Sport jet current and previous owners only

Tanner · 12-20-2004, 08:48 AM

I am considering buying a new boat with a sport jet in it. The jet I am looking at is the newer 200 optimax. Can anyone give me some insight on the sportjets?(pros - cons)

WaterDog · 12-20-2004, 09:27 AM

I had my 175hp for three years. My old man has had his since 98. No problems at all. Very reliable. A little hard to start but the opti will take care of that.

What are you looking at? If your looking at a 20+ foot and windshield I'd concider 250hp. Word is that the new opti's are pretty pricey.

Is it worth it over an inboard?

That said, I've moved up to inboard and I'd be hard pressed to go back. It's quieter, I got heat and defrost, and the boat rides better due to the weight.

Tanner · 12-20-2004, 10:38 AM

Waterdog,
I am looking at a brand new 21' x 7' Motion Fishing Machine.

jet · 12-20-2004, 11:25 AM

waterdog is the MM expert, he has had several and his new one is a MM also.

Jet~~~

WaterDog · 12-20-2004, 11:46 AM

200 should be fine unless your going to be hauling 6 or 7 guys. Even then your probably fine.

7' bottom is sweet. I have the 22x7 in my inboard and you could have a party in it.

I have had nothing but great service from Mark and crew. and their boat is second to none.

Good luck and if I can help let me know. I'm on my 3rd Motion Marine. Darn 2 foot-itus any how.......

Bait O' Eggs · 12-20-2004, 12:34 PM

Tanner - Dont know squat about sportjets, but MM does pay attention to detail when making a boat.

If your looking for paint and puddy, your at the right shop. Rich tells me no puddy on a MM, but I would have to chip the paint away to believe it

Can I come over and confirm Rich? Have hammer will travel.

Pretty close to your house for service also. And they have all the cool accessories.

KEITH · 12-20-2004, 05:06 PM

Take a look at this one north river it has a 200 optimax we have been 50 mi out for tuna and ran in the umpqua and never any problems it will run about 45kn and uses less fuel than a 350 also a lot more fishing room fishe 5 people for tuna with plenty of power

deadstick · 12-20-2004, 09:11 PM

I have (I believe) the only NR Sportster with a naturally asperated 210HP sportjet. It's a windshield model and has been perfect for me. Sometimes a little cold blooded but has plenty of squirt even with 4 "mature" adult males and a kid or two. When I was buying, the optimax's had a few problems so I insisted on the carborator model and felt the 175HP in a 20'x72" would not be enough. I would guess they have the bugs out now. 200HP should be super. Talk to a few bass guys before you believe the fuel savings hype. They told me to expect about 40% savings.

A little math told me, considering the premium for that motor at the time, that I would have to run a huge amount on the big motor to break even.

Fuel injection has a it's advantage with its quick cold starting and it's abililty to adjust for altitude and weather changes. Lot's of little black solid state boxes on those motors though.

Tanner · 12-21-2004, 09:35 AM

Keith,
Thanks anyway, not interested in a windshield boat.

Fish Hunter · 12-21-2004, 10:32 AM

Tanner,

I'm still big on the sportjets after owning two. I own a 24' version of the boat you are thinking about. Call me if you have specific questions @503.341.9571

Mark Vickers · 12-21-2004, 12:36 PM

I have a 19' Thunderjet Luxor with a 175 Sportjet.

The jet works fantastic with the boat. It'll push the boat to 46 with two regular sized adults and gear and goes through 6-8 gallons/hour at cruising speed. Only gripes? Cold start is tough (but it can be fixed with a little modification that I haven't done yet). Its also noisy in a high pitched kinda way. I insulated the dog house and took away some of the noise. When I run long distances, I either zip the top closed or I wear earplugs. Final gripe, the two cycle exhaust stinks.

Overall, I'd buy another one in a heartbeat if I had to do it all over again.

Orion · 12-21-2004, 12:38 PM

Tanner,

I have a 19.5ft Willie Predator, center console, with a 200 Optimax Sportjet. The engine starts right up every time. I have heard that the 175's can be a bit cold blooded and that they tend to create a bit of smoke. I have not had the exhaust smoke issue. The 200 optimax moves the boat at just under 50mph. I highly recommend the 200. Plenty of power, quick starting, and easy to maintain.
I would suggest that you consider adding a hydraulic trim system if you end up with a Sport Jet unit. The ride plate that comes standard is adjustable, but not on the fly. Since the load (passsengers and dogs) tend to move around the boat, an adjustible (on the fly) trim plate works wonders. If you would like more information feel free to send me a PM. By the way, Willie boats are as advertised, "Simply the Best".

Orion

Tanner · 12-21-2004, 12:46 PM

Orion,
Thanks, and I own a Willie Drift Boat so I know all about it.