Merc's 200 OptiMax Sport Jet

I’m often asked, “Kevin, why don’t you build outboard jet boats”? For me the answer is simple. Pound for pound, dollar for dollar, there’s not an outboard jet on the planet that can match the performance of the Mercury Sport Jet.

It all starts with water flow…
If we look at the illustration to the right, it’s easy to see the Sport Jet pump moves more water, with less effort, than the OB Jet pump. More on this later...

Power loss…
It’s widely accepted that engines fitted with OB Jet pumps loose @ 30% - 35% of available horsepower.

The Sport Jet pump is a bit harder to pin down, but…many have the loss in the 10% - 15% range. For ease of comparison, I'll use the lower percentage loss of each.

200 HP Eng / OB Jet  - 30% = 140 HP Net
200 HP Eng / Sport Jet - 10% = 180 HP Net

Loading the pump…
Lets look at how the two pump designs get water to the impeller or “loading” the pump as many call it.

To load the OB Jet, the intake protrudes into the water flow. This protrusion occurs on all OB Jets regardless of hull design. Aside from the obvious impact dangers, this design puts a substantial performance robbing drag on the craft.

With a properly designed hull, the Sport Jet intake is mounted flush with the hull bottom. Flush design equates to little or no drag on the hull.

Steering…
No more hand over hand to turn the boat. With the Sport Jet, you’re not turning the motor… just the steering nozzle. Starting at the twelve o’clock position all one must do is rotate the wheel a quarter turn in either direction, the boat responds that quickly.

Low center of gravity…
The Sport Jet design moves the engine from high and outside the craft to low and inside the craft. No need to worry about your multi thousand dollar investment getting whacked by your buddies ½ oz spinner bait, road debris, or low lying tree branches.
With the power unit inside, the hull planes faster, cavitates less, responds quicker, and is easier to control off plane with your bow mount trolling motor.

Power trim & power jack plates…
Some OB Jet boats need both to perform well. Talk about multi tasking! Let me see......Pick my line through this boulder infested channel, grip the steering wheel tightly with one hand (‘cause I hafta turn the entire engine to steer), trim the motor to the correct attitude, adjust the engine height so as not to cavitate in rapids and find the perfect throttle position to compensate for hull slide. I’m not saying it can’t be done, I’ve been with guys who are masters at it!

Now me, I like things simple. Few Sport Jet powered crafts need power trim. None need jack plates. Steering wheel & throttle will get the job done.

Fuel Usage...

Betcha didn't know this. In two similar size crafts @ 30 MPH, the 200 Opti Sport Jet uses less fuel than Yamaha's 115/80 & 90/65 four stoke OB Jets.

Clogs Happen …This will take a while, so get comfy...

I'm biased. I see the Sport Jet thru rose colored glasses. For me, Sport Jet intake clogs are of little concern. With a bit of common sense, experience, and good operating skills, it should be of little concern to you.

That said, OB Jets may have the advantage when it comes to clearing intake clogs. Good thing they do, because they clog easier than the Sport Jet. Many intake clogs that shut down an OB Jet are barely noticeable with the Sport Jet.

Above, you'll notice the word "may". I said may, because 99% of Sport Jet Intake clogs, can be cleared with a simple downward stroke of the optional EZ Clean stomp grate or a weed rake. (I plan to write another page on both...stay tuned)

The other 1%? Well, that can be a bummer. Although there are several "tips" I can offer, there will be times you'll have to get in the water and clear the intake. Not a big deal in the summer. But if the water is cold, it could be a long idle back to the launch.

As of this writing, I have had to get wet only two times in the last five years. Both times 'I didn't have my "weed rake".

Note: Check in from time to time. I've more to say, but my fingers are tired....KT