I've got a 1990 17' Jetcraft Pro Steeheader lite with a Suzuki DT65 prop on it. The motor is currently set up high on transom, so in anything more than 2ft chop it will cavitate. I really want to move this to a jet, probably 90/65hp. I will fish rivers mainly, but I will want to hit a lake or the sound once or twice a year, pull a tube etc. If you own a jet, I'd like to hear if you take it on the sound or out in the chop, do you get anymore cavitation than what I'm getting with this outboard set up high? Or is it really noticeable? Thanks.

Kyle:

Not a answer to your question.....cause I don't fish any salt water but want to make a comment on the 90/65 jet.

I had a custom made boat, 17', 6' bottom.....I ordered the boat with a 90/65 ETech.....from the get go, I wasn't happy with the motor....so I sold it and went to the ETech 130 with a pump. This new motor makes my boat "get out of the hole, now".....and I can back off the RPM's and still have the boat on plane. The weight difference is about 55 pounds but its a V-4 over a in-line 3 cyclinder.

More is better!!!!!!!!!

Good luck

Interesting, Thanks. Any idea how much your boat weighs? This thing comes in at 900lbs.

90/65 won't be enough motor . I have an open sled that I use in the salt regularly, it will cavitate but I tolerate it. You also need to consider your vee at the transom, you should have someone at a shop experienced with installing jets look at it.

No idea of the weight of the boat.....but its the boat in the picture...15 gallon gas tank(under floor), fish box(under floor), dry storage and 2 batteries(up front)....2 movable chairs.....other than than, wide open....

Go bigger motor!!!!!!

I went with ETech.....2 stroke, weights less........

running a 98 jetcraft 18ft with 105 jet 150hp. use it everywhere and even towed the kids in a tube..works but its a workout at that speed. to slow or to fast and they were eatin a lot of jet wash..hit the trim up and take some you tube vids !!!!