marina (and I have to back in to be picked up by the forklift).

 

[Wishfull1]

Usually a super ultimate AK-19 deluxe takes 30 to 40 minutes to do if you take your time . I also encourage people to send me a few pictures if they have any questions about the install. When I send the tracking number I also send a detailed email with pictures to make the install easy.

I installed Cobra Vipers on my '18 SX195. I sent sent Jeff a couple pictures when I thought I had a fitment problem late in the evening. He replied in about 15 mins and said "looks good, enjoy". Solid customer service right there!

I have never tried Thrust Vectors, but the Cobra's have made a positive difference in handling.