Low Speed Jet Boat Steering Control: Bolted Versus Variable Speed Thrust Vector

All jet boats deal with the same problem: difficulty steering at slow speeds. Bow wandering has been an ongoing issue for leaving and entering no-wake zones, making a potential concern for other boats, the dock, and your own boat as you learn how and attempt to maintain control.

This new technology is one of the aftermarket products you can utilize to help improve your jet boat's low-speed maneuvering. They are a game-changer that offers more control for steering, docking, backing up to a trailer, and any other travel at slow speeds. This keeps your boat steady, even when choppy water flow tries to push you off course.

Control System

The Jet Boat market is selling products that utilize thrust vectoring ideology without a propulsion system. Thrust Vector technology doesn't affect the steering nozzle, or jet, and can be safely used in no-wake zones to have directional control, even including reverse control at slower speeds. The pump doesn't need to be used, but you're also not throwing the steering wheel from one side to the other while docking.

A Thrust Vector system allows for much easier straight-line tracking without wobbling from one direction to another. They are great for low-speed maneuvering.

Difficulties

Some of the drawbacks of other speed control systems are that they are held in place permanently and aren't able to flex around obstacles in the water. In a boat, this can be scary because you can't determine what or where the underwater dangers might be.

Even when you know your boat and its characteristics, adding a static piece can change the feel and how it handles. Particularly at high speeds, a static low-speed control system can impact turning and create drag. This doesn't always make too much of a change, but it will definitely be noticeable with a wide-open throttle.

The JetBoatPilot Solution

Unlike other brands with static, bolted fins, JetBoatPilot offers a control system for slow-speed steering that attaches permanently, but it also can bend around obstacles and automatically folds away at high speed.

Design

The Thrust Vectors at JetBoatPilot are made of high-quality synthetic polymers instead of metal sheets. These materials allow the fins to improve steering while still being malleable enough to bend around objects that they might encounter in dark or shallow water. The design removes the concern of damage to the fins or to the boat itself during low-speed handling.

The materials are specifically made for extreme marine environments and are even safe for swimmers who might touch or bump them, being flexible instead of rigid and synthetic instead of metal. As of 2022, there have been 8 years of accident-free Thrust Vector use.

High-Speed Steering

Unlike other fins, the Thrust Vector is connected to the stern using a spring. It is kept at full extension. When the jet boats are used at their regular high speeds, the propulsion system pushes water against the bottom of the boat. The thrust presses the fins up against the hull of the jet boat, snugly next to the jet nozzle, removing the concern of drag, steering input changes, or impact.

This design is specifically made to minimize any differences in the best part of jet boating, the forward speed. The spring compresses for the duration of the ride and allows for the boat to act as though the Thrust Vector isn't event attached, then immediately pushes down once the boat slows to provide control and direction.

Despite the movable method, the placement of the Thrust Vector avoids covering the jets. It leaves space for other accessories, such as lateral thrusters or the reverse gate, allowing for all other needs for forward movement or to change to reverse thrust.

No Risk

With the Thrust Vector out from under your boat during high-speed rides, there isn't any concern for the fins catching on or impacting anything under the water. While Thrust Vectors don't take up much room, to begin with, there is no worry about whether it will jet further in the water.

Not only does this protect the Thrust Vectors, but it also makes sure that your boat can't be damaged by any residual force from an impact. Having these automatically out of the way ensures that your hull won't be at any additional risk.

Any individuals or materials under the water aren't a concern either. As mentioned before, the materials of the fins themselves make it safe for swimmers, water life, jet boat owners, and anyone around their boats, even when out of the water. Having this kind of peace of mind can be invaluable to families out boating and jet boaters spending time in heavy traffic and heavy swimmer areas.

What's The Difference?

The Thrust Vectors by JetBoatPilot save time and patience when you're maneuvering at all speeds. You can be sure that the materials will last many years and that the design will allow you the direction you need without the risk. It is safer and more efficient than other types of fins in its class.

The added protection to your boat, regardless of who is at the helm, is a must-have, and we offer models for Scarab, Vortex, Sea-Doo, and Yamaha jet boats.

They stand out from other types of maneuvering options for low speeds steering options You can check out the difference yourself through the videos and demonstrations we supply on our website to keep you as informed as possible before making a decision about your jet boats.