Considering a jet boat

[Who Dat]

Thanks Sam.

[NoSnow4me]

Originally Posted by Who Dat

I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound so bitter. I've owned jet skis, motor boats and sail boats. Admittedly I've never owned a Jet Boat but have known many who have and they don't have much positive things to say about them.

For exploring this area by water I would recommend a dagger board / retractable keel smaller sailboat with a small outboard or even a kayak. Simple is easy and reliable.

After I re-read my post, I did come off a bit like an a$$. My apologies.

I didn't take it as obnoxious either. I've been around boats all my life, and that just sounded like someone who knows all too well the trade off for the fun part of it.

[blueherons]

Noise pollution.

Most boaters can't stand jet skis or jet boats.

[arleigh]

I worked on boats for a living and my boss owned a jet boat for water skiing . the owner of the marina had direct drive ski boats ,the difference is fuel consumption and dealing with debris and shallow water.
Squirt boats suck up rocks, and open props get shredded on them. choose you poison.
The military choose squirt boats for rivers and landing craft and seem very happy with them.
Personally I like the idea of a transmission that allows me to have a real reverse so I can back the debris off . jet boats generally only have a reversing cup at the end of the nozzle, no transmission ,so putting it in reverse does more harm then good.
Prop driven boats have more power for pulling in an emergency, where as a jet pump is about like an airplane prop relying on getting up to speed with the least amount of drag.
I advise spending some time with others and learning from those in your neighborhood
Boating is NOTHING LIKE DRIVING OR OWNING CAR.
If your going with any boat, Yamaha is proving to be a formidable competitor in the marine market.

[njkate]

Originally Posted by Who Dat

There's only a few things worse than a boat. Those are a Jet boat or a Jet Ski, a bad marriage, malaria and measles.

If you want to throw money away, just buy a regular boat. It'll be easier to unload in two years.

I'm not trying to be a smart a## but having lives in SW Fla my entire life and being on or around the water that's my belief.

I think that's our plan to buy a regular boat in the spring. People tell us wait till the snowbirds leave aswhat hasn't been sold you may get a better deal on.

HMMMM Who Dat are you a Saints fan??

[Who Dat]

Originally Posted by njkate

I think that's our plan to buy a regular boat in the spring. People tell us wait till the snowbirds leave aswhat hasn't been sold you may get a better deal on.

HMMMM Who Dat are you a Saints fan??

I think you are right on with the thought of waiting until the end of season but many seasonal folks will come down and re-assess their "toy" situation. Most likely, many of them will pull the trigger on an upgrade so there's likely to be a few more available when they're down here.

Saints fan? Nope, I haven't rooted for the Saints since Archie was the quarterback.

[MarkDNH]

Originally Posted by NoSnow4me

I can't find it now, but someone said on a thread here some time ago that jet boats aren't very suitable for the local waters. I was wondering if anyone has some insight if that's true and why.

Thank you!

I have same question. We are selling our property here in NH (commercial/residential so takes time) and as soon as that takes place we are headed to Cape Coral area. My plan is to purchase a small inexpensive boat till I decide what will suit my needs. Right now I am swaying towards a jetboat because I have no desire for offshore boating and would like to go in shallow water or hit a beach without much worry, but that could change and may want to get something bigger.
Yamaha is revolutionizing the jet boat experience. 2016 lineup includes center console models, and they fixed the low speed problem by adding an articulating keel and draft under 18". Still big bucks but sure look sweet.

[Samiamnh]

I notice that all of the jet ski rental fleets at the beach are Yamaha's ....must be a reason for that.
I have SeaDoo's up north but prefer outboards in these waters

[P47P47]

Originally Posted by Samiamnh

I notice that all of the jet ski rental fleets at the beach are Yamaha's ....must be a reason for that.

A friend of mine who lives in Ocean City told me that when he was interested in buying a jet ski, he went to a local repair shop to ask their advice. The guy at the shop told him that he wouldn't give any advice, but that he'd show him something. The shop guy took my friend into the shop and pointed to the jet skis waiting for repair - about a dozen Sea-Doos and one Yamaha.

[BNBR]

Definitely a Yamaha guy here. No interest in the SeaPoo Jet boat can be a great idea, can often fit them in the garage, too.