Customer Reviews

Jet Boats: A Complete Guide to Purchasing, Operating and Maintaining Your Jet Boat

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Chances are that if you are reading this review you will be aware that there is not a plethora of writing about jet boats.

Mr Krinak started jet boating in 1990 and obviously got the bug, and felt strongly enough about it to write this his first book, seven years later.

It is an honest and forthright account of types, sytems, buying advice, maintenance and basic piloting techniques. The authors style is personable and anecdotal. His personal background as a career aviator is quite apparent, as evidenced by a three page section on the selection of proper sunglasses. But for all that, its not intrusive. There are plenty of B/W photographs and a reasonable number of diagrams.

The main points of criticism are that, while ostensibly a book about jet boating in general, its information is mainly relevant to the American Pacific Northwest. All the boats are huge by international standards and there could be more discussion about the variety of boat styles and applications. Also the term "jet sled" is unknown outside the USA.

The section detailing the two main types of jet units has no diagrams and fails to note the axial-type pumps get a boat up on plane quicker. Similarly there is no discussion on deep V hulls, fuel preparation, specific engine configurations, bilge pumps, whitewater splash covers or the use of heat exchangers. Might have been good to see some historical info and an index as well.

Perhaps we might see a second edition that addresses some of these areas.

These criticisms aside, a jolly good first book and probably a "must-buy" for someone getting into the sport. And well done to Mr Kirnak for having the courage of his convictions to write it.

I was amazed at the lack of publications on this subject, and I live near the Snake and Salmon rivers where jet boats were first used.

I didn't get my copy of "Jet Boats" untill after I had purchased my own boat so I didn't bother with the first four or five chapters. I started with the information on running white water and reading the river which I found to be disappointingly brief.

[Footnote: around here people start out learning to run the river by following the Jet tour boats and hiring off seasion fishing guides.]

However, the chapter on learning maneuvering skills was, to me, worth the price of the book. Same again for the chapter on maintenance including, acessories, spare parts, sun glasses (!), and inspections and periodic maintenance.

After going back and rereading the whole book I decided that Mike Kirnak did a great job in eighty pages. I can't wait for the sequel.

I have just purchased a 16' American Angler (Smoker Craft) with a 65 HP Jet motor. This book has been indispensable in getting me started safely on a new set of skills and knowledge essential to proficient operation. While it is the only book on this subject out there, it is still very good! I highly recommend it to anyone. Remember there are lots of sources for books, I got mine for $16 thru Amazon/Goodwill books. Good Luck with your Jet Boat, and thank you Mr. Kirnak!