Jet Boat //
Build guide & checklist

This page has guidelines around what size of engine is recommended for each WattsCraft hull size.

We have also put together a basic checklist to help workout what is required for a jet boat build.

Hull size & engine guide

See the table below as a rough guide for engine sizes that suit each hull size.

Hull Size Pax Popular Engines Common Pumps
3m
2-3

Yamaha PWC: 700cc, 760cc, 800cc,1100cc,1200cc two-strokes:

Kawasaki PWC: 750cc, 800cc, 900cc,1100cc two-strokes:

Polaris PWC: 700cc, 750cc, 900cc, 1050cc, 1200cc two-strokes:

Seadoo PWC: 720cc 787cc, 800cc, 951cc two-strokes.
Pump from donor pwc
3.3m
2-3

Yamaha PWC: 800cc,1100cc,1200cc two-strokes, TR1 1000cc four-stroke

Kawasaki PWC: 900cc, 1100cc, 1200cc two-strokes, 15F 1500cc four-stroke

Polaris PWC: 900cc, 1050cc, 1200cc two-strokes

Seadoo ACE 900cc four-stroke (Spark PWC), 951cc two-stroke
Pump from donor pwc
3.6m
2-4

Kawasaki PWC: 1500cc four stroke (naturally aspirated or supercharged)

Yamaha PWC: 1800cc four stroke (naturally aspirated or supercharged)

Seadoo PWC: 1500cc four stroke (naturally aspirated or supercharged)

Honda PWC: 1200cc four stroke (turbo)

Suzuki, Honda, Toyota or similer modern all aluminium car engine, 1500-2400cc (naturally aspirated, turbo or supercharged) 100 hp minimum

Pump from donor pwc.

Modified PWC pump on car engine

Scott WaterJet: 612 two-stage.

 

 
3.6m
2-4

Kawasaki PWC: 1500cc four stroke (naturally aspirated or supercharged)

Yamaha PWC: 1800cc four stroke (naturally aspirated or supercharged)

Seadoo PWC: 1500cc four stroke (naturally aspirated or supercharged)

Honda PWC: 1200cc four stroke (turbo)

Suzuki, Honda, Toyota or similer modern all aluminium car engine, 1500-2400cc (naturally aspirated, turbo or supercharged) 100 hp minimum

Pump from donor pwc

Scott WaterJet: 612 two-stage.

7” single-stage: Scott WaterJet or Southern Jet.

7” two-stage: Scott WaterJet or Southern Jet.
4.3m
2-5

V6 (Nissan, Holden etc) car engines

V8 (small) Lexus etc

200hp minimum (300+ ideally)

Hamilton: 212.

Two-stage pumps: Scott WaterJet, Southern Jet, Flow pro, older Hamilton multi stages.
4.6m
2-5
V8 (5000cc+) LS series etc 300hp minimum

Hamilton: 212.

Two-stage pumps: Scott WaterJet, Southern Jet, Flow pro, older Hamilton multi stages.

Checklist of all parts required for a jet boat build

See the list below to get an idea of whats required to complete a jet boat. 

Hull

  • Hull
  • Seating
  • Engine cover
  • Pump cover above pump
  • Pump bash plate under pump
  • Handrails
  • Intake spacer block
  • Bow tow eye
  • Bow rope

Optional hull parts

  • Floor
  • UHMWPE keel plate
  • Hardox 450 steel keel plate
  • UHMWPE rub rail
  • Paint/wrap
  • Foam decking
  • Foredeck hatch
  • Walk through windscreen
  • Storage compartments
Engine
  • Water cooled exhaust system
  • Cooling system
  • Sand trap
  • Electrical systems
  • Fuel system
  • Throttle system (finger or foot)
  • Engine mounts

Controls

  • Steering system
  • Reverse bucket, lever and cables
  • Trim lever  – Optional

Jet drive

  • Jetski pump
    • Intake
    • Grill
    • Pump adaptor
    • Reverse bucket
    • Donor jetski pump and driveshaft
  • Traditional pump
    • Driveshaft and adaptor drive-block for flywheel
  • Intake spacer block
Other
  • Bilge pump

Optional

  • Wind deflectors

Trailer

  • Frame
  • Components
    • Wheels (incl spare)
    • Axle and suspension
    • Lights
    • Coupler
    • Snub vee block
    • Safety chains
    • Winch
Gear
  • Winch
  • Land anchor system
  • Long rope
  • Radio
  • PLB
  • Lifejackets
  • Basic tools
  • Torch
  • First aid kit
  • Push poles
  • Paddles
  • Boots and warm clothes in case you have to walk out