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First day with Cobra Jet fins

bigwaves

Jet Boat Junkie
Messages
220
Reaction score
330
Points
137
Location
Chesapeake Bay - near the Patapsco River
Boat Make
Yamaha
Year
2020
Boat Model
AR
Boat Length
19
The Cobra Jet fins definitely make a big difference. Tracking in a straight line is much better. I’m not constantly making corrections. Turning at slow speeds is much improved. The boat reacts a lot faster to steering inputs. I still need to practice though, it’s not magic but the fins make the boat more enjoyable to operate, and adds confidence. Also, Jeff will answer all of your questions. He responded to all of my emails on Easter Sunday when I did my installation.
11021137-5646-495B-8D04-CE74516DB03C.jpeg542FF19A-FE55-41C1-9426-838150DF63B8.jpeg
 
If he could make them black I would buy them....
 
If he could make them black I would buy them....
Why would you want that? They’re aluminum... paint or powder coat will just wear off and look worse. Don’t miss out on the superior product because of the color. ? After all, they are under water most of the time.

<just giving you crap> ?
 
Because my black TV's look badass next to my black nozzles. People think they are factory..?
 
The Cobra Jet fins definitely make a big difference. Tracking in a straight line is much better. I’m not constantly making corrections. Turning at slow speeds is much improved. The boat reacts a lot faster to steering inputs. I still need to practice though, it’s not magic but the fins make the boat more enjoyable to operate, and adds confidence. Also, Jeff will answer all of your questions. He responded to all of my emails on Easter Sunday when I did my installation.
View attachment 150335View attachment 150336
Noticed that you have these set in the 4 and 5 holes? Any reason why you chose that setting vs the 5 and 6 recommendation in the instructions?
 
Noticed that you have these set in the 4 and 5 holes? Any reason why you chose that setting vs the 5 and 6 recommendation in the instructions?
Flinn, that’s a good question. I don’t recall that recommendation but I guess I missed that. I was trying to be as thorough as possible so I wouldn’t screw something up. I wonder what difference that would make? I’ll check the instructions this evening when I get home from work. Thanks for pointing that out. Maybe Jeff will chime in on this.
 
Noticed that you have these set in the 4 and 5 holes? Any reason why you chose that setting vs the 5 and 6 recommendation in the instructions?
Flinn, I just rewatched Jeff’s install video and the holes I used in the installation “are perfect for my boat” according to Jeff. The reason is on my single engine 19’ boat the nozzle and articulating keel are at the lowest point of the boat. Jeff recommended that the fins don’t hang any lower because of that. That’s why I used the 4 and 5 holes.
 
Installed mine this spring and the straightline tracking of my 242X is WAY BETTER now. I thought the rudder would be fine on its own.....Cobrafins have added a ton more control. Totally noticeable. Had them on my last boat....not sure why I waited so long to put them on this one!

 
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Flinn, I just rewatched Jeff’s install video and the holes I used in the installation “are perfect for my boat” according to Jeff. The reason is on my single engine 19’ boat the nozzle and articulating keel are at the lowest point of the boat. Jeff recommended that the fins don’t hang any lower because of that. That’s why I used the 4 and 5 holes.
I just installed this same kit on my 2020 single engine and used 5 and 6 per written instructions. I’ll need to go back and see the video if that’s more current. They don’t protrude any further then the rudder. Still haven’t had it in the water since the install so excited to see how they work.
BA101394-9243-494C-9149-285F7DB05D42.jpeg
 
I just installed this same kit on my 2020 single engine and used 5 and 6 per written instructions. I’ll need to go back and see the video if that’s more current. They don’t protrude any further then the rudder. Still haven’t had it in the water since the install so excited to see how they work.
View attachment 150347
Is that an AR190??
 
If he could make them black I would buy them....
I make steering with the most features and benefits available on the market, I started this 20 years ago. It's about steering not colors .
I look for customers that want steering improvements so they can enjoy their boating experience without all the issues or drawbacks like being too large , hanging down too far, only providing steering improvements at very slow speeds 4 or 5 mph, the water spray issues , the need to remove the stainless standoffs from the reverse gates to add the fins, particularly with E series boats.
I prefer to provide The added ability to continue steering in rapid deceleration situations ,the ability to turn quicker with less speed bleed-off in high speed turns straight tracking at all speeds ,the ability to adjust the steering effect to meet the individuals personal preference.
The ability to add numerous upgrades to make the boat do what they want not what the boat wants.
The extra tie rod when applicable or the plaining surface to provide a better ride in chop and a quicker hole shot plus a cleaner wake for watersport activities.
If someone wants a different color that is their option some have done this but I did a survey a few years ago on this web page when I had an offer to have special wraps made to add to the fins and the majority who responded felt as I do this is about the improved handling of the boat not sitting on a chair admiring the art work with the boat on the trailer.
I address the silent majority who can see through the nonsense and rely on their logic to make decisions , I would much rather continue to focus on providing model specific steering systems that are custom designed to meet the needs of the various hull designs than play around with colors so if people want colors that is their choice and many options are available but cut out the middle man and keep the cost down have it done directly I really don't have time for that.
Remember I keep my costs down and do most of the work myself I plan on keeping it that way when I turn over the keys to someone else it will be their decision but for now I blazed the trail and yes a few people are trying to get in on it but I still own 5 us patents with over 100 patented claims and that means they can not do what I do .
I do it because it's my baby , And I take it seriously ! 20 years experience making jet boats steer and drivers smile And I was the first one to smile when I designed my very first steering system for myself. It was a game changer and what motivated me to carry on in that direction. And I have had a huge impact on the jet boat world it will never be the same as it was when I first started on this path 20 years ago.
 

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I can appreciate the lecture, the same one I've read numerous times. I know the product works and is a game changer. I've read numerous stories of satisfied boat owners here on the forum. The multi-patented product works. Again, if it was black I would buy it. Thanks for clarifying how great your product is. I get that part. "Toot Toot"
 
I can appreciate the lecture, the same one I've read numerous times. I know the product works and is a game changer. I've read numerous stories of satisfied boat owners here on the forum. The multi-patented product works. Again, if it was black I would buy it. Thanks for clarifying how great your product is. I get that part. "Toot Toot"
Sorry but in that case you will just have to deal with what you have.
I just installed this same kit on my 2020 single engine and used 5 and 6 per written instructions. I’ll need to go back and see the video if that’s more current. They don’t protrude any further then the rudder. Still haven’t had it in the water since the install so excited to see how they work.
View attachment 150347
As for the settings some like 5 and 6 some like 5 and 4 I think 5 and 4 is the one most people like so give it a try and see if you like it better. just takes a few seconds to adjust it.
 
I can appreciate the lecture, the same one I've read numerous times. I know the product works and is a game changer. I've read numerous stories of satisfied boat owners here on the forum. The multi-patented product works. Again, if it was black I would buy it. Thanks for clarifying how great your product is. I get that part. "Toot Toot"
Please feel free to open that door any time I appreciate the opportunity to address the silent majority and no worries I will not be making any colored fins unless the color makes them perform better. Here are some blue ones a customer did on their own .
 

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so i had jeff's system on my 232 limited and they worked great. no real complaints. with my new boat i wanted to try the TV's. the TV's seem to work just fine as well BUT from an engineering and quality standpoint they do seem quite floppy. no where near as precise or heavy duty as jeff's system. the TV's need a bumper stop on both sides, not just one. when down they just have a twist to them. i mean they work ok and do their job but if i had to do it over again i prob would get jeff's system for the boat. your right, rob, they dont look as nice but really they arent there to look pretty. they are there to help you steer. luckily i am a painter so i could easily epoxy and paint them black or match them to the boat.
 
Agree...I had to order new white spacers from JBP because they were not cut straight and one was 1/4” too short. Disappointed in the QC. I also agree that they are to floppy and flexible. I think the spacers should be long enough so there is no gap, adding to the strength. When manuvering at slow speeds, those TV’s have to be bent to the side. Easy to do with my hands. Imagine what the water pressure is doing to them.
 
Yeah i have to give it some thought if its worth it or not to make the switch
 
The boat seems hard to turn at high speeds. I have concerns the Cobras would make it worse. I may install tabs at some point if it will help with the squirrliness in wavy water. Is that even a word? Lol. Not sure you could install tabs with the Cobras
 
The boat seems hard to turn at high speeds. I have concerns the Cobras would make it worse. I may install tabs at some point if it will help with the squirrliness in wavy water. Is that even a word? Lol. Not sure you could install tabs with the Cobras
We just went out this weekend with the addition of our new Cobras, took off the TV's,. There was a huge difference in the 2 products and with the added steering rod the turning is MUCH easier. Our Surf wave was improved and the spray from our old Tv's were gone. I have to say this was a nice upgrade.
 
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