Jet Boats for Sale

Jet Boats: what to know

A jet boat is pushed by a water jet instead of a propeller. There is nothing hanging below the hull, so it runs in shallow water, is safer around swimmers, and turns tighter than a boat with a sterndrive. Most jet boats on the market are Yamaha's, from small runabouts to wake and fishing models.

What to check before you buy

• Look at the jet intake and the impeller for damage. Sucking up rocks or weeds is the jet boat's version of hitting a stump.
• Ask about the engine hours and when the impeller and wear ring were last checked. A worn impeller costs speed and fuel.
• Twin engines are common on jet boats. Make sure both run at the same hours and in the same condition.
• Check the steering at low speed. Jet boats handle differently near the dock, and a stiff or loose feel is worth asking about.
• Look at the swim platform and the transom. With no propeller, jet boats get used heavily for swimming and watersports.

Common questions

Are jet boats hard to drive?

They steer by pointing the jet, so they need a little power to turn. At idle near the dock they take some getting used to. Newer ones have docking modes that make low speeds much easier.

Are jet boats good for families?

Yes. With no propeller in the water they are safer for swimmers and tubers, they seat a lot for their length, and they can run where a prop boat would scrape.

Do jet boats use more fuel?

At cruise they can use a little more than a prop boat of the same size, especially with two engines. The trade is shallow-water running, safety around swimmers and simpler maintenance with no lower unit to service.