Prop to Jet conversion

[CML]

I have a 16 ft 2001 RiverMaster power drifter. I have a 4 stroke 50hp Yamaha prop.

I run the lower end of the Big Man and am thinking of putting a jet/pump on the boat.

Question:

Can I convert the existing motor to a jet?

If I do that, will it be underpowered?

If it would be underpowered, where should I look for a new/used jet?

What size motor should I look for?

At what point is the engine weight too much for my hull?

Thanks,

CML

[plugger]

You can convert a prop motor to jet. Camp and cruise in marne, Vans service in grand rapids or sport fishermans center in muskegon all do conversions. There is also someone in clare that builds river boats and advertises conversions but I dont know the name.

[TONGA]

CML find the coast guard plate on your boat and find out what the maxHP your boat can handle,,,Jets are not very efficient,,,I know they have came a long way but they still don't get the power to the water like a prop,,,so I would think you would want to sell that pretty 4 stroke and buy a bigger jet,,,say about the max HP for your boat!! I mean do what you want but I would hate to see you drop the coin to convert your engine over just to find out it dose not have enough power for you!!
Now I don't do a lot of work on Jets and thats just my opinion,,,so before you go and fallow my advice you my want to call one of the shops that Plugger posted and get there opinion on the mater,,,you know you can't have to much info!!

[plugger]

http://rivermanboats.com/Custom.html Here is alink to the guy in clare, have never done anything with him just saw his web site.

[Jason Adam]

Second what Tonga said. I have not had experiance with jet drives, but from alot of reading, I understand that it takes alot more(I think 30 -35%) HP to get equal performance to a prop drive.

[TSS Caddis]

I think you'll just need to make the judgement call on your own, since only you know how well the 50hp pushes your boat, loaded with 1, 2 or 3 people and how much it weighs the back down. When you convert your motor it will change to about 35-40jp. If the 50 pushes just average then I don't think the 35-40jp would cut it.

Your 50hp weighs 233lbs, to go up to the 60jp Yamaha, you'd be at 264lbs. Like I said, only you can judge how it would do with more weight or less horse power.

4 Stroke Jets are nice, I can go from Bear to the Dam and back to Bear on about 6 gallons.

I'd call Bill Boyton and get his take.