Hamilton 212 Reverse Bucket Dissected

People often complain that the Hamilton 212 jet pump's reverse bucket is stiff and difficult to move. Others contend that if set up correctly, it should be wonderful. My personal experience is difficult to move, and that explanations provided by others are not particularly satisfying. So I decided to investigate. My conclusion is there's definitely room for improvement. Given that quick response is needed when operating jet boats, sluggish and difficult controls shouldn't be tolerated. (Except by those who never use their boats. They probably don't care.) This is part 1 in a potential series examining the Hamilton 212's forward/reverse shifting, and steering.

[@acadianwanderer7352]

The ‘brake box’ is designed (genius) to keep the bucket from moving, up or down, in any and all positions (except full reverse/forward) from idling to full throttle for maneuvering purposes. Since that can’t be done with a single lever control unless the engine is idling, I do agree with you. I believe your problem’s something else though. Cheers!

[@jetboatmayhem7271]

This is very thorough, great job! You've got a great method of testing!

[@67akhunter]

There almost has to be a tight bend at the tower the helm is mounted on. And a decent bend where it turns at the transom to the jet . I would think the single stick makes it harder because of leverage in the system seems to move the bucket a lot more then the helm. Just that could make it harder. Moving the bucket up and down that much and moving the helm a little seems the bucket has the advantage. I'm probably wrong but you will let us know ! Keep up the great videos! Your almost new boat looks great! I like to see it when people use their boat for more them just yard art !

[@jojinapigkit4680]

nice video sir, it seemed you have solved it. may i know the size of impeller case and the size of the nozzle outlet and the length of the stator portion of that Hamilton 212? i intend to fabricate one because its too expensive. thank you sir, i appreciate it. have a nice day.

[@jakeholloway8071]

Pete gemstatejake here the green duckworth guy. We had a discussion on this subject down at Pittsburgh a year or so back. I’ve fought my reverse since I bought the boat and will now have a hydraulic reverse installed. Curious why you didn’t do the same? I know you’re a engineer type and enquiring minds want to know, but the hydraulic set up seems to solve all problems. Am I missing something?

[@idahoviking]

Jake -- there were several reasons to investigate rather than go directly to hydraulic. (1) I had trouble believing that the difficulty I experienced is "normal". I weigh about 200 lbs, and this was barely adequate to move the lever reliably. (2) Some people have a lever setup like mine and claim it is easy to use. (3) Although it was difficult 95% of the time, about 5% of the time it was very easy; this suggested the possibility of making it easy all the time. (4) The hydraulic setup would be a toggle switch, rather than integrated into the lever throw. I really like this aspect of the single lever, because it is instantly instinctive, and if something unexpected happens, reflex makes all the right things happen. Forward to go forward, and back to go back. So I decided to investigate in hopes of making it easy all the time. Anyway, between removing the brake box and replacing the cable (next video in the series), it is now super fast and easy.

[@jakeholloway8071]

I see. I have a single lever Flo-Tec set up.. I agree it’s very instinctive and easy.. I’d prefer to stick with it but it just is not reliable. I’ll have to investigate the set up you came up with here. Seems like a good solution.

[@donnehls8963]

Where do you buy parts have a 245 unit and need help with hydraulic cylinder control valve leaking Thanks don

[@brandinolson9874]

Looks like you have this Hamilton figured out. Just got one and having a issue with getting it into reverse. Mine is hydrolic but not sure where to start. Any chance I can contact you? Thanks in advance

[@idahoviking]

See contact email in "about" for my channel.

[@brandinolson9874]

@@idahoviking Thank you. When I tried to look at your about on your channel I oit in the email address and it says it isn't a valid address. I'm probably doing something wrong but having issues with getting into drive neutral and reverse. I'm thinking it's possibly a issue with the pump or solenoid. Or possibly the switch. Definitely not ideal when trying to dock or run the river. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[@idahoviking]

@@brandinolson9874 I'm not familiar with the hydraulic solutions for the 212, except that they seem to fail frequently due to inferior equipment and/or installation. Where are you located?

[@SC-vw1nx]

Hi mate I was thinking of installing same Hamilton jet,looks like you don’t recommend it ?

[@idahoviking]

Yes and no. Did a cable swap too, and now it's good. See second in series kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJvPnGdrqN6jg6M

[@williamsmallwood8998]

I was wondering if you could help me I’m looking for a diagram on the reverse duct two bolts that hold it up with washers and spacers, I bought a Hamilton jet and it is missing some parts

[@idahoviking]

The Hamilton website is organized horribly, but the manuals are on there somewhere. You might contact them for the link.

[@williamsmallwood8998]

Ok

[@richardstinnett7796]

23;30, isn't that why they have two cables??

[@someoneyouknow96]

You have to get a better lever made. That thing is ghetto.

[@idahoviking]

It didn't look too horrible initially, but it was bumping the seat in reverse, so I had to chop it in half and angle it sideways. That's when things went super ghetto. When everything is absolutely 100% perfect functionally, then I'll attend to form.

[@someoneyouknow96]

@@idahoviking it's cool. we all have to improvise. Hope the HCM is treating you well.

[@idahoviking]

Indeed, the hull performance is superb. The relatively long bow rise smooths out the chop, and it tends to climb up waves more than bashing into them. And the welded-in sub-floor makes it very rigid with zero flex or twist.

[@someoneyouknow96]

@@idahoviking when I rode and drove shurms 20' I was so impressed with how well it didn't bash the waves. I'm not sure if it was the lightweight of the hull or what. But it's probably the smoothest riding boat I have been in on whitewater.