Cobra Jet Steering review 242 LSE

[I_squared_r]

I wanted to write my feedback on the cobra jet steering system on my 2019 242 LSE. I got the boat last year and used it a few times. So my first impressions was it drives similar to my AR192 with thrust vectors which I had for 5 years. I could drive that boat anywhere, crazy good steering once you learn to overcome its drawbacks. I could put it anywhere, dock it anywhere, but at no wake speeds it needed constant steering input same like people driving cars in the old movies (constant left/right steering input) and if the wind or current caught you, and/or you were lazy on steering for a second, it would spin around and I would need to put into reverse and thrust the other way to avoid the spin. I got the 242 LSE and it had the similar no wake speed steering as the AR192, but man, this boat would turn so fast that once the bow pointed into the left side of the channel towards oncoming jet skiiers and they looked at me like "wtf??" it was actually embarassing. Reverse steering is really good and I had no complaint about high speed steering with the little helm time that I had. But that constant input at no wake speeds was really annoying.

So I decided to give cobra jet system a try. I got the deluxe or whatever its called (I'm still confused by the product naming) and installed it last fall. I just came back stateside and put it in the water a few weeks ago. It transformed the slow speed steering. Now it steers like any other boat with almost ZERO input at the steering. You can actually let go of the steering and it will steer 100% straight no bow wander. My dad hated my AR192's slow speed steering and he has 20+ years with inboard and outboards. He didn't want to drive that boat. So the ultimate test: He drove my 242 LSE and he had no complaints about the steering. It drove intuitively like any other boat. And that's confidence inspiring for me when he's picking me up wakeboarding lol.. He actually really liked the 242. Thanks @Cobra Jet Steering LLC

 

[Postie]

I am getting a 2024 SX190. You state that you had Thrust Vectors on your AR192, and now are using Cobra Jets, but on a twin engine boat.
Why did you not have Cobra Jet on your AR192?
Curious about comparing both products before I commit. Right now, it seems to be the Cobra Jet system.

 

[I_squared_r]

I am getting a 2024 SX190. You state that you had Thrust Vectors on your AR192, and now are using Cobra Jets, but on a twin engine boat.
Why did you not have Cobra Jet on your AR192?
Curious about comparing both products before I commit. Right now, it seems to be the Cobra Jet system.

I put thrust vectors on the AR192 because I was a new boat owner and was pinching pennies in 2018 as a new engineer. I found the thrust vectors for like $80 shipped here and so I put them on. They helped and I didn't have complaints. I think that the bottom of the earlier 19ft boats were really flat and didn't have any type of rudder to help. So either the cobra jet or thrust vector will help in that regard. But the cobra jet seems more interesting because it has that flat planing surface. I would go with the cobra jet.

 

[Postie]

Appreciate your quick response. Right now there is about 1-1/2 feet of snow, and 10" of ice on the lake.
The dealer is going to take me out, one more time, before I take it home. When I first tried out the boat, he was with me for about an hour; no rush at all. He is a Yamaha dealer so I feel confident. I remember that he kept saying, that I will have to practice, practice, practise! , before adding any system.
Judging by what you have said, it might make sense to get the Cobra system, and try the boat first, without it, so that I can, most likely, appreciate the positive difference.
Thank you, once again, for this info.

 

[I_squared_r]

I thought you had the older 19ft, but read your post again. Congrats on the 2024. I recommend calling Cobra jet and talking to the owner. I see they have option for top fangs in addition to the bottom fangs. So you can ask if those are right for you. It's helpful to speak to him because when I spoke to him about my 242 he had real experience with my boat and was spot on about the drawbacks of the OEM set up and the improvements with the cobra jet steering. I don't see drawbacks of installing any of these products so I would install it from day 1 on a new boat. It's a product that is cheap when you consider that it completely transforms the boat.

 

[Postie]

I thought you had the older 19ft, but read your post again. Congrats on the 2024. I recommend calling Cobra jet and talking to the owner. I see they have option for top fangs in addition to the bottom fangs. So you can ask if those are right for you. It's helpful to speak to him because when I spoke to him about my 242 he had real experience with my boat and was spot on about the drawbacks of the OEM set up and the improvements with the cobra jet steering. I don't see drawbacks of installing any of these products so I would install it from day 1 on a new boat. It's a product that is cheap when you consider that it completely transforms the boat.

I e-mailed Jeff to ask about the upper "fangs". They are for the pre-2018 models. The same with the Thrust Vectors: one piece before 2018, but now two piecces: port and starboard.
I, personally, don't like the idea of drilling into the drive.
Yamaha has informed me that the warranty would only be affected, if the damage was directly related to the after market parts or accessories that were installed.
You have given me good advice, and I thank you for that.

 

[steelhorse454]

I e-mailed Jeff to ask about the upper "fangs". They are for the pre-2018 models. The same with the Thrust Vectors: one piece before 2018, but now two piecces: port and starboard.
I, personally, don't like the idea of drilling into the drive.
Yamaha has informed me that the warranty would only be affected, if the damage was directly related to the after market parts or accessories that were installed.
You have given me good advice, and I thank you for that.

We have a 2023 AR195 and purchased the upper fangs after my initial purchase.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

We have a 2023 AR195 and purchased the upper fangs after my initial purchase.

The upper or TOP FANGS are only for the Viper system not for any other system and I make a lot of different steering systems for Yamaha Jet Boats that steer at all speeds even off power and that match the model and year because Yamaha makes different nozzles and rudders etc .

 

[Postie]

We have a 2023 AR195 and purchased the upper fangs after my initial purchase.

Appreciate your reply. Did you have the Cobra Jet fins on your boat, when you bought it? As you can tell by Jeff's response to me, I would have to get the "Ultimate" system, for my, soon to get, 2024 SX 190.
How is the handling; low speed, and reverse?
Everyone that I have spoken to, have suggested that I try the boat, first, before I add anything. Unfortunately, I don't have anyone near to me, to ask.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

I have posts from real customers on my Facebook page , The super ultimate Ak-19 deluxe will give you steering at all speeds get rid of the bow wander and the loss of speed in turns for water sport activities get the boat on plane quicker and reduce the bow hop in rough conditions and currently it is still only $268.99 with free domestic shipping included and a 30 day money back satisfaction guarantee.
I always tell people to try the boat first and to see how the boat handles "or not" at all speeds even when rapidly decelerating and reducing the throttle during a turn on plane. Plus it deals with the bow wander . Cobra Super Ultimate AK-19 and new Super Ultimate AK-19 DELUXE steering for 2019 and newer Yamaha Single Engine Jet Boats