Choosing the right propulsion system for your tender is crucial, as it significantly impacts performance, manoeuvrability, and overall boating experience. At Williams Jet Tenders, we specialise in crafting luxury jet propulsion tenders, and we’re here to guide you through the key differences between jet and outboard engines to help you make an informed decision.

Why Propulsion Matters

You may want to know about propulsion for several reasons: safety and efficiency, navigation, environmental impact, maintenance and troubleshooting.
 

Jet Propulsion

 
Jet propulsion is designed to be safe and quiet while drawing tons of water and blasting it out of nozzles. The water forcefully blasting out creates thrust, similar to a jet cannon. Steering is done with the nozzles, which direct the water in the desired direction.

Overview of Jet Propulsion

• Manoeuvrability: It allows you to steer with unmatched control. Coupled with smaller thrusts, jet propulsion is the best option for shallow waters, which heavily limit the use of traditional propellers.
• Performance: Jet propulsion removes the risk of injury to sea life as there is no propeller in the water. With the ability to smoothly accelerate, jet propulsion is perfect for tenders and smaller vessels that navigate tightly packed areas.
• Compact Design: Jet propulsion units come in very small sizes and can easily fit into a yacht without wasting storage space.

Outboard Engines

 
Outboard engines are external motors mounted on the boat’s transom. These engines use a propeller to generate thrust, spinning it in the water to push the boat forward. Outboards can be tilted or lifted for shallow water operations or maintenance.

 
Overview of Outboard Engines

• High Horsepower Options: Often available in higher horsepower configurations, suitable for larger tenders or boats requiring significant thrust.
• Ease of Maintenance: Their external placement allows for quick repairs, replacements, and servicing, reducing downtime significantly.
• Versatility: Available in various sizes and configurations, powering everything from small tenders to larger vessels.

Considerations for Yacht Owners

When selecting the propulsion system for your tender, consider the following:

What is your goal? Do you want to use it for watersports and high agility, like docking, moving through crowded marinas, shallow waters, beach landing or handling strong currents? Then, jet propulsion may be best suited for you.

Do you need to optimise storage space? Jet propulsion is probably best, as the systems are often easier to stow in tight garages.

If you prioritise the environment, jet propulsion systems are safer compared to outboard engines, reducing risks to marine life.

Conclusion:

Choosing between jet and outboard propulsion depends on your needs and boating lifestyle. At Williams Jet Tenders, we specialise in luxury jet propulsion tenders with exceptional performance, safety, and compact design. Explore our range to find the perfect match for your yachting adventures.