Thunderjet

[zipper]

Anyone on the board run a Thunderjet? As I have learned to trust all of you for advise, I'm looking for some direction here. Saw them at the boat show and am just wondering things about quality of construction, ride, how they handle rough water etc. I am intrigued by the offshore bracket outboard model. Thanks for the input. :cheers: zip

[rola76]

I own a Weldcraft, but I did plenty of research on Thunderjets while I was shopping. Overall, they're a great boat; I wouldn't hesitate to buy one. Excellent construction, loaded with amenities, and nice looking.

Prices for Weldcraft, Duckworth, Thunderjet, Northwest Jets, and North River are all about the same.

[Green Machine]

Zipper-

Very good boats. I think you can't beat them for the money. The reverse chine cuts the splash and the outboard models really ride nice, especially with a deeper V. I don't think you can use a jet on the offshore bracket?? So maybe something to think about there, but if you want a jet, I would go inboard. Good aluminum and craftsmanship. I think one of the best paint jobs too. Just my $.02, I am sure others may shoot me down. I almost bought one until the Green Machine showed up. :grin: Sigler's is giving them away.

Green Machine

[Lipripper]

http://www.ifish.net/uploads/15471016.gif Get one of these and you won't be needing anything else.

[Dr Strangelove]

Consider the source, but the Vice President of Almar 3 yrs ago told me about two Tjets they took in for repair and found the fuel tanks wedged in between hull stanchions with foam rubber and no hardware bolting to the frame. Scary. Alot of people on this board love them; some refer to them as Thundercr_p. I own a North River, and personally would either buy another or a Boice. Any of the good aluminum boat mfr's will build an outboard bracket for you. Consider a good used boat if it's your first. The money you save will buy alot of fishing equipment.

[Green Machine]

You think so Rola? When I was looking at 20'ers the TJ was definately cheaper. The NWJ and NR didn't even compare, way higher. Maybe specific models?? The TJ also carries most of there models with an 8' beam.

Green Machine

[zipper]

At this last boat show, I found TJ and Duck advantage similarly priced, the others - Weldcraft, North River, NWJ where anywhere from 3-7K more. The Willie is also quite a bit more. What I am looking for is the most boat I can get for the money I have to spend and TJ seems to fit right in there... but... I don't want something that won't handle rough water or is going to grenade on me in a few years. The Lund I'm selling has been in my family since 1984 - my next boat has a tough act to follow. Thanks for the input, keep it comin'!! :cheers: zip
graemlins/idea.gif I should add that I'm looking at the 18' luxor - 6' bottom - offshore bracket with 140 suzuki......

[ 01-17-2003, 11:14 AM: Message edited by: zipper ]

[Green Machine]

The Duck is a good boat, 8' beam, nice interior and finish work. One thing I don't like is the 3 piece windshield instead of the typical 5 piece. The makes your side curtains a lot bigger and floppier in the wind. If you don't have curtains on, you get the side wind. I think it also weakens your windshield? Funny how they put the 5 piece on the Silverwing and Magnum. Trying to save $$$$$$$$$$$

Green Machine

[zipper]

The 5 window configuration is available as an option... more $. If anyone is interested, Dan Allen over in Yakima at Valley Marine has the best deal going on the Duck advantage... at least 2K less than the local guys for the same boat....... Same with Weldcraft. zip

[ 01-17-2003, 11:20 AM: Message edited by: zipper ]

[rola76]

Green,

I should've been a little more cautious...I meant for the specific size/model I was looking for. I'm sure you're absolutely correct, there are differences based on models. For myself, I was looking at boats specifically 18-19ft, Vortec/Redline, all options, etc.

As far as Zipper said, yes, get a hold of Dan Allen at Valley Marine. We're good buds and he won't cheat you out of a nickel!! There's a 19' Advantage on the lot that I ordered, but ended up going with the Weldcraft. It's got a 302 Redline with AT pump, 8hh 4-stroke kicker with remote steering, live well, and basically all else. He'll hook you up.

Otherwise, have fun shopping, damn it's fun!!! :dance:

[metalhead madness]

Ride the lightning! TJ is a great boat. When I was shopping for mine I test drove all the major players and found the reverse chine to handle quite well. It also did better in rough water than NR, NWJ, and Motion. The price was also right. 20' sportsman 240 sj, sus seats, 3/4 swim, foam floatation, wash dwn, fish box, 2 wipers, and all grab bars 24599.00. Siglers deals off the concept of volume. After being in the car business for years he doesn't try to cut a fat hog on every deal. I also went to there factory and found it to be very clean and organized. They had just installed a new spray booth that would help put out a even better finish. Don't take my word for it. Check them all out, but I think you'll find them affordable quality. As you can tell I LOVE MINE graemlins/hearton.gif graemlins/hearton.gif graemlins/hearton.gif . Good luck :cheers:

[rola76]

What engine are you interested in? This not only changes prices, but it eliminates/adds options for heaters/defrosters. I don't know about you guys, but while fishing in January and running up or down river it sure is nice to have 4 vents blowing hot air on ya!!

[zipper]

yeah, I added it to a post further up, I'm kind of a die hard outboard guy. I'm interested in the 18' luxor, 6' bottom, 140 suzuki on the offshore bracket. I'd love the 20' but with the bracket and motor it's 24' long and I don't think I could back it into my driveway and get it into my shed let alone those smaller ramps on some to the lakes I like. zip

[chummer]

As a TJ owner, so far... absolutely satisfied with the boat, a 19' envoy with 175 SJ. Purchased from sigler's, although I've heard that if you check with idaho dealers, you can get them alot cheaper. Also I think TJ has started putting EZ load under thier boats, used to be trickers (a much better trailor).
I compared SJ vs. NR, for the money, SJ wins. A better trailor, rear wind curtain, rear bench seats (all of these are options on NR) that's my .02

[chummer]

Zipper, check out the "Awsome Boat Deal" under the sale link from Rola76

[T-Jet]

Zipper, Welcome to the world of boat bashing. I have a 21' TJ Alexis. I do not have the elevated platform due to I do alot of side drifting. I run mine in mudpuddles! I have had the oppurtunity to drive many makes and models. I have run many rivers and my TJ has always brought me home. Let me know and I will be glad to put you in it and let actions speak louder than words. I would live in it if I could but my job wont let me!

[boater]

graemlins/lurk.gif

[Jettin' Fool]

:bowdown: N

O
:bowdown: R

T
:bowdown: H

R
:bowdown: I

V
:bowdown: E

R
:bowdown: !

[ 01-17-2003, 09:27 PM: Message edited by: Jett'in Fool ]

[shawn2010]

I have been in my boss's boat about 20 time, he has a 21' alexis with a yahama 250 ob saltwater series, the boat is very fast, smooth and very quiet. You might see us in one of the sturgeon derbys this year.

[zipper]

I certainly don't blame anyone for being passionate about their boats. I understand the attraction and the draw. I am going to be one of those guys pretty soon, whatever I decided to buy. My fishin' buddy told me that I change favorite boats like he changes underwear.... I don't think it's been quite that bad but I will admit that the shopping and research has been fun. Thanks to all for the advise and opinions. Now go fishin! :cheers: zipper

[Salmonator]

Thunderjet makes a great boat, I loved mine while I had it. If you are buying new, make 110% sure it will fit your present AND future needs. I found myself in the ocean more than I had anticipated and went to a deep V fiberglass and haven't regretted it. The big payments are MUCH easier to accept when the boat is what you really need...

[jet]

I used to have a Weldcraft Renegade and really like the boat, tough as nails. I/we outgrew it and bought a TJ Hardtop. I think now most boat manufacturers build good boats. It seems the earlier bugs that TJ had were worked out and they now build a great boat.

With the competetion these days a poor builder would not be in business. Each boat builder has a place. TJ is the boat for me.

Jet~~~

[cannonball]

Rember to compare apples to apples and oranges to oranges when talking manufactures.

Comparing a 19ft with a 302/ american turbine to a 21ft with a 454/ hamilton is not a fair comparison unless the price is the same.

If I were to win the lottery the neighbors would think a boat dealership moved in. :tongue:

[ 01-18-2003, 09:38 AM: Message edited by: cannonball ]

[Doubletake]

I bought a 19' Luxor 2 1/2 years ago. Looked at the Sportsman's Show in Feb., compared price, quality and looks.

Still love the boat, handles well in skinny and fat water, maneuvers well in the river, comfortable. What makes it great is my wife loves it as well. Good luck on your decision.

Doubletake

[zipper]

I'm not ready to give this post up yet... anyone run a TJ like I've discribed? 18' with offshore and outboard? Sure would like to hear from an experienced owner. Thanks. zip :cheers:

[Silver Hilton]

I love these threads. Doubletake and I fish the same river, he has the 19 Ft thunderjet, I have the 19ft North River. I'm convinced the boats are similar in quality and features, and that you won't do wrong with either. Though I catch more fish than Craig does. :wink:

[ 01-18-2003, 10:52 PM: Message edited by: Silver Hilton ]

[Great White Sturgeon Hunter]

I was the same boat your in 5 months ago! I had looked at all the sleds and what they offer. Bottom line in my book the top five are Duckworth, Thunderjet, Northriver, Northwestern, and Customweld. When your looking all of these it come down to the finish work and the inside is layed out. Watch out on the power plants though, I stayed away from the sportjets. Most people like them, I'm just fearfull that they band two strokes on the Columbia some day.
I ended up with a used 21ft Duckworth Mag. with a 340 horse redline Ford 460, and the Berkley pump.
So good luck with the battle of the boat buying world, I'm sure no matter what boat you get you'll enjoy it!!!!!!!

[Doubletake]

Andrew that hurt, LOL (the truth always does)
Read your report on the Snoqualmie, not to worry......something is always swimming somewhere or....... chores are always ready and waiting but fishing is more fun. Take care

Doubletake

[Jettin' Fool]

Make sure you get enough power! 90hp on a 20' boat seems pretty low to me. I'd be looking at 150-200hp on a boat that size. I could be wrong.....

Fool :shrug:

[King Kong]

I have owned my Thunderjet Alexis for three months and love it. It is a little different then the boat set up that you want, but you will be pleased with the craftsmanship and the performance. I looked at every major mfg on the market and they are all great boats. I went with the TJ Alexis because it came standard with most everything that I wanted on my boat, 350 efi motor, 3/4 hardtop, raised fishdeck, etc. etc. You wont be sorry. Take your time! Research. Take all of the boats that you are interested in for a test/demo ride and you will be able to note any handling differences. Good luck!

[Tagster]

Zipper, my best frind just bought a 20' Luxor with the outboard bracket. He runs a 4 stroke 90 mercury saltwater on it, with a 9.9 4 stroke merc kicker. It is a beautiful boat.

We have had it out to bouy 10 in some steep 6' waves and it felt pretty stable. His will cruise around 35-40 mph and is very quiet. If he had had a chance to drive that 90hp motor first, he would never have bought a kicker as it will power down easily to troll with.

I think that he paid around 25K for the whole package with a gps/ff/ds combo and surge brakes.

It is a good boat.

tag

Not as good as my NR though... :grin:

[zipper]

Thanks to all who have replied. As usual, lots of good advise and opinions. Just what I need to help stay objective. I will go Tuesday afternoon to test drive one and will post what I find. :cheers: zip

[zipper]

Well, I went out to Sigler's this afternoon and drove a Thunderjet. 20' Luxor - 51/2' bottom - 7'beam, offshore bracket with 140 Suzuki. Took my 250 pound fishin buddie with me and put her to the test. Here's what I found:
The water was fairly calm, light chop, light rain. The suzuki is sweet. Very quiet, very strong motor. Hole shot was pretty good - boat planed effortlessly - topped out at somewhere around 45mph - no way to tell for sure - educated guess - seemed to handle chop pretty well - had to create my own - the one thing I noticed was some sort of "resonance" at high RPM seemed to travel along the hull and echo in the cockpit... wasn't engine noise but I suspect some sort of harmonics from the motor/bracket combo. The sales rep. (who was very nice by the way) didn't notice it as much as I did - I think he's probably used to it - he did say the jets don't do it and the 18' outboard doesn't do it... The suzuki is so quiet that other sounds seem to jump right out at ya.... Over all, quite nice and comfortable. I am very curious about the 18' with 90" beam and 72" floor with the 140 suzuki... me thinks It'll be a killer combo! That's it for now! :cheers: zipper

[WaterDog]

Zip,

You'd like the 8' beam much better. Gives you a lot more room and has better stability. I went from a 18' with 7' beam to an 18' with a 8' beam. Big difference. Good luck. :smile:

[Yellow North River]

The resonance on the 18 foot won't be there because the hull will be foam filled for basic floation. I did this on my 21 norh river allot quiter than with out.

[Red]

Zipper,

Another happy TJet owner here. 20 foot alexis with 350 fuel injected inboard, powering a stern-drive. I just wanted you to know that I had my floor-hull space foam filled, mostly for quiet, but also to provide some floatation. You should know that at least for my boat, TJet didn't think the foam would keep it afloat, but rather, just slow down the sinking .

[onstep]

I would reccomend against putting foam in the bottom of the boat. It WILL absorb water, sand, dirt, fuel, and anything else you spill on the floor. The only way to have true closed cell foam is to inject it so as not to damage the outer skin layer of the foam. Thunderjet doesn't have the equipment to do this and they pour the grow foam and then cut the excess off. By cutting off the excess you have opened the foam to absorbing what ever. I would also find out what material they use for the floor boards and if it's lifetime warrantied. I would also ask why they don't use lifting strakes or hard chines like northriver.

[Jettin' Fool]

Yeah, what he said :grin:

:bowdown: North River Jet Boats

[zipper]

YNR - I am hoping that is the case. I suspect there will be less water noise on the bow as well in the 18' because of all the foam. These things I see as positive. Not to mention how nice it would be (god forgid) if the boat ever tried to sink. thanks! :cheers: zip

[ReelMcCoy]

I have one of the Enovy's with the 175 sport jet and love it. It is great in shallow water or big water. I also have a 21.5 foot walk around (looks like a Trophy) and I think I like the TJ just as well in rough water. It also has lot's more room to fish from. I was conviced of how good it was when I shot up the Wilson at the bottom of a minus tide from the bay and never touched bottom as far as I could tell. Wow what a ride at close to fifty miles per hour. And for those of you who have not experienced the Wilson in the section you can run at full throtle on a low tide you can walk alot of it in water just over ankle deep.

Things to look for in a sled are does the door seal up the front or when you take a wave over the bow are your feet going to get wet and are the scuppers large enough to drain all that water quickly. What things does it come with that are options on other boats. Of cource price. Look at the welds. Of cource this is just my opion the bottom line it is more of a feeling for me. The TJ just felt right and so far I am happy.
Good luck.

[Tagster]

Reel Mccoy, I thought there was a thread a little while ago about a speed limit on the lower Wilson? Something like 5 mph?

I am not posting this to bash you at all, in fact, I was planning on making that same run in my NR, however, after reading that , I changed my mind.

If it isn't true, nevermind, if it is, might be a pretty stiff ticket.

Tag :smile:

[zipper]

Onstep.... The answers to your questions as they were answered for me by the sales rep at Sigler's. 1) They do use lifting strakes
2) They don't use solid seperate piece chines as a design/engineering issue. They would loose the integrity of their one piece sides. He also said it was easier and less expensive to repair damage done to a hull if you don't have to remove that chine. These are their answers not mine. I didn't ask about the floor boards, that's a good question I will ask on Saturday. The foam filling is flotation foam on the 18' done at the time of assembly at the factory. That's all I know... I will ask more questions about that as well. Thanks for the input! zip

[Yellow North River]

The foam is a Coast Guard regulation for boats under 20ft.
I have a degree in Civil Engineering and worked for Boeing as a Structural Design Engineer for many years, The problem I have with Thunderjet is the way they bend the side to make the reverse chine the bend radius is close to the minimun for the thickness of the Aluminum, then they cut V-shaped slots from the wind shield to the bow so they can curve the side so they can butt weld it to the bottom ( I hope they have a backing plate). Once I saw that this was how they formed the sides and bottom I looked elsewere, can't beat a extruded chine with groves for the bottom and side to slide into than weld full length. My 2 cents worth. Ok now all T-Jet owners can Bash Me.

[jimh]

I'm not a T-Jet owner, but I'd like to know what boat(s) have a design that you like.

[Salmonator]

Yes, everyone is entitled to opinions and there are a TON of opinions out there. You better take the time to here them all. Most guys that lay out the money for a new jetboat aren't exactly going to admit they should have bought a different boat :rolleyes: especially when they paid several thousand dollars too much :tongue: . An opinion on a potentially non-existant chine problem shouldn't be the reason you go spend more money on a different brand. I personally have never heard of a thunderjet chine problem myself.
I could have bought any boat when I bought a thunderjet new in 1999. A few things I didn't like about the northriver is a lack of room around the motor well, very small bow area (a huge pain when trying to work an anchor on a sloppy day), not much chine area to speak of (planing and cutting) and the price. Are they good boats? Well Duh! Maybe the best, I dunno but for my needs and wants it wasn't the best. The first duckworth we walked through at the show had welds and paint that appeared to be done done by gradeschoolers. I doubt all duckworths look like that but they lost a potential sale that day because they picked the wrong boat to display.
If you're going to spend that kind of money you owe it to yourself to look at them all and drive them all. Use the price as a last factor and hopefully the one you like has the lowest sticker price like mine did :dance:

[boater]

graemlins/lurk.gif

[wooldridge]

I bought a 21' Alexis and I love it! I think there are a lot of great boats out there. Siglers had them in stock to check out and always has them on order. I had problems finding some of the others to even look at let alone test drive. I have seen em all on the river anyways and when you are paying that much I think your are going to get a good boat.

Jeff

[cannonball]

graemlins/lurk.gif

[zipper]

so... What's up with the little dude with popcorn and no message? Is there significance that I'm missing here?

[boater]

i just like to eat popcorn.

[zipper]

graemlins/lurk.gif :cheers: me too, but I prefer to have an ice cold beer with mine!

[Streetwalker]

There are very few few sleds out there that are are not high quality. I also have a 21' Alexis & did drive most of the other big names & found that they all have the same or very similar equip packages in their respective sizes. The main difference between them all was hull variation. Get what suits your needs best & feels best. I really liked them all but in the end I liked the ride & handling of the TJ better but it still was a tough decision. Take your time & ask lots of questions. BTW My experience with Sigler's was great, it took us 2 & 1/2 years of going out there & other places to finally make a purchase. They were patient & helpful the first & every other of what must have been 10 visits. Mike was still selling North River's when we first started looking.

[Yellow North River]

As you can tell from my name that I have a 21 north river. For me I was not brand specific when I went shopping for a new boat, I had a few things that I wanted. First I looked at how the boat was made/material grade, than inside layout( can I lean aginst the gunnel and reach over the side with out going over board) and is there anything sticking out that I will smack the knees on( my old boat had molding on the inside around the rod holders that rubbed me the wrong way) , next finish and where I was going to use the boat. The North River has a shorter bow better for running rivers. The 4 boats I liked were Northriver, Jet Craft(2years ago), Boulton and Duckworth. Than it came down to the little stuff, like NR has the rear opening engine cover ....... Every year I go the Boat show and I would still buy a North River. If you want to know more or would like to see my boat just ask.

[zipper]

YNR - I hope nobody bashes you for your educated opinion. I appreciate the input both positive and negative - That's the best way to learn; the free exchange of opinion and facts. I can assume that the lifetime warranty on the hull, welds etc. is not offered lightly. I have not heard of any of these coming apart or having a particular weak spot that susceptible to damage. If anyone has more info in that area please come forth. "Viva la differance" :cheers: zip

[onstep]

Zipper,

Correct me if I'm wrong here but only the Alexis models come with strakes on the bottom and the one I just looked at didn't have them ( they must be an option). My recomendation would be not to buy any boat with out FULL length straking on the bottom. You never hear from the guys who own these things on how well they fish, just how they run. The last time I checked I spent 10% of the time running and 90% fishing. How do these boats balance? With the balance being what it is do they sit with windshield to high for you to sit back see while you troll? How well do they track when trolling and back trolling with no FUll length strakes? How do they sit on anchor with a scope of 200 ft of rope out and nothing to track the boat but sea anchors? Those are the questions that really matter in my opinion. Buy the boat that is best for you regardless...

[T-Jet]

Hey, Yellow North River! I have a video of my Thunderjet pulling a good looking properly formed North river off an island last year on the santiam! The welds held her together!

[Salmonator]

Zipper, I used to anchor my alexis below the bonneville deadline with 300' of rope all the time fishing for oversizers. Tracked beautifully. As far as being balanced, I've never heard of a 19'+ boat with a bow that sits too high to troll with but I will mention that any boat with a foward helm and top will restrict your visibility some. It was never an issue with mine.

Onstep, I don't know what you consider "fishability" but I consider anchoring and stern space in that catagory, so yes you DO hear people mention how these boat fish. So far you've mentioned all kinds of potential problems with a thunderjet that I've never encountered. Either you are a NR employee or you are one of those guys who paid too much for your last boat and you're trying to take it out on everyone else :tongue: I hope no one thinks I'm bashing NR's as they're too good of a boat to even try that, I just think this is getting silly graemlins/berry.gif

[onstep]

Salmonator,

First and foremost no bashing going on here at all only the same questions I had when I made my purchase. The money really wasn't any issue when I made my purchase if it had I would have bought a thunderjet. They are the Bayliner of welded aluminuim i.e. ok construction, ok interior, ok power, and ok design. Performance has a cost and that is why we as fishermen use high end products. My thoughts anyway.........

[Salmonator]

:grin:

[ 01-24-2003, 11:15 AM: Message edited by: Salmonator ]

[zipper]

Bayliner of welded aluminum boats? That's an interesting comparison. May not be too far off the mark, I don't know. I do know, for me, the ultimate cost is a consideration - a crucial consideration. If money was no object this would be an easy decision for me as I would have the freedom to change my mind after point of purchase if I wanted to and shopping would not be necessary as I would have one boat for every application. In the real world (mine anyway) That is strictly fantasy. I have to make a decision based on $, options, design,construction quality, driveability, fishability, multi-use ability, good looks (important to the wife), comfort, space, storage, whether it'll fit in my driveway and shed, if I can get into some of those small ramps on mountain lakes I like so much not to mention how it handles rough water etc. etc. etc. - that's why I started this post - to facilitate the free exchange of opinion and fact to help me learn, be objective and give me things to think about that I had not considered. Thanks to all that have responded! I appreciate you all! (Even you popcorn guys!) If you see me on the water in one of the "Bayliner of aluminum boats" please don't snicker and point, to obviously anyway and consider that I made the purchase after much consideration and research and It's what I decided fit me (and my situation) the best. Best regards to all!! :cheers: zipper

[onstep]

Nothing wrong at all with Bayliner they are the largest boat manufacturer in the world. They year in and year out sell more boats than anyone. Bayliner makes a good solid boat and if they weren't they would be out of business.

[WaterDog]

graemlins/lurk.gif

[T-Jet]

Jet, what year and color is your boat? I have an Alexis SS also. They stopped making the SS.

[jet]

Burgundy, 1999 350 marine Power with the Kodiak pump,with the walk around motor box. I guess you can still get it but it is special order.

What color is yours?

Jet~~~

[ 01-24-2003, 03:34 PM: Message edited by: jet ]

[T-Jet]

Teal Green, 2000 model year, same power plant. Went with the three stage it cavitated a little less in rough water, but lost alot of carrying capacity. Still love it though!

[jet]

I guess the Kodiak with Marine power is a rare amimal according to the Kodiak people. Sure love it.

jet~~~

[Thumper]

Zipper --- I was in the business, and now have no dog in this "fight". You said your concerns were:

"I have to make a decision based on $, options, design,construction quality, driveability, fishability, multi-use ability, good looks (important to the wife), comfort, space, storage, whether it'll fit in my driveway and shed"

Of all these, you can forget about "quality". All the boats mentioned in this thread are grossly over-engineered. They will outlive you, your kids and their kids. Funny thing is that you will, if typical, likely sell your new dream boat for another model within 5 years, and the second buyer will be the big winner. Find one you like and go for it!

Just make sure it has huge scuppers for draining those sneaker waves you will encounter on the ocean if you fish it enough.......

[T-Jet]

I agree jet!

[Hanapa'a Time]

Jet,

I didn't know TJ made a walk around or mid-engine style boat. Is it a low deck model? How much space do you have between motor box and transom? All the others consider the half deck a walk around.

Kurt

[Stabiman]

Hey Zipper,

If you're looking at sleds only... I guess you can stop reading right now. But, with your interest in a 140 Suzuki on the offshore bracket... it sounds like you plan to spend a good bit of time out on the ocean... in the big water.

If that's an accurate assumption... any chance you want to take a test spin in a Stabi-Craft? Great offshore aluminum boat, VERY stable and safe... great fishability and incredible ride in the rough stuff!

Have a look at what the Kiwi's think of them... and then give me a shout if you want to experience it for yourself.

NZ Board (http://www.fishing.net.nz/asp_forums/display_topic_threads.asp?ForumID=3&TopicID=749&PagePosition=2)

Cheers :cheers:
Dan

[ChinookSlayer]

so just how big are "huge scuppers for draining those sneaker waves "?

graemlins/lurk.gif :dance: graemlins/lurk.gif :dance: graemlins/lurk.gif graemlins/dork.gif :shrug:

[jet]

I have 2" round scuppers in my bow. I have seen them as small as 1/4" in some boats.Water can get in there fast and it needs to drain fast.

Jet~~~

[boater]

you guys should realy check this link out and scroll down to onsteps name, i remembered him from awhile back and did some checking. CLICK HERE (http://www.ifish.net/cgi-local/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=20;t=002413;p=2) , it may explain why he doesnt like thunderjets.

[ 01-24-2003, 06:16 PM: Message edited by: boater ]

[jet]

I just read the Rate the Jetboat thread,

Things change. I sold the WEldcraft, still a great boat and bought a TJ. BOE pulled out the carpet that he loved so much and put in Diamondplate. That thread was two years ago and we are still talking about the same things. We sure do love our boats. Here are the links to most of the web-sites of the various builders.


http://www.willieboats.com/
http://www.motionmarine.com/
http://www.northriverjetboats.com/
http://www.duckworthboats.com/
http://www.jetcraftboats.com/
http://www.thunderjet.com/
http://www.alumaweldboats.com/
http://www.boicejet.com/
http://www.fishriteboats.com/
http://www.weldcraftmarine.com/
http://www.bentzboat.com
http://www.northwestjetboats.com
http://www.wooldridgeboats.com
http://www.customweld.com/
http://www.marathonmarine.com/
http://www.designconceptsinc.com/
http://www.northwestjetboats.com/
http://www.hewescraft.com/
http://www.kenferm.com/
http://www.outlawmarinejets.com/

Jet~~

[Yellow North River]

T-Jet, I commend you for helping out another boat. I Spent many years Designing Primary Structure for Boeing Comercial Airplanes. So when I went looking for a boat there were things that I looked for in how the boat was put togather (this is only my opinion) As I stated earlier in this post when I went shopping for a boat I was not brand specific, I knew where I was going to use the boat and what I wanted on it. Hard to believe but NR was the least money. If I was going to continue to run offshore I would have keep my Seasport or got a welded boat with a bigger bow than Northriver but I got tired off running 25-45 miles out of Neah Bay WA. for Halibut
Bottom line is you but the boat that best fits your needs.

[Streetwalker]

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Thumper:

Of all these, you can forget about "quality". All the boats mentioned in this thread are grossly over-engineered. They will outlive you, your kids and their kids. Funny thing is that you will, if typical, likely sell your new dream boat for another model within 5 years, and the second buyer will be the big winner. Find one you like and go for it!

Thumper, you were involved with Jetpace if I recall, there is one up the street from me & that boat is hell for stout. Onstep, none of the major sled builders are anywhere near comparable to Bayliners

[jet]

You popcorn guys with boats other than the TJ just crack me up.

Jet~~~
21' Alexis SS, Hardtop
ex, Weldcraft owner.

There all good boats, buy what fits your needs,needs change.

[ 01-24-2003, 03:33 PM: Message edited by: jet ]

[King Kong]

ONstep,
I have to disagree with your somewhat arrogant opinion. I spent many months researching and driving different sleds. I chose the TJ. I liked it better than the North River. Just my personal preference. I cant beleive that you would attempt to slam other manufacturers in this open forum. I dont think that it really says to much for you or your employer. If you insist that you ar not trying to slam TJ by your statement that they are "the bayliner of jetboats" than you are an just an a$$hole.

[Salmonator]

Yea, especially since I used to own a thunderjet and now own a bayliner! graemlins/berry.gif :laugh: graemlins/dork.gif