Dreaming of a jet boat

[ChrisWNY]

Hi, everyone! I've always loved the Yamaha jet boats...the AR230 or 240 would very much be my happy place for a boat for my family. The issue, though, is that we live on Chautauqua Lake here in Western NY...and down here in the south basin, it's pretty shallow (less than 20') and weeds are a significant issue. We had jet skis last season, and the weeds were a definite source of issues...even zipping over them at speed (since they float in small pods on the surface and are hard to see sometimes), they find themselves sucked into the grate and causing problems.

I've spoken to some of the folks at the local marinas, and they've all been very negative about how enjoyable a jet boat may be on our lake. I've only seen one Yamaha moored in our town, but haven't been able to track down the owner to get their experience. We're trying to weigh out the pros and cons...how much of a headache are the weeds going to be? Is it worth not having to worry about a prop and lower units and bellows...

Anyone have any experience or know anyone down here on Chautauqua that has a jet and might be willing to share their experience? Thanks!

 

[gmac03]

Twin engine is the key, I boat on Oneida which can get a nasty bloom for a few weeks typically in August. Us with the single engine typically jump on the friends twin engine 24/25 footers cause they can keep going enough to get out of the thickest stuff. The clean out ports are great so you won’t be dragging any toes against grates underneath.

Overall a pain to deal with but for a nice quality well priced boat that’s good at everything but excellent at nothing and safe for our kids, that’s what we prefer.

 

[ChrisWNY]

Twin engine is the key, I boat on Oneida which can get a nasty bloom for a few weeks typically in August. Us with the single engine typically jump on the friends twin engine 24/25 footers cause they can keep going enough to get out of the thickest stuff. The clean out ports are great so you won’t be dragging any toes against grates underneath.

Overall a pain to deal with but for a nice quality well priced boat that’s good at everything but excellent at nothing and safe for our kids, that’s what we prefer.

Thanks for the insights! We were definitely looking at twin engines for that exact reason...hopefully you don't clog up both at the same time, and one can get you clear of the worst of it. And the safety with the kids is the biggest thing to me...props terrify me.

I wish I could get one out here for a test ride to see...we've talked to a couple of folks that have been in friends' yamahas and loved the layout, but said that compared to their typical Mercruiser 300/350's, the Yamaha's were very loud and not very smooth of a ride (owing to the much lighter weight).

I think you nailed it perfectly, though...jack of all trades boats. It's just a huge leap to take and have the dream turn into a nightmare

 

[HangOutdoors]

Check here for your area...

Considering a Jet Boat? Perhaps Need a Test Drive/Ride? Look Here! <VOLUNTEERS NEEDED> | JetBoaters.net - The World's Largest Jet Boat Forum!

 

[Coult45]

Hey @ChrisWNY, I'm only three hours away. If you find yourself in the Baldwinsville area, I'll be glad to take you for a spin around Cross Lake in my 210 FSH. I can't speak to any issues with weeds yet, since I'm only two weeks in and just hit my 10 hour mark.