FANGS for Cobra Venoms - first impressions

[swatski]

EDIT: FANGS are a new upgrade to the Ultimate Cobras, here is the description:
https://jetboaters.net/threads/cobra-venom-fangs-now-available.8915/

Well, I installed and tested the new FANGS today. In a word: awesome.

Ordering and delivery - I had the item at my door exactly two days after I paid an invoice for paypal transaction. Shipping is included.

Install - its pretty easy, albeit I have the newest Cobra Ultimates I think already pre-drilled for the FANGS. I found the last two pictures in the install manual to be the most informative.

Basically, I took the "lateral stabilizer" plate/brace off, it is held by one bolt, and I installed the FANGS like the pics. Sorry - not the best quality, but it really is not difficult. Keep in mind - pictured here is a single engine/pump assembly.

(EDIT: Please note the LOCKING TABS need to be installed last - ON TOP of the crease in the steering nozzle - please read about it further down in the thread)

The Ultimates - before FANGS install:


The stabilizer brace taken off the bottom of the venturi nozzle - with its bolt/bushing/washers:


The bottom of the venturi where the brace/plate attaches:



PORT side FANGS assembly - note the shorter bolt on top:


PORT side assembled, STARBOARD ready:


Both FANGS assembled onto the brace and ready to be mounted (note the bolts' head/nylock nut orientation):


Bottom view of the FANGS/brace mounted back onto the venturi nozzle:


Assembly completed - port side and rear views:




Performance notes - what can I say, already great system taken to the next level. No surprises here as far as the "power steering"effect - works exactly as advertised. As far as the reverse - it becomes laser sharp with the FANGS. I actually surprised myself here, didn't think much of it at all as I got busy at the dock, and just noticed my backing up maneuvering being very sharp.

So - a 100% recommendation from me. I really like riding with the fins down at speed, and this should be good for the cables, primary handling benefits notwithstanding.

Here is how Jeff describes it, I think it says it best:

The upgrade is for people who want a power steering effect and even more reverse control, they are for the Ultimate and Magnum steering systems to allow you to run the steering all the way down all the time with power assist to reduce the resistance in the helm , these special fins basically turn the nozzles for you at speed, plus they help confine the reverse thrust when it exits the opening on the bottom of the nozzle, it's just an option to make a great system even better for people who think they would benefit from the added features.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

Thank you for your report on the fangs, like I said, I put a lot of time and effort in getting those to do exactly what I wanted from them, also I am designing a template for the older base plates to accept them , just remember if you already have the holes in your plate you do not need to remove it to install the fangs also if you do remove it please be certain to use thread locking compound on the bolt when you reinstall it.

 

[paratrooper39]

@Cobra Jet Steering LLC I must have missed this in the winter when I ordered my fin. What is the benefit of these fangs?

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

You did not miss it, they are a new upgrade, they are not even posted on my web page yet, https://jetboaters.net/threads/cobra-venom-fangs-now-available.8915/

 

[Flower]

Jeff, any ideas for the 2015 Ak set up?

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

It can be done, I have several options to go with for that one. I just have not decided what is the best way to go with it.

 

[Julian]

OK....I studied the photos and can't tell what the difference/purpose is....am I the only one?

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

Just what exactly is it that you are having a problem understanding about this?

 

[Julian]

Just what exactly is it that you are having a problem understanding about this?

Perhaps an exact side by side of the fangs and the ultimates would solve my problem.....I can't visually see any difference between the two photos above....am I to assume that fangs have a larger surface area?

"The fangs are a set of special fins positioned under the side force stabilizer to provide two functions that people have shown an interest in adding to or enhancing their steering systems."
​

Perhaps a photo of the original fins and the new ones with an arrow pointing at the "special fins" would help this dummy understand what this is all about!

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

Haaa I bet you will eventually realize exactly what important bit of information you are missing here , now some people have most likely figured it out but please don't tell him.
I want to see how long it takes for him to understand this. ON HIS OWN! IT's like a puzzle.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

Here's a fang @Julian

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

no helping him now , you know how it works don't you?

 

[Scottintexas]

It's Monday, not all of us can be expected to be able to fully comprehend new items, I was a little slow on the up take also, they are basically a small forward facing fin,

Good ingenuity !

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

There is always a chance that some people have no sense of humor but I have to play with this one a bit. I know murf isn't one of those people so it's all in fun.

 

[Murf'n'surf]

no helping him now , you know how it works don't you?

LOL.....My bad! I posted this while you were typing. The Fang is out of the bag now!

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

well not quite as Julian is still missing the key factor in this but he is close.

 

[Gym]

Makes perfect sense. I can see how the power steering effect works to relieve strain on the cables.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

It's magically delicious , oh wait that's something else.
He missed the big factor, actually no one has actually mentioned the most important fact.

the one that makes you go DOH!
The point that makes it all make perfect sense.

The power steering was easy compared to the improved reverse effect, I tried numerous different fins to get it to do what I wanted .
By the way anyone with the ultimate steering all the way down at speed who adds the fangs. Try this maneuver, it's a safety feature for turning the boat while running wide open and placing the controls in neutral to simulate a power loss, then make a hard right turn immediately followed by a hard left turn, with the boat coasting in neutral the entire time.
I tried that in a 24 foot boat and the boat did not just turn it carved the turns, pretty important for avoiding a collision even if you initially reacted by pulling back on the throttles first then turned to avoid the collision. That is a very important feature so give it a try and let me know your results.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

It works on the oldest principal in boat steering to counter rudder resistance in the tiller you balance the surface by placing a small portion of the rudder forward of the pivot point creating a force that negates the resistance created by the part of the rudder behind the pivot point. So modifying that principal to the steering nozzle and you can see why it steers so easily.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]