Jetboat - History

Jetboating have its origin in New Zealand. Originally designed by Sir William Hamilton (who developed a waterjet in 1954) for operation in the fast-flowing and shallow rivers of New Zealand, specifically to overcome the problem of propellers striking rocks in such waters.
A Jetboat use an internal propeller (impeller) to provide propulsion.

Jetboats are highly maneuverable, and many can, from full speed, be reversed and brought to a stop within little more than their own length, in a maneuver known as a "crash stop". The well known Hamilton turn or "jet spin" is a high speed manoevre where the boat is turned sharply then the engine throttle is cut causing the boat's stern to lift and spin quickly around with a large spray of water.

Experienced Jetboat pilots drive their vessel on high speed, very precise along rocks. Sometimes there is only a handbreadth between the Jetboat and the rock.
No other boats are able to perform like a Jetboat can do.

Most famous Jetboat sites in New Zealand:

• Shotover Jet (Only company permitted to operate in the Shotover Canyon)
• Kawarau Jet (Tours on Lake Wakatipu and Kawarau River)
• Skippers Canyon Jet (Only operating company on the white water in Skippers Canyon)