1992 Zodiac Projet 50hp Yamaha twin 650

[Superjetstew]

I haven’t found anything about these boats on this site yet, or anywhere else for that matter. Well besides my thread over in “the X” xh20.com, a forum for stand up jet skis, a sport that I am heavily involved in. I’ll put a link to that thread.. there’s a lot more information that will just be easier to share it lol and pics!

Other - 1992 Zodiac Projet Jetboat

This thread is intended to help myself and other Zodiac Projet owners to keep track of the very little information known about these little boats. The power plant and drive train are all waverunner 3 junk so I hope that it is welcomed here as I can’t find much, I’ll be adding links for what I do...

www.x-h2o.com

this is different! This time I’m in here with a bunch of jet-boaters instead of jet-skiers! How cool! Jetboaters.net unfortunately does not have my model in the index registry but that’s okay! I’ll do my best to fill you all in and hopehave some good conversation and better fun while I’m at it.

 

[Superjetstew]

14’ Zodiac “Projet” mini center console RIB
Inboard outboard
Yamaha Waverunner III running gear
6m6 650cc twin 2-stroke 50hp
144mm pump three blade impeller 6v stator
12 gal fuel tank
990lbs or 6 persons capacity

 

[zipper]

Pretty cool little Zodiac project boat/tender. How does it run? I see you have been refitting parts. Zodiac makes them electric now.

@Julian may have to add Zodiac to the list.

 

[Superjetstew]

Yeah I like it pretty good, it does run, very well at that. Like I said I’m a jetski freak so I know my way around these Yamaha twins pretty good. I’ll be replacing the 650cc with a 760cc this season sometime, I’ll have to repitch the impeller to make the most of the extra ponies but I’ll also be adding a “Riva Red” pipe made for a Yamaha Blaster which on these Yamaha twins make a pretty good bit power compared to stock on these Yamaha twins, I run one on my Squarenose Superjet and it makes close to “Factory B-pipe” power if your familiar… so it should scoot pretty good after that. Should be about 110hp all said and done.

Zodiac had a whole line of Waverunner 3 based tender/dinghys in the 90’s most of them has offset steering to the right side of the hull and were designed for tendering people, they had a wrap around style seat in the front and back. And could comfortably seat 6. Whereas the model I have “Projet” has what is center orientated steering and a bench seat wide enough for two people on the front of the center console and an open flat bottomed deck. My model Seems more orientated for gear and equipment than people.

 

[ekopack1985]

This is so awesome. I inherited a 1992 Projet about 3 years ago. I bought a new tube, replaced fuel lines, plugs, battery, etc. She is ALIVE again. I've looked all over and you are the only person (in the last 5 years) that has this same boat!
I have a few questions:
How do I hookup a fresh water flush kit to the J650C engine?
When I'm running full throttle the boat engine doesn't provide consistent power (cuts in and out). One video I found said the plug boot terminals might be an issue. Any ideas?
If I start the engine in reverse, I can't move the direction lever into the forward position (it feels jammed). I can turn the engine off, move the selector forward and fire it back up while holding the little black button by the selector. The selector moves freely with the engine off just not on. Again, any help is appreciated.
I replaced the fuel sender/gauge. Now I'm getting inaccurate fuel readings (on a level trailer, not underway). Can these be adjusted or do I need a different sender and or gauge. If so, what am I looking for?

Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Superjetstew]

This is so awesome. I inherited a 1992 Projet about 3 years ago. I bought a new tube, replaced fuel lines, plugs, battery, etc. She is ALIVE again. I've looked all over and you are the only person (in the last 5 years) that has this same boat!
I have a few questions:
How do I hookup a fresh water flush kit to the J650C engine?
When I'm running full throttle the boat engine doesn't provide consistent power (cuts in and out). One video I found said the plug boot terminals might be an issue. Any ideas?
If I start the engine in reverse, I can't move the direction lever into the forward position (it feels jammed). I can turn the engine off, move the selector forward and fire it back up while holding the little black button by the selector. The selector moves freely with the engine off just not on. Again, any help is appreciated.
I replaced the fuel sender/gauge. Now I'm getting inaccurate fuel readings (on a level trailer, not underway). Can these be adjusted or do I need a different sender and or gauge. If so, what am I looking for?

Any and all help is appreciated. Thanks!

What’s up ekopack??!!

where did you find a replacement tube? Can you share a link of it and some pictures of it installed?

there is a plug in the exhaust head pipe that can be removed to install a flush kit, I can share some pics when I get home.

its difficult to know why it’s not running properly without knowing all the facts. Let me ask you a few things that can help narrow it down… it’s either a fuel/air issue, electrical or possibly the pump condition 1.when is the last time the carb was rebuilt? 2. What kind of shape is the impeller in and how is the impeller clearance with the wear ring? 2. Are you running solid top Spark plugs? 3. What ratio fuel/oil premix are you running?

 

[ekopack1985]

I ordered the tube through this company: Boat & Outboard Sales & Service | Boat Specialists I'm in California and I believe they ordered it from Zodiac in France. It wasn't cheap and took a while but the old original tube was thrashed.

Pictures of the plug would be a huge help.

I'm new to working on these engines so I'll do the best I can here. I'm not sure the carb has ever been rebuilt. It sat for years without being ran so that certainly could be it. I will check the impeller but I would need some guidance on clearance specs to know how to address that question. Spark plugs I'll get back to you on as well. Fuel ratio is 40:1.

Thanks!

 

[ekopack1985]

Hey Superjetstew,

I attached some photos of the hose connection. I'm thinking it's the blue hose for fresh water flush and the lighter white/clear hose is the water exhaust hose from the engine?

I also through on a photo of it with the new tube. I'll get better ones when I pull it out. Years ago we put a Group K sleeper kit in it.

Looking forward getting her back in the water soon.