Rigging for Backcountry Jet Boat

[msawyer]

"Tis too late for this year but I've just taken possession of a 17'6" jet sled powered by a 115/80 HP Mercury outboard and I want to equip it and/or work on it over the winter so I ready for next year... So I'm looking for input and advice from experienced "backcountry" jet boats on what are the essential equipment, tools, or parts that need to be onboard if you are 150 km upriver (or down)... Your thoughts?

Best regards

Capt. Hook (aka Mike Sawyer)

[knothead]

Fuel, come-a-long or gas powered winch and long lines, inreach, enough gear to overnight if it becomes necessary.

[Ride Red]

Always pack as light as possible. In saying that I have a plastic bin with a new starter, fuel pump, belt, main relay, fuses, fuel filter, electrical tape and tools pertinent to my motor. Also carry a lithium jump start pack, long rope, custom aluminum paddle/push pole, axe, sometimes chainsaw, fire starter, ass wipe and paper towel. Go through and understand every part of your boat so when shit goes wrong, you know where to look. And always keep your impeller/sleeve tuned as that’s one of the biggest factors in keeping you out of trouble.

[emerson]

I reiterate the cut weight mercilessly advice, aside from critical spares. Pack like a sheep hunt, with extra fuel. Also, a successful jet boat pilot has a bit too much aggression for polite interaction. Don’t get stupid, but god hates a coward. You will dent your boat and bang your motor.

[msawyer]

Understood. I owned and operated a whitewater rafting business for over a decade so I'm reasonably skilled at reading moving water but still, I cringe at the thought of my first wreck, major or minor... I'm going to ease into operating this new boat...

[ryanb]

Understood. I owned and operated a whitewater rafting business for over a decade so I'm reasonably skilled at reading moving water but still, I cringe at the thought of my first wreck, major or minor... I'm going to ease into operating this new boat...

Things happen much faster in a Jetboat going downstream than a raft, plus in a raft you can back paddle to almost stop things when required.

Something that gets most new jet boaters is that they forget they can't steer unless you have power on. Something happens, you panic, pull the throttle while trying to steer away from danger, meanwhile you just continue straight into what you're trying to avoid cause your steering is ineffective.

For an outboard jet I'd definitely have a spare intake shoe and impeller.

[emerson]

Things happen much faster in a Jetboat going downstream than a raft, plus in a raft you can back paddle to almost stop things when required.

Something that gets most new jet boaters is that they forget they can't steer unless you have power on. Something happens, you panic, pull the throttle while trying to steer away from danger, meanwhile you just continue straight into what you're trying to avoid cause your steering is ineffective.

For an outboard jet I'd definitely have a spare intake shoe and impeller.

And dropping off plane can make things much worse pretty quick too. Not always though.

[Ride Red]

Things happen much faster in a Jetboat going downstream than a raft, plus in a raft you can back paddle to almost stop things when required.

Something that gets most new jet boaters is that they forget they can't steer unless you have power on. Something happens, you panic, pull the throttle while trying to steer away from danger, meanwhile you just continue straight into what you're trying to avoid cause your steering is ineffective.

For an outboard jet I'd definitely have a spare intake shoe and impeller.

^^^^^^ And an outboard jet doesn’t have a reverse bucket, so throttle off doesn’t slow you down either.

[fuzzybiscuit]

^^^^^^ And an outboard jet doesn’t have a reverse bucket, so throttle off doesn’t slow you down either.

They do have a reverse bucket but it definitely won’t slow you down if you are on step.

[msawyer]

Ryanb... good points that I fully understand... I'm not suggesting years of whitewater make me qualified to operate a jet boat - it only means I'm very familiar with rivers, river hydrology and morphology and am very experienced at "reading" the water... Transferring those skills to jet boat operation will be another thing....