Jet drive/pump outboard conversion

[jeepster]

I recently got a 50 horse Mercury outboard, and while I am excited for running around in the sound, it would be nice to get in shallow for duck hunting, so I am considering getting a jet pump and switching out lower ends but I have no experience with outboard jets. I know about them and how they work, but never used one.

I have a 14' runabout that could be a sweet river sled if done right, I am thinking of rhino lining the bottom of the boat and adding some armor so I can drag it up on the beach. How would a jet work in the salt water? I heard talk about cavitation issues when in swells, but I like the idea of being able to run Into kelp beds and raft up without needing to worry about fowling the prop....

What do you guys think about jets?

[Special T]

Forget the pump get this.
http://www.propsavers.com/River%20Runner.html
Pick it up at Holiday Sports on Hwy 20. I have one and its the best $ Ive spent on a boat!

Made In MOunt Vernon

[full choke]

I recently got a 50 horse Mercury outboard, and while I am excited for running around in the sound, it would be nice to get in shallow for duck hunting, so I am considering getting a jet pump and switching out lower ends but I have no experience with outboard jets. I know about them and how they work, but never used one.

I have a 14' runabout that could be a sweet river sled if done right, I am thinking of rhino lining the bottom of the boat and adding some armor so I can drag it up on the beach. How would a jet work in the salt water? I heard talk about cavitation issues when in swells, but I like the idea of being able to run Into kelp beds and raft up without needing to worry about fowling the prop....
What do you guys think about jets?

Weeds and vegatation are the worst thing for a jetpump. You will suck them up and clog your intake grate. Jets work best in gravelly rivers, mud and weeds not so much.

[BigGoonTuna]

I used to buzz all over the sloppy stuff with my old prop boat, you definitely learn to stay away from that stuff with a jet.

A 50 hp 2 stroke would make a 14' fly with a jet, but you might find that the pump kit is more than you probably want to spend.  They're hard to find used.  The actual work required to convert to a pump is easy though, if you can change a water pump impeller, you can do it.

[wildmanoutdoors]

Don't forget the 5" difference in motor height between a prop and jet. Meaning your motor will need to come up 5" for the jet.

You will loose 30% of your power too. So it will be a 35 horsepower motor with a jet.

Seaweed sucks literally into a jet and clogs it.