WILLIAMS 460 SportJet

(Rotax 1503 Engine)

Technical Guide, Maintenance and Spare Parts

The Williams SportJet 460 is a jet-propelled sports tender equipped, on this generation, with the BRP Rotax 1503 4-TEC 150 HP engine, a three-cylinder, four-stroke, 1,494 cc engine. With its 4.60-meter length and 100-liter fuel tank, it is designed for transport as a yacht tender and for water activities. Williams states that this version can reach a maximum speed of approximately 77 km/h (48 mph).

At Rotax Tender Parts, we offer maintenance and replacement parts for the SportJet 460 and Rotax engines: filters, spark plugs, sensors, relays, fuel supply components, seals, and propulsion unit parts.

Find parts for your WILLIAMS SportJet 460 – Rotax 1503

• Engine parts
• Fuel supply system
• Ignition
• Sensors
• Electrical parts
• Cooling
• Oil and filters
• Gaskets and seals
• Jet pump unit parts
• Others

Technical specifications of the Williams SportJet 460 – Rotax 1503

• Overall length: 4.60 m
• Beam: 2.01 m
• Height: 1.40 m
• Draft under load: 0.42 m
• Dry weight: 550 kg
• Engine: BRP Rotax 1503 4-TEC, three-cylinder, four-stroke
• Displacement: 1,494 cc
• Power: 150 HP
• Propulsion: Jet drive
• Maximum speed: approx. 77 km/h (48 mph)
• Capacity: 6 persons*, to be confirmed on the tender's CE plate
• Fuel tank: 100 liters
• Maximum payload: 600 kg
• Tube compartments: 5
• CE category: C
• Fuel: Unleaded gasoline

* Some editions of the Williams manual indicate 5 persons, while other Williams documentation for this generation indicates 6 persons. It is therefore recommended to check the CE plate of the specific tender.

Specifications may vary slightly depending on the year of manufacture and the tender's configuration. For engine part identification, it is recommended to check the serial number of the Rotax 1503.

Maintenance Schedule – Williams SportJet 460

The Williams maintenance schedule for the SportJet 460 differentiates between checks to be performed before each use, after the break-in period, at regular intervals, and at the end of the season.

For all operations specific to the Rotax 1503 engine, the recommendations in the Rotax engine manual must also be followed.

Routine maintenance recommended by Williams

In addition to the periodic schedule, Williams specifically recommends:

• regularly washing the tender with fresh water to remove salt deposits;
• checking the engine oil level;
• checking the coolant level;
• flushing the open cooling circuit;
• greasing the control cables at the console and propulsion unit ends;
• checking for the presence of water, oil, or fuel in the bilge;
• regularly checking the condition of the anodes;
• regularly checking tube pressure.

After use in saltwater

After use at sea, flushing is particularly important. It is recommended to:

• rinse the tender with fresh water;
• perform the engine flushing procedure;
• rinse the jet pump unit and propulsion area;
• check the intake grate;
• check the condition of the anodes;
• inspect the engine compartment;
• monitor electrical connections and any signs of corrosion.

Intensive use or use in a tropical environment may require more frequent maintenance intervals. Follow the procedure in your manual; consult our engine flushing guide as a supplement.

Common parts for WILLIAMS SportJet 460 – Rotax 1503

This selection (excluding the blue wear ring) applies to the Williams SportJet 400, 460, and 520 range equipped with the Rotax 1503 engine. OEM references identify the replaced parts; they do not automatically denote original parts.

iNR components apply only to tenders equipped with this option; the engine refurbishment parts in the second table require specific validation for the installed engine configuration.

Common problems with the WILLIAMS SportJet 460 – Rotax 1503

The following symptoms may have several causes. These points guide inspections without replacing a proper diagnosis or automatically justifying the replacement of a part. Work on fuel, electrical, and moving parts must comply with the manual and be entrusted to a professional when necessary. (FMT)

• Engine does not start: Battery, starting voltage, battery switch, safety kill switch, fuses, relays, fuel supply, spark plugs, ignition coils, injectors, or sensors may be involved.
• Engine misfires: Methodically check ignition, fuel supply, sensors, wiring, and compression before replacing any parts.
• Lack of power: Injection, ignition, cooling, electronic limitation, or the propulsion unit may be the cause. A clogged water intake, damaged impeller, or excessive clearance can reduce thrust.
• Fault code display: The code identifies a detected anomaly but does not in itself prove that a part must be replaced.

To guide your inspections, consult our list of Williams and Rotax fault codes and our Rotax fault code guide. Stop the engine and prevent any restart before inspecting the water intake or the propulsion unit.

How to identify the right part for your SportJet 460?

Send us a clear photo, the visible OEM reference, the model, year, HIN, and engine serial number. Please specify the Rotax 1503 engine, its horsepower, and the presence of the iNR option for relevant components. Do not rely solely on the "SportJet 460" designation.

Identify my part from a photo.

WILLIAMS SportJet 460 Rotax 1503: FAQ

• Which engine powers the Williams SportJet 460?

  The SportJet 460 of this generation uses a BRP Rotax 4-TEC 1503 series, a three-cylinder, four-stroke 1,494 cc engine. Williams lists this version at 150 HP in its owner's manual.

• Does the SportJet 460 have the same Rotax 1503 as other Williams models?

  The Rotax 1503 has been used in various configurations and power ratings across several Williams Jet Tenders. Power differences between vessels result from specific ECU/ECM programming and different propulsion units.

  See our Rotax 1503 engine guide.

• What is the maximum speed of the Williams SportJet 460?

  Williams claims approximately 77 km/h (48 mph). Real-world speed may vary depending on load, hull condition, navigation conditions, and the state of the propulsion system.

• What is the weight of the SportJet 460?

  Williams specifies a dry weight of 550 kg.

• How many people can the SportJet 460 carry?

  The SportJet 460 is designed for 6 / 7 people.

• What is the fuel tank capacity?

  The SportJet 460 has a tank of approximately 100 liters.

• Why won’t my Williams SportJet 460 start?

  The first elements to check include:

  • battery and voltage during cranking;
  • battery switch;
  • safety kill switch;
  • fuses and relays;
  • fuel pump;
  • fuel pressure;
  • spark plugs;
  • ignition coils;
  • injectors;
  • engine sensors;
  • fault codes stored by the ECU.

  Electronic diagnostics can prevent the unnecessary replacement of multiple components. (FMT)

• Why does my Rotax 1503 start but lack power?

  Power loss can be related to the engine or the propulsion system. Primary areas to check are:

  • spark plugs or coils;
  • fuel supply;
  • injectors;
  • engine sensor;
  • cooling problem;
  • electronic limitation due to a fault;
  • clogged water intake;
  • damaged impeller;
  • excessive clearance in the propulsion unit.

  It is important to inspect the propulsion unit before concluding there is an engine problem. Stop the engine and prevent any restart before this inspection.

• Why is my SportJet 460 overheating?

  Overheating can be caused by:

  • obstruction in the water circuit;
  • clogged water intake;
  • poor flushing;
  • damaged or blocked hose;
  • cooling system issue;
  • defective temperature sensor.

  If a temperature alarm appears, avoid using the engine until the cause has been identified. Consult our article on engine overheating.

• Should I flush the SportJet 460 after every sea trip?

  Yes. Flushing with fresh water is especially important after saltwater use. Williams specifically recommends flushing the open cooling circuit and regularly cleaning the tender to remove salt deposits. Follow the procedure in the applicable manual; our engine flushing guide complements it without replacing it.

• What is the SportJet 460 carbon ring?

  The carbon ring is part of the driveshaft sealing system. Its condition and that of the rubber bellows must be monitored. Williams requires a professional inspection every 100 hours or before the season starts. An anomaly in this system can cause water to enter the engine compartment.

• Why is there water in the bilge of my SportJet 460?

  A small amount of water can have various origins, but abnormal accumulation must be investigated. In particular, check:

  • the driveshaft sealing system (carbon ring, bellows...);
  • the seawater/coolant heat exchanger (ride plate);
  • hoses;
  • fittings;
  • the exhaust system;
  • the bilge pump;
  • a hole or crack in the hull.

  The presence of water should be diagnosed quickly if it reappears after every use.

• Why is my SportJet 460 cavitating during acceleration?

  A feeling of cavitation or a loss of thrust during acceleration can be related to:

  • debris in the intake grate;
  • a damaged impeller;
  • a damaged propulsion unit;
  • incorrect clearance between the impeller and its housing;
  • deterioration of propulsion unit components (see our article on wear rings);
  • air intake or water flow disruption.

  Inspect the propulsion unit before investigating an engine failure. Stop the engine and prevent any restart before inspecting the grate and jet pump unit.

• What oil should I use in the SportJet 460’s Rotax 1503?

  Use oil that meets the BRP-recommended specifications for this engine: XPS 4T 5W-40.

  See our Rotax 1503 engine and maintenance guide.

• What spark plugs should I use on the SportJet 460?

  The recommended spark plugs are NGK DCPR8E. Our compatible spark plugs, DCPR8E compatible plug, are perfectly suited for the Williams 460 Sport with the 1503 engine.

• How do I identify the correct fuel pump, relay, or sensor?

  Do not rely solely on the "SportJet 460" label. To correctly identify a part, if possible, use:

  • tender year;
  • HIN;
  • engine serial number;
  • part number inscribed on the original part;
  • a photo of the part.

  Identify a part for your Williams SportJet 460.

• Where can I find parts for a Williams SportJet 460 Rotax 1503?

  Rotax Tender Parts offers engine parts and components for Rotax 1503 engines, specifically used on Williams Jet Tenders. Find our selection in the tables of this article and browse our Rotax parts catalog.