Owning a jet boat was always on my “Cool Things to Do” list. However, before making the decision to buy a jet boat, we must weigh out its advantages and disadvantages, right?
In this article, we’re going to cover the pros and cons of jet boats so that you can make a well-informed buying decision.
Pros of Jet Boats
Aside from their cool, modern look, jet boats have many non-superficial benefits. Here are some of them:
1. Quick Speed
Well, we’re not saying you can’t speed up using a stern boat, but jet boats are much more efficient in doing so.
The speed of jet boats differs according to their type, but the maximum is around 37 miles per hour. This is pretty awesome for a boat.
Moreover, with jet boats, you can reach the top speed faster than you would in a stern boat. This is because a waterjet operates by accelerating a mass of water and pushing from a vessel with high pressure. This translates to high accelerating efficiency and faster stopping.
2. Safe
Personally, I always thought that jet boats seemed less safe than stern boats. If you’re thinking the same as I was, you’ll be relieved to know that it’s not always true.
Jet boats don’t have an exterior propeller. This can be much safer than other boats that have a propeller in certain circumstances. For example, when swimming, diving, or water skiing, the propeller would stand in the way of those coming in and out of the boat and would form a safety concern.
Thus, jet boats have an advantage in that area. Likewise, because they have no propeller, jet boats would be much better in shallow water and rocky rivers.
To add, like I already mentioned, jet boats can be stopped quickly, which is quite valuable in cases of emergencies. That being said, you still should avoid stopping immediately using any boat.
3. Spacious
If you have a jet boat and a stern boat of the same size, you’ll find that the jet boat can still carry more people than the stern boat.
This is due to two things. The first is that the propeller in the stern boat would take up much space from its size, while you don’t have that problem in jet boats.
The second is that the motor found in jet boats, unlike that of stern boats, is in the lower back of the boat and doesn’t need to be covered by a sun pad, so it doesn’t take up much interior space.
Thus, if you’re looking for a proper boat to enjoy with a big family or a group of friends, a jet boat would have your back.
4. Perfect for Water Sports
Jet boats are one of the top options when doing water sports. This is thanks to their quick acceleration as well as their safety.
From my experience, I saw only jet boards used for skiing, wakeboarding, and wake surfing. When I went parasailing, it was also on a jet boat. This says a lot about its functionality in water sports. So, if you’re buying a boat to use in water sports, I suggest you go for a jet boat.
Cons of Jet Boats
In spite of their advantages, jet boats aren’t without their drawbacks. Here are some of these cons:
1. Poor Fuel Consumption
This point isn’t inclusive of all jet boats, since it depends on the motor within the boat. However, modern jet boat motors have higher RPMs than stern boats. This means that jet boats consume more fuel.
That said, you need to check the motor before purchasing a jet boat to ensure reasonable fuel consumption. You can learn how to calculate a boat’s fuel consumption.
2. Pricey
In general, jet boats cost more than stern boats. However, the expenses don’t stop at buying the jet boat. Jet boats require constant maintenance, which can also be pricey since most people can’t maintain them themselves and need a specialist to do it.
3. Noisy
Whenever I’m on the beach, I can hear a jet boat coming from a distance. This goes back to their high-RPM motors. Jetboat motors also have a distinct high-pitched sound that can be a little overbearing.
However, there are things you can do to make the motor quieter, and many people succeed in doing so.
4. Poor Maneuverability
This is another point that you won’t necessarily find in all jet boats. Some jet boats are exceptional in maneuvering and turning. However, many have complained about their jet boats displaying poor maneuverability.
This is why you need to read all about the jet boat you want to buy before making the purchase. Make sure you also read credible customer reviews.
5. Not Great at Slow Speeds
Jet boats, like we already mentioned, flaunt great acceleration and superb stopping capabilities. However, don’t count on a jet boat to work well at slow speeds.
This is because the directional control of the jet boat goes parallel to its speed. Thus, the slower the boat, the less control you have over it.
There’s a reason as to why we always see jet boats on the run, after all.
6. Unstable
Some jet boats come without skegs and rudders. This is definitely a drawback since it makes the boat unstable as well as prone to losing control and getting off track.
Conclusion
Jet boats can be a nice addition to your life if you’re thinking about buying one. There are so many activities you can do using a jet boat, and the fun will simply never stop.
Before making that decision, though, weigh out your options. Think about why you need a boat, what your budget is, and whether a jet boat is right for you.
If you’re determined to buy a jet boat, do extensive research on the one you’re buying, and don’t miss any details.