I have a question for board members who have some experience running jet sleds. After several years of rowing, my back can no longer take it and I am considering purchasing a sled. I haven't decided on a "brand" yet, but I figure 18 -19 ft forward helm should do fine. Since I would also fish in the saltwater approx. 25% of the time, my question is what should I power this thing with? I prefer an outboard for the fact I could deal with anything sucked into the pump ( seaweed, kelp, etc.) fairly easily as opposed with an inboard. I also see I can get more horsepower from an inboard, but I don't know how often unwanted things are sucked into the pump that could cause "slight inconveniences". Any help and or advice is appreciated. Thanx, Mike

I've been in both camps and have become partial to outboard pumps. One reason is what you mention, easy service when something clogs the intake. And that always happens with pumps in my epxerience, and it can pose a hazard under some conditions. I also like that you have more choices in what to power the boat with. And outboards are lighter and take up less space, on board especially. A light boat is an advantage for one-man use. I guess you can't get the efficiency of an inboard's three-stage pump, but I don't miss that, altho it's impressive to get a big boat up on step in 20 feet. I'm sure the advocates of inboards will offer additional reasons for that choice.

Sincerely,

Salmo g.

I use my sled in the bay sometimes (when I don't want to piss off anyone )and found it's alot easier to clean seaweed out of an outboard jet than my buddies inboard.

I fish and boat 95% of the time in saltwater bays and have been very happy with an outboard jet.

They are more money but I feel it's well spent compared to being sucked out over the bar with a plugged intake.