The term "Jet" in the label Jet Boat has to do with the stream of water that propels the boat. A jet boat pulls in water from beneath the boat and the engine forces is out through a nozzle which then provides thrust for the boat.
So how does a jet boat go in reverse? Reverse is achieved by simply routing the water back toward the front of the boat. This is done usually with a "reverse gate" which is lowered down onto the nozzle stream.
Neutral in a jet boat is simply a state where the reverse gate is somewhere between up and down and the forces are equal. That is why with many Jet boats you will find the neutral is really moving the boat very slightly forward or backward. You may have to adjust the lever to get it just right.
Jet Boat Horsepower is usually about 30% less at the nozzle than the actual rating of the engine, this is because some of the horsepower is expending pulling in the water and forcing it through the nozzle.
What are the advantages of a Jet Boat?
- No spinning prop behind the boat makes is much safer.
- No underwater appendages reduces hull resistance.
- With no prop sticking down, it allows for use in very shallow water.