Hey Jack,
+1 on Julian’s comments, I can only speak from experience with Yamaha’s, so can’t comment on others.
They aren’t silent but I have no complaints, when putting around We can chat at normal volumes, if doing water sports we can all still communicate easily enough, and my hearing is notoriously bad to start with.
Around the dock is interesting, so I’ve never driven anything but a jet and currently have no aftermarket devices to help around the dock. Honestly, I have no complaints, I almost always get compliments about my docking, I can come in with a bit of speed, stop on a dime and if needed slide myself sideways without much trouble. I honestly think that I can probably dock the jet better than I would be able to a prop boat. The ability to go in and out of neutral/reverse without a transmission helps a bunch!
Will admit wind on the Bimini does make it harder, but I doubt that’s limited to jet boats, I just try my best to use the wind to my advantage.
As for which brand, I have had two Yamaha’s. I love the layout, the engines ar generally reliable and accessible, the aftermarket community is great, and the great folks on this site can’t be beat. They do help to make for a great ownership experience.
Best advice is to look for a local dealer who will support you, whichever boat you purchase, if new, you will need a dealer that puts an emphasis on great customer service.
I like that the Yamaha engines and Yamaha boats are tied together so there is never a disagreement, also at this point most Yamaha dealers are more established and familiar with jets, many chap or scarab dealers are still learning their way around brp engines (though with a few years under their belt now that is quickly changing)
A few other things, we have only needed to use the clean out ports once, but without them I would have been swimming.... and this was an early season ride so I’m glad I got to avoid getting wet. I really like the layout and space of the Yamaha’s. I have also really appreciated the reliability, and ability to control each engine independently when needed.
Hope those thoughts help, either way buy the boat that feels good to you from the dealer you trust, get out on the water and have fun!
Good luck