4 replies to this topic

[Sanborns]

I just bought a 2001 Islandia (my first boat ever) and I love it. There is one slight problem. I noticed that when it gets up to higher speeds planing, it will not turn to the right. It turns left perfectly, and there is no problem when going slower. I'd appreciate any help that you might be able to provide. Thanks! Neal

[Kevin Leclair]

It is possible that it could be something going on with your steering cable at higher speeds. Have you checked these?

[no1stumper]

There can be many things going on. Was it a really windy, or choppy day? How are those steering cables, is it easy to steer or hard? What engines do you have?

MAYBE THINGS TO CONSIDER>>>>

The answer in this case is to just let the steering go and allow the boat to return level. Then all at once the normal characteristics all return. But if the wind starts fighting you again and you fight it back, you can end up right back where you were. One option is to chose a different heading for awhile, maybe sort of tack with the wind as in sailing.

The jetboats in general doo turn better one way vs the other. That's not to say you may not have some other issues to fix, but some difference is normal. Here is an portion of a document from groupk (take it like you take anything that comes off the Internet):

Acceleration from Turns - Because of the mechanical dynamics of the single stage pump design, turning will always have a noticeable effect on engine rpms. In high speed "left hand" turns, the water enters the pump cavity at an angle that is "unfriendly" to the rotation of the prop. The result is that engine rpms will drop significantly from this added "load". Conversely, turning right at high speed causes the water to enter the pump at an angle that allows the prop to process water very easily. The load reduction caused by this "favorably" entering water can be so profound that the engine rpms raise significantly, and cavitation is often induced.

[keviseeb]

There can be many things going on. Was it a really windy, or choppy day? How are those steering cables, is it easy to steer or hard? What engines do you have?

MAYBE THINGS TO CONSIDER>>>>

The answer in this case is to just let the steering go and allow the boat to return level. Then all at once the normal characteristics all return. But if the wind starts fighting you again and you fight it back, you can end up right back where you were. One option is to chose a different heading for awhile, maybe sort of tack with the wind as in sailing.

The jetboats in general doo turn better one way vs the other. That's not to say you may not have some other issues to fix, but some difference is normal. Here is an portion of a document from groupk (take it like you take anything that comes off the Internet):

Acceleration from Turns - Because of the mechanical dynamics of the single stage pump design, turning will always have a noticeable effect on engine rpms. In high speed "left hand" turns, the water enters the pump cavity at an angle that is "unfriendly" to the rotation of the prop. The result is that engine rpms will drop significantly from this added "load". Conversely, turning right at high speed causes the water to enter the pump at an angle that allows the prop to process water very easily. The load reduction caused by this "favorably" entering water can be so profound that the engine rpms raise significantly, and cavitation is often induced.

The hull and engine packages have gone through major changes since 2001. The hull was redesigned in 2003 when the 250 HP Optimax was installed and again in 2006 when the twin 310 HP package was introduced. This year only the 430 HP package is available. All happened for very good reasons. The pre 2003 design didn't plane as well i.e. very high bow angle during acceleration and it suffered from induction problems in right turns, opposite of the Rotax pumps. Make sure your nozzle is actually turning the whole way and that the reverse gate is not hitting anything at extreme left and right steering positions.

Kevin Seeber
Kingsland Marine

[no1stumper]

The hull and engine packages have gone through major changes since 2001. The hull was redesigned in 2003 when the 250 HP Optimax was installed and again in 2006 when the twin 310 HP package was introduced. This year only the 430 HP package is available. All happened for very good reasons. The pre 2003 design didn't plane as well i.e. very high bow angle during acceleration and it suffered from induction problems in right turns, opposite of the Rotax pumps. Make sure your nozzle is actually turning the whole way and that the reverse gate is not hitting anything at extreme left and right steering positions.

Kevin Seeber
Kingsland Marine

Never knew that!!!!! Great info