How shallow?

[duck-n-pond]

My brother is considering purchasing a 12' "FunJet" (made in Texas mid 80's) boat and was wondering how shallow you can realistically operate a jet drive before sucking the bottem. Not really a PWC, but pretty close. He is running a river with rocks 1" and bigger. Thanks

 

[Triton II]

Re: How shallow?

With a big Jet Ski (such as an STX-15F) which weighs over 800lbs with gas, the thing needs at least 18inches of water to operate in a straight line. Tight turning uses up to 3 ft and really mucking around doing donuts etc can use 5 ft or more. Rocks at 1 inch and bigger are not going to get sucked into a standard water impeller intake, they just damage the hull when you go too shallow!