Cobra Jet Steering for Scarab 195

[BCat]

Hello all,

I installed a set of Cobra jet fins on my scarab today. Figured I'd post some pics. I originally considered adding Thrust Vectors, and I didn't know any other options we're out there. When I found these I decided on them. I'm a believer in the KISS principle (keep it simple stupid). The fact these bolt on and don't move appealed to me. The articulating thrust vector seemed like one more thing that could break, and I saw reviews that it kicked up water on the swim platform also. These fins don't extend down as much either so my draft is still nice and shallow.

The install took a couple hours. Was a pain getting a couple of the forward bolts through the holes I drilled without hitting the internal jet nozzle. If I had to install it again I know it would only take me 30 minutes. My only concern is possible corrosion over time at the drill/bolt holes. All the hardware is stainless and if I spray it with some corrosion inhibitor now and then I think I'll be fine.

Last part is to test it on the water and see how they actually work!

 

[madscientist]

looking forward to the update

 

[BCat]

looking forward to the update

Well I've been out three times now with the new fins on. They have improved the steering response a bit, but honestly can't say it lives up to my expectations (maybe my expectations were too high). Interestingly enough, I feel like my high speed tracking and ability to hold a line improved much more than the slow speed maneuverability. It seems to track over wakes better, and better on downward swells when passing other boats as well. As far as low speed maneuverability, it's better, but still not enough to bring the boat out of a turn if it gets too far into the turn.

 

[wango tango]

I was not impressed, I removed mine, fine with out them.

 

[Dean P]

Well I've been out three times now with the new fins on. They have improved the steering response a bit, but honestly can't say it lives up to my expectations (maybe my expectations were too high). Interestingly enough, I feel like my high speed tracking and ability to hold a line improved much more than the slow speed maneuverability. It seems to track over wakes better, and better on downward swells when passing other boats as well. As far as low speed maneuverability, it's better, but still not enough to bring the boat out of a turn if it gets too far into the turn.

There would be more benefit on Yamis. What you're stating is still an improvement. I know they help when coming off plane and turning at the same time. Could be life saver.

 

[Lowstar]

I noticed a big difference at slow speeds and putting it on the trailer

 

[mbonadio]

I noticed a big difference at slow speeds and putting it on the trailer

I have a 165 and at slow speed it’s a nightmare to dock in tight waterways. At 4mph you can’t steer straight. Just not enough gas to influence steering and I can count seconds before steering input takes place. In that time I will miss my mark. Frustrating at times. Hear the 165 is touchier than 195.

I stumbled on Jeff’s cobra steering fins today and am seriously considering them. Could save my love affair with my boat!! He says no one ever returns them and has a money back guarantee. Or course not great it I drill holes and take them off.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

If you remove the tiny number 10 bolts and fill the holes with J B WELD then place a piece of wax paper on both sides of the hole and press the wax paper between your thumb and finger then let the J B weld cure and then remove the wax paper you can fill the holes very nicely but you won't remove them because they do not interfere with your reverse operation or reverse bucket or cause water spray and they work at all speeds I don't make them huge because they don't need to be huge. when the reverse bucket drops down it covers most of the fins so they don't work against your reverse as it is backward from regular reverse so the fins in the water and not blocked would be working in the opposite direction of where you need them to be.