Jet engines come in two varieties – inboard and outboard. Regardless of the type of motor, the jet system consumes about 30% of the engines horsepower while taking in the water and accelerating it out the back. A 50HP outboard fitted with a jet unit will make about 35HP at the nozzle. Other typical combinations you see are 25/20, 60/40, 90/65, 115/80, 150/105, and 200/140.

Inboard jets usually consist of automotive style engines that are “marinized” for use in boats and to which are fitted jet pump systems. The most common brands of jet pumps in our area are Kodiak and Hamilton. Both are excellent systems, have different characteristics, work well, and have their share of dedicated and vocal advocates. Inboard engine horsepower ratings start around 225HP and go up to 425HP in the boats that we sell.

A hybrid design that has really caught on in the last couple of years is Mercury’s SportJet. With this package Mercury has taken a 2-stroke outboard powerhead and mated it to a proprietary, highly efficient pump system. The result is a fairly small but powerful system that works really well in 18’ to 20’ boats. The SportJet 175 is a carbureted, oil-injected motor, while the 240 is an oil-inject EFI motor. While significantly more expensive, the 240 SportJet really packs a punch, is fairly quiet, and gets excellent fuel mileage for a 2-stroke.

Which motor to pick? Personal preferences reign. For small boats outboards are the answer because of weight. They work well on boats up to about 21’. In the middle range, walk-through windshield style hulls in 18’ to 20’ the Merc SportJet packages are great. The engine/pump systems weigh less than half what even the smallest marinized automotive-style engine weighs and take up a lot less room inside the boat. For larger boats, where you want to take a lot of people, haul a lot of stuff, or drive long distances, there’s nothing like the big V-8s. They run good, they sound good, and they provide the kind of real push you need to operate a boat of that caliber. A classic setup would be a Bosch port-fuel-injected 350 that makes about 330HP with either a 3-stage Kodiak or Hamilton 212 Turbo pump; this is a very satisfying yet still fairly economical package in a 21’ or 22’ riverboat.

You can buy a jet boat at AMDS that ranges anywhere in size from 14’ to 24’. Hull styles include flat-bottomed jons, tunnel jons, and Skiff or Sport styles with 5 degree or 12 degree bottoms. For someone looking for the proverbial “all-around boat,” a 21’ to 24’ inboard with 12 degree V makes a reasonable compromise. One of the beauties of inboard (4-stroke) power is the ready availability of cabin heat and defrost. Having that blast of warm air on a chilly morning is a really nice touch.

Here’ a list of jet boats AMDS either has in stock or can readily order for you:

Lowe 1448MT with Mercury 25/20 Jet – This little model will get one or two people into really skinny water locations with minimum expense. Light enough to drag around without too much effort.

Lowe 1648MT – Package this boat with a Honda 50/35 Jet and you’ve got a very capable craft for a couple of people. Economical, satisfying performance, great bang for the buck.

Roughneck 1655 Tunnel – One of our most popular packages, this all-welded boat is tough and will take a big engine. The tunnel helps protect the jet foot from excessive damage in less than ideal conditions. With two people, this boat will run fairly well with the Honda 50/35 Jet. A Honda 90/65 Jet makes it come alive. For a real adrenaline boost, strap an Evinrude 115/80 Direct Injection Jet on the back and hang on! This is the performance package in a mid-sized jon. The Evinrude gives you instant acceleration and very good fuel economy. You can also select a pair of 14 gallon saddle tanks (factory option only) and have a boat you can take just about anywhere in the Susitna drainage.

Roughneck 1760MT – Our top selling welded jon boat, the 1760 has a wide-open interior you can set up any way you want. It makes a great cargo boat. The premium package is a Honda 90/65 Jet and a center console.

Lowe 1852MT – Big, lightweight riveted boat that’s one of the mainstays in the lineup. The big bottom makes it run well with a 50/35 or 60/40.

Roughneck 1960MT – Two feet longer than the 1760 but configured the same, this boat will take up to a 150/105 Jet. Lots of space to haul cargo or fish.

Jetcraft 1875SK Merc SportJet 175 – The best performing entry-level inboard jet we offer. This boat is really fun to operate and economical to own. While it’s not fancy, it will get you to the fish.

Jetcraft 1975XL Merc SportJet 240 EFI – If you want as thrill, get this inboard-powered boat! With 240HP at the impeller in a lightweight, very strong all-welded hull, and top-level trim package, this is a boat that runs as good as it looks and gets very good mileage in the process.

Aurora 20’ Sport Merc SportJet 175 – This is a beautiful boat! Classic, tough, extruded aluminum construction is built to last and just works great in our environment. The 175 SportJet works very well in this hull providing in the range of 40mph capability with light loads, and the small motorbox gives you a lot of room inside for a 20’ hull. For even more excitement specify the SportJet 240 EFI.

Aurora 21’ Sport Outboard – If you want the best looking, best performing outboard jet available, look no further. With a Honda 200/140 this boat gets right with it. This is a class act that with a small kicker works well as an all-around boat too. We like this boat!!!!

Aurora 21’ Riverskiff Inboard Jet – This is where the big V-8s start. A carb 350 with about 280HP, a new-generation Kodiak 2-stage pump, and a 5 degree bottom, this is a fine Susitna River boat. Plenty of options available in motors, pumps, boat lengths.

Aurora 22’ Riverskiff Guide Special Inboard Jet – This one is built for those who have been around the river a long time and know what they want! Five degree, .250” bottom, 350 Bosch Port Fuel Injected engine set forward so you can walk all the way around the doghouse, and a Kodiak 3-stage pump. This puppy rips! Tough as nails -- Susitna ready.

Jetcraft 2275XL Inboard Jet – This is a gorgeous boat that runs as good as it looks. 350 PFI motor mated to a Hamilton 212 pump and a stepped transom with integrated kicker bracket. The 14 degree bottom works fine in the bigger rivers and gives you an additional edge as a boat to use in light saltwater. If you’ve never driven a Hamilton 212 pump, you’ll be amazed at the low-speed maneuverability. This setup is a pleasure to drive and the whole package is a visual knockout.

Aurora 24’ Sport Willow Creek Special Inboard Jet – For those who absolutely must have the best there is, this package is very special. Built on a Sport hull with a classic straight sheerline, this boat has a .250 inch, 5 degree, 7 foot wide bottom. The 496CI engine is set forward for walk-around capability, and can be had in horsepower ratings up to 425. This boat will plane from idle in a boat-length…no bull!!! Arguably the best guideboat on the rivers, there’s nothing else quite like it.

There you have it – something for everyone. If shallow water is what you like to play in, take your pick and go have fun. If you have difficulty choosing, consult with any of our experienced staff and we’ll help you get into the boat that best suits your needs.

Chuck Maas