Jet Boat Comeback??

Ratickle

Founding Member / Super Moderator
I was kind of surprised to read this. I remember when, living on the left coast, I had jet boats, but the fuel costs combined with their lack of mileage pretty much killed the market for them. Now, with the popularity of fist jet-skiis, then baby jet boats, and now bigger jet boats, it looks as if they are making a full come back.

Anyone on here know how the current technology compares with the old for fuel use???

Sea Ray Announces New Jet Boat Initiative
Posted: June 26, 2012 | By: Sea Ray Boats

Knoxville, Tenn. – June 26, 2012 Sea Ray announced today that it will launch a new sport boat series featuring the very latest in jet propulsion technology. Sea Ray is slated to launch a 21-foot sport boat in fall 2012, followed shortly by a 24-foot model.

According to Robert J. Parmentier, president Sea Ray Group, “We will leverage the world’s leading marine brand, drawing on our best-in-class product development and engineering practices, as well as our award-winning dealer network, to deliver the very best jet propulsion boats on the market. Additionally, we are proud to announce our exclusive partnership with renowned German engine manufacturer Weber Motor to build the four-stroke engines and jet propulsion that will power the all-new Sea Ray models.”

Weber Motor, an award-winning, independent company based in Markdorf, Germany, has earned accolades for its marine, off-road and on-road engines. As CEO Christian Weber describes the benefits of joining forces with Sea Ray, “This exclusive partnership will showcase the finest in German engineering and American ingenuity.”

With these advances in propulsion, Sea Ray continues to deliver its unique brand promise. “The core attribute of Sea Ray is its ability to create an industry-leading boat with stunning visual appeal, supported by an unsurpassed level of fit and finish, reliability and durability,” says Parmentier. “Sea Ray will only gain from the addition of Weber Motor’s incredible expertise. Of particular note, these Weber jet powered sport boats will be the first and only models available to meet California 4-Star super-ultra-low emission levels, setting a new industry benchmark.”

Parmentier continues, “The development of the new jet propulsion sport boats is part of our ongoing effort to reach the full spectrum of recreational boaters. Our new partnership with Weber Motor will equip us with a more complete product offering, benefitting customers who value the unique characteristics and advantages of jet-powered boating.

ABOUT SEA RAY

Founded in 1959, Sea Ray is the world’s largest manufacturer of superior quality pleasure boats. Sea Ray is headquartered in Knoxville, Tenn., and operates as part of the Boat Group division of Brunswick Corporation. With more than 36 models ranging from 18 to 61 feet, Sea Ray makes a boat for every lifestyle — each built with a unique commitment to quality, craftsmanship and excellence throughout. Additional information about Sea Ray is available at Sport Boats : Sport Cruisers : Sport Yachts : Yachts : Sea Ray Boats. . Sea Ray is a brand of Brunswick Corporation (NYSE: BC).

ABOUT BRUNSWICK

Headquartered in Lake Forest, Ill., Brunswick Corporation endeavors to instill "Genuine Ingenuity"(TM) in all its leading consumer brands, including Mercury and Mariner outboard engines; Mercury MerCruiser sterndrives and inboard engines; MotorGuide trolling motors; Attwood marine parts and accessories; Land 'N' Sea, Kellogg Marine, and Diversified Marine parts and accessories distributors; Bayliner, Boston Whaler, Brunswick Commercial and Government Products, Cabo Yachts, Crestliner, Cypress Cay, Harris FloteBote, Hatteras, Lowe, Lund, Meridian, Princecraft, Quicksilver, Rayglass, Sea Ray, Trophy, Uttern and Valiant boats; Life Fitness and Hammer Strength fitness equipment; Brunswick bowling centers, equipment and consumer products; Brunswick billiards tables and foosball tables. For more information, visit Brunswick | Genuine Ingenuity.

ABOUT WEBER MOTOR

Weber Motor GmbH was founded in 2001 to perfectly complement Weber Automotive GmbH, bringing more than 40 years of expertise in the high-tech machining of automotive, heavy duty – on and off highway as well as powersports components: engine blocks, heads, connecting rods, crankshafts and housings. Its partners have included Williams Performance Tenders, Nautica International and Zodiac rigid inflatable boats, Polaris Industries personal watercraft and snowmobiles, RM Snowmobiles, Godiva fire fighting pumps and several off-road sport vehicles. With the launch of it’s second generation twin engine, the MPE-850, Weber Motor is fully dedicated to the continued development and marketing of its industry-leading four-stroke, multi-purpose engines that are compact, highly efficient and super-low emission solutions for marine, off-road, on-road and industrial applications. More information can be found at www.weber-motor.com.
 
I thought so too. I'm trying to find out more from tests and reports. The Weber engine deal is interesting.
 
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