Buying a Jet Motor for Your Boat? What Can You Expect?
Choosing the Right Engine
Depending on your taste in boating areas, the engine requirements change too. Keep in mind that all boats do not have the luxury to accommodate every engine type. So, if you carefully analyze your boat’s hull and other structural designs, it will become easier for you to select the right option.
Generally, three engine categories are considered when it comes to powering a boat:
- Outboard
- Sterndrive
- Jet engines
Outboards can be an appropriate option for those looking for a self-contained motor unit with higher fuel efficiency and lighter engine.
Sterndrive motors, on the other hand, are the automotive engines that give off a cleaner look to the entire boat. Since the motors are mounted inside the ship, there are no power-heads sticking outside. If you are looking for inboard outboard engines for sale, we have you covered.
Jet motors can work as a better companion than other engine types when you plan for boating in shallow waters or stumpy shores.
How do the Jet Boat Motors work?
Instead of a propeller turning the water and providing thrust, these engines work on Newton’s third law as a jet stream of water is used to push the boat forward. The engine turns an impeller, which sucks the water in and forces it out in a high-pressured stream.
This characteristic makes them different from a typical boat motor where the boat’s stern is attached with a propeller and requires a great deal of water to operate.
What You Can Expect from It
Besides the FourStroke Outboard Mercury jet motors, Mercury still offers the Sport Jet engines, which come with the revolutionary OptiMax two-stroke Direct Injection technology. It enables the engine to generate exceptional power with an immediate turn-key starting and high fuel economy.
Some of the advantages of using a jet motor are:
- Since there is no external propeller that could get damaged, you could brave the shallow waters without worrying about the repair cost.
- It provides a no-smoke operation.
- A diverter is used to create a reverse thrust.
- The compact four-cylinder engine standard in most of the jet-powered systems takes up less space.
- Lighter than sterndrive motors.
- Can be an ideal deal for pilot boats in shallow waters
Jet motors are relatively expensive and also requires experienced hands to keep it in top shape. But, if you know the engine and can work on it yourself, you can cut down on the maintenance fees. A reliable boat dealer can help you maintain your jet engine to avoid unnecessary repair costs and get an efficient output from it every time you hit the waves.
In a nutshell, if more prominent, bolder boating, and taming the shallow water is what’s on your schedule, a jet motor is a way to go.
However, some of its drawbacks are:
- The pump intake can be clogged by weeds, stray dock lines, etc.
- The boat’s running angle cannot be adjusted to accommodate the change in passenger count or speed conditions.
- Proper and frequent tune-up is required. Otherwise, you may end up with high maintenance costs.
- They are also gas guzzlers and hence, could be very loud while operating.
Conclusion
Choosing the right engine for your boat can be a very daunting task. While there is no “best boat motor” that fulfills every expectation, the Jet motors are the synonyms of simplicity, fun and power. They can give you every reason to enjoy your marine time. You can consider buying the model that suits your boating needs and the boat specification.
Alberni Power and Marine offers a wide variety of Mercury jet motors from 25 horsepower to 80 horsepower with different starting and steering systems at a price range starting from approx. $5000. For any further queries you may have or better offers for the engines or related marine accessories, you can connect with our experienced team at your convenience.