The simple stand alone unit is a lightweight, low noise thruster with individually replaceable carbon fibre blades.

Of even greater interest was the new JetPac range of marine jet outboard engines which are promised to be environmentally friendly, fuel efficient, quiet, smooth and simple to service. A completely self contained outboard mounted marine jet propulsion system, the JetPac has a large diameter water jet completely enclosed within a positive buoyancy fibreglass shell. While unconventional, the patented technology claims significant improvements over existing water jet designs.

JetPac’s fibreglass shell is specially fabricated to house both the engine and the waterjet. A baffled air intake system reduces noise whilst trapping and eliminating water. A separate bilge area contains oil and other engine contaminants, and the engine mounting is high above. The waterjet installs as a cartridge and the low draft unit does not extend below the boat’s keel.

JetPac is initially offered in versions featuring a 2.8 litre inline four cylinder diesel or a Chevrolet Vortec 5.7 litre V8 petrol. The diesel is turbochrged and intercooled, with a modified, water jacketed stainless steel exhaust manifold and a closed loop cooling system with a stainless steel/cupro nickel heat exchanger and intercooler. Diesels are available in 150hp and 200hp versions. The petrol V8 has electronic fuel injection, burns regular unleaded fuel and develops 275hp at 5,600rpm.