What is the smallest HP Jet motor going today ? I am thinking of setting up a small river boat, something to get into the tightest, shallow spots. Also, what is the average cost to convert a 15 or 20 horse outboard to jet?

My boat is rated for 15 HP I have been looking for a small Jet but I think the smallest is 20Hp

If you find one let me know.

The smallest motor that you can convert to a jet is a 25hp, which is rated at 20. Due to the lack of power from the conversion (about 30%), it really isn't worth doing to anything less. outboardjets.com is the company that manufactures every single jet unit out there, and has almost every answer you could need. Biggest thing with running a jet is weight, and they have a chart that shows the hp needed for the amount of weight.

Unless you can find a used jet pump, you're looking at around 2000 to convert it..

Thanks guys! I just don't know squat about them, but I do know about busting props and lower units !

What size boat are you putting it on?

To be honest, a 25hp jet is "rated" for 20hp, but is actually more along the lines of 17-18hp, so you should be good (based on the 30% loss of power). Do some looking on www.outboardjets.com.. The FAQ section answers tons of questions there, and they also have a section telling the type of boats they perform better on, width, gauge aluminum, etc. You could probably find a 25/20 merc if you keep your eyes on Craigslist.. They pop up from time to time, although reasonably priced ones get eaten up fast

Probably on my 12 foot Jon, but perhaps a 14 footer.

Joe...I fish shallows & heavy rock structures. My 25 Johnson has a shallow run tilt plus I installed a Mac's River Runner rock guard. Gets me just about anywhere I need to be. The jets are way too noisy for my kinda fishing plus fall short in the power department when im running in deeper water.

Can I ask where you bought that, that sounds one heck of alot cheaper than a jet conversion !

I bought it from cabelas. I was grinding several props up a year but since prop guard ...going 5 years on same prop. It also works great when I (rarely) hit those VA oyster beds too! Plus does a good job of protecting prop on many different angle hits.