Flats/Shallows Boat - Jet and Motor Guidance

[Mczook]

G’day From Oz Fellas

This is my first post but i have been enjoying looking through lots of builds and watching lots of the linked videos.

I would like some advice on my own project that is a little different.  I am building a composite fishing flats boat to travel up into the shollows and then out into the sheltered bays (plus dragging the kids on donuts behind on the lake).  And, from what I have seen the forum has inspired me to have a go at putting in my one engine and jet setup.

Hopefully with the guidance of members on the board you could help me select a suitable motor and jet setup to go with. I am building a Bowdidge Marine Flats boat, were I painted and about to flip over and start internal work for the motor layout.

Overall Hull length =  4.77m
Beam = 7ft (2.13m)
Hull Draft = 6" (164mm)
Rec Horsepower = 90Hp Outboard
Deadrise @ Transom = 6 degrees
Engine shaft length = L/S (20")
Fuel Capacity = 34.3 US gal. (130 litre tank)
Approx Hull weight (pending builder) = 577lbs (262 kg)

this is a finished unit:
http://bowdidgemarinedesigns.com/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=18&t=470&hilit=flatchat&start=800

Youtube videos of a finished boat :
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3r3ARJ3jjoU

I have access to workshop were we can modified motors, cars, suspension and have machining capability.  Therefore we have been thinking of a modified turbo GTI swift (lite small and reliable) motor, SR 20 or maybe a honda.   We know little to nothing about jet set ups and therefore need guidance as to what would be most flexible and reliable for our setup.  This is a recreational, fishing & family boat so reliability and not top speed would be our focus (but hey who doesn't like going flatchat .

Look forward to hearing anyone thoughts, suggestions or opinions. 

A customer of the workshop who races jet skis said we should just use one of the bigger complete rotax systems but this means we dont get to do our own engine mods so not sure about this option!?

[freykarts]

Your channel is still active, that is great. Are you still into boating?