Thread: A different approach to jet boating

Anyone had a look first hand at one of these Russian inflatables? Looks like they have low speed steering that is lacking in conventional boats and they don't go bang and dent when you hit things... Dunno how long one of those impellers would last chewing gravel? Although the seating position is different and potentially less comfortable than a conventional boat they may be easier on your back with the inherent flex? I have a small conventional and banging down seriously joggly water for any length of time can be hard on the back. Will be interesting to see how popular they become

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp8z82Wnmhk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-gTkL-aWpo

Originally Posted by yerimaginaryM8

Anyone had a look first hand at one of these Russian inflatables? Looks like they have low speed steering that is lacking in conventional boats and they don't go bang and dent when you hit things... Dunno how long one of those impellers would last chewing gravel? Although the seating position is different and potentially less comfortable than a conventional boat they may be easier on your back with the inherent flex? I have a small conventional and banging down seriously joggly water for any length of time can be hard on the back. Will be interesting to see how popular they become

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp8z82Wnmhk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-gTkL-aWpo

Being Russian be crap or was stolen ideas/copies from another country
Bit like the Tents and Air Boats I tried promoting in NZ
All just shit :-)

I like this.

Originally Posted by yerimaginaryM8

Anyone had a look first hand at one of these Russian inflatables? Looks like they have low speed steering that is lacking in conventional boats and they don't go bang and dent when you hit things... Dunno how long one of those impellers would last chewing gravel? Although the seating position is different and potentially less comfortable than a conventional boat they may be easier on your back with the inherent flex? I have a small conventional and banging down seriously joggly water for any length of time can be hard on the back. Will be interesting to see how popular they become

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fp8z82Wnmhk

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-gTkL-aWpo

Those snail drive jets like the Mercury Sportjet don't mind chewing up a bit of gravel. Much more forgiving than the usual designs.

I've had a ride in one, bloody impressed

I want to get one but upgraded to my current boat less than a year ago and told wife that the new boat was all I needed then....so might have to wait a while before using that line again

Quite a few guys have them now so seem to be getting good reports. Also popular in Canada and you see them loaded up with moose etc

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First vid is up the Rakaia, awesome chilly day.

GoatRacing is a good friend and as shown in many of his previous videos he was/is an avid mini boating nut. The best way to put it was that they aren't a substitute for an alloy hull boat/more conventional style boat. If your main purpose is just to haul gear, guys and animals up and down rivers then the inflatable jet boat would be fantastic. You can push them across the rocks on your own, you can take them in much shallower water, You tend to "bend" round rocks and take no damage. On the flip side they aren't as comfortable to ride in and are far less family friendly. I'm not sure on the reliability for these Russian outboard jets but his seems to be going fine and without issues thus far. Certainly something that i'm keeping a keen eye on.

Isn't Josh James using an inflatable jetboat at the moment?

That’s interesting mate.... look like they would be perfect for here in kiwi.. but I think you are probably correct in the assessment.....

Whilst living and working in Vietnam for 3 years I purchased a Russian motorbike (admittedly I was on the turps).. and yes my friend ,that motorcycle was the biggest piece of shit I’d ever ridden and tried to fix...

It was of the “Minsk” variety ,brand.... bloody worthless.. designed,built and had to be rode on ... yes.. VODKA!!!

Originally Posted by Sarvo

Being Russian be crap or was stolen ideas/copies from another country
Bit like the Tents and Air Boats I tried promoting in NZ
All just shit :-)

Ive got to say that was bloody skinny water . Buggered if id take my wee fibreglass boat up there. As said Goat racings done heaps of mini jet boating. Hes got No fear and a deep wallet

Have looked into these, and I think you'll find that they are actually a reasonably good quality boat. There's plenty of YT's of Ruskies heading up gnarly rivers for three or four days just to get to their favourite shooting or hunting possie. They take an absolute hammering, and if they failed there would be equal chances of you not making it out in one piece, the remoteness and ruggedness of their water needs to be seen to be believed.

And the jet units appear to be sourced out of the USA from a company that's been making them since the 1970's. So plenty of R&D has gone into them.

The great thing with them is that if everything really turns to poo, they are light enough to carry around the problem (boat 100kg, motor 72kg) or just get choppered out.