1996 Sea Rayder Sport Jet

[neotcha]

My problem is lack of power on take off. Engine quickly jumps to 5200 rpms but the boat takes a long time to plane out. We even have to shift people if there is three people on the boat [one will have to go to the front]. If I back off to about 4000 rpms, I can feel the boat pulling, trying to get on plane. I have the wear ring off. There is about .025 clearance per side. If I reduce this to .003 per side, will it make a significant difference or should I try something else?

The Clymer manual says I should look at replacing the wear ring when there is .100 clearance. That sounds like a mile.

Also, when on plane, the boat pulls very hard to the left. Is there a rudder device I can remove or purchase that will make it track straighter?

Last but not least, is there anything in the stator that I should check while I have the wear ring off?

 

[Jeff Walkowiak]

Re: 1996 Sea Rayder Sport Jet

first closely inspect the impeller and wear ring for damage or excess clearance,, and look for any object that may be stuck between the blades of the impeller,, what you describe is called cavitation and it can be caused by several things,,

 

[neotcha]

Re: 1996 Sea Rayder Sport Jet

Thanks for replying .
We inspected everything , nothing unusual stands out .
There were slight burrs on the impeller , we filed them off
keeping the 1/32 land that the Clymer manual suggested .
Are you saying the .025 clearance isn't an issue ? I'll save the $300
for the wear ring/pump housing if its not needed .
Max speed isn't as much an issue as quick take-off . Should the boat
respond , take-off like a jet ski ?
Any ideas on what else I can check ?
There is no way I could ever get a skier up with the boats sluggish take-off.

 

[neotcha]

Re: 1996 Sea Rayder Sport Jet

What is the purpose of the stator behind the impeller ?
Why is there oil in the housing ?
What problems do you see when the stator is damaged ?

 

[ProbeGT]

Re: 1996 Sea Rayder Sport Jet

the stator problem will cut the spark on your engine.

Often, if you unplug the Rev limiter box, you'll get spark again, it can help to get the boat back home SLOWLY.

There's oil in the gearcase of the turbine because the engine is vertical and the turbine is horizontal so you need a gearcase to transfer power to the impeller.

I also have a slow take-off problem (takes 6-9 seconds to plane) and I think the reverse plate is blocking my turbine. .025 of clearance is not very bad but not very good too. I've been told that .035 you must rebuild it. I think at 0.100 the boat won't even do 10MPH.