NWJet Signature

[Regular Joe]

Hi All,

I like the 22 footer Signature 3/4 hardtop, 8.1L c/w Hamilton 212. Just wondering if anyone on this forum has one or has been in one? We are considering this boat for a family of five and would like to know your opinions?

Best regards

Joe :help:

[SLEDDER]

I would look at the 6.0liter. Big block power without the weight. The 212 would be my pump of choice with the weight of 5 people plus gear. That 8.1 gets thirsty. I had one in a suburban. Great engine, just might be more than you really need. Just my :twocents:

[Hook'm&Book'm]

I have been researching boats recently to. Take a look at the 383, it has 426ft pounds of torque at 3200rpms, and the 6.0 is 370 at 3600. I've been told the 383 is only burning 1-2 gallons more than a 350. There are some new builders that have popped up in the last year or two building some very nice boats also.

[jet]

I have a 22' NW Jet with the 3/4 Hardtop, 1/2 step rear deck,Kodiak 350, Hamilton 212. When I have 4 adults and gear the boat performs awesome. When I have 5 adults it definitely could use a little more power. If and when I need to repower the only choice from the research I have done would be the 383 stroker, small block, with all the power of a big block. On a new boat purchase the 383 is the way to go. I have heard a few things about the 6 liter and most have not been as favorable as a 383.


Jet~~~

[SLEDDER]

The 383 crankshaft is a cast steel I believe. Originaly a 400 small block crank. Unless Chevy or some after market group have started manufacturing these cranks, you have a cast crank spinning at 3500-4300 rpm's. It would make me nervous. I would much rather prefer a forged steel crank.

[jet]

If you want more information on Jet boat motors and your future purchase you might google riverjet.com. Many of us here frequent the site and have learned lots of great information it is like I-Fish, lots of great folks sharing small pieces to create a great resource.

You may already be there as I noticed a NW Jet question thread. Good luck.
http://www.ifish.net/gallery/data/500/medium/389rear_boat.jpg[/image]

Jet~~~
and Squirt~~~ on the other board

[WaterDog]

8.1L will burn around 9 to 10gph with a 212 and a 4.0 impellor at 3000 to 3200 rpm's. IMHO any boat 22' and bigger, especially if it's a well built boat like the NW, you will be happier with the big block. The 8.1L is a great engine even if it's a GM product. :wink: Remember "there is no replacement for displacement. " You'll be able to load your family and anything else you want to haul with you and not have to worry about it.

And really, in a boat of this caliber and size, fuel usage should'nt be much of a factor. Just get a big fuel tank. :grin:

[salmonfever]

I have a 22' signature and the 8.1/212 combination. I upgraded from a 21 foot whitewater with a carbed 351. I have not noticed any significant fuel consumption difference. The 8.1 has torque at lower RPM's, so , matched with the right impeller, you run at a lower RPM than you would with a smaller engine. The boat, with this combination, is not very weight sensitive, and there is little drop in performance when you add several people and their gear. I looked at the 6.0, but avoided it after some research about problems.