How To Hook Up Hose To Jet Boat? 97 Most Correct Answers

Honda

Honda’s flushing procedure varies by engine size and model. In any case, the engine must be in a vertical position during flushing and afterwards to drain the water from the engine. Smaller Engines (2 to 20 hp): Flushing in a small container (such as a flushing bag, small bucket, or can) is acceptable.

For engines 5hp and above, an optional flushing attachment (Honda Part #06190-ZV1-860) is available that allows the engine to be flushed through an opening on the side of the gearbox. Both methods require the support to be removed and the engine running for approximately five minutes. Both methods are acceptable.

Medium Engines (25 to 50 hp): Use only the factory “WASH” port located in the bottom port/left side of the gear case. Again, the engine needs to run for about five minutes with the prop removed. Honda warns that when water pressure is low, the engine’s water intakes on both sides of the transmission case should be sealed with tape.

Larger Engines (60 to 250 hp): The only Honda recommended flushing method is to use the factory flushing connector attached to a garden hose when the engine is not running.

A bilge blower is important not only because the USCG may require it, but because your life may depend on it. The Coast Guard requires the use of a mechanical ventilation system for all non-open-type boats built after July 31, 1980 that run on gasoline. Even if your boat is older, it still must meet USCG minimum ventilation standards and may require a bilge blower to meet these guidelines. Even if your boat is a diesel boat, it should have fans for added safety and exhaust gas evacuation.

Venting your bilge of potentially deadly gas fumes is no job for a jury rig. Bilge blower units are specifically designed and constructed for their life in the trenches – electrical components are “ignition proof” to prevent sparking and the explosion they install to avert them, and the units are built to resist overheating and corrosion. However, most bilge blowers are NOT designed for continuous use. They are only designed for a short time. If you run them continuously, they can burn or even start a fire. There are bilge blowers for 24/7 use and if that is what you want (and it can be a very good idea) make sure you get one rated for the purpose and wire it up properly.

Bilge fans are available to move air in two ways – some units feature a cage configuration, while others prefer a “tunnel” or “inline” design that uses a small fan. Which type you choose depends on the available space and the planned installation. Both types evacuate air very efficiently and are available in sizes ranging from 100-250 c.f.m. (cubic feet of air per minute). The size you need is determined by the volume of your engine bay (see below). The best plan is usually to have two blowers, one to blow out the air and the other to draw outside air into the engine bay. However, care must be taken to ensure that the outside air intake is free of CO and other vapors.

The minimum recommended time you should run the blower to aerate the bilge is four minutes. However, before you turn it on, rely on one of the most sensitive smell detectors you have – your nose. No bilge blower will clear the compartment of spilled fuel that will continue to emit fumes. Regardless of whether your boat is regulated or not, bilge blowers make sense.

A rough guide to choosing blower sizes

For engine compartments up to:

Outdoorsman senior member

Date Joined: February 2015 Posts: 793 Thanks: 99 Thanked 191 times in 124 posts

Quote: acg123 Originally Posted by I was surprised to see people say yes. I’ve read in several factory manuals that you should never dock the motor when it’s not in the water, even if it’s connected to muffs. There is absolutely no drag on the propeller, so it spins very quickly, and putting it in or out of gear can damage the propeller hub as well as other parts. If you really need to turn the propeller, run it down a ramp or lower the drive into a tub of water. “Turning very quickly, and when you put in / out of gear, it can damage the propeller hub as well as other parts.” There was never any mention of going “full throttle”.

I would guess that the factory manuals where you read this only state this for liability reasons. When this thread mentions “gear engaged” it only refers to clutch engagement. The prop hardly rotates, if at all. There will not be “Full Throttle”. I would guess that the factory manuals where you read this only state this for liability reasons.

When you’re new to boating and looking forward to your first big outing on the water, it’s not uncommon to want to start the outboard motor to check that it’s working, lest you “that guy” or “that girl” are. at startup which doesn’t get things to work and holds everyone up.

Since your boat is on land and sitting on the trailer, is it ok to just start the outboard for a minute or two without it being in the water?

An outboard motor should never be operated without a source of water entering the inlet strainers to feed the water pump. Without a water source for lubrication, the water pump is the first to be damaged, followed shortly thereafter by the engine due to lack of cooling.

Let’s take a quick look at how to start your engine from water, how long it can run without water,

Start your engine without water

Outboard engines are either air-cooled or water-cooled – with water-cooled being the most common, quietest and most powerful. In this article we talk about water-cooled outboards.

As I mentioned above, starting an engine without water not only harms the engine itself due to lack of cooling, but also harms the water pump and impeller due to lack of cooling and lubrication.

The impeller in the water pump has a series of rubber vanes surrounding a central rubber base, and it spins extremely fast when turned on. Without water, the rubber will quickly overheat and rupture as it rotates rapidly against the aluminum housing in which it is encased, without lubrication.

To add insult to injury, any silt, sand, or salt that has built up in your pump also serves as sandpaper for your pump without water helping to break it up and dislodge it.

The purpose of the water pump in the outboard is to pressurize water and draw it up into the engine head to properly cool the engine for optimal operating temperatures. The thermostatic valve opens and closes according to the temperature and maintains an equilibrium with the temperature.

Without water to cool the engine, it will quickly overheat in the hood (the cover) and will likely seize or burn out a head gasket if the oil heats up to the point where it loses its lubricating properties.

In summary, the decision not to operate your outboard without a water source for the water pump inlet strainers is going to be a very costly decision in a very short time.

How long can an outboard run without water?

An outboard motor’s water pump will be damaged in just a few seconds without a water source. Depending on the size of the outboard motor itself and the ambient temperatures, it can last a few minutes without damage. Always operate your water-cooled outboard from a water source.

If for any reason you do not have access to a hose or water source and need to start the engine, be sure to remove the lower leg where the water pump is located. It’s also important not to let your engine run for very long or it can seize up and be permanently destroyed.

How to run an outboard out of the water

If we can’t have our boat in the water, we have to bring water to our boat.

A common way to run your outboard at home is to place a garbage can under your outboard so the bottom half is in the drum. Fill the drum with water from a hose until the drum is almost full. Make sure the water inlet screens for the water pump are well submerged.

If for some reason you let it run for a while, remember that the water circulation indicator (Tell Tale) has water pouring out of the drum, so you’ll need to fill it up.

Of course, and I’m sure it goes without saying, but don’t turn on the propeller while the outboard is in the water drum.

The second method is to use a pair of ferrules like those seen on Amazon and connect a hose to them and then slide the ferrules over the inlet screens for the water pump. This means you don’t have to put a 55 gallon keg in a keg to run your outboard, and the sleeves are small and portable so you can do this at the dock or anywhere a hose is available.

Of course, make sure the sleeves you choose are appropriate for the angle and size of your screens. Some muffs are round, some are rectangular, and they all have different dimensions. You can wet the sleeves with water so they slide over your intakes since it’s rubber vs metal.

By using either of these two methods, you ensure that the water pump is lubricated and the engine is properly cooled.

With either method – especially the muffs – make sure that a jet of water comes out of your gauge (gauge) within 2-3 seconds of starting the outboard. If you see no power, stop the outboard and check the connection of the sleeves to make sure you have a good seal.

If the problem persists with either method, you can also carefully run a wire up the indicator hose (or remove it entirely by removing the panel) and clear any clogs that water foam may have created.

What if my outboard has a hose connection?

The hose connector used to flush your outboard is not intended for use while your engine is operating. By using the hose connector you are actually running the water backwards from the gauge up through the motor and out through the water pump.

Use muffs or a water-filled garbage can to operate your outboard when your boat is on shore.

Jet ski engine hours are usually the main focus when buying a used jet ski, and with good reason. While some buyers are satisfied with higher hours on a jet ski, many are looking exclusively for jet skis with low hours. This is usually a key factor in the purchase decision – and also in the selling price! If you are considering buying a used jet ski, you need to pay close attention to this detail! If you do research on this topic you will find a lot of confusing information about how long a jet ski engine lasts, so it is not clear how long a jet ski really lasts and which one is worth buying. Additionally, when choosing your ski, you shouldn’t have to solely focus on the jet ski’s engine hours. As you will see, the maintenance history is more important than the hours on the jet ski! To help you with your purchasing decision, we at JetDrift have compiled the most important facts about the lifespan of a jet ski engine as well as some other important factors to consider before buying a used jet ski!

What counts as many hours on a jet ski? When it comes to engine hours, the first question you want to ask is: how many hours does a jet ski engine last? As a rule of thumb, the 2-stroke jet ski engines last around 200-300 hours while the 4-stroke jet ski engines last around 300-500 hours. However, remember that these numbers depend on factors such as maintenance, usage and many others! If you choose your jet ski carefully, ensure proper operation and maintain it regularly, you can expect a longer lifespan. On the other hand, you can easily destroy your engine in no time! So let’s get down to the most important factors that can affect the lifespan of a jet ski!

Use of Jet Ski Engines in Jet Ski Rentals Need real proof of how important maintenance is in relation to the lifespan of jet ski engines? Then we strongly recommend that you visit a jet ski rental company and check their fleet carefully! Surprisingly, you can find rental jet skis that are still running with several hundred or even 1000+ hours on their engines! And you can imagine the amount of abuse these jet skis take every day from inexperienced or wreckless customers. The high hours of use with these rental models mean really hard work! Are you wondering how these models can achieve such high operating hours? One of the reasons for this is that these fleets are regularly inspected and maintained to a really high quality and professional level. That’s one of the main reasons why these jet skis last so long! Another reason is that rental companies are always very picky when it comes to choosing the most reliable jet ski models on the market, and with good reason. Constant absences always mean an enormous effort for the staff, which can ultimately lead to dissatisfied customers, less revenue and a declining reputation! Because of this, rental companies avoid powerful supercharged jet skis. As we mentioned above, the compressor consumes many hours of maintenance and makes the jet ski less reliable. In addition, these models also have the highest price tags and maintenance costs! Based on the above, there appear to be several jet ski models that can be very durable with proper maintenance, especially the non-supercharged ones. Many rental companies change their fleet frequently and these rental jet skis appear on the used market year after year. You may be wondering if you should buy one? It is not recommended! As we have already mentioned, beyond the high engine hours, these machines are often abused by customers, so we cannot recommend buying a used jet ski rental. Of course, if you are looking for a used jet ski, less engine hours over condition is better! But how many hours on a jet ski is too much?

Is 200 hours a lot for a jet ski? Is it worth buying? As you can see, there are many factors to consider, but of course engine hours still play a role. You might be wondering: is 200 hours a lot for a jet ski? Is it still worth buying? In general, 300 engine hours on a 4-stroke jet ski is already considered high usage hours, so it’s always advisable to buy a model with less usage. Based on experience and best practices, you should not buy a used jet ski that is more than 6-7 years old and has 150-200 engine hours. Why? This is because after buying your skis, you will likely spend another 30 (or even more) hours a year on them for the next 2-3 years. This means that after a few years your vehicle will be around 10 years old and have around 250-300 hours of use. That means noticeable wear and tear that indicates it’s probably time to upgrade your vehicle. The 10 year age range is somewhat of a limit for many buyers, meaning it can be harder to sell past that range. Because many jet ski service shops also refuse to work with jet skis that are more than 10 years old! If you can find a jet ski with only 50-70 hours, these models could be the best deal for you in the long run. Also, keep in mind that the low hours also mean a higher selling price. But here too, the condition of the jet ski is more important than the operating hours. If you want to learn what to check before buying a used jet ski, don’t miss our step-by-step guide to buying a used jet ski. That advice aside, it is highly recommended that you have a pre-purchase inspection with a dealer or service shop before purchasing any jet ski. Don’t miss the water test either!

4-Stroke Jet Ski vs. 2-Stroke Jet Ski Engine Hours In the past, 2-stroke jet skis were more common, but today most jet skis come with 4-stroke engines. However, you can still find 2-stroke stand up jet skis on the market. You may be wondering: how many hours does a 2-stroke jet ski last? For 2-stroke jet ski engines, the rule of thumb is that 200 hours is considered high engine hours. For this reason, if you’re looking for a two-stroke, try to pick a used model with around 100 hours on it, but the fewer the better. As always, the overall condition is more important than the operating hours! Let’s compare PWC categories based on their engines! Seated jet skis If you decide to buy a seated jet ski, then we recommend that you buy a model with a 4-stroke engine. Here’s why: All 2-stroke seated jet skis on the market are pretty old. The purchase price of these vintage models may tempt you, but they involve a lot more effort (and sometimes expense) compared to many newer models. These vintage models were made by Polaris, Honda or Arctic Cat many years ago. Surprisingly, quite a few of these are still walking on the water as each brand has its own fanbase willing to keep these old skis alive. Their main advantage is that these jet skis are really agile and fun, as they offer a completely different driving experience than the current, larger watercraft, which many jet skiers see as “sofas”. Also, these old 2-stroke jet skis have high gas mileage and burn oil continuously, which means additional costs for you. Their engines are worn out and cause more pollution (or even banned in certain areas!) compared to a new jet ski. The other problem we mentioned is that many service shops may refuse to work with jet skis that are more than 10 years old. For this reason it is recommended to stay away from these old watercraft unless you have mechanical skills and are looking for a side project. Instead, we strongly recommend that you purchase a newer 4-Stroke Seat Jet Ski model. If you are looking for something small, you should take a look at the Rec-Lite category! Stand Up Jet Skis Stand Up models are unique in the world of jet skis and many of them are still equipped with 2-stroke engines. The reason for this is that manufacturers want to keep the weight of the boat down and increase the power-to-weight ratio. This allows them to make faster, lighter, and more maneuverable jet skis. The weight of a 2-stroke engine is always much lighter, so using these engines for stand-up jet skis makes sense. In addition, all classic Stand-Ups and most current Stand-Up models are equipped with 2-stroke engines. However, it is good to know that since 2015 there are also 4-stroke stand up jet skis available on the market. Namely, this model is the Kawasaki SX-R 1500, so do not hesitate to discover this model here!

How can you check the jet ski engine hours? Wondering how to check engine hours on a jet ski? Don’t worry, it’s usually pretty easy. Every newer seat jet ski has a gauge or screen and if the key is attached to the ski you can check the engine hours on it. Some models will display the number of hours by default, while some models require you to press a “mode” button to find it. This is especially true on lower-end models, where the screen is typically smaller. If you cannot find the engine hours, you can take the jet ski to a service shop or dealer where professionals can help you with this problem. It’s always a good idea to take a used jet ski to a dealer before you buy it so you can ask them to check the engine hours on the computer at the same time. It’s an important inspection, so don’t ever miss it! Some dishonest owners install new gauges to reset jet ski engine hours to try to cheat you in this way. But don’t worry, fortunately the latest models save engine hours in more places in the ski than just the gauge. Vintage jet skis didn’t typically come with hour meters, but as we’ve discussed before, buying something that’s too old isn’t a good idea!

Can you leave your jet ski in the water overnight? – This is a common question for many jet ski owners and with good reason. Jet skis are very different from boats, so there are many risks if you don’t trailer your jet ski back at the end of the day. Are you wondering what those risks might be? At JetDrift we have compiled a list of the possible risks and consequences of leaving a jet ski in the water overnight or even for a longer period of time. You can also discover some unique solutions how to protect your jet ski from these dangers!

Can you leave a jet ski in the water overnight? Yes, you can leave a jet ski in the water overnight if it is unavoidable. Alternatively, it is not recommended to leave it in the water for a long time, as various types of damage can occur! For this reason, every owner’s manual recommends taking the jet ski out of the water daily. But just because it’s possible to leave it in the water for a day or two without fear of rusting doesn’t mean there are other risks you should ignore. Just like jet ski manufacturers, many industry experts recommend not letting a jet ski in the water unsupervised whenever possible, since leaving it near the dock for just an hour or two has its own risks. Wondering what are they? Let’s go through them one by one!

Short-Term Risks It is very common for owners to leave their jet skis near the dock while they eat or refuel at the gas station. At first glance, it doesn’t seem like a big deal, and in most cases they find their craft right back where they left it, unscathed. But in some cases they don’t! So if you want to leave your jet ski unattended, you have to consider the following risks. Waves, Wake, Wind If you want to find your jet ski where you left it, you need to tie it down properly at the dock. The other common solution is to leave a jet ski tied to an anchor. All of these solutions could work, but remember that wind or waves can come at any time, so don’t ignore the possibility of large wakes from some boats. Even if you leave your skis in a no-wake zone, you’ve probably seen a “nice guy” just overlook this limitation. These big swells or waves can be harmful to your jet ski as it can be damaged if it hits the dock. For this reason, the use of fenders is hardly the minimum level of protection, but remember that no matter how well they do their job, fenders do not provide total protection from all possible damage! Leaving your ski on an anchor will keep it safe from the dock, but it could drift away if the anchor doesn’t hold properly. Safety Waves and wind aren’t the only factors that can throw your jet ski off the dock. Hardly anyone thinks of theft or vandalism! When you tie your jet ski to the dock with a pair of dock lines, let’s face it; it is very easy to steal. Even if the entire jet ski isn’t stolen, a thief can break open the storage case and easily steal your gear. While these risks are small, there is always a risk, especially if you leave your jet ski in the water overnight. Therefore, always remove your valuables from the jet ski when you leave it unattended! You can also consider a cable lock to secure the ski on the dock. You can also use this lock later to secure the jet ski on the trailer! Sinking Another pressing problem could be if you find your jet ski underwater! This is another problematic situation that people usually don’t think about. If the water gets anywhere inside the hull, it can even sink your jet ski in an hour or two. Always remember to check the bilge carefully before leaving your jet ski near the dock and (if you haven’t already) it is recommended to install an automatic bilge pump.

Long Term Risks As you can see there are several risks of leaving a jet ski in the water for even a few hours, but you can expect a lot more damage if you store your jet ski in the water long term. Wondering how long you can keep a jet ski in the water? If it is unavoidable, you can leave your jet ski in the water for a day or two without major damage. But also manufacturers as well as industry experts say that it is strongly recommended to take the jet ski out of the water every day! If you look around lakes or beaches, you’ll find that nobody usually stows a jet ski directly in the water for long periods of time, and with good reason. In addition to the above risks, a jet ski that spends weeks or even the whole season in the water can lead to several other damages. Corrosion Metal and water are not friends, so rust is one of the top reasons why you shouldn’t leave your jet ski in the water. This problem can be much worse in salt water, so let’s talk about fresh water and salt water separately. Salt Water As salt water is known to be very corrosive, leaving your jet ski in it for even a few days is not recommended. If you can’t figure out leaving your jet ski in the salt water for a night, it probably won’t cause much trouble. It’s also important to make sure to clean up afterwards and flush the cooling/exhaust properly with fresh water too! Fresh Water Fresh water is less corrosive, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t harmful to your jet ski. There are stories of owners who have kept their jet skis in fresh water for a week or two with no damage. While there are no studies on how harmful leaving a jet ski in the water for a week is, it definitely won’t do it any good! The best thing to do is to follow your manufacturer’s recommendations and take the jet ski out of the water every day – even if it’s fresh water! Weather Elements Aside from corrosion, the weather can damage your jet ski. The sun’s UV rays slowly damage fiberglass, not even mentioning rain, ice or wind. During a violent storm, your jet ski can repeatedly crash into the dock, which can eventually add up to total destruction! Always keep this factor in mind before leaving your jet ski in the water for any length of time! Flora and fauna The water is full of algae, plants, mud and various animals, not to mention the invasive species: mussels! If you leave a jet ski in the water, you can expect the same on the pump or even the entire underside of the jet ski. This not only looks bad, but can also cause many malfunctions and amortize the ski several times over! In addition, in some areas you will also have to deal with muskrats or other rodents that can damage several parts of the jet ski. Maintenance and cleaning Do not forget about the maintenance tasks such as servicing, cleaning or refueling the jet ski. These are regular tasks that you should do every day when using the vehicle, such as refueling or pre- and post-drive maintenance. All of these tasks are much more difficult (or even impossible) to complete when the jet ski is in the water!

Our US correspondent Elliott Maurice takes a look at some of the best jet boats on the market, spanning a wide range of styles.

Who doesn’t want a jet boat? It’s a boat powered by a jet, right? Well, not quite, unless we’re talking about military boats, of course, or very rare high-performance superyachts powered by gas turbines.

The jet-powered pleasure boat is a more modest yet exciting offering, powered by a conventional piston engine connected to a water jet rather than a propeller.

This uses an impeller (a fan-shaped propeller in a tunnel) to draw water in through an opening in the hull and spit it out through a narrow, steerable nozzle mounted at the stern to propel the boat forward.

With no propeller or rudder hanging beneath the boat, not only is it safer to use in shallow water, but it also has less drag, which means higher speeds and better fuel economy.

The downside is that maneuvering tends to be more difficult at low speed, especially when reversing (there’s no reverse gear, just a bucket that falls down to redirect thrust under the boat) and it works best at higher speeds when the boat is movement through the water helps force water into the impeller.

The jet boat originated in New Zealand in 1954, where it was designed to travel at high speed along shallow rivers where airboats tended to flex their propellers on hidden rocks.

High-performance watercraft still race these courses today, and with their exceptional maneuverability, flat-bottomed hulls, and ability to perform a crash stop by dropping the reverse bucket at full rpm, nothing else can pull off the kind of stunts that make these boats.

Without a rudder or external propulsion to hold the water steady, jet boats can turn 180 degrees in their own length, even when traveling at high speeds. You can also drift sideways through a high-speed corner like a powerful rear-wheel drive sports car.

Combined with the explosive acceleration due to the lack of propeller tip cavitation, this is one of the most exhilarating rides out there, but only if you know what you’re doing. So when you’re thinking about purchasing, there are a few things to keep in mind to make sure you’re choosing the right one for you.

Pros and cons of buying a jet boat

The most popular use of a watercraft is as a fun scooter for watersports and cold-water swimming – the lack of an exposed propeller is a great safety feature, particularly when boarding or jumping off the swim platform.

Second, the extremely shallow draft allows jet boats to be easily stranded. And with no outboard propellers to snag when reversing, there’s less chance of getting stuck or breaking. However, you must be careful of weeds or debris being sucked into the intake and blocking or damaging the impeller.

The shallow design of most watercraft hulls, especially those under 21 feet in length, can make for a fairly firm ride in any type of chop. While the bow rider configuration and low freeboard also cause some watercraft to submerge in big waves – bury the bow and take water.

Article below…

The lack of mechanical grip from a propeller and the keel effect of an outboard or sterndrive make them reluctant to go in a straight line and they can quickly become a handful with anything but a light swipe.

Personal watercraft also tend to run small-capacity, high-revving engines – a 300hp supercharged Rotax is only 1.5 liters but revs at over 11,000rpm. While reliable with good maintenance (they were designed for use on small aircraft), they tend to be noisier and thirstier than larger capacity naturally aspirated engines.

The only other consideration with a jet boat is the unusual way they handle slow speeds. A jet boat never wants to go in a straight line at slow speed and requires constant correction to keep it where you want it.

Many of them also lack an idler, so the impeller spins even when idle. Manufacturers try to counter this by partially dropping the reverse vane to balance forward and reverse thrust, but it’s never as effective as a true idle.

This can prove a little challenging when attempting to dock a watercraft for the first time, especially when reversing when the controls work opposite to a traditional propeller-driven vessel. It’s easy to master with practice: just don’t expect a jet boat to handle like an airboat.

How much do they cost and how fast can they go? A high-quality jet boat can be bought brand new from as little as 25,000 US dollars, including a trailer. On the other end of the spectrum, a 40-foot Hinckley picnic boat will fetch you the best part of $1.7 million.

Most jet boats will travel at almost 80 km/h, but there are some commercial jet boats that can easily exceed 112 km/h, while the fastest jet boat of all time is also the fastest boat in the world – Dave Warby’s Spirit of Australia II reached 317 km/h 1978.

So if you’re happy with all of the above, read on for our picks of the best jet boats on the market.

6 of the best jet boats

Best Luxury Watercraft – Hinckley Picnic Boat 40 S

The Hinckley Picnic Boat is every bit as iconic, luxurious and desirable as a Rolls-Royce — but at $1.7 million, it’s priced to match.

Hinckley built its first waterjet boat in 1995 and became an instant classic among wealthy owners and boating enthusiasts thanks to its sleek lines, effortless performance and ability to navigate flat water – it tows just 2ft 2in.

Today, the Hinckley picnic boat has computerized joystick controls that allow you to rotate the boat its own length and move it sideways into a berth simply by turning or pushing the joystick in the desired direction.

The hull consists of an inner layer of carbon fiber and an outer skin of bulletproof Kevlar. Power comes from ultra-reliable 480hp twin Cummins diesels with Hamilton 322 waterjets.

With a cruising speed of 40 mph and a top speed of 44 mph, the Hinckley is one of the most desirable boats on the market today.

Best All-Round Watercraft – Yamaha 275SD

The Yamaha 275SD’s only real competition at around $140,000 comes from the Scarab 285ID, which has a smaller hardtop.

With two proprietary 250hp 1,812cc engines, the Yamaha features a wheel-mounted paddle shaft for docking that instantly engages forward and reverse on both engines for precise control when docking.

A comprehensive 12.3-inch touchscreen MFD display allows control of all systems, including the seven-speaker Wet Sounds system and comprehensive watersport and driving modes.

A wake ballast system is also available for wake surfing. The Yamaha’s soft-riding V-hull offers a top speed of just over 80 km/h, and with a comfortable capacity of eight people (12 at a stroke) and small headroom, the Yamaha 275SD is a fantastic day boat.

Best entry-level watercraft – Scarab 165ID

Scarab’s smallest watercraft, with its entry-level 170hp engine and a starting price of $25,000 including trailer, is a great starter boat package that provides the perfect introduction to the sport.

The base engine offers a fast but manageable top speed of 80km/h, ensuring it’s an easy boat to drive once you’ve mastered the usual jet boat characteristics.

It’s also an easy-to-own boat, with a total weight of 617 pounds on its single-axle trailer, making it safe to tow behind a mid-size family car and small enough to stash in a garage.

The 20-gallon fuel capacity is enough for a couple of hours of operation, and the Scarab packs a lot of quality details into such a small package.

The ultra leather upholstery is beautifully detailed and there is more than enough storage for a day on the water. Perfect for a small family to go tubing or pull up on a sandbar.

Best Jet Boat for Fishing – Rogue Fastwater 22 Jet

This aluminum hull watercraft is a true special machine and as extreme as it gets.

Similar to New Zealand’s speed-firing boats, versions of these ultra-rugged jet boats are used in nearly impassable conditions by law enforcement, military and search and rescue alike, hence the rugged design.

The Fastwater 22 is built to order and can be specified as an angler’s dream with a trolling motor, live bait well and massive storage.

With a robust 212hp Hamilton Jet for performance, these super tough boats can easily exceed 40mph fully loaded and power through the type of conditions almost no other boat could handle.

At around $100,000 in fishing trim, a made-to-order Rogue might just be an angler’s ultimate tool.

Best Water Sports Jet Boat – Scarab 215ID

When it comes to watersports, you should choose a size that can accommodate a twin engine configuration. Again, Yamaha and Scarab are so close that it comes down to personal choice.

At 21 feet, the Scarab 215ID is still a manageable size and easy to tow. Thanks to the generous seating in the cockpit and bow, it can accommodate up to 10 people if required.

The largest 300hp Rotax dual power option offers massive power. Options include a high-performance JL audio system with subwoofer and tower pods, RGB lighting, and multiple eye-catching color schemes, making the Scarab as stylish as it comes.

The business end includes a gas assisted foldable wake tower for low draft when trailering and storing, a comprehensive multifunctional ballast system to create your perfect surf wake and wedge induced profiles for wakeboarding.

With a deeper V hull design and twice the power, the Scarab tracks with enough precision to tow even an experienced mono-skier.

While not quite as adept as a purpose-built wake or ski boat, jet propulsion makes it a far more versatile option than any shaft-powered alternative.

With a fully equipped price of around US$70,000, the Scarab 215ID is around 50% cheaper than an equivalent Ski Nautique G21.

Most Exotic Jet Boat – Seven Seas Hermes Speedster

The 22ft Speedster is hand built and made to order by Seven Seas Yachts in Greece. The boat is available in any color combination and is primarily aimed at the superyacht tender market.

Powered by a 170 hp Rotax, the Speedster reaches a top speed of 70 km/h. Modeled and detailed around the legendary Porsche 365 Speedster, details include a Mota-Lita steering wheel and throttle/shifter modeled after the original Porsche, along with fluted leather bucket seats and Porsche-style rear bench.

Exquisite attention to detail and consistent craftsmanship justify the $249,000 price tag, making the Seven Seas Hermes Speedster arguably one of the most exotic 22-foot runabouts around.

Winterizing your watercraft is key to protecting the engine in cold weather.

Otherwise, you will suffer damage from freezing and expanding water and bad fuel.

Luckily it’s not difficult; All you need is the know-how!

How to winterize your watercraft:

There are four steps to winterizing your watercraft. You need to fill up your tank and stabilize the fuel; flush all the water out of the engine; fog and lubricate the engine; and finally remove the batteries.

1. Stabilize the fuel

It is important to fill the tanks when you are wintering to prevent condensation from forming on top of the fuel.

Condensation mixes water with the fuel and ruins it. The fuel must therefore be treated with a fuel stabilizer to preserve it over the time it is sitting.

Unstabilized fuel will deteriorate and clog your engine!

There are different stabilizers on the market so be sure to follow the directions for the one you choose as they differ from brand to brand.

Add too much and the gas will stick; too little and it will not stabilize. Sta-Bil is a popular choice.

After filling the tank, run the engine for five minutes to thoroughly mix the stabilizer with the fuel. As a result, the stabilizer also gets into the fuel lines and engine parts such as the cylinders.

It’s also a good idea to use a stabilizer if you won’t be using your boat for several weeks.

You don’t want it to deteriorate at idle.

2. Flush the engine

All engines use water to cool them during operation. Dirt and salt accumulate over time and need to be removed for winter storage.

Connect the hose to the engine flushing port. Start the engine and then start flushing.

If you start flushing before starting the engine, you’re flooding it!

Turn off the water after about five minutes. Then run the engine at 4-5,000 rpm for a few seconds (five or so). This will blow out excess water.

Some people recommend stopping this phase here as your system is now free of dirt and salt. However, this still leaves some water in the system unless you blow compressed air into it.

So it’s a better idea to repeat this whole process now with marine antifreeze.

This ensures that the moisture left in your system is actually an antifreeze and will not do any harm in low temperatures.

3. Fog the engine

Engine misting is essential as there will still be water droplets on the inner walls of the engine after flushing.

Fog oil is a lubricant that protects your engine from this water.

You can perform this process at the same time as you flush your engines to save time.

First you need to remove the filter in front of the air intake. With the engine idling, spray oil into the intake in small spurts. If you spray too long and too fast, the motor will shut off before it is fully lubricated.

While performing this step, the engine will sputter and white smoke will come out of the exhaust; It’s good. This means that the engine will be coated with the lubricant.

After at least fifteen seconds, spray enough fogger into the engine to shut it down. Repeat the process on the second motor if you have one. Now the inside of the engine is properly lubricated.

After the engine has cooled (and you’ve finished the flushing process if you’re doing both), remove the spark plugs. Spray fogger into each one and then tap the engine ignition. If you don’t want to start it, turn it over to get the lubricant into the cylinder.

Inspect the plugs for coking and replace if necessary. Then reinstall the spark plugs.

Finally, spraying the wires in the engine compartment with WD-40 or a similar lubricant is an excellent idea. This protects them from corrosion during winter or other downtimes.

4. Remove the batteries

This is an easy step to forget, but still necessary.

Batteries can become discharged while connected to radios, clocks and bilge pumps even when not in use!

This is the easiest step! Remove the negative pole and then the positive pole. Take out the battery and also check for corrosion on the poles and the poles.

If necessary, clean them with a stiff bristle brush and battery cleaner (some people use cold as it is acidic). Coat the connections with grease to prevent corrosion.

Then check the battery for problems such as cracked case or low water level.

Now you are ready to store it for the winter:

Place it on a rubberized surface in case it leaks. You can periodically put a trickle charger on it to keep it from losing its charge. After that, it’s time to clean your boat and put on your protective cover. It’s also a good idea to place an anti-mold bucket or utensil inside. Also, make sure there is no water between the hulls as this can freeze and cause cracks in the fiberglass.

Do you always have to winterize a jet boat?

If the temperature in your area never gets close to freezing and you use the boat all the time, you don’t need to winterize it.

But if you live in an area where the winter gets cold or your watercraft sits idle for several months, you need to winterize it.

Otherwise, the water in the engine (which is used for cooling during operation) will expand in the cold and damage the metal.

How long does it take to winterize a jet boat?

Including filling the tanks, performing the entire process the first time can take almost two hours depending on the specific boat and whether you combine steps two and three above.

With experience, this takes less than an hour.

When is it recommended to winterize the boat?

If the temperature drops to 40 degrees Fahrenheit at night, or you won’t be using the boat for several months, consider winterizing it.

You don’t want to wait until temperatures have already dropped to freezing as damage may already have occurred.

How much does it cost to winterize a jet boat?

The cost of having your boat winterized by a professional will vary by size, but seems to average around $300, although it can cost a lot more.

This is before storage costs are factored in. To do it yourself, you need to buy the flushing system, stabilizer, fog oil and antifreeze.

You can find these products on websites for around $100.

Your investigations during the winterization may indicate that you need to replace the battery or spark plugs, but these are not an estimated cost of the winterization process.

Final Thoughts:

Freezing water in your personal watercraft engine will cause irreparable damage as the metal cracks from the expanding ice.

Hibernation is therefore a necessary step, and it’s important to do it right.

Knowing how to properly winterize your watercraft will prepare it for both the cold and the season and years to come.

Was this article helpful?

Big! Click to share…

Can you drive your jet ski when it’s out of the water and sitting on the trailer? Some beginners fear that this can result in expensive engine damage.

In this guide, I hope to shed some light on this issue.

Can you drive your jet ski out of the water?

Yes, you can ride your jet ski when it’s out of the water and already on the trailer. Warning: You can drive your jet ski for a maximum of 10 seconds on land.

Turning on your jet ski when it is NOT in the water 4

Jet skis are designed to run in the water, not on land. The water intake cools the engine and if you run it for too long you risk overheating the engine.

The exception is Sea-Doo. They are one of a kind on the market and our favorite jet ski brand here at JetSkiAdvice.com although we love Yamaha too! But the same rule applies to them too.

Ride Sea-Doo jet skis out of the water

Yamaha and Kawasaki use sea or lake water to cool the engine, while Sea-Doo uses a closed-loop system. It’s similar to a car or truck.

The exhaust system still uses seawater to some extent to cool the engine, so a Sea-Doo jet ski can’t be driven out of the water for more than 10 seconds.

Sea-Doo jet skis also come with flushing adapters so you can run the engine with a garden hose. In order to do this:

Have your water hose ready and in position. Connect the water hose to your flushing adapter, but do not turn it on yet. Start the engine of your jet ski. Quickly (within 5 seconds) turn on the water hose. Only run the ski for a short while to wash away the salt. Turn off your water hose. Turn off your jet ski

Note: Only use tap or rain water. Drilling water can damage your jet ski.

The guide I’ve outlined also applies to Yamaha and Kawasaki, but as always I recommend you consult your owner’s manual. You can also call your local dealer who can advise you on how to do this correctly.

Danger of running dry

Overheating a jet ski is a very real risk when you launch your jet ski and run it dry. Even 1 minute of operation is enough to cause significant damage if your engine needs an overhaul and this can cost you thousands of dollars.

Hydrolocking your engine is also a perfectly justifiable risk and if you don’t perform the flushing sequence outlined above you could also cause damage that can only be rectified by your local PWC dealer.

Oddly enough, some models don’t come with flushing adapters, so you’ll have to buy one.

The loud jet ski sound

Does your jet ski sound crazy loud and run dry when you launch it out of the water? Well, that’s actually quite normal. The pump needs water to swim and since it’s on land it just bounces around.

Second, your exhaust noise will be muffled when submerged in water. When it’s on the trailer it sounds very dry.

Clean properly

Most people launch their jet skis on land to properly clean them. I’ve written an in-depth guide to cleaning jet skis to keep your personal watercraft in tip-top condition.