merc sport jet vs. saltwater

Hi gang,
I am in the prosses of gaining smarts before plunking down big $ on a new boat. I never thought I would consider a jet, but the sportjet takes up so little fishing room, that I have to take a long look at it.
I have been told though that a it is not a good idea to use a jet in the ocean. The guy I was talking to said there was to much debre in the ocean, and that it was not a good idea to take one out there.
What do you think? Is he full of hot air?
Thanks

P.S.
If anyone can help me with my last post, it would be helpful.

[Salmonator]

Out of an estimated 20 trips off shore, i've never plugged my kodiak three stage. I have however plugged it in the bays with cabbage whilst beaching it on the better shrimp/clam flats... Joe

[Hook'd]

I've had a Jetcraft with a Kodiak pump for 11 years and never plugged it in the ocean. The only time I have plugged it is around the docks or moorage by sucking up a clump of weeds. Now, if I notice there are weeds in the area, I'll use the kicker to get away from the dock and then fire the big motor up after I'm away from the weeds. I do always carry, just in case, a rake to clean the grate if it should get plugged but have'nt had it out in over 5 years. Gee... I hope it is still in the boat somewhere???

Thanks for the feedback guys. I really like the fact that there is a place like this where I can ask questions from people that are boat owners.
In the near future I will be buying a boat. I hope I can lean on the community for some answers that I won't be able to find out on the showroom floor.