New jet propulsion system

Does anyone have any comments on the new outboard
diesel jet propulsion unit. www.jetpac.us ??

[Willallison]

my first impression is that the unit is rather heavy - at 428kgs its significantly heavier than say Mercury's 150hp o/b (193kg). It's a bit lighter as Mercrury 2.8L diesel (150hp) but as it's bolted to the transom (rather than inside the boat) it would have a more significant effect on the LCG

what about it being an automotive engine and no prop?

[Willallison]

I only had a very quick look at the site, but I would be very surprised if it isn't marinised properly. Most so-called marine engines are derived from auto (or truck) engines, so I wouldn't see that as a problem.
As for jet vs. prop - that's a whole topic in itself - depends on the application, budget etc etc etc. But if I was looking for a 150hp diesel engined jet propulsion system, I'd have a look at it, but as I said before - the weight so far aft would definitley be a concern.

[Nomad]

The pack does float it's self rather well. The test ride was impressive.

I am going down to IBEX and than to the Ft. Laud show and
I will take a ride and let you know. You said its heavy but it is self
bouyant, and where its mounted evens out the c of g. i will
give my feed back once I test it

[Willallison]

The pack does float it's self rather well. The test ride was impressive

I take it you've been for a spin then Nomad - what else did you think?

You said its heavy but it is self
bouyant, and where its mounted evens out the c of g

I'm assuming that since it can be fitted to any boat with a deadrise of between 5 & 22 degrees, only a small area (including the pick-up) is in contact with the water when the vessel is on the plane. And, unless it creates enough of its own dynamic lift to remain 75% self-supporting (manufacturers claim) when it's on the plane then the LCG will be affected.

I'm not saying that it's no good or doesn't work - merely expressing my concern at placing so much weight aft of the transom....

[BVI Jon]

Looks interesting, but is it going to possably be limited to boats:

a) with a shallow "V" or less,

or

b) boats that only operate in reasonably calm water.


Jon.

MUST BE GOOD IT WON THE INNOVATION AWARD AT IBEX 2003

[yipster]

sure makes me wonder about -outboard- jetdrives again...

i live in the town where they make these JetPac's and have been out on both their boats fishing. All I can say is the KeyWest 196 is a shallow water fishing machine - its amazing how well it handles at slow speed making finding fish in the shallows a worry free experience. As for the offshore capabilities, the 275 gas JetPac had more than enough power to travel in 3-4 footers off of keywest, but I was not impressed with the ride of the Angler 220, Trims tabs could help that tho. Personally, my next boat will not be prop but a JetPac.