Fish-rite

[idafisher]

Hello, I am a new ifish member. I came to this forum to research jetboats and really like it. So I am looking at a 20 ft, 05 Fish-rite Rouge with a 10 degree hull and a 175 sportsjet in it. I plan to run this boat mostly in lakes around here (southern Idaho) but want to be able to run some of the rivers as well. I plan on setting up this boat to fish out of mostly and maybe pull a skier once in a while. I have been reading a bunch of posts on this forum and thought I might as well jump in and participate. Any information or opinions would be appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[timinthegorge]

Welcome Idafisher..... No story? It's a tradition for newbies here on Ifish. Preferably on the main board....

No info on your new boat, but it sounds like a fish killer. Best of luck with it.... :cheers:

[Hookset]

Welcome Idafisher..nice to have you aboard.

I think Fish-Rite builds a quality boat. I've been to the factory, inspected each phase of construction and wouldn't hesitate on purchasing a boat from Fish-Rite.

Having said that, I've also read comments from Idaho jet boaters that don't think much about the boats built over here in Oregon. They said the Oregon boats don't hold up well in serious white water like the Snake in the upper hells canyon. They said the bow will cave in under heavy rollers and standing waves. So, if your talking about running serious white water, then you may want to consider some of the sleds built in your state. Wish I could remember the names, but I'm drawing a blank right now. I think 1 manufacturer starts with a B.

If your plans are not so extreme, then the Fish-Rite will serve you well.

good luck,

hook

[WaterDog]

Fish-rite builds a good boat. Take your time and do your home work. Some boats are better than others but it all boils down to how your going to use it. Don't for get about service after the sale as well. I'd suggest going to the factory and see how they are built. I like to know whats under the floor.

Good luck and welcome to ifish. :cheers:

[troutdaddy]

Hey Idafisher-Let me also suggest that you 1)explore different degree bottoms. A 10 degree may beat you up on the lakes. You may do just as well with 11-14 degree if you dont plan on running in a true 3-4 inches of water. Get some oppinions on this 2)the age-old debate of sportjet or true inboard jet?It would have to be a 200 optimax sport jet (the 175 and 240 are not being made anymore)If you really are going to be on the lake for family and watersports as well as fishing, an inboard will provide heater (like a car), a little easier on the ears (depending on exhaust treatment), better load carrying. There is a pretty significant weight difference in the two configurations, but it really only comes into play if you have to push the boat off of a sand bar. Most inboards will easily run in 4-6 inches of water. :cheers:

[idafisher]

Thanks to everyone for their input. The two things that truely concern me about this boat is the 10 degree hull and the fact that they aren't making the 175 SJ anymore. I just test drove the boat today on the Snake River and I'll have to admit that it is a nice boat. Great out of the hole lots of power and a nice ride. It was a nice day and the river didn't have much chop so I didn't really get a good foul weather test. The guy who took me out tells me he doesn't think I would notice the difference between a 10 and 14 degree bottom.(but he wants me to buy the boat) Lots of things to consider, I appreciate your help. The other thing is he has this boat on the lot and I've really got the feeeever. Story to follow after I make this boat decision.

[HntnFsh]

Why does it bother you that they dont make the 175 anymore?
They are a really good motor.There have been a lot of topics on here about the power and dependability of 175sport jets.About the only draw abck is the noise.Other than that they are hard to beat.If you have any concerns ask the Boat Doc about them.He'll give you the low down I'm sure.

[snit]

They build a good boat! I had a 18' Explorer and my dad has a 20' Explorer. Both were purchased used (private party), and while they are a good boat, we had a few issues/questions about them. We each called the factory and talked to Jamie (owner) and we basically got no help from him as we weren't the original owner. I know, the warranty isn't transferable, so he had every right to be unhelpful. I just thought he could of been more helpfull, but that's his right.

I now have a 20' Intruder with a 175SJ and a 10 degree hull. It has air ride seats,and the ride isn't bad, even in the Astoria afternoon chop, but it doesn't ride like my old Fishrite (which was 14 I believe, and much smoother). The 10 degree definately would POUND if not for the seats though. I haven't seen a Fishrite with the SJ yet, but all the builders are using them.

So, I wouldn't be afraid to have another Fishrite, and I wouldn't be afraid to buy the 175SJ again either. But, I'll probably go with an outboard on a bracket on the next boat.

[snit]

I also sent ya a "pm".

[As yet un-named]

I'm the second owner of a 17' Performer. I'm hauling it over to Medford next monday to get a crack in the hull repaired. I'll post up my thoughts on their customer service afterwards. So far they seem to be pretty responsive. I emailed them last night and they called me today at noon, which is honestly sooner than I expected to hear from them. I don't expect to get a freebie as I'm not the original owner, but we'll see in a week how I feel about their customer service. As for the boat. I love it. I know it's a totally different hull design than what you're looking at, but I think the construction is similar. It's a very tought hull, and the ride is great. My only complaint is that now that I've got it set up with everything (kicker, dual batts, bow mount 24v. elec w/2 batts) it's starting to feel a little on the small side. I'm a pretty big guy, and most of my fishing buddies are full sized too. When two big guys are standing at the stern landing a fish we look a little "stern heavy" as the marine deputy said. Yea, he though maybe we were sinking so came to investigate.


ML

[As yet un-named]

I dealt with JD (not sure what his position or title is), but he seemed to be the man in charge as he was running all over the place and seemed to have his hands in everything. The guy who actually performed the repair on my hull's name was Mark, and his shirt said he's the "production manager". They were both very friendly and proffesional. They ended up not charging me for my repair as it was obviously not from me hitting anything. I learned a lot about my boat. Mark actually remembers the boat very well, and could tell from certain design features that it was about the third Performer hull they built. I looked a a new 22' Performer and it appears they've fixed all the little things that i wish were different about mine. My boat also has the first offshore bracket on a Performer and possibly the first one Fishrite built. The crack resulted from hull flex and I will probably have to deal with it again. I have a plan for if I end up deciding to keep it for a long time of how to gussset/strengthen the hull in that spot. But they've fixed that issue on the new ones also. On my boat the gas tank is short and wide. This resulted in the center stringers being pretty far apart leaving about 15" of hull on either side of the keel unsuported. They've gone to a long skinny tank and have moved those two members much closer together greatly reducing the amount of flex the hull panels experience. Anyway, my overall satisfaction with the service I recieved is good. I think in about 4 years I may have a hard choice between a 20 - 22' Performer and a similar sized Seahawk.

ML