97 Challenger...
I too have the same model Challenger........and love it!.....Its my baby. With 110 hp of Rotax engine and one of the few boats equipped with the VTS on the nozzle, you can't ask for a better boat........
Couple things. That increase in speed, it's called off throttle assisted steering ..........at some point, you'll probably see where it's necessary.
The short steering radius in the nozzle is normal for a jet boat. It's obvious your past experience is with outboards......big difference. You'll learn to drive without engaging the OTAS system. It really comes in handy for docking or maneuvering in tight places..
Principle of working:.....at idle (or up to speed for that matter), when your moving forward, as you come to a turn or need to keep your line, you'll begin to turn the nozzle. Well, if there is a head wind or you've turned the wheel, till the nozzle is almost to it's furthest travel, the OTAS is engaged to quickly apply power to the nozzle, which will give you a tighter turn on the spot.
When your at full throttle, let off the gas, well, as you probably well know by now, you have no steering. But, after letting off the gas, you still need to move to one side or the other, as your slowing, then when the wheel reaches that farthest travel, the throttle will speed the motor just enough to create pressure in the nozzle to make the turn.....
Your fuel issue may be in your accelerator pump. These models have them for low end running. Over time, the little brass nipples, going into the carbs, at about 2:00 o'clock, will build restriction, from sitting, gumming up....then, they need to be cleaned out.
One more thing before I close this really long post......your reverse will not work properly with the VTS pulled all the way back. If you haven't notice, backing from the dock with the VTS in the ski (all the way back) position, the nozzle is directed down and most is directed away from the reverse bucket. Use the reverese with the VTS handle pushed all the way forward.
Oh yeah, that throttlel assist is great when backing from a loading dock. I'm sure you have noticed, when backing, it steers backward from an outboard.:cheers:
