Poly Intake for Outboard Jet: What Is It, How to Set It Up, and What Benefits It Offers

In an outboard engine, the intake system is important to keep the engine and other internal parts safe. Sea water has salt, which has a bad effect on other standard intakes.

Poly intake is the best alternative to the standard aluminium outboard jet intake. They are durable and provide longevity to outboard jets. Someone who has worked mainly in shallow water must be facing problems such as bumping into rocks and damaging the jet’s internal mechanisms. 

So, to avoid various problems that outboard jet owners and boat owners face, poly intake is the ultimate solution. Let’s see what actual poly intake is and how to up it.

What Poly Intake Is

Poly intake is made from polyurethane, often TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) or UHMW (Ultra High Molecular Weight) plastic, which is known to be highly durable. It is used to replace aluminium intake for better quality and durability.

These poly intakes help prevent damage to the jets from rocks and other submerged objects in shallow water. The poly intake material is highly elastic and durable, absorbing shock without tearing or breaking.

Here’s How to Set Up A Poly Intake

We now know that poly intake is a highly resistant material due to its durability. Let’s see how to set it up in outboard jets. 

The main tools required during the set-up are a socket wrench set, hammer, marine-grade sealant, and a new poly shoe.  Now lift the motor to remove the old shoes. With the help of a wrench, loosen the nuts of the old shoe. Now, clean the area below the jet unit and remove old sealant and dirt so that the new poly shoes can fit more tightly.

It is better to use studs only for shoes, which have two components: one is a small thread for the pump, and on the other side, large threads for nuts. Now, put poly shoes on studs and a thick side on the front. Make sure it fits properly.

Make sure you tighten all the nuts properly with the help of a wrench. Also, apply sealant or threadlocker to protect nuts from collisions with stones and rocks. 

Top Benefits of Poly Intake  

Using poly intake gives several benefits to the jet owner, and here are some of them below.

• Poly intakes are used to protect jet lower units in shallow water. 
• They are extremely resistant to damage. When any rock gets bumped harshly on the outboard jets. Normal aluminium intake gets damaged when a hard object hits it, but poly intake is highly resistant, so it bends and returns to its original shape. 
• Poly intakes are also durable and last longer than aluminium intakes. This purchase saves your future maintenance costs. 
• Poly intakes are also great at absorbing shock. When jets are at high speed, the rock or object hits harder on the outboard. But polyintake absorbs the shock, so the boat doesn’t jerk.
• As compared to metal, poly intakes are not heavy in weight, which helps in the better performance of boats and jets.