Marine Surveyors Lexicon

A jet handles quite differently than the traditional prop and rudder. What makes a jet different, makes it better! It doesn't depend upon hull movement to attain full power. A prop unloads as forward speed is attained, which lets the engine rev to full power that is only available at full boat speed. With a jet, you hit the throttle and take off tight now, with full power. When you reverse a jet drive, you reverse it right now, with full power. When you turn, the jet, plus the rudder, you swing around in a super tight circle.

You can move a jet boat sideways into tight docking situations by switching from forward to reverse while coordinating steering.

The major difference with jet drives is there will be no steering force exerted under a no throttle or engine off condition. Without underwater appendages, a jet drive propelled boat will immediately return to a straight line and coast to a stop if the power is cut quickly. A little throttle must be kept on when slowing from high speed to always have a power steering thrust force available.

Addition of a rudder (standard on some models, optional on others) is recommended if you want to have more control, even under power off or low thrust conditions.