My 21' Shockwave had a carb 454 w/ jet and ran 55mph. I often made the trip to the Sandbar from Willow Valley (in between BHC and Needles)and my boat would burn about 30 gallons. That's with 4- 6 people in the boat.

My friend had a 21' Cobra (same mold) and it had a Fuel Injected 350mag I/0 and would make the same trip on only 20 gallons and it ran over 60mph. Another friend has a 21' Ultra I/O that ran 65mph with Merc 6.2 and it did about the same in fuel as the 350. If I was going to buy a similar boat I'd defiantly go I/O. Now if you boat in really shallow water all the time like the lower river, then the jet might make sense. However since you boat in the BHC area, I would go I/O. There's only really 5 spots that you have to watch for coming down river and once you get south of the Needles Bridge your golden!

Where are you finding jets with a 496? I rarely see that.

If your coming to the Sandbar from Laughlin in a 21' Jet boat, expect to have to fill up your tanks at Pirates Cove on the way back.

here's the 3 of us at the Sandbar.

 

My 21' Shockwave had a carb 454 w/ jet and ran 55mph. I often made the trip to the Sandbar from Willow Valley (in between BHC and Needles)and my boat would burn about 30 gallons. That's with 4- 6 people in the boat.

My friend had a 21' Cobra (same mold) and it had a Fuel Injected 350mag I/0 and would make the same trip on only 20 gallons and it ran over 60mph. Another friend has a 21' Ultra I/O that ran 65mph with Merc 6.2 and it did about the same in fuel as the 350. If I was going to buy a similar boat I'd defiantly go I/O. Now if you boat in really shallow water all the time like the lower river, then the jet might make sense. However since you boat in the BHC area, I would go I/O. There's only really 5 spots that you have to watch for coming down river and once you get south of the Needles Bridge your golden!

Where are you finding jets with a 496? I rarely see that.

If your coming to the Sandbar from Laughlin in a 21' Jet boat, expect to have to fill up your tanks at Pirates Cove on the way back.

here's the 3 of us at the Sandbar.

How long a trip in miles is it to the Sandbar from Willow Valley?

 

Here is an old ad of a Ultra w/ 496
2001 Ultra Custom Boats 21 Stealth powerboat for sale in California

We usually stay at the casino's in Laughlin and drive down to Jack Smith to launch. I was just thinking of picking up a jet and launch from the casino's or Avi.

 

Here is an old add of a Ultra w/ 496
2001 Ultra Custom Boats 21 Stealth powerboat for sale in California

We usually stay at the casino's in Laughlin and drive down to Jack Smith to launch. I was just thinking of picking up a jet and launch from the casino's or Avi.

Nice boat.

It's really your call. I think the top speed and the fuel cost benefit is enough to go I/O. Like I said, that stretch of the river isn't as bad as some make it out to be. I know it like the back of my hand. There are only a few rock bars to watch for and once you learn where they are, it's no big deal.

Another thing:
With an I/O you'll get more back seat leg room between the back seat and the reverse/observer seats.

 

My wife's uncle has an Advantage SR21 open bow, with 496mag and dominator jet. He is pretty much right with me with a built 468 speed wise, 65+ The nice thing about it, is the EFI. the pedal is like driving a car, and the fuel usage is pretty nice.

 

Everytime I see your boat I want to copy your exhaust system... I love that center exhaust!

 

My boat has a 509 bbc

Will run 65 with 4 people

 

Awesome boat. Sometimes I think I should've taken you up on that trade offer.

 

Have a 21 ultra xt open bow with dual jets here