Salt Water??

[txrevolution]

I am new to jetboats in general and live in Texas. My wife and I are looking at the challenger and speedster models as a fun watersports vehicle. My questions is this: what do I need to be concerned with regarding saltwater??
We have a regular outboard fishing boat now that we run up an down the coast most every weekend, but I am not that familiar with jetboats and their maintenance needs. I can imagine the fine sand, etc could cause problems running in shallow areas. What issues are there that I need to look out for? The boat would be run in roughly 50% salt and 50% fresh water.

I certainly appreciate the helpful advise.

 

[timmyboy76]

hey tex....the normal routine, with running in saltwater. Flush it out ASAP. You can have the..saltaway...ready to hook to hose, or just run water. No more than 5min on hose though, bearings in pump assy will start to heat up. Well, congrats to new boat...:cheers: If at all possible, once start seeing shallow water, or ready to beach it, turn craft off, float on in, or jump out, last thing you want, is to suck sand up thru system or big enough rock, to kill the impellor/wear ring

 

[txrevolution]

I appreciate the advise timmy. No purchases yet, my wife and I are going by to look at a 2000 Challenger this weekend with the twin 85's. I am trying to line up a couple more while we are out and about. Anything you guys can suggest to pay close attention to other than wear rings and general cosmetics when looking at a used boat? I know the .40" on the wear rings, but I dont have anything on hand to measure with currently. Maybe a micrometer?

 

[timmyboy76]

Well,... good luck. Take compression tester with you, will letcha know if motor is sound. Narrowed down to the one you want, ask to take for spin.
If you cant see gap well, take flashlight and shine from underneath...:cheers:

 

[txrevolution]

anyone tell me how to test compression? I know 150 is a good goal, but never tested before ans done have the slightest idea how to go about it.

 

[JPX]

Take out a spark plug, screw in the compressor into the hole. Crank starter a couple of time.....highest reading it stops at is initial reading. Then repeat 2 more times after reseting the gauge.

Next, move over to the next cylinder and repeat above. 150 is good. But as long as you are above 100 AND close to each other. Big difference is looking like some big engine work.

 

[RX951]

when you do a proper compression test, the throttle must be held wide open in order to obtain the proper readings. pull only 1 plug at a time. Make sure you ground the wires on the proper terminals. 130-150 psig is acceptable.