alumaweld boats

[datsjeep]

Could someone please explain the difference between an Alumaweld intruder and Formula vee.

Looking at the specs they dont seem much different however the formula Vee is 3k more expensive than the Intruder and I was wondering why.

I am looking at the 22' Intruder jet and the 21' Formula Vee.

Also what are the opinions on Alumaweld vs North river vs Thunderjet?

[Pirate]

dat
I believe the Formula Vee is a heavier guage(aluminum) boat and a higher level of finish and a few more extras.
All the boats you are asking about are top notch. I personally own a North River (my second), but the Outdoor Show is next weekend and I bet they will all be there. You won't go wrong with whichever you choose.

[Rusty]

Dasjeep:

I own a 21' Formula Vee which was purchased new last year. (I LOVE IT) The main difference between the two boats lies in the relative size of everything about the boat. Higher sides, raked-up bow to take bigger water, better finishing and amendities. A few more extras that make the boat look larger in the water. And, 33" gunwales are a blessing!

There is nothing wrong with an Intruder for that matter. It is simply a matter of owning an overall heavier duty boat when buying a Formula Vee.

The North River is fine boat also. I know they are wheeling and dealing to get into Alumaweld's pockets. The main drawback about North River is getting them upgraded, fixed, or serviced. From the many people I know who own one, this has been, and continues to be, a major sticking point.

I will admit I'm prejudiced towards Alumaweld, probably because I've owned one for 24 years, but must agree that North River is probably more eye-appealing. For my money though, it's Alumaweld.

Rusty

[TheRogue]

Naw, look here......My next boat!! (http://www.boicejet.com/torrent.html)


TR

[datsjeep]

So the Formula Vee is a heavier boat. From the specs they are using the same guage aluminum on bottom and sides. So does the extra weight come from the gunnels?

The Formula is 710ibs heavier yet a foot shorter and rated for less weight. Thats the part I dont understand.

No one has metioned anything about the thunderjet. I like the partial hardtop and they are a sweet looking boat. They also seem a little less expensive with all the options.

Also a new question I have that maybe needs its own post is what does everyone think of the fish platform. It increases your storage area and eliminates having to walk around the dog house. A salesman at Stevens told me they were terrible in trying to land a fish. What do you guys think?

[Mojo]

I'll admit I am biased. I have an open sled (Alumawed V-Sled) that I run with a 200hp off the tiller. The "fishing platform" is a little inconvienient. First it puts your feet way above the waterline, and requires you to have a 10 foot net handle. I have fished out of both, many times. I thought "what the heck are we trying to do here?" as I watched my friend try to net my steelie with a 6 foot net. How many times have you tried to release a native while fishing out of a boat like that. You have to either net it (really bad idea), or climb out on the swim deck (Not too safe). If you are concerned with fishing room, get an outboard.

[Pirate]

I like havin a motor box to lean on and lock your feet against while fighting a salmon. Why...because when you have a big fish on in rough water(buoy 10/ocean) and one hand is on the reel and the other on the rod, you can do a really funny dance across the back of the boat, trying keep your balance and not to fall in. :shocked:
IMHO

[fishnxtc]

Look at all the other boats before you buy alumaweld. I have an intruder and it SUCKS. They maybe nice boat at a reasonable price but their service department is a bunch of (fill in what ever word you like, expect "great"). I have had nothing but trouble with the boat itself. I have a 75 Merc and that thing runs like a champ. In my mind service is the only thing you have from them once you by a boat. I would expect a place with such a big name would have figured out how to treat their customers better. Yes I am bitter..............Chris

[ 02-03-2003, 07:48 PM: Message edited by: fishnxtc ]

[5-Cents]

I have to counter here what Chris has to say. I have had nothing but great service with absolutely no problems what so ever from Stevens Marine and Alumaweld. Every time I called them with something they say bring it on in and I usually can get my boat back the next day. Every boat you look at on the market has its own +'s and -'s but service will bring me back every time and I would buy another boat from Stevens!

Shane
:cheers:

[Salmonator]

Datsjeep, the overall weight being heavier would give it less GVW because the boat already has the weight built in and a thicker hull doesn't lend itself to bouyancy. Normally, a two wheel drive truck has a higher GVW rating because it has less weight than a 4-wheel drive due to the lack of a front drivetrain. I'm assuming theory between the two different types of vehicles is the same.

[fishnxtc]

You know it is like everything some people have great experience and some have terrible. I'm glad 5 cent you have had a good experince. I wish I could have my boat back the next day.................Chris

[ 02-03-2003, 08:05 PM: Message edited by: fishnxtc ]

[zipper]

Do a search... we recently had a long post on Thunderjet.... lot's of good info and biased opinions. zipper

[Hanapa'a Time]

The motor box is also a great fighting seat for peelers. :grin: The high deck also adds weight to the back (bracing plus all the stuff one would store in those compartments), running a kicker w/out a remote system might be difficult, your elevated position changes the center of gravity for the boat and the fish landing and releasing as mentioned before. Try looking at manufactures that build a boat w/ a 360 degree walk around box w/out a raised deck. NR and Alumaweld have a drop down between the box and transom which is better than full height, at least a person can step over easier. Mine has 18" between the box and the transom......sweet for those mad moments at the back of the boat. Just my findings when I bought a year ago. Good luck on your purchase.

[ 02-04-2003, 07:37 AM: Message edited by: KGS ]

[AuntyM]

Service is the name of the game. I was unhappy with the performance of my Intruder (Sportjet) for the first year. Turns out, the dealer we bought from sucked at setting the boat up and fixing the little things. I found another Alumaweld dealer, Three Rivers Marine in Woodenville, WA. :dance:

Now I am a happy camper (boater) :grin:

Find out who will bend over backwards to service what they sell you and disregard the dealer that offers to undercut a price by $500 but will treat you like trash later. :shrug:

[TheRogue]

E-mail Highwater and find out what kind of service one can expect from Steven's Marine :mad:

There's no such thing nowadays as a junky boat!! Just junky service.

TR

[riverrat007]

i have bought 3 new alumaweld boats.
i strongly recommed u look at north river...it is my next boat

[BrionLutz]

Datsjeep,

Caveat being that views on boats are very subjective, what I found in fishing in Alumwelds and North Rivers (also owning a NR). They are both fairly sweet so you won't suffer any pride of ownership with either.

Last year I was out in a couple of the new 25' North Rivers and a new 25 and 23 SuperVee Alumwelds with several of the guides a bunch of times.

I found the Alumawelds to be more solid, less rattling and vibration inside and they seemed to take the rougher water and inlet better.

I sold my North River after a year for the above reasons (plus the SportJet 240 drove me crazy with smoke and noise) but I use the boat mostly in the main stem Columbia which can get pretty choppy. I also made the first time boat buyers basic mistake of getting too small a boat. Something to think about.

Another thing to think about is resale. In that regard the North River did well. I had a very custom boat, the polished aluminum trailer, lots of (every?) option and I got close to what I paid for it after a year. That's something to keep in mind, brand name resale value though with NR and Alumaweld, you are probably a wash on the resale issue.

Brion

[datsjeep]

You guys have really helped me a lot with this decision. I have not decided yet but I am going to the sportsman show to get more info. One thing I am really curious about is which boat is going to handle the best in the ocean???? I figure I probably cross the bar 8-12 times a year and would spend the rest of the time in the columbia and running the smaller rivers. My plan is to buy no less than 20'. I want a jet for the smaller rivers even though a prop is better suited for the big blue (so I have been told).

Of these boats we are discussing is there one that handles better in the ocean?

[Jettin' Fool]

A North River Seahawk would suite you better in the Ocean because of the deeper V. A true sled isnt designed for the Big Blue however. I have a North River 21' Ranger and it did pretty well out there for me.

The earlier post about NR having poor service is new to me. I have had and have heard others report how happy there were with the service and they even put in a new starter for me well after the warrenty was up.

I love NR and would get another in a heart beat :cheers:

Look around, there are allot of quality boats out these days.

Fool :cool:

[BrionLutz]

Datsjeep,

One thing I am really curious about is which boat is going to handle the best in the ocean???? I <font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">In that case, you probably don't want a NR or an Alumaweld and should look at a true bluewater deep V fiberglass boat with an outboard. A Whaler or GradyWhite or Mako are real ocean performers.

No jet boat can have a V much above 16 deg or it creates aeration at the jet intake. Jet boats are essentially for shallow water running. Even the outboard aluminum boats don't have as much V as a glass boat.

Every boat is a compromise. You have to decide how you REALLY are going to use the boat. Not how you imagine but how you will actually use it.

Then get the boat that suits 80% of your real world fishing conditions.

The deep V and outboard will restrict you somewhat in shallower water but a 20 Grady White draws 14"(not counting the motor down). My jet boat with a 16 deg V draws 18" so you don't lose a whole lot on the skinny end but gain a huge amount in the ocean and big bays if that is where you are really going to spend most of your time.

One of the guides at Tillamook has a deep V Wellcraft and he fishes the ocean and the bay and does just fine.

The deeper V and heavier construction will pay huge dividends in the ocean fishing that seems to be where you fish.

Also on fuel economy which is a bigger concern in the ocean (a totally unforgiving environment) than in running rivers. Props are waaaay more efficient than jets.

Brion

[Tilla]

Did anyone notice that Datsjeep asked this board about Alumawelds. The Alumaweld salesmen are usually to busy to talk to the customers, at least the good salesmen are. :rolleyes: Doesn't anyone pay attention?

[Bobberologist]

I bought a 19' Alumaweld last year from Stevens. My main Reason for Alumaweld was as fishermen we seem to spend alot of time at the kicker motor. Alumaweld was one of the only boats that addressed this issue. The rest of them wanted to add a bracket, extention handle or $2000. auto piliot. I have my kicker mounted on the transom. Below that my hot box and I installed a Bass seat on a offset swivel post to run the kicker. Plenty of room with a 175 Sportjet.

I love the boat. Have over 100hrs in less than a year. I have had it up to Nootka Sound BC
and up and down CR and Cowlitz.
I debated the same as you, inboard, outboard
platform or what. Then I looked at a platform boat real close. Try to picture yourself landing fish with your shoulders 8-9 feet above the water. What happens when the fish goes under ther boat? Snaps your line or your pole tip it would seem. Then if do any crabbing, you have to pull that pot up higher? In rough water I perfer to keep my pots low as possible so they don't swing into the side of the boat.

I ended up with a 175 Sport jet and not just from a money stand point. Very fun boat. quick, respondsive, handles faster than any cast iron V-8 or V-6 That I river tested. But I was impressed with the compact powertrain. Sure it has some disadvantages. But when all said and done they seem to out weight the advantages.

Tough choice I know. Good luck.

[ 02-04-2003, 07:51 PM: Message edited by: Bobberologist ]

[Mtn Man]

BrionLutz,
Actually many ocean boats are jets, everything from whale watchers to ferrys. Go look at the Hamilton Jet Pumps web site.

When you are referring to jet cavitating with over 16 degrees of deadrise, that really only applies to singles. If you run twin pumps you can run what ever angle that you want. Just think outside of the box a bit more :wink:

Something like this 28' twin diesel would handle the ocean and whitewater very well.
Stikine Dream (http://www.bentzboats.com/stikinedream.pdf) . There are lots of manufacturers out there that will do this.

MM

[Mtn Man]

Keep your options open and do some research. You have only mentioned the "big box" builders of jet boats. Look around on the net some more. There are many smaller manufacturers that will build what you want, not just what they have on the shelf.

If you really want to go into the ocean think about a twin. It's always nice to have a back-up :smile:

You will always have a compromise boat if you only have one boat for several situations, just make it as right for you as you can. If you spend more time in the rivers, get on that is set-up that way and modify it for the ocean and vice-versa.

MM

[ 02-04-2003, 08:34 PM: Message edited by: Mtn Man ]

[Gun Rod Bow]

Oh Well, what does Hogmaster say about a free opinion being worth what you paid for it?

The boat world according to me:

Alumaweld: fine for the money, lots of em, heavy slow handling, fine for bigger rivers.

Thunderjet: Good price for what you get if you want to anchor up and read a book with the wife, run around a lake...

Northriver: My second favorite jet boat manufacturer. Wide variety, their new open sleds like Priddy and Linde and others have are really sweet, make a nice windsheild boat too. I think weel built, not overly heavy, handle pretty good.

You need to ask yourself what kind of fishing you want to do. Anchored up in the Columbia is alot different than side drifting on the Cowlitz in July or August.

If you want a great handling, awesome riding, light, open tiller style that in my not so humble opinion offers the best of all worlds, from coming across the Columbia estuary in 2 1/2' chop to running in really skinny water...There's only 1 Willie Predator Baby!!!

[WaterDog]

graemlins/lurk.gif

[Salmonator]

graemlins/lurk.gif

[BrionLutz]

Mtn Man,

[QUOTE]Originally posted by Mtn Man:
BrionLutz,
Actually many ocean boats are jets, everything from whale watchers to ferrys. Go look at the Hamilton Jet Pumps web site.

Not really the same animal. These are huge boats with massive diesels and typically catamarans, not runabouts or even close in design or function. Ever been in the wake of the "Lewis and Clark"?

Somehow I don't think this is what Datsjeep was contemplating.

&lt;&lt; When you are referring to jet cavitating with over 16 degrees of deadrise, that really only applies to singles. If you run twin pumps you can run what ever angle that you want. Just think outside of the box a bit more :wink: &gt;&gt;

I think you mean think outside the bank &lt;grin&gt;.

For the absolutely coolest ever jetboat check out Hinckley Whisper Jets (http://www.hinckleyyachts.com/splash.html)

The little guy starts at a cool $885K.

If that's in the lad's budget...go for it.

For his usage in the 20 ft range with mostly going in the ocean, a Grady, Whaler or Mako is the best boat. When I fished the Atlantic, 20 miles offshore for blue fish, tuna etc, I had a 17 Whaler. If I lost it, that's what the Coast Guard had at the Cape May Station to rescue me. And they'd find me floating.

In a production runabout, certainly a deep vee outboard is the way to go in aluminum or glass for the ocean. The glass will have a deeper V and handle it better.

I have a jetboat and love it but it's not the best boat for ocean fishing day in, day out.

Brion

[ 02-04-2003, 09:40 PM: Message edited by: BrionLutz ]

[Stabiman]

Sounds like you might need an ocean boat... but perhaps one made out of aluminum.

Hmmm... so where are you going to do most of your fishing? The rivers, bays or the ocean? :shrug:

If you decide to look for a bluewater, offshore boat... consider a Stabi-Craft. Just give me a call... I'd be happy to take you for a ride in some really nasty water to show you just what these boats are capable of.

I promise you won't be disappointed!!

:cheers:

[datsjeep]

Ok I think I should put this in prospective. In my perfect fishing world I would cross the bar 8-12 times a year, run up rivers like the cowlitz and clack maybe 6-9 times a year and either troll or anchor the columbia 25-35 times a year.

Wish I could fish more but that is realistic.

Those times in the ocean I want to feel like I am in a boat, not on my jet ski. I want to have the option to climb the smaller rivers but as you can see most of my time will be on the columbia anywhere between the mouth and fishery.

[salmonquest]

All I got to say is "Dude, get a North River!" :dance: :cheers:

[corkyking]

I looked at a lot of boats over a long period of time. They were all terrific in their way and I could imagine a use for any of them.

I decided to try and incorporate features from many boats into one. I settled on an 18' Alumaweld Intruder w/175SJ.

What I have discovered is that, while I got many of the features of many boats, I didn't get some very unique features of those other boats. i.e. it's hard to row and needs a big anchor - blue water is still a little spooky - it doesn't ride as well as a deep V fiberglass - I haven't found the bunks yet.

On the other hand it is a hot rod. 44 knots (51 mph) with two passengers and absolute snap turns are all I can handle.

I did a test drive in Shelton under the direction of the person who sold it to me. Ran it through a water ski slalom course at flat out speed, which scared the heck out of me. He then had me go full bore across the lake, go to full reverse and then quickly slam it to full ahead. The result was that the boat dove into the water causing a wall of water to start over the bow then when I hit full ahead it shot through the wall with only a small amount of water ending up in the boat. (don't try this at home kids)

Anyway when I quit shaking I bought it. Pls e-mail me if you would like the info on the folks I bought it from. They went out of their way to sell me the boat.

I'm sure that many of this type of boat are great but I like mine real well.

[OldRedSled]

PROP PROP PROP :dance:


There is nothing in a river that did not have to swim through the columbia first to get there..as far as rivers that you can run with a jet boat. figure you'll spend 99.9% of your time on the columbia and you dont need a jet for that.

If you run the Rouge 99.% thats a different story.

ORS

[Thumper]

R-O-G-U-E

[Troller]

I purchased a 22 foot alumaweld formula vee. I had them put an offshore bracket on it and I have a merc 200 hp prop. I was in your position last year it took me 8 months of research and sole searching to figure out what I wanted. The best advice is what are you going to use the boat for. I wanted to do some fishing where I needed a jet. But I started thinking about it. 75 % of my fishing would be the salt or lake. 25% would be in the river. I wouldn't need a jet for springers in the columbia. I wouldnt need one for crabbing. I have actually changed my fishing and spend more time on the salt heading the fish off before they get up the rivers. You will never get a boat that will do everything great. You can get one that would be good for one thing and ok on the others. I opted for a 18 degree vee . It handles good in rough water it aint no fiber glass boat with a really deep vee but it fishes out of great. I have it in 4 foot waves and no problems. Another thing I did was upgrade to the .250 bottom. This boat is solid and well built. I had a friend of mine that fished in alaska and then worked for almar boats in tacoma wa . Making boats for them for 12 years. When I told him I was buying a alumaweld he told me not to . then he went out with me and said man they really have changed this is a nice boat. I really dont think you can go wrong with either boat. Boats are just plain fun Besides I cant read the name of my boat when I am sitting in it fishing anyway. If your going to fianance the boat. Check out the interest rates on the internet then use them as leverage against the one the dealer will use. I had to do that to get them to give me a good interest rate. It cost about a $100 bucks to initiate a loan and credit check thru the internet. but when they call the dealer to get all the info the dealer will realize you did your homework and cut you a deal. They will charge you with what they think they can get away with. If their is anything else I can answer for you dont hesitate to email. Good luck and good boating.

[Gun Rod Bow]

dats,

I run my 20 1/2' Willie Predator out in the big pond, I check the weather and ocean condition on line prior to going. If it is 10 knot or 2' (wind chop) I go. If it is 15 knots or 3' i know I might be able to fish a couple hours in the morning.

3' and up, I really rather not be out there.

I'll go out across the Columbia bar in the right conditions and tides. I had some great days last year on the ocean. I also cancelled about 5 trips due to wind.

If you want to have a pure fishin boat...open sled. If you want to anchor and fish in all weather, canvas.

I love my Willie, but since it is apparently too much boat for you :wink: look real close at a North River.

[BrionLutz]

Datsjeep,

Originally posted:
Ok I think I should put this in prospective. In my perfect fishing world I would cross the bar 8-12 times a year, run up rivers like the cowlitz and clack maybe 6-9 times a year and either troll or anchor the columbia 25-35 times a year.<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helv">Being an optimist and using the higher numbers &lt;grin&gt;...84% of the time you are going to want a deep V fiberglass outboard.

The Columbia can get mighty choppy. It literally knocked my North River to pieces. Not entirely the North River's fault it was a small (19') flat bottomed (12 deg V) boat.

The 12 deg is a bit of a fiction. If you look at the bottom of a lot of jetboats (Alumaweld and NorthRiver), you'll see they have a flat spot running from bow to stern so they don't really have a V-hull at all. They both offer models with a true V but you need to be careful and look at the hulls to make sure you are getting a real V hull.

Again it's how you use the boat. The flattened V is great for working the shallow rivers. I ran the North River over what I swear were damp rocks but I paid a price in the main river and ocean.

A caveat to that is that trailering the boat can cut down on how much you have to put up with the rough water.

Putting in at Chinook Landing and scooting half a mile up or down stream, you can live with most anything...just go at the speed water conditions dictate.

Same for fishing the ocean, put in at Garibaldi and only do the ocean if it's relatively calm and safe.

There is also the family aspect, wife and kids will be more likely to put up with anchoring for boring hour after boring hour in a plushed out fiberglass runabout with lots of cushions and lounging possiblities.

If boys are in the mix, wakeboarding may raise it's ugly head and you'll need the prop fer shure.

I went the aluminum jetboat route and the ladies use their best nesting techniques but it is definitely a push and the lads are purists and spit on getting up in back of a jet.

Now there is one dirty little secret none of us has mentioned yet and that is THE LOOK . You definitely want to be the envy of friends, neighbors and your fishing peers. If your audience is the aluminum jet boat demographic, you will not impress them in a hot, rigged Whaler. Grudging respect maybe &lt;grin&gt;. A tricked out comfy glass boat, they will make rude remarks...but the fish don't care and the non-fishing humans will go with you more often.

Brion

[Flatfish]

I am thinking about boats too. A 20-24 foot fiberglass for big water, and a 16-18 foot old Alumaweld flatbottom for the real jet water.

I have been out on the ocean in a jet with a capt'n, a real good capt'n. I have driven a propped boat myself. The prop is a better machine in big water. The 20-24' sled is as close to a do it all boat in 1 package. I would rather have 2 packages for the same price and worry about stroage later.

Mark and the dog.

[Grass Hopper]

Well, Time to blow my own horn I guess. What about CUSTOM WELD BOATS!! The key to the best performance in a jet boat for both shallow water and Old Big Blue is a transitional vee hull. In the shallows a boat rides on the back half of the hull, in the chop the bow comes into effect. The key is a steep transition and the ability to use it, ie. trim tabs or motor forward walk around models. In the industry your standard North River transition is to about 22 degrees in the bow section. Your Thunderjets and Alumawelds transition to about 32 degrees through a 3'-5' transition. Our Custom Weld boats transition to 40 degrees through a 4'-7' transition on your 19'-22' boats. Giving us the best ride available today in rough water jet boating. Glad to put my money where my mouth is.
TOM MATTICE
DOUGS BOATS

[ 02-05-2003, 08:19 PM: Message edited by: Pete ]

[Mr.Kitch'nPass]

Datsjeep,I have a 21ft n-River sea hawk :grin: If you want a ride anytime let me know. If you look at this boat I can give you some good info you should know before buying.

[datsjeep]

I want to thank everyone for the info and the test ride offers. Now do these test rides include a demo on how they catch fish?

Seriously I should know more after the sportsman show.

[ 02-05-2003, 07:29 PM: Message edited by: datsjeep ]

[HOGTIDE]

My last 2 boats in a row have been Alumaweld. Love the boat. Never a problem with Stevens after purchasing last 4 boats there.. I like Alumaweld mostly because of the interior layout, high quality materials and assurance of good resale. I wouldn't hesitate to buy a NorthRiver, if I found the right model. I look at all the others frequently...don't really care for 'em...just personal opinion.

If you are going to spend any good portion of time in the big water, I'd strongly consider a glas boat with a good Vee. No matter what they do to tin, it just doesn't seem to create the slice and weght ratio that performs well on Big Blue.

I presently have a 20' 14 degree sled. Several years ago I had a 17' Boston Whaler with the cathedral hull. Given anything close to rough conditions, I would still chose the Whaler 2 to 1 over my current boat. Nothing beats the narrow solid entry of a glas 'v' hull.

Have fun! Just thinking about boats is fun!

[bullhead]

Well, I think everything that can be said about Alumawelds, NR's, Thunderjets, Glass Boats, etc. has been said. So, why am I writing?

I owned a 20' Sun Runner Deep V boat for 21 years. I spent may days on Big Blue, out of the Columbia, Tillamook, Depoe Bay, Westport, etc. It was was a great handling boat on the ocean, the rivers, lakes, whatever. Four of us even went to the San Juans in it one year and we spend a week sleeping in it...two upfront in the cutty, and two on the sleeper seats...had a ball. We even took four bikes, two sets of golf clubs, coolers, and gear with us. What a trip.

So, then, why did I buy a 20' Intruder two years ago? Good question. I still ask myself that. I have been happy with the service from Steven's Marine. They've actually been great for me!

I bought it, partly because, that seemed to be the best investment for re-sale in this neck of the woods, and the most versatile for what I'm doing these days. I still hit big blue often, and the boat does pretty well. You just have to watch the nose in lumpy water, as the bow can fill pretty easily with waves over the front end....You need to have good drainage upfron in the fish box, and I plan to put a cover on it this year. Once the nose gets full of Fish AND water it doesn't perform that well. That and when going against the wind, those not sitting under the windshield will get soaked.

The other problem I have with Aluminum boats is the care you have to give them. I thought they were low maintenence deal. Not so...I found out the hard way about what salt water does to aluminum. After my boat sat for two weeks in the stuff, I was pretty shocked when I saw the little pock marks in my metal. No one at Steven's informed me, or made me aware of this, and they new my primary use was going to be in Salt Water. That's my only complaint on them. They could have warned me, and informed me about how much zinc I might need to install to prevent that from happening.

In spite of that, I do like my boat a lot. I have a 150 Merc. and a kicker motor on back. I prefer outboards, and had one on my Sun Runner. In my opinion, they're the only way to go. You have more room in the back end to fish from, and I believe far less is spent on maintenence and repairs.

But....I will by a glass boat next go 'round, which may be in a year or two. I will buy used however, as there are plenty of good deals out there, especially up in the Puget Sound area where I grew up boating.

I do have to say my Alumaweld catches fish. I caught more fish the last two years, than the prevous 12 years combined...but then again, it was because there were fish, not because of the boat...What a year last year was for Chinook and the year before for Coho...

What will this year bring???? Can't wait to find out. :dance:

[highwater]

I have my second alumaweld. I think they are a great boat. Went from a super V to a intruder Sport Jet, there has been some getting use to the changes of the switch from the tiller to stearing wheel and the way the boats handle. This is a great boat. I have had poor luck at the dealers shop, I hope that is behind me now. They have good people working there(Tigard) and I want it to work for me. They can fix anything there and even make things for you. I mostly fish Columbia but I wanted the jet for Rogue. I have a Willie
16x54 drift boat, that is a great boat. I'm sure that my next trip out there will be good, if not it will be my last..... Good luck.