Propelling a small boat through the water requires a reliable outboard motor. These motors vary in size and power output, depending on the user's needs. This includes specially designed outboard jet motors.
An outboard jet motor is designed for use in shallow water. Typical outboard motors have propellers that can get caught in the silt or plant life that is in shallower waters. Jet motors use an intake of water that pressurizes it to propel the boat forward.
Horsepower can vary for outboard motors, depending on the size of motor purchased. The range can span from 2.5 to 350 horsepower, states Mercury Marine. But outboard motors equipped as jet motors lose 30 percent of the rated horsepower. So if a propeller outboard is rated at 50 horsepower, as a jet outboard it will only provide 35 horsepower.
Keep in mind that outboard jet motors are for use in shallow water, specifically ankle deep water. If moving through this small amount of water, speed and horsepower should not matter as much because the boat will need to be operating at a lower speed for safety.
