Are Jet Boats Safe
Jet Boat Safety: Are They Safer Than Propeller Boats?
When you are choosing a boat for either function or leisure, safety is always a top priority. The two most common types of propelling mechanisms are a conventional propeller on a propeller boat, or an impeller ‘jet drive’ on jet boats. While propeller boats are some of the most popular boat types you’ll see on the water, they aren’t the most effective options for everyone.
Before choosing a boat type, it’s important to assess your main goals for using the boat. What is the dept of your water? Do you want speed or cruising? Will you be practicing water sports? Do you plan to ride in rivers or the ocean? All of these questions, and more, should be considered to ensure you make the most of your investment.
In the meantime, we wanted to address a popular topic. Are jet boats safer than propeller boats? Keep reading for the complete breakdown!
The Basics of Jet Boat Safety
Jet drives are ideal to help navigate more safely rocky, shallow waters over a prop boat. If personal safety around the prop region is important, jet boats offer added protection over the traditional exposed propeller.
There are a lot of practical safety advantages to jet boats considering the fact that there is reduced risk to foreign options, whether that be obstructions in the water, animals, boaters, or people performing water sports. The unique qualities of jet boats allow them to be loaded and unloaded safely in difficult to launch places.
Jet boats can also be stopped quicker than propeller boats, as you slam the deflector plate and reverse the flow of water. While passengers need to hold on tight and maintain control over their boat, this can be helpful in times of distress if you need to slow down fast.
Since jet boats can drive at high speeds, it’s important that boaters proceed with caution, as you still need to use safe driving techniques to maintain control and stability over your boat. The primary time a jet boat poses a risk is when a boater is unaware of how to drive the boat in a certain environment, as you might flip or accelerate too fast into unfamiliar territory. For avid boaters, this is nothing out of the ordinary, just something to be aware of similar to driving a car.
How Are Propeller Boats Different From Jet Boats?
Propeller boats can reverse more efficiently than jet boats, which is a result of the flow of water and unique motor function. In some cases, jet boats can cause issues if you need to reverse quickly or maintain directional control at lower speeds. If you are riding in tumultuous sea waters, some jet boats can be difficult to trim, leading to a less comfortable ride for passengers.
While a jet boat is not built for every water excursion, there are plenty of safety advantages to consider if you are looking into getting one for yourself or your family. Overall, a jet drive doesn’t pose the danger of injuring swimmers or creatures that get near the back of the boat, which is not something that can be said about outboard propellers.
If you want to hear more about the benefits of jet boats, or are looking into getting a custom jet boat in Texas, contact the experts today right here at Jet Boats of Texas!