Does anyone else run an outboard jet boat on rivers? Here's a video I out together of running the Upper St. Croix in a Lowe Roughneck Deluxe Tiller 2070 with a Yamaha 80 HP outboard.
Boats & Motors
Outboard Jet Boats
I owned a 16' tiller jet rig a few years back and learned quite a bit regarding optimum set up and operation. This is my current rig and I opted for a tunnel hull forward CC, transom pods and drift boat anchor setup. Transducers can be at risk so I added a lift bracket for the transducer. I haven't been doing much due to low water but have been out on the Chip & Wis. As set up this rig will run 4" on water while on plane. I did get stuck on a gravel bar on Saturday but I drifted onto it while fishing the downstream end of a deep (4') hole. Got some gravel in the foot grate while pushing off. 4 or 5 pieces of gravel in the foot grate upsets the water flow enough to make to motor virtually useless. They also use lots of fuel. Unit came with a typical 6 gal tank which is not near enough. I mounted a nine gal tank under rear deck. On Sat I burned 5.3 gals in 3/4 day fishing a 5 mile stretch of river. I anticipate putting a little 3 gal can in the back as backup.
Rule #1 if in doubt put the boat on plane
I am going to try new 90hp Mercury jet pump motor on the river I am afraid might being too shallow. Will get back here or at essays agency and share my experience soon.