People & Company: New Outboard Water Jet Engine

The JetPac by Outboard Propulsion Systems, LLC, has been successfully introduced after five years of research and marine testing. The new, patented, outboard propulsion system mates a reliable automotive engine with a high performance, large diameter, waterjet in a single, stand-alone unit. The JetPac mounts conveniently to the transom of most small craft. The self-buoyant power units are currently available with either a 150 hp turbo-diesel or 275 hp V8 gasoline engine mated to its 250-mm (10-in.) water jet. The patented design places all components of the propulsion system, other than gauges, controls and fuel, behind the boat's transom.

An automotive type cooling system, using a stainless steel heat exchanger in place of the radiator, is designed to ensure that the JetPac's internal engine parts are exposed to only fresh water. A special, clear, marine paint is utilized on the external engine parts to protect them from exposure to seawater. Additionally, the JetPac water jet unit is fabricated from marine-grade stainless steel, and features a sealed bearing system with biodegradable grease, all mounted into a fiberglass shell that is sealed and protected from the elements.

Said inventor, longtime marine engine designer and founder of Outboard Propulsion Systems, LLC, Bill Lawson , JetPac improves stability on many boats because it actually floats part — or all — of its own weight, replacing the dead weight of an outboard, inboard/outboard, or inboard engine. And since it mounts on the transom, our JetPac provides additional free space.