Thread:

Instead of a Jet-Away

Didn't want to hijack the other thread so I figured I'd post up another thread.

Many of us would like the Jet-Away for the easy of disconnecting our driveline and don't feel the need for the ratcheting feature cuz our boats are slower. With that said, the cost of the Jet-Away for only the disconnect feature seems pretty high (though worth it I'm sure and I truly wish I had one).
So....
While rebuilding my son-inlaws transfer case yesterday and looking at all the couplers I started thinking about why we couldnt have something similar for disconnecting the driveline. Then I started thinking about my inlaws that had a driveshaft disconnect in their little truck so they cold flat tow it behind their motorhome and I really started to think it would be possible.

Obviously the motor would have to move ahead a short distance (I think you need that with a Jet-Away too) and you would need some form of a support to hold the driveline when disconnected so the alignment would stay consistent but I'm thinking it might be doable.

Anybody have any thoughts beyond, "John, you sure come up with some dumbass ideas"?

Okay........flame away suckas........

Got any pics?

The nice thing about a jetaway is that is a small unit and can handle plenty of power.

I think the big limiter would be it standing up to the HP your going to throw at it, good idea though I would love to have something like that also.

Originally Posted by Oldelmn8tr

I think the big limiter would be it standing up to the HP your going to throw at it, good idea though I would love to have something like that also.

No doubt, things would have to be much stronger but this was more of a conceptual thought that I figg'rd some of the wizards on here would be able to discuss further.

I'm just throwing the concept out for grins....

Originally Posted by sanger rat

You could go with a lenco driveline.

Good thought but it was my understanding that lencos drivelines get hot

keep thinking jrork. edison and ford started with nothing but an idea. maybe you can come up with something affordable for the commonfolk like myself and make good money too. good luck.

Couldn't you just run a clutch with a handle instead of a pedal? Or can they not handle the high horsepower?

The Jet-Away is a clutching device. Its two main purposes are 1) to disengage the pump from the motor in case of abrupt motor failure (like seizure) and, 2) to ease shut down, that is any time you get out of the throttle it activates ever so slightly easing the deceleration.

The engaged and disengaged capability is just a side benefit and was not the main reason the device was built, it was designed to be able to do that as an added feature ... It, the Jet-Away is a Safety Device, not an item just for convenience.

Right on

Just picture you at WOT and some part in the motor goes south and locks your motor

The Jetaway lets the pump free spin to a stop, unless flying across the hood of your boat is a new sport I would never own another jet boat without one.

Good to know, thanks.

Not all jetboats react bad when the motor locks up. most boats when setup properly, will just glide to a stop. I've had both. If the boats hooks hard when shutoff at high speed, fix it or sell it and buy a safer boat! I like your idea john and this is the place to through it out there.

Thanks, just trying to learn as much as I can before I build my own boat!