North River vs Willie Predator

[Kruechief]

All right.

Here it is!

I believe that I have narrowed down my list to two boats.

The first one is a:
1993 21 foot northriver ranger, V- 8 chev.350, 310 hp, 3 stage Kodiak jet,
300 hours, suspension seats in front,
box seats in rear, spot light,heater,defroster,wipers,8 hp mariner 2 stroke kicker and tank,fish finder,vhf raidio,am-fm tape raidio, bumpers,fire extinguisher,life jackets,pole holders,full back drop curtin,river achor-ball and 300 ft or rope,dual batteries,dual bildge pumps one on switch one on float,60 gallon fuel tank,full paint,fish cooler,crab arm,sitting on a tandom ez loader trailer with serge brakes, this is going in the trader next week for $20,500. you can have it for $19,000 <font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">http://www.ifish.net/uploads/433914332.jpg

Next we have:
1996 20' Willie predator equipped with a Yamaha 175 hp ob motor & a 9.9 hp kicker! less than 100 hours! 4 swivel chairs, bimini top, swipes, anchor, lowrance fish finder/depth finder with water temp & speedo. Nice boat! Worth your time!
<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">http://www.ifish.net/uploads/482113332.jpg

Now for consideration...

I already own a Willie drift boat so small rivers and shallow water are not the main consideration. Do not use the difference in price or year as a criterion. As for me the boats are close enough and MadWizard’s boat, while older, is from my point of view, perfect.

Simply consider: (1) that this will be a family recreation boat 35% of the time and a fishing/sportsman boat 65% of the time, (2) North River vs. the Willie and (3) the inboard vs. the outboard.

I am serious about this poll and I am trying to decide between what I believe to be are the two absolutely best representatives of the multi-use, wind shielded, jet boats out there.

[TheRogue]

Bottom width?? If it's a 5.5 ft bottom on the Willie, there won't be much more fishing room in it with the outboard.

Another consideration, towing and parking. The NR is going to weigh much more, and is much tougher to turn, park, etc., with that dual axle trailer. Definitely a consideration if you've got a small tow rig, or tight quarters for parking your boat.

TR

[Kruechief]

WOW!

This is exciting!

Kruechief

[Kruechief]

Rogue,

Sorry southern man but can't get the width question answered for at least an hour.

Both my tow rigs are up to the task (Navigator and F250).

I am highly qualified for parking and driving, so again just the heart-felt opinion of my fellow ifishers...

Which one will fit a family, friends, and possibly be able to suit a guide service (sturgeon, rivers (Santiam, Yaquina, Alsea).

Kruechief

[Kruechief]

Wow, what a race!

Mad wizard's Ranger is the pinnacle for North River's offerings and....

This Willie matches the paint scheme on my drift boat!

Will Kruechief have to borrow paint from the local taxi company?

Is there enough horseponies in the 175 Yamaha to satisfy his gluttonous desires?

And what about Betty?

(Sorry, I promise to never buy my T-Day wine in a box again....BUUUUURRRRP)

Hey, you gonna eat that drumstick????

Kruechief

[M.Russ1]

How much are they asking for the Willie? It is the better boat!!!!!!!!!

[MADWIZERD]

1) that this will be a family recreation boat 35% of the time <font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">did i forget to mention that it has a spot on the center of the transom to hook your ski rope on to. great for skiing and tubing. also a full ski/coolor platform for holding a cooler and getting out of the water.but i am impartial :rolleyes: .i did vote so i could see the poll results though :grin:

price on the willie???

the willie will be easier to back and park although i have never had a problem with the n.r.and tow in with a f-250

with the jet on the Willie and a 175 hp you might ask for opinions on power ratio. Might be a little under powered for a boat load of people. I would put a prop on it if you wont be getting shallow.

Outboards cost more to fix. Although my new sled will have one.

honestly i think you need to look and drive both boats to beside but i am impartal,right :rolleyes:

[ 11-29-2002, 04:15 PM: Message edited by: MADWIZERD ]

[Jettin' Fool]

The NorthRiver shown is twice the boat of the Willie. 300 hours is nothing on that boat. I would go with the NorthRiver hands down IMHO. But then again I'm a little biased :grin:

I beleive the NR has a lot more options offered. Dont let the year scare ya away!

10 votes for the Willie? Hey ******, how many times are you voting?

Fool :cool:

[onstep]

Buy the Willie. Here's my thinking:
1. Room in the rear of the boat. The dog house in the middle of the boat takes to much space. Where will you sit or stand while you backtroll or forward troll? Where do the coolers, tackle box, bait box, crab pots, and spare rods sit?
2. The outboard will be lighter and more agile than the inboard. You will be able to plane and float through shallower water.
3. Reputation. The Willie is a proven boat in the 20.5 length with a 72 bottom. The boat will be worth more in the long run than a Northriver. Not to say this isn't a nice boat built by Northriver. The inboard NR's are the only model they built/build that really kick butt. What they build today is not the same boat as what your looking at. The 93 is MUCH nicer than any 03.
4. Bottom. I've had the chance to watch and run just about every boat out there with the exception of some of these new boats like rogue, river wild, and boice jet and the Willie is one of the cleanest running boats out there. Willie has built a boat that was designed to run on full tilt and at a troll. The Northrivers don't. They run full out OK but quite frankly suck for tracking making them a poor choice for fishing.

Good luck just my 2 cents.......

[Kruechief]

I can own the Wilie for around $20,000 the seller is anxious.

Kruechief

[Jettin' Fool]

Quick! Somebody run a drug test on onstep!
:hoboy:

[Rip'N'Lips]

Do not buy the Willie... I thought I recognized the backdrop. Stay away from any boat at Brinsfield!!!! I have had bad experiences there and if you search on Brinsfield, I am not alone. Buy one from someone you know, stay away from the thiefs...

Rip'N'Lips

[Kruechief]

Thanks rip...

I never dealt with them. But, what about the "boat" not the seller?

Lo

[Jennie@ifish]

Friends don't let friends drive yellow boats.

I think you know where I stand. :smile:

[Flatfish]

On the outside, the fish taxi has to be the ugliest boat ever. Fish don't care about ugly. It is more of a rig than the Willie. And I am a Willie fan.
Mark and the too much turkey I gotta go to sleep dog.

[MADWIZERD]

i ran this boat up the sandy once when the water was at 8'2.never hit a thing.so it must run shallow and track good.

cooler and trolling can goes on he back swim deck,extra rods go in the rod storage on the sides.ya when i put out 6 large crab rings it is a little crowded but they do not encroach on the seating in any way.

i bought this boat at "Brinsfield" 3 years ago,but yes you better check every thing.mine was going to come with anchor , pole holders,fishfinder,fire extinguisher, crab arm.that the owner was going to bring in.well after i paid and came to pick it up.i was told that someone stole the rod holers,the owner cant find the crab arm,the anchor was a 25lbd pyramid on 50 feet of rope,and the fishistigisher was no good...point ...get it in writing.i had to buy it all new.

drive them both before you diside.Brinsfield will make you give a $300.00 deposit before a river trial, me i only ask for a smile and i am
2 minutes away from the boat ramp.

flatfish
On the outside, the fish taxi has to be the ugliest boat ever <font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">ugly ??this thing is a work of art.Michael Angelo couldnt have painted better.

Jennie
:tongue: :grin:

[Deleted User]

The 20" Willie does have a 72" bottom which is standard from willie. In my opinion the willie will definitly leave you with more space however not to down play a North River they are also an outstanding, well built boat. The down turn to the north river is the same with any inboard you're going to buy the motor is in the way which makes guiding difficult especially for salmon and steelhead, and fishing more than 3 people is a pain. The willie is a nice set up but I have seen to many mishaps with a 20 foot sled on a single axel trailer, it just pushes the trailer to close to the load capacity, A double axel will widen your turning radius some but not to an extent that you wont get in in a particular aera, most guides run at least a 20 foot sled and have tandem axel trailers under them, so I don't see that as an issue. Either boat is a nice boat and you won't be dissatisfied with either. Both boats are top of the line, good luck on your decision.

P.S.
the 300 hours on the north river is nothing. averager life of a V-8 marine engine is 2500 hours. then you just really need to change the maine bearings and a little tuning and you're good to go. The 175 Yamaha is PLEANTY of horsey power to get you and all your buddies up on step and running.

[Kruechief]

That is why this such a cool forum!

Opinions, opinions, opinions....

And each with merit!

Can you see why I am tossed on this, both boats are weighted in different abilities/wants/needs and looks.

I think the NR is a very sexy boat and the yellow...well it kinda grows on ya!

The Willie represents...a very utility sorta look that is....macho and no frills.

Kruechief

Thanks to all of you,
I am now having a better day thanks to you!

[Kruechief]

Chinookie,

Is the 175 horse the actual power output including the jet or is it the actual "engine" power whereas the output would be around 150 hp?

Lo

[Deleted User]

The 175 on the Yamaha v max would be around 160 - 165 hp at the pump nozzel. The newer v maxes and opti max by Mercury have a much more efficient jet pump than the older units have. You only lose approxamatley 10 % vs. 30% with the older pumps. They incorperate a wider, shallower impellor and sleeve which tightens and compresses the water through the turbine and out the nozzel quicker and more efficiently than the old style.

[boater]

out of those 2 boats i`d buy the northriver, i`d be concerned about the yamaha on the willie with less than 100 hours for a 6 year old motor, if it wasnt winterized correctly and sat for along time it could lead to problems.

[Dr Strangelove]

Go with the North River because of your family. Its the bigger boat and the engine box can double as a sundeck. 300hp will be very nice for skiing. The 160hp jet unit (if that) won't pull out of the hole with authority or two skiers. If you are going to run the ocean however, I could see a prop conversion nodding to the Willie. One of these days their will be a prop conversion for the inboard jet pump; I'm just waiting for some engineer to figure it out. The inboard's cabin heater is wonderful for those cold AM runs out to the fish. I own a NR 19ft 175 SJ; I love it because it doesn't rob fishing room and also can pull a skier. No heater. I get 5-7gph on average. Be sure you know what the fuel consumption is on these boats and be sure you can afford it. Take a ride in both boats, but don't buy from a disreputable dealer if you can help it.

[skrimmy]

And how is this a fair contest? The NR wins - HANDS DOWN! It's more boat, a bit less expensive (you said the Willie is around 20, the NR looks to be 19), appears to come with more "goodies", has a better engine, and IMO the NR is a whole lot better looking! Looks to be well taken care of too.

[Salmonator]

First off, DO NOT buy from Brinsfields. Next, you will not like guiding out of an I/O unless you do nothing but anchor fish. For that matter you won't like guiding out of skinny water much (Santiam) in any foward helm boat. If you have to get on the big motor quick, you will have to run through clients to get to the controls. Waterskiing sucks behind a jet. Get used to long ropes and choppy surfaces. My vote would be the Willie with a prop, but not from Brinsfields. This is all from personal experience... Joe

[cannonball]

Get the Northriver, it has suspension seats. the willy will beat you to death in the slightest chop.

the doghouse is a plus, you can sit on it while running the kicker and I use mine to get that extra bit of leverage when fighting a fish.

[rags]

Keep looking until you can find a Alumaweld. There is a reason you see so many on the water.

[Dr Strangelove]

I see alot of Bayliners on the water too! So what does this say for Alumaweld, Rags? :wink:

[1pump]

I hate to slam anybody, and especially a business, but I gotta chime in with everybody else about Brinsfield. I had a business relationship with them for a few years (they were my customer, not vice-versa) and I can't vouch for their ethics. :depressed:

I'm partial towards outboards but $20K for a 6 (almost 7) year old Willie is too much $$$. IMHO, a single axle trailer is also a bit light for a 20' boat. Personally, I wouldn't buy either one, but if I had to pick I'd go with the NR. :smile:

[ 11-30-2002, 12:57 AM: Message edited by: 1pump ]

[k9jeff]

I would go with wiz's boat. You cant lose it in a crowded parking lot.
It has more bells and whistles, will have a better resale value, and just looks cool.
Its your choice though,, I dont have to sign the check..

[NEUTRON]

Someone mentioned buying from a reputable (sp) party...wow...Mad Wiz???? :wink: Frankly, the willie is ugly and if your driftboat really looks like that..........Buy the Taxi, then you too could be cool like the Wiz.

[Kruechief]

Neutron,

My drift boat is exactly like the one that was on the synopsis (sp) in 1996. It is red and sexy.

Thanks Joe and all of you who have opinions on Brinsfield. It is too bad that a business doesn’t understand the power of word of mouth (in this case when one expands their circle of friends via the internet) and endeavor to follow ethical business practices.

1pump, thanks for the inside information. When someone goes out of his or her way to give advice, one should listen. It just sucks because I really like the Willie and the type of boating it would be excellent for. Now the decision to buy or not may turn out to be based on the seller and not the boat that fits me the best.

It is like GI Joes here in Albany. I have sworn over and over that I won’t go in there due to the poor customer service (at the check outs mainly) and their inability to maintain the stock needed during peak seasons. But sometimes they have you over a barrel, and, I guess, I am habitual and end up buying their products because “usually” they have what I want and or need.

So, here is a business that is consigning nice boats but local people (and thanks to the internet other communities) will not use them. I would hate to be the poor guy trying to sell my boat there. I always wondered why the boats seemed to sit there so long. I guess now I know why, they have ran out of people to screw.

Kruechief

[Deleted User]

After looking at the Alumaweld you were looking at and the North River, I would say get the North River. You want a fast boat and there is no real comparision, an outboard will never perform as good as an inboard, it has to do with a mixed flow pump on the outboard which is less efficient, and an axial flow pump on the inboard which is more efficient. Get the 20 footer as you will have more room and a wider bottomed boat. The north river ranger has a 12 degree deadrise vs. the alumaweld which is 14 degrees. The 19 foot alumaweld only has a 66 inch bottom while the North River probably has a 72 inch or wider bottom. You'll be pleanty fast enough to out run any of us with outboards with either boat so I would get the lager boat so you have more room for the family, and guiding.

[M.Russ1]

I had a Willie. I now have an Alumaweld and my next boat will be a Willie if that tells you anything. It might tell you I am confused. :grin:

[MADWIZERD]

Chinookie
never lost a race to a fishing hole yet :grin:

kruechief
boat also comes with drift socks,net,on board battery charger,and what ever else i have forgotten.+ i will give some $$ back to i-fish.cant beet that :grin:

but like i said before, look and drive many boats,one of them you will know while driving is the one for you. :cool:

[ 11-30-2002, 05:15 PM: Message edited by: MADWIZERD ]

[boater]

if you ask me :rolleyes: if you buy the willie you are leaning towards fishing more in shallow water simply because it drafts less water when not on step and is alot lighter and if you ask me it belongs there, if you try to use it in big water like the columbia you will be soon buying some suspension seats because it will beat the crap out of you, if you buy the northriver you will give up some some shallow water fishing simply because it drafts more water when not on step, but, you already have a driftboat so do you need 2 boats to fish shallow water ?, you are only giving up the ability to drift in about 10 or so less inches of water but you still will be able to run the shallows to get to the deeper holes and it will be alot softer of a ride in the chop, i can tell you from experiance that i`d much rather be in the chop in my inboard sled on a cold morning with the heater going sipping a cup of coffee and sitting on my suspension seats rather than getting pounded and spilling my coffee and sniffing propane fumes :smile:

p.s. if an older 200 outboard is 140 at the pump and a 150 is 105 at the pump wouldnt that put a 175 at about 120 ?

[graybeard]

If you bought both of those boats new right now, with equipment, what would they cost?

I'm guessing about $50k for the NorthRiver and $30k for the Willie?

[Flatfish]

Madwiz,
you would have sold that boat already if ya had installed some indoor/ outdoor carpet in it. Green is nice. :tongue:
Mark and the dog.

[ 12-01-2002, 05:11 PM: Message edited by: Flatfish ]

[Captn]

In looking at all of the responses, lots of good points. I think that boater pointed out the basic difference between the two. They are both good boats, and properly taken care of will out fish and out live any two or three owners. The Willies is a smaller and lighter boat, will work well on bays and smaller rivers, and probably very nicely on the Columbia.
The North River is a bigger boar, can handle more serious water, like running up the Rogue, the Dechutes or any heavy water plus salt water more extended distances. Also the NR can easily take more people.
So dependeing on where you want to fish, softer water &gt;&gt; Willies, bigger water &gt;&gt;NR.
No product discrimination here, I would love to have either boat as most of us would. So there is my .02 worth and it is worth what you paid for it. Good Luck, I don't think you can make a bad choice here.

[MADWIZERD]

mark
no i would have sold it aready if i would get off my lazy but and put it in the trader. :grin:
some day,maybe this week :rolleyes:

[metalhead madness]

for the family getting in and out of the water is really tough with a outboard. When I was shopping for a boat The family played a big part in the decision. I went with a 20 T-Jet inboard jet (240 sj) and have never regretted it. Though I am not a huge fan of NR I would buy it for its fishability and familt fun. Good Luck

[Hogmaster]

OK, I can't stand it any longer!

I am a Willie owner as most of you know. But it is not a windshield boat. In reading these threads I would like to make the following observations:

1) Brinsfield's - I too think they suck based on buying and selling experiences I had with them. But remember they may be out to overpromise and underdeliver, but that doesn't mean the boat is bad. If you really prefer the Willey, just don't agree to buy it until they write down EXACTLY what you are getting in the way of extras and equipment. You can do business safely with them, but be aware and very careful. It isn't like they punch holes in the boat to screw people after all...

2) It has been suggested to drive the boats. I agree but for an important reason besides the ones of ride, step and load. It is this. Take the boats out after making sure they are dry inside and then make sure you stay out for 20 minutes or so. Come back in and while on the ramp insist the plug get pulled. Many boats have slow leaks. Would you trust Brinsfields to tell you it doesn't? Mad's probably doesn't, but many boats have nagging and slow leaks. maunfacturers only cover lifetime hull warranties with the original owner. Don't ask me how I know.

3) Nuetron has a Willie that looks very similar to this one (only it is black). Thanks to the trailer brakes when "slider" popped off his hitch it came to a quick and realitively uneventful stop. Do not buy the Willie unless that trailer has brakes!!! I am sure that Mad's does, but how worn are the brakes? It is getting a bit long in the tooth so to speak. I was simply amazed how much difference brakes have meant. My Tahoe would not stop my 18' Aulumaweld nearly as well as it stops now with the big Willie, even though it weighs dang near twice as much!

4) The "Original price" argument only has limited merit here because of the age difference in the two boats. But certainly the NR would sell for much more if both were new.

5) Nuetron and Mark - I am not fooled. Yellow boat "looks nice", green carpet? Who are you kidding! Mad you need to repaint it with Orange and Black tiger striping!!!

6) Kru, neither of these boats are really suitable for guiding a river like the Santiam in my view. But if you are serious, the creature comforts of the taxi are probably better suited for "dude trips" for sturgeon. The Willey would be better in the bays if you are trolling but again neither are ideal for that work.

7) For everything else you listed, my vote is for you to get the taxi. The family will like it better. Just figure a grand for the new paint job!

:cheers:

[Full Freezer]

Krue- Although I am partial to the NR since I also own one :cheers: , the fact you mentioned family & recreational use, the Ranger is the best buy. The 350 provides all the muscle we need to wake board & ski and gets us out to the "deep" in a hurry. The "dog house" rarely gets in the way for us & provides a nice place to sit for the kids too. There aren't enough pleasant words to describe the heat & shock absorbing seats! :grin: The way I see it the only down side to the NR is that you will infact give up the space near the transom. But, i love mine & look forward to the "2500+" hours on my powerplant.

let us know which one you choose!!!

Full Freezer :cool:

[bigshark]

Take them both out for a run. Do it as close to the same day as possible. Its your money and you have to be responsible for the decission. It can't get much easier than that. Start the kickers and see how the work and how each boat steers. If you can, pull each with your ri9g and see how they feel. If they don't want you to do this I wouldn't buy either of them. In this economy they should bend over backward to let you make your choice.

[Hanapa'a Time]

Kruechief,

I just had to pipe in here. I just went from an outboard jet to an inboard. Reasons: bigger boat, more power and more seating. Observations after using both: inboard's weight makes for a more steady fishing platform, not as much rock and roll on the water and wind doesn't blow boat around as much. Dog house makes a great seat/sun deck, wife/kids. I have been able to use the inboard everywhere that I took the outboard and with more comfort and style. :smile:
Hope this helps, good luck on your decision!!

Kurt

[ 12-02-2002, 11:07 AM: Message edited by: KGS ]

[Nanook]

My vote. No "fishing with fonies" here, eh Chris? :wink:

http://www.ifish.net/uploads/223211335.jpg

[ 12-02-2002, 11:33 AM: Message edited by: ****** ]

[rola76]

I just went through the same debate, and for me the big thing was HOW I'm going to fish it. Considering I'll use it in 100 degrees in the summer and 20 degrees in the winter, so the heater is nice when it's freezin' outside!! Both have a top so that's not an issue.

Outboard vs. Inboard - I went with an inboard jet because of "cleanliness" on the outside. I like the steering of an outboard, but it's tough to work around. The North River is big enough that the doghouse doesn't ruin the inside space. The North River has a ton of power too!

Lastly it's based on where you plan on fishing the most. Columbia or other large waters..definitely the North River. Cowlitz, Sky, etc..definitely the Willie.

Overall I think the North River is a better boat because it's MORE of a boat, a lot of amenities that an outboard doesn't have. Plus the yellow is unique!! Good luck.

[JeepMcMuddy]

One thing you may want to consider is the History. Do you know the history and maintanence of the Willie? Did the previous owner keep any records? One quick search of ifish will show you much of the history of the fish taxi. From the looks of it Mad wizard has kept that boat in top condition. I would give him the nod.

[Tanner]

I am not a big fan of North River but I would say it is the better of the two for what you will be using it for. I went from an outboard to a v-8 and I will have a hard time going back. Yes, you lose some room, yes your fuel economy goes out the window but repair costs are a lot lower, Especially if you have a friend or family member who is a really good mechanic :grin: .
Your family will be much more comfortable getting in and out of the water with a swim deck and you will have all the power that you could ever need.

[get hooked]

I've got the answer!!!!!!!!!!!! BUY both of them!!!!!!!!!!!! :grin:

[Drifter02]

:grin: Kruechief:

I favor the Willie but I like lightweight and manuverable and I don't fish really big water - yet. But either way , have you checked out Willies used boat forum on the top of the I fish Page!!! Willie's lists boats for sale by owners on their web site as a service to their owner group. Last I checked , there were several good deals on Predators of various configurations, most of which were better deals than Brinsfield's

[go fisch]

Kruechief
It all depends on what kind of fishing you are going to use the boat for. Are you an anchor fisherman? Due you troll a lot? Do you want to take it out in the ocean? Are you going to run rivers? What is your major prime objective?

Think about what kind of fishing you do or will be doing before deciding on what brand of boat you want. The Willie boat I see in the picture with a 175 horse pump will only generate 105 horse power at the water. With a pump will loose 40% of the power of the engine. With this heavy 20 Willie boat you will be limited on power.
I would also stay away from an inboard. A lot of maintenance and up keep on the engine. Plus limited space in the back of the boat when you are landing a fish.

It appears you want a boat with a windshield. If you do a lot of trolling in crowed areas the windshield will limit your vision and you will have to stand or mount a seat on the edge of the boat if you want to sit down.

Since you will be using the boat 65% of the time for fishing you might want to consider a boat without a windshield.

My recommendation would be to investigate an Alumaweld Supervee with a 200 or 250 hp engine with a pump. It will take you any where you want to go and them some.

Kruechief, this is my 2 cents on this issue. Any questions let me know.

Thom

[MarlinMark]

Test drive a Boicejet. It is a world of difference. I'm saving my pennies and will buy one when I can. I'm not going to settle for less.

Mark :cheers:

[MADWIZERD]

after reading "go fisch" post i remembered the other options the boat has that i forgot to mention.

1)the front of the hard framed soft top is 3 pieces.so you can open one or all.

2)on the back of the motor box i have added a mount for a set that can be used by itself or with a pedestal. both come with the boat along with an extension handle for the trolling motor.

any thing else i forgot to mention??? :grin:

[Full Freezer]

MadWizerd- why do you want to unload a nice NR anyway? :shocked: What is your next boat? Just have had mine since March of last year & can't think of why I would want to sell it. please enlighten me. :smile:

Full Freezer

[Jettin' Fool]

I may be biased but the NR is a more solid boat with more options. You better hurry or you may miss out on the Taxi. Then you will be stuck with less boat for more $$$$

http://www.click-smilie.de/sammlung/spezial/Sarge/MrT_anim.gif

Fool

[MADWIZERD]

Full Freezer
i never thought i would be getting ride of it either.but there are a few reasons.
1) i want a 23 foot
2) i want an open sled to fish the sandy and clack more
3) i want the option to fish the 4 people in my famaliy + my mother and father.this boat just cant fish 6 people.but is a great 4 fisherman boat.
4) because i have caught so many fish in it i just thought i would pass off some of its luck.

[Flatfish]

Wiz,
are you ordering the next boat new?
Will you have it painted by the factory?
Or will you wait for ODOT to have another sale on that yellow paint?
What color of carpet will it have?
I hope it is green.
Good Luck with the suckerfish this weekend.
Mark and the shivering to fetch a duck dog.

[onstep]

Wiz,

Sounds like you getting a super vee pro. Which open boat are you going with?

[ 12-03-2002, 08:34 AM: Message edited by: onstep ]

[Take Down]

My 2 cents:

1.) Make sure you know the history of any used boat you are buying= Big edge to Wizerd's boat.

2.) I extensively drove/tested/evaluated both 19' NR and Willie windshield boats for over 6 mos. before deciding.

In the end, I went 19' NR sportjet and have absolutely no regrets. I fish big water mainly and it is more boat IMHO. If I fished small rivers primarily, I would have gone Willie. Can't go wrong with either one. Madwizerd's boat is a good deal and you can be confident of the history which is critical in a used boat.

TD

[Full Freezer]

MadWizerd -I'm with onstep! What manufacturer are you going with on that new boat?? I like the reasons too. Mine fishes 4 good but anymore its a bit tight. What color(s) will you paint this one????

[Tanner]

Originally posted by Madwizerd:
Full Freezer
i never thought i would be getting ride of it either.but there are a few reasons.
1) i want a 23 foot
2) i want an open sled to fish the sandy and clack more
<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">Great, just what we need, another maniac running a 23' missile up and down the clack. :grin: :tongue: :grin:

[Seefood Man]

Do yourself a favor. Come and take a look at the Thunder Jet I have for sale. My TJ is a 2000 with 108 hours, loaded with almost all the same options. True, I'm asking more, but considering that it's almost brand new, it will be hard to beat. It's posted in the boats for sale section here.

[NEUTRON]

Boy Tanner, you got Mad Wiz pegged :grin:

[MADWIZERD]

flatfish
now that was dam funny graemlins/applause.gif

onstep
willie,northriver ?? i haven't desided

Full Freezer
colors?? i was thinking Florissant neon lime green :wink:

tanner
i am not a "maniac" i am a "mad" wizerd :tongue:

NEUTRON
he does doesn't he :grin:

[Jettin' Fool]

A lot of guides are running that open NorthRiver Scout. I saw a few at Tillamook this year. Very nice looking boat.

Fool :smile:

[TheRogue]

Jettin.....saw a beast of an open boat in the NR showroom the other day. It was the 23, I think. WOW!! It was huge!! Methinks someone needs to make a 400hp outboard jet!

TR

[Uglygreen]

Madwizerd - you cant go "Florissant neon lime green" - that is my color! There is currently only one other boat that color on the river now, and I got plans to deal with him..... :shocked: But seriously, ugly green is a fish catchin color!

http://www.ifish.net/uploads/390109322.jpg

:grin: There can be only one UGLY GREEN FISHIN MACHINE!!!! :grin:

UG

[MADWIZERD]

uglygreen

oh my god. :shocked: it was just a joke man.
i thought i would pick some odd ball color no one would have.but now i see you got that color. :shocked:

me with yellow,
you with neon green,
fishbait must have pink :rolleyes: :grin:

thats just to funny.

[Silver Hilton]

UG,

I didn't know you had an Almar. I had one of those way back when. Great boat. I have to suffer with a North River now. :wink: Tried to get another Almar when I was in the market last year, and they told me that they had exited the white water market, and in fact were now the same company.

Mine was a fish catching machine. But it was a decent silver color. Did you pay for that color, or get a discount because of it? :grin:

[Uglygreen]

MW - I got a laugh out of it. :wink:

SH - I didnt like the color at first, but I got a screaming deal on the boat, so I thought I would live with it or change it.

NOW I love it - It is fun having a unique color / boat on the water, A lot of my friends or people that I know will recognize me and swing by to say howdy on the water. I'm thinking of painting my drift boat and sled match

I will tell people that I have just met that I have the neon green Almar, and they say "oh Ive seen you here or there" etc... Its fun.

And yes - Almar is a great boat, but its pointless to try to tell people that cause there are not enough of them out there to argue the point. Better fit and finish than on most of the "production" boats and hell for stout.

UG

[CATCH AND EAT]

Got to love the sound of a V-8! Got to hate the gas bill. If you don't like the yellow take it down to the Mojave for the summer. By october it should fade to beige or at least a light yellow.

All kidding aside. MW's boat is nice lookin on the water. Whether it scares the fish or not is another story. My guess is he has lots of open spots on his tag.

Willies are nice boats too. Lipripper has a nice willie that I have been in and I really liked it. I have seen Nanooks but have not witness him catching a fish. :grin:

[Nanook]

http://www.graphicupstart.com/clients/digitalsamurai/smiles/noclue.gif

:grin:

[Kruechief]

This year on the Alsea, Chinookie and I ran into a guide named "Dave" from Boring, Oregon. He had a brand new North River 23' open.

WOW! :shocked:

What an awesome boat.

Lo