Thread:

forward thrust to reverse thrust damage

Originally Posted by headsy84

Hello.
I have heard 2 theories on going from full thrust forwards to full reverse. some people say its fine and the thing that makes jetboats the safest watercraft.
Other say that this will wreck the engine and jet very quickly and never to do it unleaded an emergency.
Any thoughts from experienced owners.
Cheers

I would think that since the impeller is still rotating in the same direction and the pressure is still traveling in the same direction, the only affect it would have is the pressurization of the bowl and the force hitting the reverse bucket. I don't think it would be any different force (probably less) on the thrust bearings than a very hard launch. The instantaneous force of the reverse bucket slamming down is more just redirecting the flow while making the nozzle seem smaller. This would be assuming that you never let your foot off the throttle.
But then what do I know.

Shouldn't hurt anything,
Except might throw you from the boat

Actually have done this a couple times over the years
Once when the steering cable broke and I was heading straight for the beach
It kept me from going up on land


Sent from my iPhone

Slammed the reverse bucket down and hammered the throttle to avoid rocks. Also threw the diverter full down. It saved my ass. After doing this in a panic situation, I recommend jumping in the water to clean out your drawers.

Originally Posted by headsy84

Hello.
I have heard 2 theories on going from full thrust forwards to full reverse. some people say its fine and the thing that makes jetboats the safest watercraft.
Other say that this will wreck the engine and jet very quickly and never to do it unleaded an emergency.
Any thoughts from experienced owners.
Cheers

Honestly not sure when this manuver would become neccesary but theres also a chance to blow the reverse bucket of some jets amoung other saftey issues Tom

The smaller, 18' boats tend to bury the bow when doing this manuver. Depending upon your speed and how hard you stomp the throttle in reverse will determine if you sink the boat nose first, or just throw yourself over the bow. I strongly recomend wearing a lifejacket and removing any loose stuff in the boat before attempting the "braking" manuver. having another boat around to help if required isn't a bad idea either. Try slower, non-planing speeds first, and light reverse throttle application before getting more radical. Get off of the throttle before engaging reverse too, its easier on the reverse bucket and allows more control while you are learning the boats limits. I tried that manuver with my first jet (I had owned it for all of two weeks) when I was about 19. I tried it at about 20 mph, and found that it wouldn't go into reverse without letting off of the throttle, soooo, I backed off, put it into reverse and swatted the gas. The next thing that I remembered was having my head stuck under the windshield and helplessly watching the bow of the boat go completely under the water up to the base of the windshield. The boat, a 1975 Taylor SS is not that small of a hull, its deeper than most HP jets, and to continue, the rear lifted out of the water enough to unload the pump and keep me from sinking it. That was luck only. Remember that the reverse jet stream does not exit foward, but at a 40 degree angle down and foward. That WILL make the thrust raise the rear of the boat. See the old article "5 myths of jetboating." I recomend a great dose of caution when exploring any limits of your boat. Be safe and post your experiences so others may learn. TIMINATOR

X2

he'll be changing his name to "Cap'n Nemo" .... but it IS a good way to get all the drunks out of your boat at the beach

Originally Posted by hellnback

he'll be changing his name to "Cap'n Nemo" .... but it IS a good way to get all the drunks out of your boat at the beach

LMAO!!!

You will sink your boat... I was running at 3000 rpm (30 MPH) went straight from forward to reverse. Bent my steering wheel from the water pushing me back. When it stopped . And it stopped fast I was waist deep on water . Then the back went under water and sank. I was very lucky not to hurt anyone in my stupid ( watch this ) moment . I was able to retrieve my boat. You can how ever lift off the throttle and put it reverse and burp the throttle to slow down