Thrust Vector advice

[n1111z]

I'm a little confused about all the different Thrust Vector options. I have a new 2018 242 Limited SE, I'm not interested in any kind of wake enhancement. What would be the best choice?

 

[Just1more]

Thrust vectors XV. They are just the steering fins. You can add the larrerals if you feel the need.

 

[Dean P]

Thrust Vectors have nothing to do with creating a wake. They are for steering purposes only.

 

[nf22]

I have a stupid question. I just spoke to my dealer about these Vectors when I signed my paperwork and he advised that 90% of his clients do not get these add on’s. I’m coming from a major disadvantage as I’ve never driven a jet boat and just bought one (yeh, not the smartest move, but I wanted to buy with boat show discount and get the color I wanted). So, I guess my question is, coming from a boat with an out drive and 24 pitch prop, do the jet boats have horrible handling that so many people on this site are such big believers of the vector? My understanding is that the new vector will improve slow steering and wake. The new vector will also not have 3 wake modes now, just one simple position...

Driving a stern drive at 3-5mph for a sunset cruise is constant correction of the wheel, how much worse can the jet boat be?

 

[Dean P]

I have a stupid question. I just spoke to my dealer about these Vectors when I signed my paperwork and he advised that 90% of his clients do not get these add on’s. I’m coming from a major disadvantage as I’ve never driven a jet boat and just bought one (yeh, not the smartest move, but I wanted to buy with boat show discount and get the color I wanted). So, I guess my question is, coming from a boat with an out drive and 24 pitch prop, do the jet boats have horrible handling that so many people on this site are such big believers of the vector? My understanding is that the new vector will improve slow steering and wake. The new vector will also not have 3 wake modes now, just one simple position...

Driving a stern drive at 3-5mph for a sunset cruise is constant correction of the wheel, how much worse can the jet boat be?

Don't believe the dealer. Most people here have them. When I first purchase my jetboat (coming from a stern drive) I was shocked at almost to no steering at very low speeds (same as a jetski). Adding the Vectors made a HUGE difference. Gave me the control I was looking for. Do a search and you will see what others say.

 

[Sbrown]

Driving a stern drive at 3-5mph for a sunset cruise is constant correction of the wheel, how much worse can the jet boat be?

It's not really worse, just your correction timing is a little different so there's a bit of a learning curve. I have no steering enhancements on my boat and don't really see a need for any, but everybody is different.

 

[Dean P]

It's not really worse, just your correction timing is a little different so there's a bit of a learning curve. I have no steering enhancements on my boat and don't really see a need for any, but everybody is different.

Your right, there is a learning curve and this is something you can always add later. Put everybody in the front of your boat and tell me how the steering is.

 

[Stevenpigsooie]

The dealers don’t seem to know these boats as well as this forum’s users. My dealer wasn’t even aware of all the after market products we use. I have cobra fins and it made a significant improvement in the boat’s handling. My prior experience was with years of outboards. I think you will be happy with either steering enhancement.

 

[n1111z]

We just upgraded from a 2013 with Vectors to a 2018 without. The difference is huge. By the way we test drove outboards in the process and IMO the Yamaha without Vectors handled as well as the OBs. It's just that we have been spoiled by the Vectors.

 

[BigN8]

I never used any kind of steering assist. In my opinion you learn to predict the boat and will become a master of maneuvering that vessel in any condition. Some say this is true but if a guest ever drives the boat they will struggle. Yeah, that may be correct, but really how often will that be the case. And most likely it will be in open water and not around a dock or a trailer. My wife could get the boat on and off the trailer pretty well and she hardly drove the boat. If I were you I would drive it without the fins for a while, see what you think and then decide.

 

[Stevenpigsooie]

I agree, drive it first without fins and get a baseline to decide from.

 

[biglar155]

I drove an outboard from the time I was old enough to see over the dash while seated on a throwable. In 2010 I bought my '09 SX230 and ran for a couple of seasons without any kind of steering assist. Once you get used to it it's not a big deal.

That said, my wife (who did NOT grow up boating) couldn't keep the thing moving within 90 degrees of her intended direction. There was no way I could let her drive it in the crowded Fox River near Oshkosh. If something happened to me, it could have been a fiasco trying to get the boat back to shore.

I put Thrust Vectors on her (the boat, not the wife) and she (the wife) has no issues now.

It doesn't "put the boat on rails" but it definitely gives you more control authority. At the end of the day that's a good thing whether you're comfortable with the stock setup or not.

We all know that avoiding a catastrophe is sometimes a game of inches. So, while I may not think I "need" the extra control, it just might buy me an extra degree or two per second of yaw-rate that I need to stay out of trouble. Granted, we're talking low-speed handling here, so how much trouble can you get in?..... but I digress. Murphy lives in my anchor locker.

My lateral thrusters are in a box in the basement. I'll be installing them as things start warming up around here and the boat comes out of winter hibernation. I'm VERY excited to try them out.

More control = Good

 

[Dean P]

The person I replied to @nf22 has a single engine. Most of you have twins. I believe this makes a big difference; one thruster verses two. My Yami was a single engine and I was amazed in the control I gained by installing them. As you can tell, I would strongly advise putting them on, especially on older models.

 

[nf22]

I think I am going to wait and see. I have heard that the 2019's drive a bit better than the 2017's and older due to some upgrades that Yamaha made, and I also think since I do not have to park in a marina or need someone to help at the launch since the boat is in the water all season parked at my house, it makes sense to get as much experience as possible this summer driving the boat and worst case buy the thrust vector X

 

[nf22]

The boat I purchased has 2 engines.

 

[geohil]

I'll be the devils advocate here. I went without fins at first and the first time docking with a crosswind I did $642 damage to my gel-coat. I now run fins - always.

 

[Dean P]

The boat I purchased has 2 engines.

Ah, your info (on the left) states 20'. I assumed you had a 19'. Yamaha doesn't make a 20'.

 

[nf22]

Ah, your info (on the left) states 20'. I assumed you had a 19'. Yamaha doesn't make a 20'.

That is my old boat, which I am going to keep and add the new 24ft to the stable of toys (and expenses)...

 

[swatski]

Best to start with nothing to get a baseline.

Both TVs and Cobras will increase control and stability at no wake speeds.

I like Cobras because you can set them down at speed that gives the ability to steer while on plane, even with NO thrust.

I’ve had too many close calls myself, and a few times a guest driver would try to steer at speed with no thrust, it can get hairy very quickly.

Plus I like the feeling of enhanced steering at speed, and with my setup w/Fangs I can let go of the wheel at any speed and the boat tracks completely straight with no driver input.

I would say in a single engine the Cobras are a must for water sports, as strong skiers can pull the stern to sides like crazy.

—

 

[bumpy]

My wet slip dock at home is at 18-20" depth; in neutral I had zero steering before the Thrust Vectors. If your dock is deep enough, the fins might not be that valuable to you, especially since your new boat will have the 'rudder'. I think trying without will help build handling skills that will work well for you in the future.