Thrust Vectors vs Cobra Fins...How do they differ...Which one is better and why??

[@JoePatriot78]

A note on hitting something with the Cobra fins..I had a direct hit on one of my fins by a heavy composite pallet floating in the lake last year. It bent the bracket holding the fin but did no damage to any of the boats components. I bent it back straight, good as new.

[@justinorta6261]

I have tried both also and like them both. Both simple to install. I also agree with your assessment and I also tried the cobras after having the thrust vectors. I also decided to stay with the cobras.

[@jamesdepace2783]

Thanks for the information on the two products. I appreciate you taking the time to provide such details. Ive been running Cobra on my 2016 242 LS for several years now and am happy with the product. Again, thanks for the video... USN (Ret)

[@rommel-777]

Thank you Jay. Very informative and succinct comparison of both products. I have what appears to be the original Thrust Vectors on this boat I purchased used (2011 AR240) and was going to replace them. The fact that you get additional low speed reverse and also high speed maneuverability from the Cobra Fins sounds like a win/win to me. Thank you again and God Bless!

[@JoshuaDavis-tk4em]

Great video! Thank you for this! I’ve been debating on what to put on our ‘09 SX230HO and I think this video sealed the deal.

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

I think you'll be very happy with them.

[@hamptonjetboaters]

Thanks for this video! I installed the Thrust Vectors on my 2021 AR195 last year when we got the boat. I don't know, but I feel I get a lot of random shooting sprays and when pulling kids on tubes, they get it in the face a lot. I actually went from a 50 foot rope to a 60 foot rope with the ball to help with that. I've always wondered about the Cobra Fins and think I am going to give them a try. I especially like the part about them giving more control on plane.

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

I'm very happy with the cobra fins. As far as the 60ish foot spray, I didn't really notice a difference between the two. Just keep that in mind.

[@hamptonjetboaters]

@@SmoknJaysGarage It's not a constant spray, but it's every few seconds it shoots a big spray up and it hits the kids in the face. I bought a 60 foot tow rope with a ball to help, but it still gets them. I just wasn't sure if it is from the Thrust Vectors moving a little up and down due to the spring or something. You can see what I am talking about in my one video kzbin.info/www/bejne/hJPMYnyHeptoq5Y (starting at 3:30). Some may say the ball is causing it, but if you watch, it happens when the ball is off to the side also.

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

@@hamptonjetboaters I see what you mean. I'm not sure if that's from the thrust vectors or not. I only noticed the random spray occasionally at 5-6mph on mine.

[@boatingpropless]

I don’t know how I missed this video in my feed. Well done Jason! I agree on the cobra fins. They provide as much low steering inputs plus all the additional benefits at high speed. The cobra fins for the previous Yamaha generation (without the keel) can take the lateral thrusters with an adapter from Jeff, but you can’t use his Mega Fangs.

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

You're right, I wasn't even thinking of the older design ones.

[@Clark2262]

Excellent review. Thank you very much.

[@buguy0]

Very nice. I don't seem to have any slow speed or dock trouble with my 210 FSH, but I do have the high speed issues you mentioned. So if the cobra offer some help there and improve low speed maneuvering, that sounds like a winner for me.

[@zjldmd]

great review - thanks..

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

Great detailed video!

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

Thanks Leon

[@ceholm71]

Thank you for the video. We are looking at getting a 2024/25 255 XD would either of these be helpful? Sounds like the XD's handle well at low speeds with the Drive system. Do you think these would have an effect on the wake? Thank you!

[@joelconrad2341]

Jay SEMPER Fi! great Vids.. question where did you get the center rudder? Thanks

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

The center rudder (articulating keel) is now standard on all yamaha boats. I don't recall the year off hand that they changed the hull and added the rudder.

[@StarkeysRus]

Which cobra jet package is the newest? I have a 2023 AR195 on the way and wanted the latest technology but the website doesn't do a great job on explaining the models.

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

I believe it is called the Super Ultimate AK-19 Deluxe. I would suggest emailing Jeff before you order. In my experience he is very helpful and will make sure you're getting exactly what you want.

[@curtisstarkey9229]

Thanks! Got them ordered and installed. Waiting for next season to test them out! Great work!

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

@@curtisstarkey9229 awesome!

[@Greenwashedhipppie]

@@SmoknJaysGarage Did you install the cobra fangs?

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

@@Greenwashedhipppie no I didn't

[@darrenrowan2352]

The cobra fins you demo- are they the super ultimate ak-19 deluxe or the super magnum ak-19 deluxe? Thanks for your help. Waiting for my 2023 255 FSH Sport E to arrive!

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

These are the super ultimate ak-19

[@lonnieschwersenska1335]

Love ur videos, just got a 23 252 been trying to use the gps and when I start a track then stop n shut off key I lose my track is this normal or how do u save ur track🤔?

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

Congratulations!! I think you're referring to your crumb trail that shows where you've been? Yes, that erases when you shut the key off. Unfortunately I am not aware of anyway to make that stay. 😕

[@danaberman6929]

Great job with this video. I am looking at the 2023 Yamaha 190S and if I do purchase it, I will be adding the Cobra fin to it. I assume the single engine will control about the same with the Cobra jet system.

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

I haven't tested the single engine, but purposely didn't split the throttles in my testing for that very reason. So yes, I believe you will see very similar reasons on the single engine.

[@danaberman6929]

@@SmoknJaysGarage Thanks. I appreciate the feedback. This will be my first jet boat. I currently ride and will be keeping my Sea-Doo RXTX-300, but was curious about the jet boats for our summer place on the Rappahannock River in VA. It is very brackish so salt water was another concern. I would def wash after each use and flush with fresh water...

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

@@danaberman6929 "salt away" I believe is the product that most people recommend. I boat on the great lakes, so haven't needed it myself.

[@danaberman6929]

@@SmoknJaysGarage Yep, use it on my Sea-Doo RXTX 300..

[@lukegray6441]

Great video. I just got the new AR250 and ordered the cobra fins. Are you still running them? Have you added the fangs?

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

Yes I still use them No, I haven't tried the fangs.

[@lukegray6441]

Awesome and thanks. As for your wake tower racks, are they what came with the boat or did you upgrade

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

@lukegray6441 these are the racks that came with the X model.

[@brianhoover821]

How do the Cobra fins help with bow wondering? I troll with my FSH and it tends to wonder.

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

I'm not really sure. My bow doesn't wander.

[@darrenrowan2352]

It seems from the video's( Jet Boat Pilot) that the lateral thrusters are a game change in regards to reverse around docks. Are the Cobra fins adequate/ as good? Thanks

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

I was impressed with the reverse control of the cobra fins vs the thrust vectors. And they offer advantages at all positions of the wheel. The lateral thrusters only work when the wheel is completely turned one direction or the other. However they offer actual lateral thrust, unlike the cobra fins. So when fully turned, the lateral thrusters will move the transom sideways much quicker than the cobra fins will.

[@Tarkenton09]

Are these needed on the 255xds? Genuine question. We just bought ours this year and I see these everywhere.

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

@Tarkenton09 they aren't "needed" on any boat. But they will drastically improve your low speed control and give you a noticeable improvement on plane. Some people call them training wheels. But I like to think of it more like power steering on a car...you don't need it, but it sure is nice to have.

[@Tarkenton09]

@@SmoknJaysGarage Gotya! It was a bit of a learning curve coming from an OB tritoon to a jet boat. The importance of being on plane was not conveyed to me. Drove around for a bit, annoyed that this is how it was gonna drive🤣. Love it though super fun boat all around.

[@philipdethlefs1631]

Did you fill the hole from the lateral thruster or just leave it open?

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

@philipdethlefs1631 I just left it as a hole. It's pretty small and hasn't seemed to cause any negative effects.

[@philipdethlefs1631]

@@SmoknJaysGarage Thanks. I have the same boat, just in Blue, just about copied all your modifications, but I am late to the party on this one. I have been happy with the thrust vectors and lateral thrusters but think this will be an improvement. I might see if I can extend the lateral thruster back to see if I can get it to clear the Cobra, but will start with taking them off. Thanks!

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

@philipdethlefs1631 I was happy with the thrust vectors as well. But I'm glad I tried the cobra fins. I've heard of people that raised or cut the cobra fins to accommodate the lateral thrusters. But I haven't seen photos

[@rommel-777]

Jay, how are you doing with the Cobra Fins? I need to replace an original Thrust Vectors from 2011 and wondering if I should go all in with the Cobra Fins & Fangs. Thank you brother for any feedback.

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

I really like the cobra fins. I have nothing bad to say about the thrust vectors, they're a great product. But I definitely prefer the cobra fins over them.

[@rommel-777]

@@SmoknJaysGarage excellent, thank you very much.

[@rommel-777]

Jay, I just installed the Fins and Fangs, how do you have them staggered? I see in the video the outer fins are at 5 & 6 and the inner are higher. Have you tested them in any other configuration? Just wondering your thoughts on it, thanks.

[@yippikiyay197]

I found the lateral thrusters to be enough for me

[@leecarroll2121]

I saw that you had the lateral thrusters on. Do the Cobra Fins cover the lateral thrusters?

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

Yes they do. They probably could be adjusted or modified to work. But I just removed them, and use only the Cobra Fins now.

[@leecarroll2121]

Thanks. Did you square up the jet ports? Would that affect the Surf Pointe angles?

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

@Lee Carroll yes, I squared them up and them each in 1/2 turn per the cobra instructions. I really didn't notice much difference in the wake afterwards. Can definitely still wakeboard behind it

[@leecarroll2121]

What about wake surfing?

[@SmoknJaysGarage]

@@leecarroll2121 I haven't ever tried it, so I can't say for sure.