Making the switch.. Cobra Fins ordered.

[Positive Latitude]

Hey All, After much consideration, and some trial and error/research, I will be changing the Thrust vectors out on our 2023 222s for a set of Cobra Jet Super Magnum AK-19 deluxe. This is NOT because the TV arent working as intended, this is only because I want added control when on plane(TV pop up, and provide no control past about 8mph). I will be selling the TV, and all the hardware very cheap if anyone is interested. 100 bucks plus shipping to wherever. Let me know if youre interested. See you at Jetset, and out on the lake! Be well.

 

[h2oskierfl95]

Make sure to let us know your results after you have had them on a while. I've been curious how big of a difference there really is.

 

[Geiger41]

Waiting for mine in the mail

 

[Dravell]

Make sure to let us know your results after you have had them on a while. I've been curious how big of a difference there really is.

Was a massive difference for me at speed. You lose that loose jet boat feeling but it doesn’t even feel like the same boat when you’re above 20mph. Made pulling towables 100x better as well as high speed turning. Just depends what you’re looking for I guess. The ass not wanting to swing out all the time made it worth it for me.

 

[Cobra Jet Steering LLC]

Was a massive difference for me at speed. You lose that loose jet boat feeling but it doesn’t even feel like the same boat when you’re above 20mph. Made pulling towables 100x better as well as high speed turning. Just depends what you’re looking for I guess. The ass not wanting to swing out all the time made it worth it for me.

Thank you for your feedback, and please remember I started this back in 2001 for myself and I make several different versions with numerous variable options so you get to set the influence level to suit your personal preference to meet your needs and the option to change the influence levels if your needs change. My systems offer you so much more than just slow speed assistance with steering So do your research and get the most out of your time on the water with family and friends.

 

[Fastrat]

Was a massive difference for me at speed. You lose that loose jet boat feeling but it doesn’t even feel like the same boat when you’re above 20mph. Made pulling towables 100x better as well as high speed turning. Just depends what you’re looking for I guess. The ass not wanting to swing out all the time made it worth it for me.

This is exactly why I recently ordered them after MUCH internet research…haven’t run them yet but Jeff was SUPER helpful and communicative. Even sends locktite with them for the install, couldn’t ask for more.

 

[Positive Latitude]

Make sure to let us know your results after you have had them on a while. I've been curious how big of a difference there really is.

Im doing a comparison test!

 

[DSG!]

My 2023 275SDX was demonstrating the typical wandering nose with any wind and low speeds. I had the same behavior on my 26 foot stern drive, which was resolved using the Nautica automatic trim tabs. After talking to the factory, I decided to try the cobra fins, even though I was very concerned that it might adversely affect the drive X functions, particularly lateral movement, because of the large surface area of the fins parallel to the keel, and perpendicular to lateral movement.

After installation, the high-speed turning, and overall performance in during moderate speeds was clearly much more definitive. The low speed wandering is at least 75% improved.

The Drive X .pivot, throttles, and dock hold functions appear unchanged. Subjectively, the lateral movements do not seem as powerful, but still work. So overall, this seems like a reasonable addition to the performance of this boat.

 

[sbeassie]

I installed the Super Magnum AK-19 Deluxe last week. I'm going to make a couple of small adjustments this evening per Jeff's recommendations. I'll post some pictures of the finished product.

 

[DSG!]

 

[Positive Latitude]

My 2023 275SDX was demonstrating the typical wandering nose with any wind and low speeds. I had the same behavior on my 26 foot stern drive, which was resolved using the Nautica automatic trim tabs. After talking to the factory, I decided to try the cobra fins, even though I was very concerned that it might adversely affect the drive X functions, particularly lateral movement, because of the large surface area of the fins parallel to the keel, and perpendicular to lateral movement.

After installation, the high-speed turning, and overall performance in during moderate speeds was clearly much more definitive. The low speed wandering is at least 75% improved.

The Drive X .pivot, throttles, and dock hold functions appear unchanged. Subjectively, the lateral movements do not seem as powerful, but still work. So overall, this seems like a reasonable addition to the performance of this boat.

I appreciate this comment DSG, the nose wandering at cruising speed, and High speed control is EXACTLY why I wanted to try them. The collars I ordered from partzilla are supposed to be in today finally, so should have them on tonight, testing them on saturday. Very excited.

 

[TeenGee]

@Cobra Jet Steering LLC.
Jeff, I have an FSH 255 H. I assume these are the fins that would fit my boat. I am concerned about hitting something with the fin and breaking off the fin or damaging the nozzle. Your other fins look like they are spring loaded and swing up if something is hit. Do you have spring loaded fins I could use on my FSH 255 H?

 

[sbeassie]

Will be going out this weekend to test them out.

 

[Positive Latitude]

Will be going out this weekend to test them out.

View attachment 234678

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Lookin good! Let us know what you think!

 

[jimbobalu]

You will be happy. I went the same route of trying the Thrust Vectors but wasn't happy that they did nothing at speed. Switched to the Cobra's and never looking back. Control is much better at all speeds with no speed loss.

 

[biffdotorg]

For those that use CJS at no wake speed for example. We many times will use three clicks into no wake mode. on our 242 that puts it at 2000rpm and roughly 10mph. It's a great putt putt speed for a cocktail and cruising the shorline.

With my setup, I am constantly working the wheel. I do have TV's installed, and at that speed, they should be down. Is there a solution for that speed? I have been very happy with the Lateral Thrusters, and would never give them up. Navigation around docks is amazing with this setup. I don't worry too much about cruising speed as the thrust of the motors is more than enough for control. But I am open minded to options.

Any advice for our putt putt speed would be appreciated. I don't need to be sold, just experience. At our age, we find our use of the boat has changed. It is what it is.

 

[Positive Latitude]

For those that use CJS at no wake speed for example. We many times will use three clicks into no wake mode. on our 242 that puts it at 2000rpm and roughly 10mph. It's a great putt putt speed for a cocktail and cruising the shorline.

With my setup, I am constantly working the wheel. I do have TV's installed, and at that speed, they should be down. Is there a solution for that speed? I have been very happy with the Lateral Thrusters, and would never give them up. Navigation around docks is amazing with this setup. I don't worry too much about cruising speed as the thrust of the motors is more than enough for control. But I am open minded to options.

Any advice for our putt putt speed would be appreciated. I don't need to be sold, just experience. At our age, we find our use of the boat has changed. It is what it is.

At 8mph your Tv's aren't down, they're up and provide no control whatsoever. Thats one if the reasons im switching to CJS.

 

[biffdotorg]

At 8mph your Tv's aren't down, they're up and provide no control whatsoever. Thats one if the reasons im switching to CJS.

Thank you!

That's what I needed to hear. So either stiffer springs or a solid solution like CJS may be in my future. As I have said before, I have owned both and don't care to get caught up in the argument of one over the other. A person just needs to buy what is best for their usage. And our usage has changed since the kids stopped tubing and started drinking our drinks. (smile)

 

[Positive Latitude]

Thank you!

That's what I needed to hear. So either stiffer springs or a solid solution like CJS may be in my future. As I have said before, I have owned both and don't care to get caught up in the argument of one over the other. A person just needs to buy what is best for their usage. And our usage has changed since the kids stopped tubing and started drinking our drinks. (smile)

Absolutely! It's personal preference. I've said from the start the TV do what they're designed to do, but I like to cruiuuuuse and at 15mph to 40mph I want the added control! See you out on the lake!

 

[biffdotorg]

Will be going out this weekend to test them out.

View attachment 234678

These photos tell a very interesting story. As we have a shallow channel that we pass through to get to our main lake. If I were worried about the CJS hitting the bottom, I should be worried about my keel portion of the hull first.

Yes, the CJS is fixed and below the hull. But in shallow water, that hull is going to hit before the CJS. Sure they are adjusted to a mid position, but still below the hull where the jets are positioned. This alleviates my concern with hitting the bottom in our shallow channel.

Honestly, we have two Yamaha's in our bay, and we have both learned to buzz that channel at 30mph+ safely on plane and our neighbors are happy with the cleaning action we provide.