New and Used Jet Boats for Sale

Jet boats are defined as any boat powered by a jet-drive propulsion system and cross boat categories from aluminum fishing boats to speedy bowriders or robust RIBs. They’re also popular watersports boats. Search for new and used jet boats for sale across all styles and sizes and discover the advantages for yourself. 

Main Characteristics of Jet boats

A jet boat is classified as any vessel that is powered by a jet-drive propulsion system. Instead of a traditional engine powered by a propeller, a jet drive works by drawing water into the engine and then using an impeller driven by the inboard to force a jet of high-pressure water out of the stern of the boat that, in turn, propels it forwards. 

There are several advantages to jet boats, the main one being that, as the impeller is housed in a tube in the center of the boat, it is well-protected from underwater obstacles such as rocks. As such, jet boats can operate in much shallower waters safely. They also give peace of mind when passengers are swimming and enjoying watersports that no harm can ever come from a propeller. 

On the flip side, jet boat engines tend to take up more space in the boat, which reduces seating capacity, and they can also be noisier than other types of boats although developments in design are eliminating that issue.  

Types of Jet Boats

Fishing Jet Boats

The fishing boat sector is huge, and jet boats certainly have their place within this highly popular pastime. Jet boats lend themselves well to fishing, allowing anglers to access shallower waters safely. Fish and ski boats are commonly jet boats, with their inboard engines suitable for all kinds of watersports. 

Aluminum Jet Boats

Aluminum jet boats commonly also fall under the fishing jet boats category as most small aluminum boats are used for angling. Aluminum jet boats are generally used on inland waters and particularly favored by anglers for rivers and shallow bays where they’re able to withstand the knocks and dents that inevitably come with these fishing grounds. The jet drive allows for safe navigation while the aluminum can be easily repaired.

RIB Jet Boats

The sturdy RIB can be found in all sizes and styles, which can include power from a jet drive. The benefits here are that the RIB can be safely driven onto beaches without risking the propeller getting damaged, as well as being able to accommodate swim platforms as it’s a true inboard. RIB jet boats are often seen being used by large boats and superyachts as lightweight yet high-powered tenders. 

Bowrider Jet Boats

Bowriders are one of the most common boats on the waters today; their compact size, high speed, and ability to accommodate lots of passengers in the bow seating make them favorites. Jet-driven bowriders were one of the first bowrider styles to be launched and are becoming ever more widely available. 

Personal Watercraft Jet Boats

It’s easy to overlook PWC as boats but these fast and fun, high-powered crafts lend themselves well to the jet-drive propulsion system and were in fact one of the first types of boats to be powered by an impeller. Some small pontoon boats are also being equipped with jet drives, allowing for safer swimming and watersports. 

Best Jet Boat Brands

Some of the biggest brands in the industry, such as Lowe Boats, are now offering their models with jet drive propulsion, as well as many newcomers to the industry. While it’s still in its early years, the jet-drive concept continues to gain in popularity. When it comes to aluminum fishing boats, brands such as G3, SeaArk, Chaparral, and Rogue build a wide variety of extremely robust, hardy boats including offshore fishing boats with cabins, lake skiffs, and river boats. 

When it comes to RIBs powered by jet drive engines, brands include AB Inflatables, luxury Italian brand Castoldi, and Williams Jet Tenders offer both diesel- and gas-powered jet engines. Brands such as Scarab and Yamaha are popular for their jet boat bowriders, while mention should be made of brands such as Sea-Doo and Kawasaki and their ranges of jet-powered personal watercraft (also known as Jet Skis) and their pontoon boats. 

FAQs

Why Choose a Jet Boat?

Jet boats are gaining popularity thanks to their lack of propellers, making them safer, especially for those wanting to access shallow waters for fishing, or for those using their boat to swim from or as a tow boat for watersports. By using an impeller and a jet of water for propulsion they eliminate the need for a conventional propeller. Jet boats can be of any number of styles and sizes including fishing boats, RIBs, bowriders and personal watercraft.