What are good jet drive hulls for going out on a lake?

**zimm17** · 03-07-2022, 01:59 AM

I might be relocating to Austin TX area and nearby Lake Travis. I'm researching what are some good hulls for a safe and fun jet boat? I have 2 boys (who will be 10 and 12) who will be my boating buds. I'm wondering if it'd be better off with a boat design that has the engine behind a hatch or firewall instead of worrying about them getting injured by flying parts if something lets go? Also a hull that can handle some chop is probably better than my brother's old Sanger that couldn't handle 8 inch waves without slapping the crap out of us.

My prior fast boat (in my single days) was a Whipple charged Donzi 22 Classic. So I know a little bit about high HP small boats. I'm looking for something a little safer but still get that big block sound and enjoyment. If I can go 60-70mph, that'll be great.

**rgsauger** · 03-23-2022, 11:23 PM

Hi bud. Your old donzi sounds fun! Having kids, there’s a lot to be said for an engine hatch and some freeboard. A larger cuddy like a Baja or similar in 23-25 ft might be perfect. They handle chop well and can run 60+. Lake Travis gets stupid waves when the wakeboard boats start their crap...which is every day and ten times as bad on weekends. Post pics!

**Capt j** · 04-09-2022, 11:22 PM

Not a jet boat at all. A superboat or a velocity would work and provide the speeds you're looking for.

**Volkman** · 06-02-2022, 06:10 AM

There are a few factors to consider when looking for a jet drive hull for going out on a lake. The first is the size of the boat. Some boats are too large for a jet drive, and will need to use a propeller. The second factor is the depth of the water. Jets work best in shallow water, so if the lake is too deep, a propeller may be a better option. The third factor is how fast you want to go.

I'd recommend these:

Vortex 2430 VRX
Scarab 285 ID
Yamaha SX190

**berdes** · 06-03-2022, 08:00 AM

Originally Posted by Volkman

There are a few factors to consider when looking for a jet drive hull for going out on a lake. The first is the size of the boat. Some boats are too large for a jet drive, and will need to use a propeller. The second factor is the depth of the water. Jets work best in shallow water, so if the lake is too deep, a propeller may be a better option. The third factor is how fast you want to go.

I'd recommend these:

Vortex 2430 VRX
Scarab 285 ID
Yamaha SX190

Curious - why would the depth of the water effect the jet drive ? Please explain.

**LakeFever** · 06-03-2022, 08:33 AM

Those big seadoo jets seem to perform well and take the rougher waters not half bad. Frequent rebuilds on those things same as a jet ski really.

If your looking old school glastron carlson jets are super cool. I believe sidewinder as well had 18’ jets. Liberator also has jet boats if you have more funds that might be the best way to go

**Volkman** · 06-03-2022, 09:02 AM

Originally Posted by berdes

Curious - why would the depth of the water effect the jet drive ? Please explain.

The depth of the water can effect the jet drive because it can change how much air the jet drive can suck in. If the water is too deep, the jet drive might not be able to suck in enough air to create enough thrust to move the boat.

**TallTex** · 11-17-2024, 09:50 AM

Originally Posted by zimm17

I might be relocating to Austin TX area and nearby Lake Travis. I'm researching what are some good hulls for a safe and fun jet boat? I have 2 boys (who will be 10 and 12) who will be my boating buds. I'm wondering if it'd be better off with a boat design that has the engine behind a hatch or firewall instead of worrying about them getting injured by flying parts if something lets go? Also a hull that can handle some chop is probably better than my brother's old Sanger that couldn't handle 8 inch waves without slapping the crap out of us.

My prior fast boat (in my single days) was a Whipple charged Donzi 22 Classic. So I know a little bit about high HP small boats. I'm looking for something a little safer but still get that big block sound and enjoyment. If I can go 60-70mph, that'll be great.

I saw this old thread from someone not familiar with Central Texas lakes. Lake Travis is the 4th lake on the "Highland Chain of Lakes" . Buchanan (huge lake not constant level), Inks (small constant level), Lake LBJ (large lake constant level), Lake Marble Falls (good size lake constant level), Lake Travis (large lake not constant level), Lake Austin (21 miles long constant level), Town Lake or Ladybird Lake (no wake, constant level runs through downtown Austin)

Travis is a large deep lake that has dams on each end. It is not a constant level lake and with years long droughts we have had in past few years many or all of the public boat ramps on Lake Travis are not available. When Lake Travis public ramps are closed due to low water levels a lot of folks use Lake Austin which makes it extremely rough and crowded. Big Wake Surf boat rule the lake, damage boat docks and people's seawalls. Travis is a big open lake and can get big waves on it. Not for low profile jet powered boats that would get bounced hard with the chop. Currently it is missing a lot of water. Central Texas as a whole, is a water sports and wake surfing focused area on many of the area lakes. Unless they are strictly into fishing boats/craft.

As a result most folks are better off with a direct drive or v-drive boat if you are into skiing, boarding or surfing. My children have skied since they could stand up on a ski so they do everything. I do not see many young people even know how to ski anymore. Some days my children are the only children on a ski (up and down Austin but for some friends that were competition skiers in their day. Our rule was you can tube only after skiing or boarding or surfing is done by the rough water. There is no skill set involved in tubing and its only allowed when the water is too rough for water sports from the big wake boats.

**Slimfast** · 11-14-2025, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by Volkman

The depth of the water can effect the jet drive because it can change how much air the jet drive can suck in. If the water is too deep, the jet drive might not be able to suck in enough air to create enough thrust to move the boat.

Could you expand on this opinion that 'jet drive needing to suck in air to maximize thrust'. I thought no air in the raw water inlet stream was desired. Are you a troll?