Jet Boats??

mossimo · Criminal Joined: 28 May 2003 Posts: 76 City: Arkansas

I have been searching for a boat and ran across a good deal with a Sugar Sand jet boat. It has get a 250hp v6 in it and plenty of room for people and ballast. Since I am new to the sport I don't have to have a huge wake to jump off of because right now I am just trying to get to where I can ride with confidence. I was wondering if a boat like this will do good for me to begin with and allow me ride for a few years and then I could try to upgrade to another boat that is more suited. If any one has had any experience with boarding behind one please share your thoughts. I am open to suggestions.

BIGMAC · Posted: Jun 04, 2003 8:19 pm Post subject:

Have no fear BigMac is here Exclamation

Don't get that boat!!! Ballast and people don't always make for a good wake and neither does a jet motor. Look into the older Nautiques 2001 editions. I think there is one at www.mcboats.com for sale. It's not on the site but you can get their # from them. MCBoats is in Conway if you didn't know. There was also a 1995 Super Sport Nautique (same hull as a Super Air)in the Little Rock paper a few weks ago for 16k. I have the # if you want it.

mossimo · Criminal Joined: 28 May 2003 Posts: 76 City: Arkansas

BIGMAC, I understand that jet boats are not the best wakeboard boats on the market. The problem I have with the boats you have recommended is that they are tournament boats and I'm not in it for competition right now. I also can not justify buying a boat that is 8 or 10 years old because it is a tournament boat when for less money I can buy a 2 year old boat that is in better shape. I am hoping to one day trade up to a new mastercraft after I know what I'm doing and need a better wake for better tricks. My main question is wheather or not a jet boat pulls a boarder very well and if there is any wake at all behind a jet boat?

ghettolake415 · Posted: Jun 05, 2003 6:26 am Post subject:

i can throw rolls raleys and spins off my Sea-Doo utopia 185 jet boats wake. i didn't have the money and i wasn't to keen on buy a boat that is 9000 years and and will break every 5 seconds. i do have a monkey bar on mine thou and i use about 500lbs of ballast. the wake isn't horrible but it's nothing like a real wakeboat wake but if it's what u can afford they r fine. where i ride the water is only about 3ft deep so that helps alot also having a jet. somethimes we even ride in shallower water.

mossimo · Criminal Joined: 28 May 2003 Posts: 76 City: Arkansas

thanksghettolake415, I will be in a deep lake but I know this boat will get out on the water and back whenever I want it to. Like I said I am just now starting to ride so small tricks will be all I'm doing and so I won't need a huge wake. I know there is room on both sides of the engine and in the ski locker for ballast. The other great thing about this boat is that I can still afford a tower to go on it. Any recomendations Question

Sportster4Tec · Posted: Jun 05, 2003 7:48 am Post subject:

Ghettolake im sure your boat would make a better wake if you where in a deeper lake or river you should try it sometime.

Butta Seeka · Posted: Jun 05, 2003 8:01 am Post subject:

i ride behind a sugar sand and think its a great boat, we put the joystick roll bar on it and it works fine been using it for a couple years now, if u want have any questions about the baot itself then just pm me, o yea when the water is to choppy for wakeboarding the boat is fun as hell to drive cause u can swamp the damn thing and dive it under water, and do 180's and 360's in it. So over all its a really great boat.

ghettolake415 · Posted: Jun 05, 2003 11:02 am Post subject:

i also ride in salt stuff. my riding set up isn't that great but ti's all good!!!!!!!!!

tdes · Soul Rider Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 270 City: Orlando

I don't know what maintenance is like on a jet boat, but I'd bet it's relatively the same s jetskis, and those break down all the time. I have an 1988 Mastercraft, I bought it for $8500, but it's got the 454 big block in it which is nice. Anyway, I met this guy with a really new and nice boat and he complained about it breaking down all the time too. Boats are just going to do that. Yeah, my boat breaks down pretty frequently, but 90% of the time I can figure out what's wrong (older, easily accessible and a simpler engine to troubleshoot).

In my opinion, get an old boat with a prop and a big engine. Justifying a jet boat just becuase it's newer and is going to break down less seems a little foolish. Plus, you'll have a nice sweet wake that will help you get used to jumps and become a better rider. Gaining confidence on a board doesn't take that long. I'm just thining that in a month or two of solid riding you're gonna be a little bummed that your boat is limiting your the amount of air you get and whatnot.

dane · Posted: Jun 05, 2003 2:47 pm Post subject: Jet Boats

Well for one thing a jet boats are really made for running in really shallow water, like rivers and streams. They are also designed for running down the lakes and banging your boat in to anything possible, such as sand bars and stuff. They are not made for towing recreational sports like wakeboarding and tubing. You can even develop a huge spray, and hose the person behind you(not cool). Its nots a bad idea putting a monkey bar on a Sea-Doo little watercrafts but for putting a tower on any other jet boat, you would be crazy. There would be no wake behind the jet boat either, a tower helps you create more lift and air time. But you need a wake to create any air. You just wasting your money putting a tower on a jet boat. Your best bet would be to buy an older Inboard/Outboard, like a BlueWater, Reinell, Sea-Ray, Campion, you will get a better resale value, especially if you put a tower on it. Or you could even buy an older ski supreme, nautique, etc. It will also take you longer to outgrow one of these boats. Anyways Just trying to help you make an informed decision.

mossimo · Criminal Joined: 28 May 2003 Posts: 76 City: Arkansas

tdes, you will think that the prop and big motor is the better way to go when you break down in the middle of the lake and need parts and have to paddle that 5 miles back to the launch. I on the other hand would rather have a little less of a wake and not be found paddling a ski boat. If i want to paddle something I will stick to my kayak.

dane, I understand I will have better resale value with a $20,000 boat but if I had the money to buy one of those boats we would not be having this discussion no would we.

Personally I just want a boat that is able to pull me up out of the water and allow me to get in some boarding time. The last time I checked a crappy wake was better than no wake at all.

Sportster4Tec · Posted: Jun 05, 2003 3:45 pm Post subject:

I dont know about that jet boat but i have the new 2003 Seadoo Sportster 4-Tec. The wake on mine with two people in the boat and no other weight is about knee high(im 5'7") and it isnt that soft. I get awesome gas mileage and jet boats are really fun to drive. They dont make the best wake by any means but they will certainly pull you out of the water and provide enough wake for you to jump and do simple tricks. If you get realy into wakeboarding then in like 2 years you can invest money in an older inboard. Im testing out putting about 200 extra pounds of PVC pipe filled with extra wheel weight(lead) from the tire place. But anyway i think you will be pretty happy but i dont know anything about your boat.

BIGMAC · Posted: Jun 05, 2003 4:46 pm Post subject:

mossimo, sounds like you already have your mind made up so I don't even know why you asked. I bet if you get that boat than you will want to sale it within a year or two!! Probably less than a year. Drive and board behind a few boats like me and you will know. You keep talking about breaking down. Those 80 model boats will still be running in ten years while those jet boats will have completly fallen apart by then. I have spent some time behind a simalar boat just to let you know I do know a little about what I am talking about. Also everybody says they are fun to drive if your not boarding. Well I have to ask if you have ever been behind an inboard? On a different note are you going to Burns Park this weekend for the wakeboard tourny?

mossimo · Criminal Joined: 28 May 2003 Posts: 76 City: Arkansas

BIGMAC, I hadn't made up my mind to buy a jet boat but i have made up my mind not to buy an inboard that is almost as old as i am. I probably will sell it in a couple of years. I already had planned on that like I said in my first post. but i didn't know if a jet boat was even possible to board behind because I have never had the chance to. As far as Burns park this weekend I am going to try but I don't have definate plans at this point. What time does it start?

Butta Seeka · Posted: Jun 05, 2003 8:23 pm Post subject:

ok our jetboat is like an 2000 model and we have never had engine problems, i ride behind the same boat that he is thinkin of getting, we got it for about 10k very good deal i think. and allthough its not the best wake there is a wake and with like 500lb of ballast its not that bad. So unless you have actually riden behind a jetboat or at least the one he is thinkin of getting i wouldent say anything about it.

just keep in mind that some people just plain out dont have the money for even an old inboard, lest he is getting a boat so id just be happy with that.

RanMan · Outlaw Joined: 14 Apr 2003 Posts: 186 City: Pittsburgh

A friend sold his '91 barefoot Nautique for 16k recently. V-drive, 454, perfect condition. With a tower on a boat like that you'd have all you need, and need to make no apologies. Those older boats can be as reliable as new ones, provided they've been maintained and treated well. Break down? What's going to break down on a boat that has been taken care of? Spark and fuel. Keep after those systems and it will always run. As for return on investment, a boat like that is basically done depreciating as long as you keep it in good condition. You could keep it for three years and get 13-15k back out of it. If it were me, I'd check out boat trader for a gem like my friends Barefoot. You can not go wrong.
Cool

tdes · Soul Rider Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 270 City: Orlando

RanMan - you said it better than me. Sure, I've broken down a few times when i first got the boat, but since then I know of the two things to check first. I haven't broken down in months (knowck on wood). I actually had to swim my boat about 1/4 mile to shore a few times before I learned. But precisely, fuel and spark. I got a brand new starter and had my fuel system completely flushed and bad parts replaced, and now I'm running great. Everything from here is minor maintenance, and learning the lesson of having to tow the boat back by swimming, I'll definately be doing that.

How are jet boats for skiing? Enough power to get a 200-lb slalom skier up without losing balance. Barefooting? Sure this is a wakeboarding forum but periodically you might wish for greater flexibility.

ghettolake415 · Posted: Jun 06, 2003 5:07 am Post subject:

mossimo i'm w/ u on the fact that since i was born in the year 1988, i don't think i should get a boat that was made in the same year. that just doesn't seem like a good idea. Ranman u say that if it's been taken care or but u have no idea what some ppl do to their boats. i

if u have the money to afford a wakeboat then get one but if u don't then any boat that gets u riding is better then no boat at all.

King of the Tigers · Posted: Jun 06, 2003 7:32 am Post subject:

Wow Ranman actually endorsed a Nautique. That's like Satan telling people to be good so they can go to heaven. j/k Ranman
Anyway although I can make no promises regarding older boats I have a 88 Nautique 2001 with now about 700 hours on it and neither my dad nor I have had any big problems with it. Since I really started using it tons last summer (and I have no off season) I have had to replace one impeller. It is a great boat because people who want to ski can and love it and with some weight it throws an awesome wake. I think it is the perfect boat to start on and advance in.

degraafics · Guest

Ok, if you know that you aren't going to get an inboard then almost any boat will do as long as it has enough power to get you out of the water. (250hp is plenty)
I've ridden behind a 1990 Sun Ray I/O for the past 3 years and it's been a good boat. Great for learning. I just upgraded to a '03 Mobius LSV this year cause I know how to ride now and so do my friends.
A jet boat won't make much wake, but I'm sure you know that.
You could get a Sea Doo (3 seater) and it would pull you fine, but there's no room for friends.
As for the people that say jet boat motors or jet ski motors won't last, you should pull your heads out of your asses cause you obviously have no clue what you're talking about. I've riden jet skis since the early 80s and never had a major problem. My dad had 1 problem with an old Sea Doo Rotax engine but the company has fixed that problem about 12 years ago.
Sea Doo, Yamaha, Honda, and Kawasaki didn't build their reputations by putting out crappy products.
So get what-ever you can afford. As long as it has enough power. You'll eventually want to trade up later.

BIGMAC · Posted: Jun 06, 2003 9:16 am Post subject:

WakeSK8erTrevo, So unless you have actually riden behind a jetboat or at least the one he is thinkin of getting i wouldent say anything about it.?????// Did you not read my post all they way? Read again!!!!

Butta Seeka · Posted: Jun 06, 2003 9:37 am Post subject:

so you have riden behind the tango is that waht your saying

mossimo · Criminal Joined: 28 May 2003 Posts: 76 City: Arkansas

degraafics, That is the best way I have heard it put yet.

As far as it breaking down and bagging on jet motors you should really do your resarch first becuase then you would know that this boat has a mercury jet motor which is basically the same as any mercruiser I/O only the lower unit is different.

The whole reason this thread was started was not to be told I needed to go out and buy a piece of sh@t inboard because I can't afford a new one. But it was started to find out info as to wheather or not a jet boat is capable of doing what I want to do which is to go out on the lake and board. Be able to spend some time on the lake developing skills to later be able to use the wake of an inboard. It would not matter right now even if I did have a new inboard with a fancy wake because I don't have the skills to use it. I also wanted to know if anybody has had bad experiences with jetboats in general or with the specific brand of boat that I am looking at.

BIGMAC, I'm not denying the fact that you know what you are talking about but I also have to wonder what your skill level is. I would almost bet that you are a 1000 times more advanced than I am. Therefore you would need the better wake in order to have a more satisfying run. If I just get up and ride for a little while I'm stoked. If I was a bit more advanced I would most definatly appreciate the advice more.

Dave W · Posted: Jun 06, 2003 11:27 am Post subject:

Sounds to me like mossimo already had his mind made up before he asked the question.

In the end, whatever you can have fun behind will work. But what I think everyone is trying to say is that if you are serious about wakeboarding then a D-drive might be a better choice. In my (personal) opinion, wanting to get a newer boat is not really the way to go. Other factors to consider: where will you be running it, are you an experienced boater, are you going to be doing your own maintenance. I personally think that if you have a clue what you're doing, you can use your common sense about buying an affordable used boat and find something that is in good mechanical condition and will suit your needs just fine. With a used boat you won't be taking the initial hit once you've driven it off the dealer's lot. Plus, D-drives are a snap to work on. Unless you totally trash your drive train, you can pretty much do all the work yourself. And that can save a lot of money in the long run. But then again, that's just my opinion and it sounds like mossimo really wants the jet boat. I'm sure there are plenty of jet boat fans out there who would argue against D-drives and rave about jets.

But.... you probably won't find a whole lot of those people on a wakeboarding website.

Dave W · Posted: Jun 06, 2003 11:34 am Post subject:

Mossimo-- I think it may be you who has to do the research. There is a big difference between Mercury and Mercruiser. So tell me, what's the displacement of your Mercury motor? 5.7 litres? I think not. The largest it is most likely to be is 2.5 litres. Is the engine similar to a mercruiser engine with a "different lower unit". No. Plain and simple. Is it similar to a mercury outboard? Yes. Don't get me wrong, I never made the engine reliability case in the first place. I'm also not bashing or anything, I just hope you really know what you're getting yourself into and not just buying a greasy slick sales pitch.

Dave W · Posted: Jun 06, 2003 11:37 am Post subject:

Since when did "used" mean "piece of sh@t"?

BIGMAC · Posted: Jun 06, 2003 11:48 am Post subject:

WakeSK8erTrevo, yup Wink

Jay Dutton · Posted: Jun 06, 2003 12:07 pm Post subject:

Another thing to remember is that jet boats don't hold thier value worth crap. You can buy an older inboard, use it for a few years and pretty much sell it for what you got it for. I'd also check the insurance on those things, I can picture them being higher than an inboard or i/o, but I could be wrong.

If you really want to learn how to wakeboard, don't get a jet boat. At least get an i/o if you don't get an inboard.

Butta Seeka · Posted: Jun 06, 2003 12:41 pm Post subject:

im not saying jet boats are better and i dont think Mossimo is either all im saying is that the boat he is looking at will work fine for him. I would take a bu over a jetboat any day of the week.

tdes · Soul Rider Joined: 07 Feb 2003 Posts: 270 City: Orlando

Trying to add to the discussion and not getting into huge jetboat vs inboard discussion, I think that the level of difficulty argument is a little invalid. I started wakeboarding very recently (about a year ago). I had gone behind jetskis a few times in the past, but that was far anfew between. Anyway, it didn't take me more than a month or two before I started charging the wake as much as I could. I spent a lot of time learning surface 180's, riding switch, butterslides (don't know if that works with a jetboat though) and after a while I got bored and wanted to start getting a little air. It's not like it's gonna take you a year or anything till your skills improve. Take it from me, I'm sorta older, smoke, drink, a little overweight, and not the world's most coordinated person in the world (but not the least either). If you're really looking to get into wakeboarding, get an inboard. If you're looking simply to have a no-worries good time, go with the jet boat.

Butta Seeka · Posted: Jun 06, 2003 8:52 pm Post subject:

argh i give up trying to convince you that allthought the wake isent the best its also not the worst, grrrrrr. Twisted Evil

bruttenberg · Posted: Jun 07, 2003 4:34 am Post subject:

inboard definitely. You want a smaller wake to learn on - empty the ballast. As your skills increase add weight. I can't imagine the jet boat is something you are going to be happy with.

Remember, the ppl here aren't trying to sell you anything. Heed their advice (w/a grain of salt of course)

mossimo · Criminal Joined: 28 May 2003 Posts: 76 City: Arkansas

Ok what do you people not understand I am NOT buying an old inboard Exclamation

It will either be a jet boat or an I/O. Since those that actually have jetboats and ride behind them have told me good things about them I will probably try to deal the salesman on it. If I can't work a good deal on it I will buy an I/O of some type. So all of you who keep writing in and saying "buy an inboard" are doing nothing but wasting your time. Thanks to all those who actually had useful information to tell me.

Jeremy Coe · Soul Rider Joined: 27 Feb 2003 Posts: 408 City: Auckland

Maybe if you think about it mossimo, you will realise that you are wasting time and money on a jetboat....

The only reason you have against inboards is that they break down all the time...Do you realise that an inboard is pretty much the simplest of all engine designs? Cylinders, crankshaft, prop shaft. Easy money. A lot more can go wrong with a jet boat in my opinion. And just for the record...EVERY jet ski I have ever been on has had problems. EVERY SINGLE ONE.

Tyler · Posted: Jun 07, 2003 10:04 am Post subject:

I liek jet boats, but i have NO INtrest in the new ones, there more sport boats, there kidna liek rice burners there smlal and quik but thats about all there good for Laughing

we have a 73 american eagle with a 455, the diff is are boat is alot bigger than those little sugar sands (mines 18") and we have a berkely jet, those jets on the newer boats are little wuss jets so id say find an older prop boat buddy. so look for a older boat maby hte old jets boats with good jets last forever Berkely is the best name in jets and there still made quility there very beefy which might be y there not on new boats?

Ty,