Jet Boating

Avid Boater

Whether you want to go jet boating for fun or you’re an avid boater, you should understand the difference between a powerboat and a jet boat. Jet boats are propelled by a jet of water, while powerboats are propelled by an external propeller.

Reverse

Using a jet boat to reverse is no easy feat. This is because jet boats are driven by a jet of water that only travels one way.

Way

That means the only way to reverse an airboat is to use a reversible propeller. However, this isn’t as powerful as a prop boat, and it doesn’t work as quickly.

Reverse

One way to reverse a jet boat is by using a “scoop”. This is a device used to divert the water flow and change the direction of the jetboat.

Lot Easier

It can be a lot easier than it looks, but it’s not for everyone. The trick is to get your jet boat to move forward before it goes backward.

Manufacturers

This is why many manufacturers have made jet boats with dual jet ski engines. The other is to use the bucket, which redirects the water flow in a reverse direction.

Reversing a jet boat is easier than reversing a prop boat

Bucket System

While the bucket system does have its advantages, it isn’t as powerful as a propeller-driven boat. Also, it’s difficult to reverse an airboat that’s equipped with a reversible prop.

Difficult

It’s also difficult to reverse an airboat that’s stuck in a single place, like on a dock. It also takes a lot of practice to be proficient at using a jet boat to reverse.

Manufacturers

Some manufacturers have an electric motor that moves the bucket, while others have a special design that allows the bucket to open and close.

Moving

This doesn’t mean it’s not moving, however, it’s just not moving as much as it should. It’s similar to backing in with an outdrive.

Ways

There are several different ways to reverse a jet boat. Aside from that, the trick to reversing a jet boat is to have a reversible prop.

When using a reversible prop, you'll want to shut the engine off when you're near the back of the boat. This will make the reverse maneuver less dangerous.
It's also important to remember that a jet boat doesn't have a real neutral. Instead, there's a neutral that's a spot between forward and reverse.

Remember

It’s also important to remember to avoid oversteering. This can cause the boat to become capsized. Also, the reverse function of a jet boat isn’t as powerful as a normal propeller.

Conditions

In windy conditions, a jet’s drive will be difficult to steer straight. Also, if the wind is strong, the jet may be pushed out of the water. If the boat is in neutral, the nozzle will only move side to side. 

Damage

This can cause damage to the outdrive and the propeller. That’s why it’s important to learn to steer properly when using a jet boat.

Water

This is because the jet of water on a jet boat only travels one way, and a bucket in the back of the boat steers the water in the opposite direction.

The reversing a jet boat is easier than reversing a prop boat. The bucket isn't the only control for steering, but it's the most obvious.