Which Way do I turn?

[Bob K]

Good morning Jet Boat enthusiasts! I had a SD Challenger in the 80’s and now have a pristine Speedster SC 250! In being stuck so far back in the PGI canal system my boat runs loud, hard to keep on course and am always Leary of the time to rebuild the supercharger! Am moving to S. Venice into a home to use the private boat ramp and “Beach Ferry” with garage storage and trailering the few blocks to launch. I need a larger, quieter and “easily” maintained boat to not only cruise the inter coastal but an occasional gulf ride. (When really calm for sunsets.). In terms of a “user friendly” boat (has to be a jet). What is my best option? Can I stay with the 195’s or go larger with a 215? Is the HO Scarab necessary? Can I just go with the base model? Yamaha size and HP? Are they easier to maintain with the “clear out” access ports? (No Super Charger) I’d love to hear the pros and cons from actual owners? Are any of them more quiet than others? I appreciate any help and direction! I will not spend $70 on a boat either. Am I dreaming? Thanks fellow jet enthusiast’s. BK

 

[Mesa50]

Do you plan on keeping it in the water? If so, I’d probably go with an outboard engine boat in your area. Jet pumps are not well suited for saltwater marine growth. I love my jet boat, but if I was primarily a Florida coastal boater, I would have bought a different boat. If you trailer it, or have a lift, then you’ll probably love a Yamaha jet boat. One of my customers has a 210 FSH and absolutely loves it for trailering to the coast, and intercostal cruising.

 

[fatboyroy]

19' if you dont plan on taking entire family (good for 2-4 person, preferably 3 max in my case). 21' if you will have more guest. You should be ok picking either a Yamaha or Scarab both are good the only reason I got a yamaha is there is more member here and its easier to get answer when you are looking for one (search forum for any issue, 99% of the time the answer is available in this forum).

 

[Bob K]

Thanks fellow jet boaters! After having a jet I wouldn’t want to use another. I’m just worried about the sound level. Are the newer jets “a lot” quieter? Or is there a type of insulation that helps? I will trailer and flush it after every use as I will have a garage or lift I’ll be using. In the long run is the Yamaha the way to go? I like the scarab 210 but am afraid of it’s performance through the canals with sucking up weeds etc? Yamaha has the built in port for removal! I’m not planning on going through heavily wooded canals to begin with but there is always a risk! It sounds like a single jet is the way to go? Thanks again… ?‍

 

[fatboyroy]

I have 2021 but its my first jet boat, its considerably louder than outboard, but it doesnt bother me too much, I never had an older model jet boat so I can't compare the sound level.

 

[Mesa50]

I went with Yamaha because everyone who had one seems to love it like it’s their child for some reason. I read about them for a while here, before buying. My previous boat was a twin I/O engine Sea Ray. I was dead set against a jet boat until I saw one in person, and started doing some research. My wife was sold when she saw the swim platform. They are louder than an outboard, or stern drive for sure. The newer models have more sound dampening than the older ones, but I’m not sure how much sound reduction it adds over previous years. My wife doesn’t mind riding around on our boat, and she is usually pretty sensitive to loud noises and music.

 

[Bob K]

All good replies gentlemen! Thanks for your honesty and direction! I believe I’ll trade my 2010 Speedster in for the larger Yamaha. If anyone is interested in a “like new” supercharged 250 Black & yellow rocket ship I’ll be looking at the nearest Yamaha dealer to let it go! I really do love this boat though. Just too rough of water for what I need it for! Restaurant cruisin and Gulf “Sunsets”! Maybe I may just save it for my move to Venice. Until then Charlotte Harbor is a little scary some days and I’m used to cruisin on Lake Huron in my old Challenger! Cheers!!!

 

[VitaminSea]

For another perspective, read some of @Dean P posts. He’s lives off of Tampa Bay and has had both a Yami and a Chaparral (now Vortex). I realize it’s not a Scarrab, but both use a BRP power plant.

 

[Bob K]

Thanks VitaminSea! I’ll take all of the help I can get! Bob Sled

 

[Jagmatt]

Where do I turn to get my 2015 Scarab 165HO supercharger rebuilt? Who does it?