Thrust Vector and Lateral Thruster 2.0 worth it????

[Mr.Magoo34]

New Jet Boat guy here. Are the Thrust Vector and Lateral Thruster 2.0 worth it, from Jet Boat Pilot? I have gone out a few times here in Illinois, on Lake Michigan, and the boat gets a little squirly in the wind at low speeds. I don't think they are mandatory, as I have been able to trailer it and dock it fine in the wind. I wonder if these things make life just a little easier when the docs get a little more crowded, when the weather turns.

 

[Hot2Go]

Oh boy are you going to open up a can of worms asking which low speed steering enhancements you should get LOL. I haven't put anything on the 252SE yet but if I do I intend to go with cobra jet steering. It stays in place so you have improved steering at all speeds, where as the thrust vectors will raise up as you increase speed.

The thread below a member just posted about switching from the thrust vectors to the CJS:
Making the Switch Thread

 

[anmut]

*grabs the popcorn

 

[WiskyDan]

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

Give him a break I have always told people to do their research before making a choice in aftermarket steering ,features, benefits, price . so he is doing his research

 

[WiskyDan]

I’ve had Thrust Vectors and Cobra Jet and they’re both quality products.

The best steering enhancement that I’ve bought so far is the Lateral Thrusters which make the steering inputs when going in reverse the same as driving a car.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

I’ve had Thrust Vectors and Cobra Jet and they’re both quality products.

The best steering enhancement that I’ve bought so far is the Lateral Thrusters which make the steering inputs when going in reverse the same as driving a car.

You have a pre 2019 model earlier type, in 2019 the nozzles from the factory have duel ANGLED thrust tubes in a V configuration so the nozzles produce an improved reverse push so I tell people to leave that alone. the nozzle on the left is the type he has the one on the right is the type you have huge difference, on the older nozzles I made mega fang plus to concentrate the reverse thrust and focus it so you get stronger useable reverse and stopping power plus I made them go forward of the pivot point of the nozzle so you get a power steering effect because your helm is only 1/4 turn for a full right or full left turn where the new style has over 1/2 turn of the wheel so it is geared down . Also if you back off the throttle going fast in a turn your boat with the plastic fins will loose control where as my steering will not loose control and not loose speed in turns either and that is just the tip of the iceberg . The reason I tell people to do their research , here is an independent test and now the little girl in the video drives the boat.

 

[FSH 210 Sport]

New Jet Boat guy here. Are the Thrust Vector and Lateral Thruster 2.0 worth it, from Jet Boat Pilot? I have gone out a few times here in Illinois, on Lake Michigan, and the boat gets a little squirly in the wind at low speeds. I don't think they are mandatory, as I have been able to trailer it and dock it fine in the wind. I wonder if these things make life just a little easier when the docs get a little more crowded, when the weather turns.

There is no keel on these boats so the wind will definitely blow you around, this can get very exciting if you get a big gust from behind and from the side when you’re almost to the trailer. I don’t care which aftermarket steering thing you have, the wind is a thing you have to deal with. The best way is to head into the wind when docking or maneuvering whenever possible, same thing with current. Always fight your enemy on approach whenever possible.

Have you tried using the TDE position of the throttles and no wake mode at level three or two? These features come on your boat, and were designed by Yamaha to improve low speed handling. The TDE position is the first detent moving the throttles from neutral toward forward, in this position, the reverse gate is still partially closed and will force thrust down / reverse and to the sides with some rearward thrust to push the boat forward. At No Wake Mode level three as you are cruising along this will produce instant directional changes when you turn the wheel.

You also have twin engines, try centering the steering wheel and then split the throttles, one forward and one reverse to increase you ability to maneuver in tight places. Just remember, when splitting the throttles the steering stays centered. I use this method a lot when in the marina or docking or loading the boat on the trailer, unless its super windy then I use both throttles together.

You can also just use one engine to give small shots of thrust as you approach the dock for finer control.

The best thing you can do is go out and practice practice practice. In time you’ll figure it out and become proficient and confident. I don’t have either system on my boat, never felt like I needed it.