Upgrade Existing Steering System??

[Texatl]

Quick question, that I think hasn’t been covered (at least I didn’t see any while searching)…

I have a older type of cobra jet fins (fixed fins, no rotating up, always in place) on my 2011 242 Limited. And was wondering if I should consider upgrading. This is a boat I just bought and the fins were already installed. First jet boat, but not the first time driving one.

anyway, with all this talk of the newer CJ systems with fangs etc… or the TV with LT… it’s got me thinking maybe an upgrade is in order.

Should I upgrade? Am I missing any huge benefits. Or is any fin a good fin??
Thoughts?

PS- thanks for entertaining my likely silly question. I promise I did search before posting this. ;-)

 

[HangOutdoors]

@Texatl Fins are a very debated topic here as I am sure you have found. Both CJS and TV provide no wake steering and maneuvering at low speeds. The CJS provide added steering through all speeds, where the TV's lift up. I personally have the Cobra's and like them a lot.

Snap a picture of your fins and post them so we can see what model they are. The fins could be the newest model for your boat. I am sure @Cobra Jet Steering LLC will chime in on possible upgrades once we see your pics.

 

[Texatl]

Yes LOL- I have seen the debates and the hullabaloo over these fins vs those fins.

More just curious if there is any big advancement since these came out that I may be missing. I like the feel of them, these are a little stiff turning sometimes, but great for no wake and slow going. Here are some pics of the fins on there currently... (BTW I had to waaaaaaaay back in interweb searches, like years ago to find even a similar pictures that matched; so I could find even what model or such. These are before the ultimate, super ultimate, etc... when they were just called Cobra Jet fins, I think. Or at least thats what I read online. So far back that this forum wasn't a thing yet LOL).

Again here are the pics:

 

[Elliott]

I am sure that an upgrade will be a small but noticeable improvement, whichever way you go.

Obviously, I have TV and LTs, and I have been very pleased with combination. On Friday, I had to hold in my marina's basin while another boat was picked up by the forklift. I amused myself by doing slow 360s in place.

 

[Texatl]

I am sure that an upgrade will be a small but noticeable improvement, whichever way you go.

I can see that, for sure, and I'm guessing you are right. But, it seems and whats gnawing at the back of head is- the fixed un-moveable aspect AND the surface area for the current ones (likely CJ production 1st gen I think) I have on there now. Seems like the changes they added on those fronts have to mean something. Notably, the vendors moved to a moving rotating type set up vs fixed (in various fashions). And, maybe, just maybe... I keep thinking there could be an improvement based on surface area alone. But I haven't been able to find any specs on surface area of any of the 3 vendors (that I have seen) out there.

I certainly like the idea of the Lateral Thusters, seems pretty cool. Surprised no else has an answer to that. It also seems like the Fangs addition is very cool as well... But I don't think I can retrofit the fangs or LTs on my current set up. So if I change, I'll have to get a whole new set up, unless I'm mistaken.

So many choices, LOL. I guess I'll figure it out. I have certainly read a lot of the threads on these types of topics... just haven't found one yet talking about upgrading specifically. I appreciate you'alls help.

I had to hold in my marina's basin while another boat was picked up by the forklift. I amused myself by doing slow 360s in place.

That right there is hilarious and pure gold!!!! Bravo. I did something similar the other day (but I did it via opposite controls) Glad I'm not the only one who likes to entertain myself like that!

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

20 years is a long time and 5 US patents with over 100 claims is pretty serious when it comes to designing jet boat steering. I see your early system is in very good condition , The new super fins are a lot wider and the adjustments allow you to choose the exact amount of high speed influence that you get from the steering when the hull is on plane.
Once it comes down off plane there is a huge amount of extra fin surface that comes into play to provide all the slow speed assistance you need. Understand that only the fin surface that is under the bottom of the nozzle comes into play when the boat is up on plane.
The super ultimate spring loaded adjustable steering is the one I would recommend for that boat, the buy direct discount price is only $399.99 for the twin system, you will find it very smooth to steer at speed and it will keep you in control during rapid deceleration.
You can also add the mega fang plus to those for only $169 extra and get MORE useable REAL REVERSE steering and useable reverse thrust for dealing with wind waves and strong currents , as well as better stopping power and a mild power steering effect . https://jetboaters.net/threads/basi...us-options-from-cobra-jet-steering-llc.16857/

 

[Scuba_ref]

I upgraded from the exact fins you got on your boat (came on mine when I bought it as well) to the Thrust Vectors and then again from the surf version. I liked the idea of the fins out of the way when running at speed. I did notice better steering assist with the larger surface area as I was often trolling at idle speed when fishing before the kids got up to play!

 

[Texatl]

I personally have the Cobra's and like them a lot.

Whoops I forgot to say thank you- testimonials are helpful. Appreciate it!

I see your early system is in very good condition , The new super fins are a lot wider and the adjustments allow you to choose the exact amount of high speed influence that you get from the steering when the hull is on plane.

Thanks, given its a 2011 and has about 150-ish hours on it... It's a gem of a boat when I got lucky finding this one. Previous owner took very good care of it. I love this boat. And thank you for describing the new fins and how they adjust. Any notes on the difference between the two in regards to surface area? Like some numbers or comparison- ala, the Super Ultimates have X amount more surface area, etc... I have been scouring your site (and others) looking for info like this and cannot find it to save my life. You can PM me direct if that is not something you want to share in the thread (I can respect that).

Really, I'd love to get that data from anyone who has that handy or something like that.

I upgraded from the exact fins you got on your boat (came on mine when I bought it as well) to the Thrust Vectors and then again from the surf version. I liked the idea of the fins out of the way when running at speed. I did notice better steering assist with the larger surface area as I was often trolling at idle speed when fishing before the kids got up to play!

Wait... Did I read that correctly? You upgraded twice?? and what is the surf version? I didn't see nor hear of those. So you went from JBP surf version to newer TVs after having the early CJ on your boat (like I have)? Just making sure I understand. Thank you so much.That is very helpful. Appreciate it.