For decades, stern drives and inboard (V-drive) boats dominated the recreational boating scene. They powered everything from bowriders and deck boats to surf machines and family cruisers. But over the past several years, a quiet revolution has been happening on the water:
Jet boats are rapidly gaining market share — and in many cases, replacing stern drives and inboards altogether.
Let’s explore why more boaters (and even manufacturers) are making the switch, and what’s driving the rise of modern jet-powered boats like the KYMA K7.
Stern drives, also known as I/Os, come with a lot of moving parts below the waterline — propellers, outdrives, gimbal bearings, bellows, and trim systems. And they all require:
In contrast, modern jet boats like KYMA use closed-cooled engines and no exposed gear below the hull. That means:
Stern drives and V-drives typically draft 2–3 feet and have hardware hanging well below the hull. This limits access to:
Jet boats shine in shallow water. With a draft around 15–16 inches and no exposed drive gear, boats like the KYMA K7 can:
Surfing, tubing, and swimming behind a boat are more fun when you’re not worried about a propeller. In V-drive surf boats or reverse stern drives, there's still a prop — it’s just moved forward under the hull.
Jet boats eliminate the danger:
Stern drives and V-drives provide a smooth ride, but they lag when it comes to:
Jet propulsion systems, like KYMA’s American Turbine drive, offer:
And because there’s no gear shifting or prop cavitation, jet boats feel more like performance cars on water.
Many stern drive and inboard boats are optimized for freshwater — and require major upgrades to survive in salt. Even then, you’re battling:
The KYMA K7 and other premium jet boats are often built saltwater-ready:
That makes jet boats ideal for coastal boaters, brackish environments, or salt-seasoned lakes.
Forget what you know about old-school jet boats that felt like oversized jet skis. Today’s jet boats — especially performance models like KYMA — offer:
These boats combine power, comfort, and simplicity, and they’re built for real families — not just thrill-seekers.
Brands like Yamaha and Scarab have led the PWC-style jet boat market for years. But now, premium builders like KYMA are innovating even further — merging jet propulsion with true watersports and coastal capability.
Even some inboard surf boat brands are experimenting with jet systems behind the scenes. Why?
Because boaters are:
Jet boats are no longer niche — they’re the future of all-purpose boating.
The rise of jet boats isn’t hype — it’s the result of decades of frustration with outdated drive systems in stern and V-drive boats. With better access, safety, maintenance, and versatility, today’s jet boats are rewriting the rules of family boating.
If you’re a performance-minded boater who wants to surf, cruise, explore shallow water, and keep things simple, it’s time to experience what jet boats — especially the KYMA K7 — can really do.
Join us for a VIP KYMA Experience and put the K7 through its paces. You’ll never look at a propeller the same way again.
👉 Click Here to Request Your VIP KYMA Demo