Jet Boat vs Stern Drive on Long Island Sound

[Mandeville]

All,

I wanted to introduce myself, I'm James and I'm new to the site. Full disclosure I don't have a jet boat but its something I'm strongly considering and really looking for some straightforward guidance from the group. I grew up going to Lake George in upstate New York and have always been on and driven family stern drive boats, both I/O and Outboard. I live in Southern Connecticut and just got access to a 22'-26' slip in our town marina so I'm thinking about getting a boat. I've visited marinas up on the Lake and have seen the new Yamaha jet drive boats (I believe it was the 252 XDrive) and really liked the look and what it offers, not to mention the safety of no prop and the low draft to get in tight spaces (which on the Sound good be a significant benefit).

That said, I'm not in the money or willing right now to go out and buy a new boat, so I was looking at older used Yamahas (and would consider others based on feedback) and seem to be focusing on the 2015+ 242 Limited S in Black, or something similar. I like the look and layout and functionality. But then I started to do some research on using such a boat in the ocean and as you can imagine I'm seeing alot, e.g. 1) w the saltwater if not on a lift it will destroy the boat (I don't and won't have a lift), 2) higher gas consumption, 3) Because its a jet drive w smaller lighter engines and no trim the boat doesn't handle waves well, 4) handling is difficult, hard to maneuver at slow speeds, 5) Loud, 6) Seaweed will get sucked into the drive, etc.

These are just the things I've heard, but even in the used market this is not a small investment so I don't want to buy the wrong boat-I'm hoping to hold this for a while. I realize this is a website for jet boaters so there is some bias, but hoping for some solid guidance here. For further context, while we may use the boat to ski or tube sometimes, we are not wakeboarders and I expect this will be mostly for leisure activities, anchoring, etc. but would like the ability to use the whole Sound, go across to LI at times while being mindful of the weather and waves.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Cambo]

The older models will not be great in a boat slip salt water degrades the pumps makes the wear rings swell steering cables sitting in the water. The great thing about jet boats is they are light for being towed relative to a similar horsepower boat.

 

[Dave burke]

I only boat in fresh water so can't speak to that aspect. But I have owned outboards and stern drives. I also boat on a shallow lake. I actually had mine on Lake George last year as well.

I much prefer the jet drive to stern drive in shallow areas. You'll have to get used to the handling but it's really not hard. Just make sure you're careful with ropes (ski or others) because they can get sucked into the drive.

In terms of other stuff getting sucked into the drive, Yamahas have clean out ports which should solve the vast majority of issues. And you have two engines so if one gets jammed and you can't clean it out, you can limp back on the other one.

If I was boating on the ocean, I'd definitely want two engines. @Cambo is right about the salt water issues but stern drives will have their own problems. Outboards will be better because you can tilt the engines right out of the water.

Hopefully you'll hear from others as well as we have many members who boat in salt water. You can also check the FAQs and use the search function which is very helpful.

Good luck

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

If you use the search engine on this site you will come across some other threads with this very discussion.

If you are going to leave the boat wet slipped in salt water then an inboard is probably the best solution next to an outboard. Myself, I look at I/O’s and inboards as they have uncluttered swim decks like the Yamaha’s, but leaving a boat wet slipped all the time? I’d be opting for an outboard or inboard. There is one guy on here who wet slips his Yamaha every year in salt water and has a thread going on it, documenting what he is doing to keep the boat in good shape, so it can be done with a little home work and work, putting in valves to block off the jet pump supplied salt water then flushing the engines with fresh water while the boat is in the slip.

Again, use the search engine on this site and you’ll find that thread as well as others.

Also, I’m not sure where you’re going to be boating, salt or fresh water? You mention what I think is a slip on the ocean but also mention fresh water lakes.

Be advised, even with the jet drive of the Yamaha you should not be cruising around in water less than three feet. Jet Boat Pilot did a video on that and in water of three feet with the engines running the jets are sucking up a little sand off the bottom at stand still, if you’re moving in water of that depth probably not going to be sucking stuff up.

If you are going to be boating in bigger water then you are going to need a boat that is designed for that, steeper entry, more dead rise and heavier. As with several other things there is no replacement for displacement. Sure you can use the Yamaha’s in the ocean and off shore but you’re going to be a slave to the conditions. Boats that are made for bigger water are going to ride a lot better and handle those rougher conditions a lot better.

As far as gas consumption goes, the jet boats are not that bad on fuel, in the 24-25’ boats its not uncommon to see 2-2.5 mpg, in the 19’ boats with the normally aspirated 1.8’s they can get up to 4 mpg, and as with other vehicles your mpg is dependent on how fast you’re trying to go.

Slow speed handling is not as good as an outboard or I/O powered boat, but with a little practice and utilizing the no wake mode at level 2 or 3 with the throttle in the TDE position handling is not too bad. And, a 24’ boat with twins will handle quite well around the dock by splitting the throttle. As far as cruising in bigger water you just have to slow down to where the boat is happy, that may mean riding the hump with the bow up a bit, these are not a Grady White with a super steep entry and a large dead rise.

Loud? Yep, the newer ones are a lot quieter than the older jet boats, but no where near how quiet an outboard is.

These are the questions that were put to me when I was thinking about buying a boat.
What are you going to be using the boat for?
Where are you going to be boating? Fresh or Salt water?
How often are you going to be using the boat?
How many people will be coming out on the boat-be realistic, friends will be all excited to come out and they do a few times and that is it, or very infrequently.

Based on my interpretation of what you said, I’d be looking at an outboard powered boat with a water sports pylon with a sharp entry and a decent dead rise on the stern to handle the rougher waters. Get too much dead rise though and the boat will be too tender while at anchor and fuel mileage sill suffer. You’re also going to want some decent cover, so perhaps a dual console with a hard top and possibly the ability to put some canvas and eisenglass around the crew area. I also would not have a boat that doesn’t have some sort of head compartment for a porta potty or in your case a pump out head. Everything about boats is a compromise, so you’re going to have to focus on the things you want to do the most and get a boat that does those things very well, and does the rest okay.

Here is a handy purchasing flow chart to aid in your decision

 

[Dave burke]

Love the flowchart!

 

[Gaabbee]

I have a 255xd and go on the sound. It’s totally fine out there as long as the weather is nice. I would not wet slip the boat as others said but it’s not impossible. Some marinas will offer a valet service where you call up and they put the boat in and out for you. Definitely take the boaters safety course and learn what to watch for weather wise.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

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