The stage is set for one of the most exhilarating events in New Zealand’s jet boating calendar—the 2024 Golden Homes Jet Boat Marathon. This year’s race has attracted 26 entries, including two international competitors from Canada, and will see participants tear through three of Southland’s fast-flowing rivers over several high-adrenaline days. The event promises to be a showcase of technical skill, speed, and innovation.
For those unfamiliar with the sport, jet boating may not be exclusive to New Zealand, but this marathon will undoubtedly put both the machines and their drivers to the test in the country’s uniquely challenging conditions. Before the race kicks off, let’s delve into what makes a jet Boat special, how this sport has evolved, and what we can expect from the competition.
What is a Jet Boat?
Jet boats are a distinct breed of watercraft, propelled not by external propellers but by a jet of water expelled from the rear of the vessel. Water is sucked in from underneath, pushed through a high-powered pump-jet system, and then ejected at high speed, propelling the boat forward. This design allows jet boats to navigate shallow rivers, which is essential in a country like New Zealand, where many rivers are too shallow for conventional propeller-driven boats.
This revolutionary design was the brainchild of New Zealander, Sir William Hamilton, who developed the modern jet boat in the mid-1950s. His innovation came from a desire to create a boat capable of navigating New Zealand’s fast-moving, shallow rivers, which had long frustrated boaters using propeller-driven craft. Hamilton’s creation not only changed the face of boating in New Zealand but also led to the development of jet boating as a high-speed, competitive sport.
Jet Boat Classes in the Competition
The Golden Homes Jet Boat Marathon will feature four distinct classes, each offering a different level of performance and excitement:
Unlimited Class
This is where the real thrill-seekers compete. The Unlimited Class traditionally features large-capacity V8 engines, either naturally aspirated or supercharged. Nowadays, some of the fastest jet boats are powered by repurposed helicopter gas turbine engines, making them the most powerful and speedy on the water.
A Class
A Class boats are also powered by V8 engines, but they must remain naturally aspirated and have a capacity of less than 454 cubic inches. These boats can still reach impressive top speeds of around 120mph, but without the turbocharging seen in the Unlimited Class.
CX Class
This class is designed to create a level playing field, with all competitors using similar crate engines. The focus is on driver skill rather than engine modifications, and speeds typically reach around 105mph. It’s a competitive and exciting category, where precise driving makes all the difference.
FX-Evo Class (New for the 2024 Season)
New for the 2024 season, the FX-Evo Class has replaced the FX Crate Engine Class. Changes in engine availability and compliance costs led to the creation of this class, which allows for more engine flexibility while maintaining strict safety and technical regulations. All boats in this class are subject to rigorous scrutineering, ensuring they meet the required safety standards for competition.
A Brief History of Jet Boat Racing in New Zealand
Jet boat racing has been a key part of New Zealand’s sporting culture since the 1960s, thanks to the pioneering work of Sir William Hamilton and his iconic jet propulsion system. The sport quickly gained traction in the country’s rugged rivers, leading to the establishment of numerous annual races.
One of the most famous events, and one I remember avidly watching over the years, is the Waimakariri River Race, which has been a staple in the racing calendar for decades. Another significant race is the Otago River Marathon, a grueling test of endurance for both man and machine. Internationally, the World Jet Boat Marathon Championships showcase the best from New Zealand and beyond, while the USA Jet River Racer Series offers a different style of racing but shares the same spirit of high-speed competition.
Innovation and Safety in Jet Boating
As jet boats have evolved over the decades, so too has the technology and safety gear that accompanies them. Modern jet boats are marvels of engineering, with high-performance hulls built from a variety of materials, and engines capable of incredible speeds.
Safety is a top priority in the sport, and today’s boats are fitted with features like roll cages, racing harnesses, and advanced steering systems. Competitors are required to undergo stringent safety checks before hitting the water, with each class having its own set of rules to ensure that boats are safe and compliant. The inclusion of safety cages and head restraints, in particular, speaks to the sport’s ongoing commitment to protecting its drivers, even as speeds continue to climb.
Looking Ahead to the 2024 Golden Homes Jet Boat Marathon
This year’s marathon promises to be one of the most exciting yet, with a mix of seasoned veterans and new challengers ready to take on Southland’s rivers. The Unlimited Class will be particularly thrilling, with its turbocharged and turbine-powered beasts pushing the limits of what jet boats can achieve. Meanwhile, the CX and FX-Evo Classes will showcase driver skill and precision, as competitors race to control their tightly regulated machines in challenging river conditions.
The Southland region provides the perfect backdrop for this spectacle, with its mix of swift currents and narrow channels that will test even the most experienced drivers. Expect to see boats pushing speeds of over 100mph as they navigate these tricky waters.
Among the 26 entries, keep an eye on the two Canadian competitors, who will be facing off against some of New Zealand’s finest jet boaters. With so much at stake, including bragging rights and international recognition, the competition is set to be fierce.
And the Countdown Has Started
As we count down to the start of the 2024 Golden Homes Jet Boat Marathon, excitement is building. Jet boating is more than just a sport in New Zealand—it’s a celebration of engineering ingenuity, driver skill, and the thrill of speed. This year’s event will not only honour the legacy of Sir William Hamilton and his revolutionary jet propulsion system but will also push the boundaries of what these incredible machines can do.
Whether you’re a seasoned jet boating fan or a newcomer, this year’s marathon is set to deliver all the high-speed action and drama that makes jet boating one of the most exciting sports on water. Don’t miss it.