Best Vessel Sizes for MJP Waterjets | Propulsion Guide
Is your boat too big or too small for MJP waterjets? This propulsion guide will help you choose the best vessel size for MJP waterjets. Whether operating a small patrol boat or a massive military vessel, selecting the right waterjet propulsion is critical to maximizing your vessel’s performance.
Understanding Waterjet Propulsion Basics
Before diving into specific sizes, it’s important to understand what makes waterjet propulsion unique. Unlike traditional propellers, waterjets provide superior maneuverability, shallow-water operation capability, and often better fuel efficiency. MJP’s systems use advanced mixed-flow technology, which combines the best aspects of axial and radial flow designs for optimal performance.
Small Vessels (30-40 ft / 9-12 m)
Speed and Agility
For patrol boats, rescue craft, and commercial vessels, MJP offers two solutions the UltraJets and the X-Series:
UltraJet Series (30-40ft)
Power range: 261-448 kW (350-600 BHP)
Built for high-thrust and maximum bollard pull with All-aluminum or duplex stainless steel construction for optimal durability.
Perfect for:
- Commercial Fishing Boats
- Workboats
- Government Search & Rescue Craft (SAR)
Vessel Reference: Alaska fishing vessels rely on UltraJet waterjets like the 340HT model built by ACI Boats, which delivers impressive 39-knot speeds even when fully loaded with catch.
Small X-Series (30-40ft)
Power range: 280, 310 and 350. 611 kw – 1000 kw (819 – 1341 bhp)
Designed for high-speed operations up to 50+ knots. Reinforced by duplex stainless steel mixed-flow pumps.
Perfect for:
- High-speed patrol boats
- Rescue craft
- Law enforcement vessels
- Fire/rescue boats
Vessel Reference: Miami-Dade Fire Department’s Fire Boats showcase the X-Series’ capabilities, reaching speeds over 50 knots while maintaining precise control for firefighting operations in tight marinas.
Choosing Between UltraJet and X-Series:
Choose UltraJet when you need:
- Maximum thrust for heavy loads
- Ease of maintenance
- Trusted Durability and Reliability
- Lower cost compared to X-Series
Choose X-Series when you need:
- Maximum speed capabilities
- Integrated hydraulic systems
- High-performance maneuvering
Medium-sized Vessels (40-100 ft / 12-30 m)
Commercial Reliability
Commercial operations demand reliability and high efficiency at high speeds.
X-Series (400X, 450X and 500X)
X-HT (280X-HT, 310X-HT, and 350X-HT up to 40m vessels (131 ft)
DRB (Double Reversing Bucket)
Power output: 1,000-9,000 kW
Superior debris handling capability Enhanced low-speed control
Perfect for:
- Fast ferries
- Government patrol craft
- Performance yachts
- Workboats
Vessel Reference: The IC20M patrol vessel by Dockstavarvet achieves 45 knots using dual MJP 450 DRB waterjets
Large Vessels (85-656 ft / 26-200 m)
Maximum Power & Precision
For the largest vessels in the fleet, MJP’s CSU (Compact Steering Unit) series provides unmatched power and control. With capabilities ranging from 1,500 to 21,000 kW, these jets are the driving force behind military vessels, large passenger ferries, and luxury superyachts.
DRB (Double Reversing Bucket) Series
Power range: 1,000-9,000 kW
Commercial operations demand reliability and high efficiency at high speeds.
Perfect for:
- Fast ferries
- Government patrol craft
- Performance yachts
- Workboats requiring precision control
Vessel Reference: The AB 100 Superfast equipped with triple MJP 500 DRB waterjets achieves extraordinary speeds up to 59 knots, making it one of the fastest 100-foot yachts ever built.
CSU (Compact Steering Unit) Series
Power range: 1,500-21,000 kW
Perfect for:
- Large passenger ferries
- Superyachts
- Large Military Vessels
- Larger Naval Ships
- Landing Craft
- Vessels up to 200M in length
Vessel Reference: The 60.4m Missile Corvette showcases the CSU series’ military capabilities, utilizing quad MJP 850 CSU waterjets to achieve remarkable speeds of 43 knots.
Ready To Choose Which Waterjet Is Right For Your Vessel?
Use our Jet Selector Tool to find the ideal waterjet system for your vessel. Our engineering team can help you make the right choice for your vessel’s specific needs.
