What are you guys using on your engines??? Can I make one from stuff at a local hardware store??

I use the Merc ones. They are bullet proof and work. As the should for the price.
My brother had made one for his jet boat from regulator from Rural King, farm implement store) that are used on sprayers. I think he said he paid under $10 for it. Been a few yrs.
Or search for a Watts relief valve. They have 2 sizes I know of 1/2 and 3/4". I tried the 1/2" purchased thru Teague. (not knowing it was simply an over the counter item) It was too restrictive and not low enough pressure adjusting, and proved useless.

Make sure you are controlling pressure, not flow. I see these 2 conditions confused all the time here.

martinis

more dumps!

prefer goose on the rocks......

oral sex works wonders

true......seriously though, what setups have u guys seen??

I have used some that I got from a company by the name of Stra-Valve. Stainless bodys and internals and they are adjustable. 1"npt in and out. About $350 ea. After you get them set, be sure to disassemble and red loc-tite the adjusters.
Before, the water pressure would hit 50# or more when landing the boat. Now I have the regulaters set at 25# and the spikes only go to 35# and settle back to 25# in about 1/2 a second

I use the merc ones they work great,i have used cheaper ones the brass adjustable water pressure still spikes,the mercs maintain a good steady psi

How important are these to have? What problems can occur from not having them?