Is a jet boat right for me

[Tony martin]

I need help trying to narrow the search on what kind of boat I want. I currently own a 21’ Tahoe runabout but I am in the process of putting it for sale. I have my eye on a Yamaha 210fsh but I live in extreme south Louisiana (sportsman’s paradise) but I just don’t know if a jet drive is ideal as opposed to a outboard due to water lilies and grassy bottoms in fresh water. I feel comfortable with saltwater at to it not having as much grass. I just really would like people that have jet drive boats opinion on my dilemma.

 

[gthh]

This may not be much help but.....

I boat (Seneca Lake NY Finger Lakes) where the North end of the lake is very weedy and never has a problem with the jets.

Now , keep in mind that I am in wake mode or under 5 mph and not WOT when I am navagating those weedy areas so the jets are not ingesting a lot of water volume.

You have two things going for you that may keep you out of trouble, if you go with a Yamaha ... 17 or less inch draft and clean out ports.

 

[Tony martin]

I am kind of worried if I’m in fresh water and I’m trolling along and something happens and I have to go and don’t have time to troll out and I suck up a bunch of grass or if I have to go over some water lilies

 

[gthh]

take a look at this thread Weeds

I really dont think you will have a problem. The implellers will probably chop 'em up and spit the pieces out the nozzles.

I will be more problematic if you are in dense areas and not at any speed (ideling).

Members often have problems sucking up sand and clogging cooling lines ideling near beaches.

 

[Elliott]

FWIW, I regularly operate (2.5+ years) in shallow salt water (the Savannah area is nothing but shallow water with some deep channels) and back into sand beaches; I have not had any problems with sand ingestion. Could be different types of sand, for example fine sugar sand, cause problems more easily.

If you are planning on trolling in shallow water, you will want to use your trolling motor for several reasons (stealth, directional control and spot lock). You can see my setup in my signature; I have AGM batteries with an installed charger for shore power.