SportJets

[Duckie]

Thinking about getting one of those 19' North River Sportsters with the Merc 175 SportJet. I'm seeking any opinions about the SportJet and it's performance, longevity, serviceability, etc. They seem to be very popular because of the value. So, if you own one, I'd like to hear from you.

Please, related answers only. I know...go bigger, get a V6, get a V8, etc. I would if I could afford it, but I can't. So, I'm stuck with very little options. So save the opinions about what I should get. I just need straight answers. Thank you!

[fishing is life]

hi Duckie, i would do a search you will find lots of info. i have one that is one year old and i like it. if i was a millionare i probably would not get it. good power for the money, light in weight. cold start, smokes in the begining mostly. loud engine. but for us budget guys this is the best bang for the buck. good luck. look at a Rogue Marine boat at Siglers they are a nice river sled and economically priced. good luck...

[Chris Nordling]

There has been a ton of info out in the past. Use the "search" key just below the Doherty Ford ad. Once there, if you search in the 2002, 2001, or 2000 archives , you will most surely come across THE North River Thread ...

You'll know it right away, at last count it was somewhere near 600 replies :shocked: :shocked: Maybe more.....

Good Luck !

Chris :cool:

[brshooter]

I have a 2001 North River Sportster with the 175 SJ. I have had no problems at all with it. Smokes a bit when you start it, but what 2 cycle doesn't? Have to crank it a couple of times before it starts. Always fires on the 3rd crank. Moves the boat along at 45 mph if you step on it. I usually don't run it that hard because of fuel consumption. If you run hard, you will burn about 8 gph. If I keep it under 4500 rpm, I burn between 5 and 6 gph. Have had the boat 2 years now and have about 100 hours on it.
North River has done a stand up job on any service issues. Had the brake actuator give problems and one seat pedistal not work properly. Both were replaced with no questions asked.

I run mostly in the Columbia or Tillamook Bay. Only had it in small water a couple of times. I performed just fine. No problems.

[Silver Hilton]

I have exactly that boat, and like it alot. Its a cadillac of jet boats. My engine has been pretty hard starting in cold weather (freezing), but it always starts eventually.

I put sound sound foam inside the engine cover which improved the noise.

Had one minor assembly issue after I got the boat - the sending unit gasket was over tightened and shredded, and needed to be replaced. Other than that, boat is fine. Well designed and constructed. Handles like a sports car, and will run in quite skinny water. I haven't tried to find out how skinny, but 8 inches is just fine.

I got the kicker well option, and it works well. Much easier to handle the kicker than if you use an outboard bracket, as the motor is closer to you.

I didn't know to ask when I bought my boat, but you might see if there is a way to build in a cleanout port or a stomp grate for clearing weed or leaf clogs.

Wish I'd gotten trailer brakes on the trailer.

Hope that helps.

[Bobberologist]

Hi Duckie, I have a 175 sportjet in a 19' Alumaweld and love it. It offers more room in the boat, less weight. I have just over 100 hrs. on it performs nicely. Ran it this summer up in BC 32 mile a day round trip to open water, I keep it at about 4200-4400 on the tach and get good mileage. I have pulled wake boarders and skiers with it also, it performed very well. The main reason I bought the sportjet was less space consumed in the boat. If I had chose the higher horse power sport jet, I probably would have gone with the V-8 because the 200 and up sportjet have large exhaust system that take considerably more space. Good luck!!

[crayfish69]

My friend Tom has had a sport jet in his North River since '99 and has no problems. It does smoke a little when cold and is a little noisy but not enough to worry about. If you went bigger than 19' I would go with a small gas motor to get you out the hole better. The weight factor of a bigger boat handicaps a 175 sport jet. (My opinion.) And definitly get trailer brakes. Tom put them on after the fact and is glad he did.

[Jettin' Fool]

Well Well Well.....back to back newbies with NO stories :hoboy:

Out with'em or youll be harassed till no end :grin:

Welcome anyway :cheers:

Fool

[ 01-23-2003, 09:46 PM: Message edited by: Jett'in Fool ]

[crayfish69]

What kind of stories do you want to here? I've got a few.

[aye fsh]

Ok, I got mine a little over three years ago, have 256 hours on it and it's been great. Same cold start/smoke issues as everyone else.

I just got it back today from the shop, last few times out it was idling a little erratic so I asked them to check it out. The plugs were getting a little fuel fouling, so we're going to try a new type to see if that helps. They checked compression on the engine and it was good and steady all round. Apparently due to emmisions standards there isn't a great deal of adjustment room on the carbs due to some limiter caps that they aren't supposed to remove. Makes it tough to get 'em tuned? I'll post here if things are dramatically different after I take it out tomorrow.

This boat has fished the Rogue, santiam, willamette, bunch of lakes, b-10 to bonny (a bunch!), rockpile, and chicken ranch once on a really good day! Have had this boat in some fairly serious situations and it has performed flawlessly. I did throw a wet rag on top of the battery and corroded a butt connector on a hot lead once, but that was my fault.

About the only thing I would like to have in this boat that I don't are those great big comfy air ride seats! Other than that I would not change a thing with the setup I have. And it catches many fish.

Two of my fishing partners went out and bought boats like mine, are having no probs. Another friend went with a different boat and has been towed in twice by the C.G. and has had the motor (351 redline) replaced. All of it's been fixed under warranty, but....
Had to come in from the rockpile on his 8 hp kicker. :shocked:

Great boat, does everything I want.

[Salmonator]

Ayefish, do you work at HP and is the boat with the 351 a Duckworth? I may have towed this boat in from the pile myself graemlins/eek13.gif

Nevermind, missed the part about the warranty. We're talking different boats.

[ 01-23-2003, 10:33 PM: Message edited by: Salmonator ]

[aye fsh]

Hey Salmonator-
Nope, no HP here (self unemployed), but I did come by and look at your camper you had for sale this summer! After talking to you a bit we decided we better wait and get a bigger unit. Those teens get big, quick!

[ 01-23-2003, 10:39 PM: Message edited by: aye fsh ]

[Silver Hilton]

That's a good point about the battery. My battery died shortly after I got the boat, because I store the boat outside, and the top of the battery got wet. They don't put it in a battery box. So I strapped a plastic top from a battery boax over the top of the battery to keep the posts dry, no more problems.

[crabbait]

crayfish69 - it is customary to start a new thread with an introduction and a fishing story. Take a look at all the "newbie" threads and you will see what I mean.

[Duckie]

Thanks for advice and taking the time guys. I'm getting my ducks in a row over the next 2 weeks...lining up financing, holding tight on downpayment cash, etc.

My next steps are to go test drive a few boats and really do some homework. I'll report about what I discover and about the outcome of this endeavor.

[Green Machine]

Hey Boater, you out there. :grin:

Here we go again.

If it is strictly monetary reasons, check out Sigler's and Motor Boat Mart in Olympia. (I see you are from Oly) They have been having some great deals on V-6's and V-8's for not that much more than the sportjet.

If it is other reasons, I am going to leave this one alone.

Green Machine

[Silver Hilton]

Chinook*

Man, I would love to ride that boat of yours. It must be something, if it outpowers the SJ. My friends refer to the beep that happens when you turn the key on on the Sportjet as the "hang on to something" warning. If the V6 has even more guts, it must really be something.

After a year, I find that the SJ has more than enough git up and go for my needs. That has included days when the boat has four non hard bodied american men in it, along with gear, beer, dog and fish. And it still pulls out of the hole with plenty of gumption.

Yeah, there's always more power that you can put into a boat. But for the 19 foot North River, the 175 SJ is plenty.

[fisher-price]

Hey duckie, I know what you are thinking I did the same thing last year. I looked at North river with the sport jet. I was a little worried about new two-stroke rregulations so I looked around a little bit more. I ended up bying an 18 ft alumaweld, with a v-6. it is just great. the extra detals to the engine compartment are incredible I just could be leive. aneay by tht etime was everything was over and done with I bout the boat, v6 and 9.9 honda fourstroke. It was still several dollars less than the Northriver with the sport jet. I love that boat. :dance: :dance: :laugh: graemlins/applause.gif

[Silver Hilton]

Of course it was cheaper than the North River. It was an Alumaweld. :shocked:

Sorry, couldn't resist. I'm sure it's a fine boat. Really.

[Duckie]

It's always about money. I don't know if folks down in Oregon have noticed the decline in the economy and the increase of unemployment (even for professionals), but here in Seattle (which is where I work) it's very scary. It's survival mode.

Anyway, if money wasn't an object, this thread wouldn't exist. I'd go and buy the latest and greatest. However, in reality that extra hundred or thousand in boat payments can mean the difference between being able to afford a luxury item safely or going in way over your head.

I see a lot of nice big powerful boats being bought and then right back to the market because folks didn't do their homework and they went in way over their heads. I have to stay realistic and set MY expectations, not my buddies' expectations or any one elses. After all is said and done, I'm the one who has to make the payments.

It doesn't have to be really fast or be an eye-candy. I need it to enjoy more of my passion. I'd rather let my fishing skills do the talking rather than my boat payments.

[ChinookSlayer]

Duckie,

Let me relate my experience to you. Looking at the weight to horsepower ratio, the size of the engine box, and the cost, I was totally sold on the sportJet, until I went for a comparitive test ride.

A marina here in town took two of their boats to the river for me, so I could do a side by side comparison. The boats were identicle 19' Northriver boats, only one had the sportjet and the other had a V6. What was immediately noticable was the sportjet just did not have the same oomph as the V6, even though the nozzle hp was about the same. When pulling out of the hole, the sportjet just had to work a lot harder and took longer. Also, when powering out of a corner, the sportjet would have to be full throttle and you still felt kind of doggy. The V6 pulled much better out of the hole, and had plenty of power for coming out of a corner. Both of these situations are similar in the sense that what is really working is the TORQUE of the motor, and not the hp. What the spec sheets don't tell you is the torque, and that turns out to make all of the difference in the world.

That test drive changed my mind completely on the sportjet's. Also, having the V6 with a 4-stroke kicker gets you completely away from burning any oil, which has turned out to be real nice. :grin:

The V6 box is bigger than the sportjet, and the motor does cost a little more, but these are long term investments so you have to look at the satisfaction over the long run. The V6 is the best compromise between a big V8 and the sportjet.

What I suggest is trying to line up the same back to back test ride deal like I had. The longer you wait inbetween rides, the harder it is to compare.

When you make a choice, let everybody know what you went with and why. It is just fun to see how things work out.

[Green Machine]

Ok, sorry, I gotta chime in again. If it IS STRICTLY MONEY, why buy new and why a North River. You could buy a two year old Sportjet with ALL the options and ready to fish for probably a couple hundred less than bone stock new. Plus you get the kicker motor too. I think Weldcraft and Thunderjet are a lot cheaper than the NR, they are all good boats guys!!!, and could get you on the water for less. If you can, don't wait till Springer season. Prices will come back up. I know a lot of people disagree with used, and in some cases may be right, but do your homework and you WILL find good deals out there. Somebodies got to buy a used boat.

Green Machine

[Fish Hunter]

Duckie, I sent you an email.

[Duckie]

I guess I neglected to mention, that I am looking at a used 2000 North River Sportster fully equipped with a Sportjet and a 4 stroke kicker motor. A used 2000 Alumaweld is the other candidate. Both boats are priced under 23k. Hopefully this paints a better picture.

I agree, new boats are a lot more expensive. For a new boat option, I've looked at Weldcrafts which is basically made at the Duckworth plant in Clarkston, WA. It's a good candidate. Anyway, I'm looking hard at used stuff first. To say the least, this endeavor is proving to be quite challenging...trying to find a balance between dream and reality. :smile:

[Fish Hunter]

Boater..... Ooooooh Boater. :laugh: You can't resist the urge. Don't let Willierower down! :laugh:

[Jettin' Fool]

With new boats you can legnthen your boat payments if necessary. Up to like 15 years if you want :shocked:

Used boat loans can sometimes be limited to about 6 years in some cases.

It stinks cutting back and then being unhappy with it down the road.

Fool

[Silver Hilton]

And the doghouse is handy to sit on while trolling/backtrolling. If it wasn't there, you'd be putting in a seat anyway.

[Fubby]

Good Choice. I have a 20' by 72" NR with a 200optmax and I will put it up against a v8 any day. I get better economy and I am faster out of the hole even with 4 full seats. The V8 has me beat with an overload of big fat guys and their beer for 4 days but other than that a sport jet is the way to go -
And before you V8 boys jump on me I have owned those too. If you have a good hull design you do not need a big engine to push you around.
Go for it-

[boater]

:sleep:

[Jettin' Fool]

graemlins/lurk.gif

hehe

[HOGTIDE]

I run a 20' Alumaweld wide bottom with a SportJet. FishHunter runs a 19' North River with a SportJet. In both instances...more than enough power and g-force holeshots. The doghouse on the motor doesn't absorb a lot more room in the boat than the swing of the handle on a tiller model. Lightweight, quick, reliable...the only thing that will ever bother you about a SportJet is listening to 'boater's' comments :shocked:

[WaterDog]

graemlins/icon_argue.gif :rolleyes:

:wink:

[Green Machine]

Hey Duckie............

Looks like a NR Sportjet under the boats and tackle section. Sounds like what you want??

Green Machine

[Duckie]

Just wanted to thank everyone for their input on my question. After much comparing, deliberating, researching, and many many hours at the Sportsmen's Show talking to reps and sales folks, I decided to head towards a totally different direction.

So having said that, I will be a proud owner of a brand new Boice Jet Response come April. It'll be the 20 foot model with all the trimmins' :smile: The package was just right in terms of price point and performance. Test driving the Boice boat on the Rogue was a kick! I'm very happy and content with my decision. I look forward to mixing it up with everyone on the big "C" and everywhere else in between. :cheers:

[jimh]

Congratulations!

What power plant did you choose?

[rowboat]

If you're coming from an outboard or older I/O, I suspect you'd like the performance with either the 175 or the V-6 sportjet. But if you're leaning toward the 175, as a retired dealer, I'd really recommend one of the Opti-Max powerhead sportjets over the 175. Smoother, cleaner, quieter, more economical, and they comply with the EPA 2006 emissions standards. They come in several hp sizes.

At the Sportsmans Show in Portland, Willie quoted me an out the door price of $22,495 for a new 19' Predator with the 200 Opti-Max and trailer......$300 more if I wanted the galv. trailer rather than painted. May or may not be the boat you want, but a good price to use for comparison.

Good luck...................