Top 5 Jet Boats for 2022

Think of a jet boat as a PWC’s (personal watercraft) big sister: bouncing on the water at high speed, turning and maneuvering without issue, the wind blowing through your hair—but with more people onboard to enjoy the fun. There are several advantages to owning a jet boat. One is that you get a boat that tows your favorite water toys (wakeboarding, anyone?). Another is the impeller is housed in the jet cavity so there’s no propeller to cause harm around the transom (swimming, anyone?). Also, since jet drives are built into the hull, the boat can run in very shallow water (Bahamas, anyone?). If you’re going to buy a jet boat, consider these five:

For Fishing

Yamaha 255 FSH Sport E

The Yamaha 255 FSH Sport E is the only 25-foot center console fishing boat (8’ 6” beam) with twin 1.8L supercharged engines producing 500 horsepower channeled through Yamaha’s Jet Propulsion system, which lets her run in shallow water without concern for prop damage. The jets also make her more maneuverable and safer for water sports. With a draft just under 2 feet, take this boat down to the Bahamas where the fishing is phenomenal. Her cutting-edge design is filled with fishing amenities, such as dual livewells, an insulated fish locker, and an abundance of rod storage. The helm is protected by a standard hardtop and features two multifunction displays and a double seat (part of a custom leaning post) with a flip footrest that has space for a cooler behind it. Transitional spaces and a 12-person capacity also makes this boat family friendly. yamahaboats.com

For entry-level

Sea-Doo Switch Sport Pontoon

Readily equipped for water sports with ski mode, inflatable holder, and rearview mirror, the Sea-Doo Switch Sport offers an exhilarating driving experience while featuring a spacious and versatile layout. The pontoon’s tri-hull design lets passengers feel the thrill and action on the water. Power comes from 170-hp or 230-hp Rotax 1630 ACE engines, and the jet propulsion system offers outsized excitement with a high level of maneuverability. With simple, intuitive handling, the Switch Sport is easy to steer, dock, launch, and load. Sea-Doo offers three bundle options in lengths from 13 to 21 feet with an array of different features and a choice of three colors. Each comes standard with a powder-coated trailer, bimini top, stern lounge, sunpads, Garmin 7-inch touchscreen GPS, LED navigation and courtesy lights, and more. An array of stylish options lets the Switch Sport easily adapt to any adventure. sea-doo.com

For a thrill ride

Scarab 215 ID

Feel the exhilaration as the Scarab 215 ID easily churns a wake for a party of 10. Twin Rotax engines deliver a maximum of 600 horsepower to this 21-foot jet boat that is customizable in a variety of colors and graphics. The 215 ID features a bimini top and a full-beam (8’ 4”) swim platform with a deep storage area that drains into the bilge. The stern has a hidden telescopic boarding ladder for easy boarding as well as a ski tow eye for tubing or waterskiing. Hardcore waterskiiers will want to add the optional wake edition package to get a wakeboard tower, a pair of fixed board racks, and a wake ballast system. Relax on the comfortable U-shaped seating in the cockpit where the fully finished ski locker will not damage stored gear. A tilt steering wheel and elevated foot rest offer comfort at the helm. Under the forward seat in the bow is an insulated fully finished cooler that also drains into the bilge. A single-axle trailer comes standard with an option to upgrade to a tandem axle. scarabjetboats.com

For a day cruise

Vortex 2430 VRX

The Vortex 2430 VRX combines the design, quality construction, and innovation of Chaparral with twin 1.5L supercharged Rotax engines (either 200-hp or 250-hp) to create a jet boat that feels like a bowrider. Water sports enthusiasts will delight in the optional surf package, including three ballast tanks, swim platform, wakeboard arch with optional board racks, and surf capabilities controlled through the touchscreen on the helm. Not a thrillseeker? The 2430 VRX (24’ 3” LOA, 8’ 6” beam) is also a great day cruiser for up to 12 people. The open cockpit is the perfect spot to entertain with comfortable U-shaped seating, a pedestal table, and twin bucket helm seats that slide and swivel. In-deck ski storage has a large hinged fiberglass hatch and rubber mat. There is easy access to a changing room with a light for when the door is closed and an optional portable head. The bow is large and inviting with lounges that have flip-up armrests for added comfort. A tandem axle trailer comes standard. vortexboats.com

For a weekend getaway

Hinckley Talaria 43

Classic lines and Downeast style are at the heart of the Hinckley Talaria 43 (45’ 10” LOA, 14’ 6” beam) design. She is powered by twin 550-hp Cummins diesels paired with twin Hamilton 322 jet drives that push her to a top speed of 36 knots. Without the drag of propellers and a 2’ 4” draft, the Talaria 43 can quickly get you to a secluded beach on the Bahamas for a weekend jaunt. At the helm, JetStick 3 provides smooth maneuverability. The boat also features an innovative push-button, retractable glass aft enclosure to the pilothouse, large opening hatches, and sliding side windows that create a seamless single-level, open-air space from cockpit to galley. The galley-up layout allows for additional drawer storage and lets the host prepare cocktails while continuing the conversation with the guests seated in the spacious salon. Belowdecks, find respite in a large master cabin with a centerline queen berth and a guest cabin that share a head with a separate shower stall. hinckleyyachts.com

Predicting the exact dates the cherry trees will blossom in Washington is a challenge for even professional prognosticators, but an early bloom seems likely this year. The last time we saw an El Niño with this much influence on temperatures was in 1997 and 1998 when the blooms peaked the last week of March. According to the National Park Service, on average the peak occurs on April 4^th. A few things are certain: many, many pink blossoms will appear sometime, thousands of visitors will converge on the Tidal Basin to take in the magnificent sights, and the best way to see the show will be by boat.

In addition to the flowering showcase, the annual National Cherry Blossom Festival features giant balloons, an energy-packed parade, music, a fashion show, sake tasting, kite flying, and much more.

The festival runs March 20^th to April 17^th this year, and if you’re lucky enough to stay for a while, bring layers of clothing, pants, and shorts as there’s no telling what to expect weather-wise.

As for docking preferences, the channel hosts three marinas: Gangplank Marina (202-554-5000, gangplank.com), Capital Yacht Club (202-488-8110, capitalyachtclub.com), and Washington Marina (202-554-0222, washingtonmarina.com). Call ahead or fill out their online reservation forms. While they don’t have fuel, these marinas all offer fine services. Another option is to anchor just off East Potomac Park.

Boats, gear, and experts

Before the cherry trees bloom, boats of all shapes and sizes appear in the Dulles Expo Center for the annual National Capital Boat Show, in Chantilly, Virginia. Dealers throughout Virginia and Maryland display their runabouts, saltwater fishing boats, ski boats, pontoons, deck boats, jet boats, jon boats, and PWCs during the show, which runs from March 11-13. Exhibits include marinas, boatlifts, floating docks, outboard and inboard motors, marine electronics, and more. Some experts will be there to answer questions and provide information on maintenance, repair, financing, insurance, and safety for the upcoming season on the Mid-Atlantic.

Market tested

A good place to pick up some bargains this month is the Boating & Fishing Flea Market hosted by the Poquoson Kiwanis Club in Virginia with help from the Bull Island Anglers club. This year’s market is Saturday, March 12^th from 8AM to 1PM, rain or shine. New and used boats, boating and fishing gear, nautical arts and crafts, and refreshments will be offered both inside and outside at the Poquoson High School. If you’re looking to find a fishing partner, the anglers club meets the fourth Monday each month at 7PM at Trinity United Methodist Church.

March fishing

Croaker and flounder typically begin biting this time of the year in Virginia’s salty waters. Croaker like to feast on peeler crab baits, bloodworms, squid, and shrimp and can be found in tributary rivers of the Chesapeake as well as the coastal ocean waters and inlets. Flounder will go after live bait (minnows and small fish), fresh strip baits (bluefish, flounder, shark belly, squid), and minnow/strip combinations as well as artificials such as bucktails and paddletail lures with spinners. Both species can be caught by drift fishing with natural baits fished on the bottom or by slow trolling baits on the bottom.

By Christopher Knauss, Southern Boating Magazine March 2016

Tag: jet boats