What Is A Jet Boat?
Simply put a jet boat is just like any other boat out there. The primary and most significant difference is the propulsion system. Instead of being pushed by a propeller on the outdrive, it is pushed by an enclosed impeller that forces water through a swivel nozzle.
They have evolved a lot since they were invented in the 1950s. Today we have jet boats on almost all sizes from 15ft to 27ft, and even jet powered center console boats.
There are a lot of advantages when it comes to jet boats. And if you are in the market for a new boat, you definitely should not ignore jet boats.
How Does A Jet Boat Work?
It soaks water in through the water intake located at the bottom of the boat. The engine powers the impeller witch is basically a propeller enclosed in a tube. The impeller spinning at very high rpm pushes the water out a movable nozzle called jet pump. The jet pump is connected to the steering wheel through cables, giving you the ability to steer left and right.
The reverse is almost too simple; when you put it in reverse, there is a bucket that covers the jet pump, redirecting water to the front of the boat.
When in neutral position this bucket in front of the jet pump sits halfway, sending some water to the front and some to the back of the boat allowing the boat to sit still.
How Fast Can Jet Boats Go?
There is no doubt that jet boats can be fast boats. A lot of them are equipped with supercharged engines producing 250 HP on single engines and 500 HP with twin engines on bigger boats. If you have a passion for speed, a jet boat might be right for you.
Here are some examples of some of the most popular jet boat max speed. We have taken all of the numbers from tests done by www.boattest.comand other sources.
| MODELS | ENGINE | TOP SPEED |
| 2019 Yamaha SX195 | Single 1812 cc – Yamaha Super Vortex High Output | 52.3 MPH |
| 2019 Yamaha SX210 | Twin 1049 cc – Yamaha Marine TR-1 High Output | 43.8 MPH |
| 2019 Yamaha 242 Limited S | Twin 1812 cc – Yamaha Marine High Output | 51.8 MPH |
| 2019 Yamaha 275SE | Twin 250 horsepower 1.8 liter – Yamaha Super Vortex High Output | 53 MPH |
| 2014 Chaparral 203 Vortex VRX | Single 250 horsepower Rotax Supercharged 1.5 liter High Output CAT | 44 MPH |
| 2015 Chaparral 223 Vortex VRX | Twin 205 horsepower Rotax 4-Tec 1.5 liter | 52.9 MPH |
| 2016 Chaparral 243 Vortex VRX | Twin 250 horsepower Rotax 4-Tec 1.5 liter | 56.1 MPH |
| 2017 Scarab 195 Open ID | Single 250 horsepower Rotax Supercharged | 41.9 MPH |
| 2016 Scarab 255 ID | Twin 250 horsepower Rotax Rotax 4-Tec 1.5 liter | 53.2 MPH |
How Much Does A Jet Boat Cost?
When it comes to price jet boats have prices for most every budget. You’ll find entry-level boats equipped with just the basics to get you on the water, top of the line models with all the luxury you can wish for and even center console jet boats designed with the family-oriented fisherman in mind.
Whatever you are looking for I’m sure there is a jet boat right for you out there. Here are some examples of the most popular jet boats.
16 Ft jet boats
- Scarab 16G $ 20,714
- Scarab 16ID $ 25,488
19 Ft jet boats
- Yamaha SX90 $ 30,399
- Yamaha AR190 $ 32,899
- Yamaha SX195 $ 38,599
- Yamaha 195S $ 39,999
- Scarab 195G $ 32,083
- Scarab 195ID $ 37,073
20-22Ft jet boats
- Yamaha SX210 $ 43,199
- Yamaha AR210 $ 45,799
- Yamaha 212 $ 53,399
- Yamaha 212S $ 56,599
- 203 Vortex VR $ 40,690
- 203 Vortex VRX $ 45,790
- 223 Vortex VR $ 55,950
- 223 Vortex VRX $ 61,350
- Scarab 215G $ 44,048
- Scarab 215ID $ 48,659
24-25 Ft jet boats
- Yamaha SX 240 $ 54,099
- Yamaha AR240 $ 57,199
- Yamaha 242S $ 66,999
- Yamaha 242SE $ 70,999
- 2430 Vortex VR $ 63,650
- 2430 Vortex VRX $ 69,850
- Scarab 255G $ 56,667
- Scarab 255ID $ 62,866
27Ft jet boats
- Yamaha 275E $ 99,999
- Yamaha 275SE $ 114,999
- Yamaha 275SD $ 129,999
Center Console Jet Boats
- Scarab 195 open G $ 33,452
- Scarab 195 open ID $ 35,732
- Scarab 255 open G $ 57,381
- Scarab 255 open ID $ 63,171
- Yamaha 190 FSH Deluxe $ 33,499
- Yamaha 190 FSH Sport $ 35,499
- Yamaha 195 FSH Deluxe $ 35,099
- Yamaha 195 FSH Sport $ 37,599
- Yamaha 210 FSH Deluxe $ 44,699
- Yamaha 210 FSH Sport $ 47,499
Do Jet Boats Use More Fuel?
If fuel is a concern, a jet boat might not be right for you. Altho these engines have improved their fuel efficiency over the years. Unfortunately, they still consume more fuel than sterndrive or outboard boats.
In a lot of cases, up to 50% more fuel consumption. This beast boats spotting twin supercharged engines producing impressive 500 HP are definitely thirsty for fuel.
If you are cruising down the inlet or chilling on the sand bar, you are probably ok. But if you are pulling a raft all day or trying to break your MPH record, you better keep an eye on that fuel gauge.
Basically, the more fun you have with your boat, the more fuel your boat is going to burn.
Do jet boats have propellers?
Jet boats have impellers witch, in essence, a propeller. The difference is that this impeller is enclosed in housing as opposed to the traditional propeller which is exposed. This gives the jet boat an advance on safety because there is no risk of swimmers coming in contact with the exposed propeller.
Advantages of jet boats
Jet boats definitely have many advantages that make them a strong contester against any sterndrive.
- Safety advantage of not having an exposed propeller.
- They don’t have an outdrive allowing them to go on very shallow waters.
- Fun factor, they are capable of very rapid acceleration and top speed.
- Great maneuverability at high speeds.
- The design of the jet propulsion enables a better floor plan on the transom area.
- There are less moving parts making maintenance easier.
What is the biggest jet boat?
The biggest jet boat or jet-powered vessel is actually found in the US military. The Littoral Combat Ship is a combat vessel designed to move fast with excellent maneuverability.
These big combat ships are technically big jet boats that can also operate near shore.
On the center console side, the biggest jet boat is the Scarab 255 Open, offered in two options the 255 Open G and the 255 Open ID. This boat is 25′ long with a beam of 8’4″, has a capacity for 13 people and a fuel capacity of 56 gallons. Power options, twin 150 HP Rotax 4-TEC 1.5L, twin 200 HP Rotax 4-TEC, twin 250 HP Rotax 4-TEC and twin 300 HP Rotax 1.6L. It serves as a fishing/family boat.
Representing the runabouts is the new 2019 Yamaha 275 witch is offered in three models, 275E, 275SE, and 275SD. All models are powered by twin 1.8L Yamaha SVHO engines.
This boat is 27′ long with a beam 9′ wide. Have plenty of room to enjoy the days on the water with the family and friends, since it is a yacht certified boat. It has a fuel capacity of 90 gallons. This boat is aimed family/luxury boat.
Jet Boat manufacturers
- Yamaha Boats
- Scarab Boats
- Chaparral Boats
- Sea-Doo boats (don’t make jet boats anymore)
- Glastron boats (don’t make jet boats anymore)
The takeaway jet boats are an excellent choice. They are reliable and have many advantages. If you are in the market for a new boat you should definitely consider a jet boat, it might be just what you are looking for.