The C J S VIPER was designed as a model specific system for single engine 19 foot boats with the factory rudder only...
The C J S VIPER was designed to perform several functions because that is what we do. I never sell a one trick pony. All our systems can do more than just slow speed assistance. Even the very first design from years ago did both high and low speed assistance. That seems to be what people want and why not?
Jet boats are now doing a lot more than they did years ago, and becoming more versatile every day.
So first, this system was designed to move the fins further out away from the nozzle for several reasons. One of them being to get the fins out away from the hull so they can get better exposure and be more effective with less dept. They are protected by the factory rudder as they do not go below it, similar to the Magnum A K steering fins' positioning.
And since we are adding fins further apart they have more movement or travel than regular fins giving them more effect.
Also, placing the fins further apart allowed us to incorporate our FANGS into the unit for power steering and if this was not enough we built in a trim tab for hull stabilization since we had the room between the fins. Seems like we are just spoiling you people! FINS, FANGS and TRIM TAB all in one!
All at an unbelievably low price. Read what people who have tried these are saying about them.
"These work! They do everything expected of them.
I have been very hesitant to mount anything that sticks down below the factory keel, because of the shallow water we fish and boat. We even glassed in our transducer inside the hull so we didn't have in sticking off the back of the transom. When I saw this I thought maybe this will be the ticket for better handling and after a hour and half test ride yesterday we are very impressed
On our test ride with the Viper fins yesterday, the first thing I noticed was having much better control in reverse at the boat dock. The next thing I noticed was the slow speed tracking was improved. When it was time to get on plane the boat definitely jumped on plane quicker and stayed on plane with less throttle when slowing down. At high speeds I don't know how much the planing affect will come into play because it seems like the planing surface is higher than the ride plate but at slower speeds and mid speeds it works great. At speed the boat will definitely carve tighter turns. I was concerned about it catching sea grass in the water but that never was an issue. On our test ride I wasn't loaded like a usual fishing trip but still had a friend with us and some gear but everything the boat did seemed better even crossing oncoming boat wakes at medium to lower speeds.
The trim tab effect at lower speeds is really a nice feature.
I would like to tell you guys that my boat went the fastest it has in six months but that may be just because I didn't have my usual amount of fishing gear on board.
Definitely looking forward to our second trip."
Another person commented:
"I tested the Viper on the water today. My first impression was good. Reversing was so much better, I was able to actually steer in reverse. The boat got on plane quicker but I did notice a little bit of a bigger spray off the back. The boat handled the wake way better and when in "no wake mode" or going slow I didn't need to steer as much to get it to go straight. Nice improvement over stock....really made maneuvering around the dock today allot less stressful. I was on the water for about 2 hours today but am planning a longer day excursion this coming Friday, I will provide everyone with some more feedback then. Great job Jeff.!!"
And another:
"I spent 7 hours on the lake today fishing. The Viper is the single best piece of equipment I've purchased for this boat. I highly recommend it.
Spent much of the time at idle fishing and can say for a fact the Yamaha sit and spin is gone. Slow speed handling is greatly improved. No more over Steering and she tracks straight.
Hops up on plane fast. Was able to get 43mph wide open with a full tank of gas with 2 adults on board. Can't honestly say the Viper is the reason for the speed, but I'm happy so that's all that matters.
Review of the first day out with the new Cobra Jet Viper.
Boat:
Yamaha FSH 190
Conditions:
Lake
Choppy
85 degrees
15-20 mph cross winds (almost went home the winds were so bad)
Installation:
Moderate to easy depending on your ability. I found it to be easy, but I've had some experience in this area.
Reverse:
Found the boat to be moderately more responsive in reverse. Better ability to turn the stern to port and starboard.
Forward no wake / slow speed:
This is the speed I would say we spend 75% of the time and where the Viper shines. I saw vast improvements in no wake mode. (See quick video) Notice the black tape at the top of the steering wheel. Tracked straight without moving or touching the wheel. This area of the lake was less choppy but still had considerable cross winds. The Viper preformed EXCELLENT. Before the Viper we were constantly steering to keep a straight course. This alone is worth the cost and installation.
Forward at speed:
Preformed good. I really can't say that it's a lot better, because I felt the FSH was already good while cruising at speed. I can say the Viper had no adverse effect and probably did in fact give a smoother feel , but it's so close it's hard to say. I did not see any additional water spray as noted in another review.
Docking/tailoring:
Saw a small amount of improvement at this very slow / neutral speed. I will say that with the 20 mph cross winds and chop blowing across the launch it was a very rough day for launching and recovery. I'm still not the best with this area of the FSH. Only have about 20 hours on the boat. The winds and chop were so bad during recovery I finally docked and used a line to pull her on to the trailer with someone pushing the stern off the dock. Winds kept pushing me sideways in the launch. I will review this area again when we have normal conditions.
Idle:
The FSH sit and spin was dramatically decreased. I did not spend a lot of time sitting at idle, but I did notice a drastic improvement. I will spend more time at idle next trip and update the review.
Final comments:
Well the best and most important thing I can say about the Viper is the wife was extremely happy with the no wake / slow speed handling. This is when she drives 95% of the time. If she's happy the Viperis worth every penny. Happy wife equals more time on the boat!!!!!!
I will review again when the winds aren't so bad or when I take her into different water. "
And another
"Last week I installed the Cobra Viper System on my 190 fsh. Installation only took about 20 minutes to complete. Took the boat out on the Lake with 20 mph winds. Low speed the boat handled great. Very little steering corrections to keep it going straight. Did not use reverse that much to see how well it handled. I did notice it got on plane faster than without. What I like the best was turning the boat while on plane. It really holds the turn and gives it a tighter turning response. Running the boat in rough water really showed how well the viper system kept the boat running straight in-line while cutting across the waves. Thanks Jeff!"
There are more comments that you can view on our Facebook page.
This is the CJS VIPER installed on a customer's boat.
Click HERE to for more info or to purchase the CJS VIPER Steering System
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