new boat decisions

fishtracker · 03-19-2006, 12:51 PM

Went and looked at some new boats yesterday, and looking for some opinions on these boats from people who own one.

19' NW Jet Freedom OB w/ 115 Yamaha on offshore bracket
20' ThunderJet Luxor OB w/ 140 Suzuki on offshore bracket
Any other similar models I should look at.

Don't know much about the Suzuki 4 strokes, has anyone here ran one, any problems? Also Looking at a T8 kicker, the Thunderjet dealer thought the high thrust model would not troll down slow enough on this boat, what do you think?

Thanks!

pugetplunker · 03-19-2006, 01:35 PM

looked at the specs on line and they both look nice. i started out at looking at a 19 then went a little longer so i could go wider beam and higher sides.it cost more but im happy and not looking for a bigger boat.spend now and save later,boat prices keep going up. anywhay have fun looking theres lots of nice boats out there.sorry i kind of strayed off your question but i just went through the same thing. :smile:

BloodNtheboat · 03-19-2006, 02:52 PM

Figure out the perfect boat for you, then add 2 feet, It will save you money in the long run!!!!!

fishingls · 03-19-2006, 03:51 PM

There is an unwritten law that says, "The further from the dock, the more gear you have-the more the boat shrinks on the water". Go as wide as you can and add some length to what you might think you really need and want.

craigcw · 03-19-2006, 03:57 PM

20'...go bigger if possible. You will be glad you purchased the largest you could afford...most of the boats are pretty good quality. However, I chose a T-Jet 20' Alexis for me (350 Vortec with Hamilton 212). The outboard should also be "bigger is better" and definitly have a kicker...if for nothing else than you want a 2nd motor out there sometimes.

ISeeFish · 03-19-2006, 05:26 PM

I have a Yamaha T8 on a 19' Luxor Chev 350 inboard. It will troll all day as slow as I want to go.

NorthRiverRick · 03-19-2006, 08:21 PM

Quote:

T8 kicker, the Thunderjet dealer thought the high thrust model would not troll down slow enough on this boat

I'd say you should buy a boat from someone who's actually been in one

My T8 will push my 14' drift boat at a snail's pace and has enough omph to push my 21 Seahawk at ~6 mph. They're great all-around kicker motors.

Good luck and have fun boat shopping

foxer · 03-19-2006, 10:33 PM

I have the 20ft Tjet w/Suzuki 140. I went with a T8. Trolls nice and slow...

fishtracker · 03-20-2006, 07:16 AM

Thanks for the info. I kinda figured the guy didn't know what he was talking about, in regards to the T8. Anyone know who has the best prices on Thunderjets?

Bluto · 03-20-2006, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Don't know much about the Suzuki 4 strokes, has anyone here ran one, any problems? Also Looking at a T8 kicker, the Thunderjet dealer thought the high thrust model would not troll down slow enough on this boat, what do you think?

I've got a larger suzi 4-stroke (225hp) and love it. There has been quite abit said on the board (all good) about the suzi 4-strokes - a search should get you plenty of good info.

WaterDog · 03-20-2006, 07:58 AM

20 foot would be a minimum length and imo 22' was just about right. Of course when I upgraded I went to 23.5'. I seem to never have enough space.

A T8 is the bomb for a kicker. Good luck.

bluebackbil · 03-20-2006, 09:41 AM

I have a 20' luxor ob I bought at river depot in lewiston. They have changed owners, but I got a good deal from them (19k)

zipper · 03-21-2006, 09:57 AM

Size should be determined by your intended use. Do you want to fish with alot of other people - or just you and the wife 95% of the time? Do you fish small lakes? I went with a 19' because there are ramps I want to get into that would be real tough with a bigger boat... I have the white version of the Suzuki 140 fs and love it. It's run flawlessly. More important than size IMO is power... buy the most you can afford. There is no such thing as too much power in an outboard. (as long as you don't go over the boats rating of coarse) MY T8 goes as slow as I need, handles wind (with top up) and chop is no problem... OBTW I bought Duckworth over T-jet or Hewescraft after test driving all three. Enjoy the search. Take your time, determine exactly what you want and go for it.

zip