SportJet Pumps

[Fish mojo]

I am thinking of getting a new 19 foot sled and am interested in the Merc 175 inboard SportJet. I really like inboards and the sportJet doesn't take up much room and is lighter weight for towing with a full camper on. Specifically, I am looking at the NorthRiver 19 foot Sportster. Mostly will be fishing Columbia, Willamette, lakes, and maybe some Clack and tidewater. Anyone out there running a sportJet have any comments, good or bad? How about the NR Sportster? Thanks for all the help.

[Deleted User]

I have a 22ft Northriver ranger with a 350. I like the way it handles and its looks. Nice boat. I use it in the lakes and I have taken it out in the ocean off of Depoe Bay.
Those Northriver boats are real nice looking. The folks at Northriver are very helpful. If I was going to buy a new boat it would be a Northriver. That is my 2 cents worth.

Guardsman

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Guardsman

[TheRogue]

Around the first of June, I sold my Alumaweld Intruder Sportjet, and ordered a NorthRiver 19' with same motor. When I first was enquiring about the boat, I was told "around the first of September". When I had handed over my $500 deposit, he called down to the factory for a estimated delivery date. MID-OCTOBER. This would have been 18-19 weeks!!

After going home and pondering it, I couldn't justify getting the boat just in time for it to set all winter. I'll be looking again in December...delivery date April/May???

A friend just talked to the showroom in Clackamas on Thursday. They STILL do not have a demo sportjet boat, and haven't for months. Supposedly, they just sold the one that was just delivered for a demo boat. Not sure of the logic behind that one. My friend was told on the phone to expect a delivery date of "around the first of September". Sound familiar????

Don't get me wrong. I think that the NorthRiver is the nicest finished, best handling jet boat on the water. You also get the most goodies standard with the boat, for a price that's below almost everyone else. If I could, I'd have one tomorrow. But something strange is going on there.

By the way, loved the SportJet motor. Won't have anything else again, and I grew up around jet boats and whitewater.

T.R.

[Deleted User]

Mojo - I have heard good things about the Sportjet 175, including directly from some owners. And you can have them rigged up to a tiller handle if you prefer that. A fishing friend of mine just bought a big Motion Marine sled with that motor in it and I will be giving it a hands on try after next week sometime. I'll give you my impressions. - RT

[whitewaterbill]

Rogue is correct. But what is going on is succcess. These guys are having a run away of orders and are over their head with success. you may have to wait...but...I personally would do that if that is the boat you want. I have a 1996 22' by 8 1/2 wide North River with over 500 hours on the big engine and love it more now than when it was new. I would not trade it for any other. Be a little patient and you will get a great boat! If you would like more information, E-Mail me at Whitewaterbill@aol.com

[whitewaterbill]

Rogue is correct. But what is going on is succcess. These guys are having a run away of orders and are over their head with success. you may have to wait...but...I personally would do that if that is the boat you want. I have a 1996 22' by 8 1/2 wide North River with over 500 hours on the big engine and love it more now than when it was new. I would not trade it for any other. Be a little patient and you will get a great boat! If you would like more information, E-Mail me at Whitewaterbill@aol.com

[WaterDog]

Dad's got a 18' Motion Marine w/ the sport jet. Boat will do almost 50mph, not that he needs to. Its pretty good on fuel economy also. Doesnt sound boss like a big block though. The rumor mill says that merc is coming out with a 240hp version. When that hits the streets it'll be time to upgrade to a 20' Motion Marine Outback. I've got an 18' MM w/ prop and love it. I would'nt own any other brand. Not saying Northrivers and such are not good. Depends on what suits you. Kinda like trucks.

[aye fsh]

fish mojo -
I own a sportster like you are considering. Have had it since december 10th (ordered Oct.17th) and I absolutely love it. have almost put 100 hours on it and have fished the Columbia at bonneville and astoria, the willamette, santams, yaquina, and some central oregon lakes with flawless performance. I spent a great deal of time researching all the different brands and engine possibilities and feel I got the best out there in quality and value. I had always thought a north river would be out of my price range and I had almost decided on a jetcraft. On a whim I called the N. River factory and learned about the sportster, which came standard with everything I wanted for $20K. It was still about $3-4K less than the comparably equipped jetcraft. After having this boat for as long as I have and gone the places I have (scary and amazing) I would wait six months if I had to. I honestly feel I have the boat that will last me the rest of my life. Feel free to contact me (mulrooney@home.com) if your interested in more info. on my boat shopping/buying experiences, obviously I like to talk about my boat! Good luck!

[willierower]

fish mojo,
A friend of mine has a 19' jetcraft with the 175 sportjet in it...... nice boat!. The boat runs real well. If north river jacks you around on a delivery date, Give jetcraft a call. Jetcraft boats are sweet.

[Fish mojo]

Thanks for all the replies. A little shared info now is better than regret later on. Hopefully, North River will get another demo boat in for a test ride. It sounds like it will be worth the wait. http://www.ifish.net/forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif