Pros and Cons 175 Sportjet

BCF · 02-08-2009, 08:12 PM

I am seeing some boats come up for sale with the 175 Sportjet. I have been in the Motion Marine with the outback and it seemed to perform well. I thought it was loud.

Thoughts about this engine? Problems with age? Fuel consumption? Maintenance? How many years old on the engine would make you nervous.

I have only had an 4 stroke outboard with a prop and I loved it.

I appreciate any input.

BCF

cmb1998 · 02-08-2009, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BCF

I am seeing some boats come up for sale with the 175 Sportjet. I have been in the Motion Marine with the outback and it seemed to perform well. I thought it was loud.

Thoughts about this engine? Problems with age? Fuel consumption? Maintenance? How many years old on the engine would make you nervous.

I have only had an 4 stroke outboard with a prop and I loved it.

I appreciate any input.

BCF

There have been several posts on this. Might try a search. I have a 175 SJ. I love it. Great motor. Very reliable if you swab out the stock oil injection system.

If you ever want to go for a ride shoot me a PM. I have a 20ft TJ. Cruises at 4600 RPM about 33 - 36 MPH. Flat out it hits about 5800 RPMs just shy of 50mph.

As for fuel, I had a 350 EFI in my last boat. The SJ uses much less fuel. First couple of times I ran it I thought my gas gage was broken.

Later,

Chris

Mooch · 02-09-2009, 06:30 AM

I've only been around a couple. Both on guide boats. They were really cold blooded,and were pretty loud.

They did perform nice though.

danger · 02-09-2009, 08:01 AM

I have one in a 2003 MM outback. I have about 5 hours on it since I bought it and I have really enjoyed it.

It is a low tech engine. So you trade a little fuel economy, cold bloodedness and smoke for far less electronics, computer gadgets, finikey fuel injectors and the like. The powerhead is the same 200hp V6 that merc has been building for 50 years. If you went and bought a 1994 20' alumaweld flattie sled with a 200 merc on it, you would have the same power plant as the 175 SJ.

Mine runs hard, is very strong and is actually a real easy starter. Smokes a little on the first few minutes of the day, but again it is a low tech engine. As far as noise, I haven't really noticed it being that loud. I had a 115 yamaha 2stroke OB before this one, and I think the noise is comparable.

Quote:

Very reliable if you swab out the stock oil injection system.

I've heard horror stories about the oil systems, but never anything first hand. Chris - can you explain what your fix was?

Dan

cmb1998 · 02-09-2009, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by danger

I have one in a 2003 MM outback. I have about 5 hours on it since I bought it and I have really enjoyed it.

It is a low tech engine. So you trade a little fuel economy, cold bloodedness and smoke for far less electronics, computer gadgets, finikey fuel injectors and the like. The powerhead is the same 200hp V6 that merc has been building for 50 years. If you went and bought a 1994 20' alumaweld flattie sled with a 200 merc on it, you would have the same power plant as the 175 SJ.

Mine runs hard, is very strong and is actually a real easy starter. Smokes a little on the first few minutes of the day, but again it is a low tech engine. As far as noise, I haven't really noticed it being that loud. I had a 115 yamaha 2stroke OB before this one, and I think the noise is comparable.

I've heard horror stories about the oil systems, but never anything first hand. Chris - can you explain what your fix was?

Dan

The oil injection system on the early 175SJ uses a plastic gear to inject/mix the oil and Fuel. The plastic gear can strip and leave you with no oil in the fule. Real bad in a 2 cycle engine.

I actually bought my boat with a shelled motor, the previous owner had done exactly what is described above. He was running along at 4600rpm, said the motor started running a little rough then a piston siezed and it was game over. There are 5 or 6 people over on boatingsportsman.com that had the same thing happen. This is about the only way I have ever heard to kill ones these motors.

The fix is bypass kit from merc, basicly it blocks off the stock oil injection system and you run premix 50:1 fuel.

I had the motor rebuilt when i bought the boat, cost me about $3000 for a full rebuild (new pistons, block, ect...).

There was a recall by merc on the plastic gear back a few years. Supoisdly the newer ones have a metal gear that doesn't have the problems the early plastic ones had.

Later,

Chris

cmb1998 · 02-09-2009, 08:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmb1998

The oil injection system on the early 175SJ uses a plastic gear to inject/mix the oil and Fuel. The plastic gear can strip and leave you with no oil in the fule. Real bad in a 2 cycle engine.

I actually bought my boat with a shelled motor, the previous owner had done exactly what is described above. He was running along at 4600rpm, said the motor started running a little rough then a piston siezed and it was game over. There are 5 or 6 people over on boatingsportsman.com that had the same thing happen. This is about the only way I have ever heard to kill ones these motors.

The fix is bypass kit from merc, basicly it blocks off the stock oil injection system and you run premix 50:1 fuel.

I had the motor rebuilt when i bought the boat, cost me about $3000 for a full rebuild (new pistons, block, ect...).

There was a recall by merc on the plastic gear back a few years. Supoisdly the newer ones have a metal gear that doesn't have the problems the early plastic ones had.

Later,

Chris

Also on the noise issue, I don't think they are louder than a SBC or an outboard. I have a buddy I duck hunt with that has a 2stroke 90hp Pump and his boat is a little louder than mine. The 350EFI in my last boat was about the same "loudness" but it was a much deeper sound.

Like I said before, judge for your self. Shoot me a PM and we can go for a ride. I am on the CR or Lewis at least once a week.

Later,

Chris

Flatfish · 02-09-2009, 08:58 AM

Cold blooded when you first start em.

Loud.

Doghouse in the dance floor(Unless it's a MM)

cmb1998 · 02-09-2009, 09:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cmb1998

Also on the noise issue, I don't think they are louder than a SBC or an outboard. I have a buddy I duck hunt with that has a 2stroke 90hp Pump and his boat is a little louder than mine. The 350EFI in my last boat was about the same "loudness" but it was a much deeper sound.

Like I said before, judge for your self. Shoot me a PM and we can go for a ride. I am on the CR or Lewis at least once a week.

Later,

Chris

One other thing to think about is they are much more efficent than a OB pump. There were some tests on Boatingsportsman.com that showed an ob pump would put about 66% of the energy used to the flow of water out of the pump (hence a 90hp OB would be downrated to 60hp at the pump) and the SportJets were around 90%.

The largest factor is the fact that OB pumps have to pickup the water and then turn 90 degrees. The SJ's have the water exit on the axis as the intake.

The dog house on rear deck does suck.

Good luck.

Chris

HOOKUP · 02-09-2009, 02:27 PM

SJ's are not 90% effeciant, do not kid yourself. The run the same 30% loss as any other pump, actually the new super pumps out perform them.

Everyone I have known to have ever owned a SJ including myself has gotten rid of them. The Sj is the loudest most annoying boat on the river. I used to pull tubers with mine and it was disgusting smelling the fumes behind the engine, I felt like I was ready to pass out.

What ever you do go with an outboard prop or outboard jet. Inboards both SJ and the V8's are not suited for aluminum NW fishing boats, no matter how many people have them.

kelso · 02-09-2009, 02:37 PM

I had a North River with the sj, and thought very highly of it. Very responsive, and would push my 19" at about 40 to 45 mph depending on if boat was loaded or not. Yes a little hard to start, but once started for the day it was never an issue. Yes it was loud, bit I used rv insulation inside the dog box and it cut the noise in half. My boat was quite thirsty, and seemed to use alot of gas. But I also felt the need to run it at top speed most of the time, and do belive that if I would have run it a little slower than it would have been much better. I have since sold the boat, but would recomend one if your looking for a dependable moter and dont mind the room given up with a dog box in the stern.

cmb1998 · 02-09-2009, 02:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOOKUP

SJ's are not 90% effeciant, do not kid yourself. The run the same 30% loss as any other pump, actually the new super pumps out perform them.

Everyone I have known to have ever owned a SJ including myself has gotten rid of them. The Sj is the loudest most annoying boat on the river. I used to pull tubers with mine and it was disgusting smelling the fumes behind the engine, I felt like I was ready to pass out.

What ever you do go with an outboard prop or outboard jet. Inboards both SJ and the V8's are not suited for aluminum NW fishing boats, no matter how many people have them.

Axial pumps are far more efficent than OB Pumps across the board.

Everything is life is a trade off. I am not going to argue with you. Glad you have a boat you like now.

To the OP, you might do some searches here and look on www.myboatforum.com and www.boatingsportsman.com for more information. Lots of people running all kinds of boats.

Get what ever suits your needs. Every boat/pump combo is going to have advantages and disadvantages.

Later,

Chris

ghull · 02-09-2009, 04:01 PM

BCF
I owned an SJ about 15 years ago an can honestly say I said a prayer for that motor to start every time I turned the key. Just my experience. Good luck.
Greg

Jedcraft · 02-09-2009, 05:14 PM

Had a 2001 SJ and it was hard starting until I put a primer bulb on it. When cold just pump up the pressure and it started fine but still smoked. Trouble is initially pulling the fuel from the floor tank up to the carbs. Had no problems with it. Noisy as anything else(less than the 200 opti) and some vibration but nice and light.

snit · 02-09-2009, 06:08 PM

Like most other guys here...I had one on 20' Alumaweld. It was an upgrade for me from 18' Fishrite with an outboard pump at the time. Motor was decent. It never let me down, but I HATED the dog house. I sold it and went with an outboard prop as my hunting and fishing styles had changed. Never looked back.

WaterDog · 02-09-2009, 07:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOOKUP

SJ's are not 90% effeciant, do not kid yourself. The run the same 30% loss as any other pump, actually the new super pumps out perform them.

Everyone I have known to have ever owned a SJ including myself has gotten rid of them. The Sj is the loudest most annoying boat on the river. I used to pull tubers with mine and it was disgusting smelling the fumes behind the engine, I felt like I was ready to pass out.

What ever you do go with an outboard prop or outboard jet. Inboards both SJ and the V8's are not suited for aluminum NW fishing boats, no matter how many people have them.

Sorry but a SJ does not lose 30%, not even on a bad day.

I'm also puzzled at the last statement.

I guess if you like to limit yourself then by all means stick with an outboard prop. Leaves more room for us jetboaters.

As other have said it's cold blooded. The noise is not any worse than any other inboard. In the right boat, the power is great and I sure seemed to get pretty good economy in the Motion Outback I had. Keep it around 4200 and fuel use was around 4 to 5 gph. I liked it and wish I still had it. Only reason I sold it was because I needed a bigger boat that could haul a real load and run big water.

HOGTIDE · 02-09-2009, 07:00 PM

I had a 175 SportJet on my 2000 20' Intruder with a 10degree bottom.. I thought it was a great motor. ..might have some smoke when starting on a cold day like any other traditional 2 stroke. But it was very light and balanced and fast. Despite what has been said here, I don't think you would find an outboard pump that could keep up with it. If I still ran shallow water for most of my fishing I would have kept it. It was the 2 stroke 200 Mercury block which is as reliable as it gets.

I spend all of my time in the lower Columbia these days, so I have gone back to a prop. It is nice to have a long skeg diggin' in to the current when you are anchored and the wind is blowing.

TheRogue · 02-09-2009, 08:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOOKUP

SJ's are not 90% effeciant, do not kid yourself. The run the same 30% loss as any other pump, actually the new super pumps out perform them.

Everyone I have known to have ever owned a SJ including myself has gotten rid of them. The Sj is the loudest most annoying boat on the river. I used to pull tubers with mine and it was disgusting smelling the fumes behind the engine, I felt like I was ready to pass out.

What ever you do go with an outboard prop or outboard jet. Inboards both SJ and the V8's are not suited for aluminum NW fishing boats, no matter how many people have them.

Unless you're a dealer that only sells outboards, I'm not sure where your information comes from. I think if you look at the amount of the 175's (and 240's) that were sold in the late 90's and early 2000's, and then compare to the amount that are for sale used today....well, I gotta wonder just how many people you actually know? I think it's the single best compromise/do all package out there for the majority of boaters. Is it the best unit for any one thing? Probably not...but it's pretty darn usable for nearly everything.

My .02

huntorfish? · 02-09-2009, 09:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOOKUP

SJ's are not 90% effeciant, do not kid yourself. The run the same 30% loss as any other pump, actually the new super pumps out perform them.

Everyone I have known to have ever owned a SJ including myself has gotten rid of them. The Sj is the loudest most annoying boat on the river. I used to pull tubers with mine and it was disgusting smelling the fumes behind the engine, I felt like I was ready to pass out.

What ever you do go with an outboard prop or outboard jet. Inboards both SJ and the V8's are not suited for aluminum NW fishing boats, no matter how many people have them.

Oh Brother, you can't be serious.

snit · 02-09-2009, 10:14 PM

For some reason the re-sale price of sleds with SJ's seems to lag lower than those with OB's. Therefore, I still recommend a good used 4-8yo SJ sled to new boat when people are looking for a good "do all" boat. They'll perform well in most applications, maybe not perfect, but a good compromise of a boat. I'd recommend getting one with a stomp jet.

BCF · 02-10-2009, 06:20 AM

Absolutely awesome you guys.

I very much appreciate the input. It is a Motion marine I was thinking about, because I agree with Flatfish.."doghouse in the dance floor", no good.

Chris I have been in a 20ft Motion with the Outback , and I really liked the boat.

Thanks for the offer and one of these days i will take you up on it.

Thanks again guys,

BCF

RiverJohn · 02-10-2009, 07:51 AM

I was anchored next to a couple guys on the Willy last year in a SJ. I asked them how they liked it.

Both, said they would go outboard if given the choice. Neither guy liked the inside "box" being in the way, even though it is a smaller box than what an inboard would have. They did like the power, said it moved out quite well.

I would steer clear, unless you get a great deal you could not pass up. They have never really been 1st choice since they came around. The choice is usually a true inboard Jet for the skinny stuff or an OB.

Have fun - its always nice to shop around.

huntorfish? · 02-10-2009, 08:37 AM

I have a SJ in a 20 foot Oregon made Jetcraft. The doghouse is 18 x 26. I have never found it to be a problem. Good power to weight ratio. 45 mph wot gps flat water. I have about 230 hours on it. I did have to change the stator coil. It only seems to smell and smoke when first starting. I've never worried about mine starting regularly. I think its a good package and super easy to maintain. Plus I dont have a shoe. As far as loudness it can be loud but I also have an inboard V8 and that can be loud too. Just a different grunt. I have a boat with an outboard on it also and it has some advantages too. So different strokes for different folks. Only you can decide which is better for your application. Test ride the boat and test fish one also. That way you know what will work for you.

Good luck and have fun.

No Reservations · 02-10-2009, 08:58 AM

Been there blown motor with very low hours not sure why but suspect above mention item Oil Injection problem. Do yourself a favor buy an outboard unless you plan on running in a lot of skinny water you will save a bunch of fuel and a loss in hearing.

jfa686 · 02-10-2009, 09:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOOKUP

. Inboards both SJ and the V8's are not suited for aluminum NW fishing boats, no matter how many people have them.

somebody is trippin!!!!

HOOKUP · 02-10-2009, 02:33 PM

I used to live up by Hells Canyon and thier was so many jet boats with V-8s in the shop it was rediculous. The amount of boats being towed down stream was stupendous. Outboard motors are far more reliable than inboard motors. You guys crack me up, there is no pyshical way you can get 90% efficiancy out of any pump. The sportjet is really a decent power plant its just loud and takes up room in the boat, why put your engine in your boat if you dont have to?

The best thing about a SJ is it keeps the price point of the boat down, and if thats what it takes to get you on the water DO IT!!

Raining_Kings · 02-10-2009, 03:35 PM

Didn't I hear some stories about water intake in the exhaust on some sportjets, causing the head to crack. Something about coming off plane really fast and taking your trailing wake into the exhaust. Never did hear the exact cause/confirmation, but was enough to make me steer clear. See some good prices on SJ's though and I'm sure there's more to that story.

I did go out in the neighbors Motion Marine Sport Jet 175 though and that think is WAY faster than my 115hp Deep V. Gets up on plane in about 1 second vs. about 5 for me. I sure like the added room that my outboard with an OS bracket gives me though. Dealing with a Dog House is a drag after you've had more room. It's like loosing 2' on your boat.

It's all about trade-offs, just figure out which aspects are most important to you.

GSD · 02-10-2009, 03:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Raining_Kings

Didn't I hear some stories about water intake in the exhaust on some sportjets, causing the head to crack. Something about coming off plane really fast and taking your trailing wake into the exhaust. Never did hear the exact cause/confirmation, but was enough to make me steer clear.

Found this info several years ago while researching the 175 Sportjet:

"I just got a new boat and it has the Sport Jet 175 on it. The second time I took it out the water was pretty rough and I had to unwind some line from the kicker motor so I was leaning out over the rear of the boat a ways. The when I went to start the Sport Jet back up it was hydrolocked. The dealer warned me this could happen. I fixed it and got it fired back up but the problem is not a good problem to have if you are on a river. Luckily I was on a lake and had ample time to float around removing the water. My question, Is there a check valve type system that you can buy for the 175 sport jet to prevent this from happening? I have heard that the Sport Jet 200 prevents this some how? Any more info is greatly appreciated."

Taken from: Mercury - Tips for owners of 175 Sportjet engines
4. WATER HYDRAULICS
Under certain conditions the 175 Sportjet engines can hydraulic or siphon water into the lower cylinders. These are:

1. When launching the boat, backing the boat quickly and deeply into the water, thereby forcing water back through the tunnel and up the exhaust. Experienced jet boaters generally back the boat into the water a minimal distance and float or gently push the boat off. One does not have to go very deep as there is no prop leg to worry about.
If a quick unloading procedure is deemed necessary, start the engine as the boat enters the water.

2. Back Trolling with an auxilary outboard motor, particularly on 18 degree vee/deadrise boats.

3. Overloading the stern of the boat AND the boat is at rest OR the engine is not started. When the boat is at rest, the top of the exhaust manifold must be 8" or more above the waterline.

AlseaAssassin · 02-10-2009, 05:20 PM

Unless it's put in a MM I wouldn't go the SJ route. I've been on-board when the aforementioned hyrolocking problem occured on a friends 240 SJ in a T-jet. Pretty disheartening when a brand new engine goes belly up over a design flaw that the manufacturer admits to having but will not correct.......

pearl · 02-10-2009, 05:46 PM

BCF

You have my number and my consulting fees aren't that bad.

Feel free to call

Pearl ( prior sportjet owner )

huntorfish? · 02-10-2009, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOOKUP

I used to live up by Hells Canyon and thier was so many jet boats with V-8s in the shop it was rediculous. The amount of boats being towed down stream was stupendous. Outboard motors are far more reliable than inboard motors. You guys crack me up, there is no pyshical way you can get 90% efficiancy out of any pump. The sportjet is really a decent power plant its just loud and takes up room in the boat, why put your engine in your boat if you dont have to?

The best thing about a SJ is it keeps the price point of the boat down, and if thats what it takes to get you on the water DO IT!!

So tell us how many of those efficient reliable outboards were running the canyon white water anyway?

TheRogue · 02-10-2009, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huntorfish?

so tell us how many of those efficient reliable outboards were running the canyon white water anyway?

WaterDog · 02-10-2009, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOOKUP

I used to live up by Hells Canyon and thier was so many jet boats with V-8s in the shop it was rediculous. The amount of boats being towed down stream was stupendous. Outboard motors are far more reliable than inboard motors. You guys crack me up, there is no pyshical way you can get 90% efficiancy out of any pump. The sportjet is really a decent power plant its just loud and takes up room in the boat, why put your engine in your boat if you dont have to?

The best thing about a SJ is it keeps the price point of the boat down, and if thats what it takes to get you on the water DO IT!!

Sorry but you obviously know nothing about modern jetboats or the pumps that push them. The good thing is most can see that and there is really no need to start a pi-ssing match since you've obviously made up your mind. Glad there are such great experts here....add yet another member to this great "brain trust".

jfa686 · 02-10-2009, 08:38 PM

uumm yaa, the V8 is just a fad

isn't that why you swapped out Rich? The truth be told i think all of the engines have an application that they exceed in. I am personally over having to add oil to my dino so the SJ was never an option to me. I have seen some SJ's do things that amazed me in the skinny stuff but i think if i was looking for something in that weight range there is a 4 cyl. supercharged powerplant making it into a local builders boat that seems like it would be easy on the gas $$$$ and still preform. Correct me if im wrong but i think it's married up to a berkley pump?? and if i'm even close to a dancefloor i'm usually throwin dollers at it and i allready throw enough cash at it

baitsauce · 02-10-2009, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlseaAssassin

Unless it's put in a MM I wouldn't go the SJ route. I've been on-board when the aforementioned hyrolocking problem occured on a friends 240 SJ in a T-jet. Pretty disheartening when a brand new engine goes belly up over a design flaw that the manufacturer admits to having but will not correct.......

I think I figured out what is going on regarding the hydrolock issue.

I'm not rich by any stretch of the imagination. Although dealers have their place I can't see paying for service I can do myself, which is why I forked over $70.00+ for an OEM Mercury Service Manual for my 175SJ.

This manual covers pretty much everything, including installation of the engine by the boat builder. On page 1D-3, Mercury pretty clearly states engine damage due to hydrolocking can occur if the engine is installed incorrectly. In this case too low (or deep) relative to the waterline.

IMHO Mercury WILL NOT make any statements that cast a bad light on those boat manufacturers that choose to install the SJ. Instead, they will quietly tell the boat manufacturers to install them a little higher relative to the waterline.

There is probably no way for either Mercury or the boat manufacturers to design a work-around if the boat in question has a very deep vee.

Having said that I love my 175SJ in my 1998 Weldcraft. The only problem I had with it was I had to change out the ignition boxes last year. But the motor had at that time about a bazillion hours on it and it get decent milage if I don't run it balls-to-the-wall all the time.
/

RiverJohn · 02-11-2009, 06:40 AM

Are sportjets even offered much for 2009 models ? it seems like they have declined from earlier years ??

Personally, I see plenty of Outboard Jets running the Clack & Sandy with no notible troubles.

I have no strong opinions or slams (I have never owned one), just smalltalk & debate.

HOOKUP · 02-11-2009, 02:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by huntorfish?

So tell us how many of those efficient reliable outboards were running the canyon white water anyway?

You just run around the rapids its really no big deal, but the hype of hells canyon obviously has some of the folks here stirred into thinking you need a closed bow boat with a Hamilton 212 and a truck engine to play up there.
Most people after a couple weekends at Hells canyon with thier "hells canyon" style boat realize how miserable fishing with a huge dog house is, and realize how much extra countless hundreds of dollars of fuel they will burn with their gas guzzling pumps on the Columbia. Not for me, highly over rated piece of machinery. Just my .02

WaterDog · 02-11-2009, 03:58 PM

So you obviously stay in the lower section and run with the plastic boats.

I'd like to see you run Rush creek, upper and lower Banard, Waterspout, Granite, and Wild Sheep to name a few in an outboard.

From your statments I doubt you have spent much time up there.

huntorfish? · 02-11-2009, 07:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOOKUP

You just run around the rapids its really no big deal, but the hype of hells canyon obviously has some of the folks here stirred into thinking you need a closed bow boat with a Hamilton 212 and a truck engine to play up there.
Most people after a couple weekends at Hells canyon with thier "hells canyon" style boat realize how miserable fishing with a huge dog house is, and realize how much extra countless hundreds of dollars of fuel they will burn with their gas guzzling pumps on the Columbia. Not for me, highly over rated piece of machinery. Just my .02

The people I go with don't mind the 8.1 doghouse. They kinda like the heater as I am running the canyon in the winter. They also don't mind me heating the BAR-B-Q'd spareribs on the manifold either.

But to be on topic I have ran my other boat with the sportjet up to the salmon river on the snake. Not the smartest or the most comfortable but it did ok. The sportjet gives lots of flexibilty in one boat. It may not be for everyone but it does have its merits

OB1 · 02-11-2009, 07:38 PM

I've owned a V-8 jet boat and it was a ton of fun running the skinny water.
I now own an outboard prop Seahawk because my fishing has changed but with each option comes with a compermise.
Check with Willie, they were talking about that Honda was coming out with a sport jet, sounds like it would be a better motor.
Take a test ride in the motor options you are looking at.
I'm not a Merc fan but they do offer a lighter option for a jet.
Happy shopping and look at all your options!
Remember no one boat offers the perfect fishing machine for all waters period!
OB1

Jedcraft · 02-12-2009, 08:36 AM

Also I don't think a SJ is legal in CA. if you ever go south to Lake Shasta or others.

Kevin Turner · 02-12-2009, 01:36 PM

EDIT: Sport Jets are not certified for sale in California.
I've installed well over three hundred, 175 / 200 / 240 Sport Jets. Never had one hydrolic lock. Lost an early 175 to the oil drive gear failing. Once we learned of the problem, Merc paid to have the remaining builds swapped out.

Synthentic oil helps with the smoke smell. Hard, cold start sux, but can be improved (not fixed) by adding a fuel primer button.

The 175 is rock solid & fairly simple to service. Depending on your use, it can be the greatest thing since apple pie, or as annoying as my x-mother-in-law.

If you study the attached JPG, you'll see why the Sport Jet flows more water, with less effort than an OB Jet.

RiverJohn · 02-12-2009, 03:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OB1

Remember no one boat offers the perfect fishing machine for all waters period!
OB1

Agree !

If you want to shoot the fast skinny water - deal with the coffin box in the back. Inboard Jets are the best setup for that type of water.

For fishing big deep rivers like the Columbia, go outboard and deeper V.

Jedcraft · 02-13-2009, 06:18 AM

I thought he Opti's started at 200hp?

Pickles · 02-13-2009, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOOKUP

SJ's are not 90% effeciant, do not kid yourself. The run the same 30% loss as any other pump, actually the new super pumps out perform them.

Everyone I have known to have ever owned a SJ including myself has gotten rid of them. The Sj is the loudest most annoying boat on the river. I used to pull tubers with mine and it was disgusting smelling the fumes behind the engine, I felt like I was ready to pass out.

What ever you do go with an outboard prop or outboard jet. Inboards both SJ and the V8's are not suited for aluminum NW fishing boats, no matter how many people have them.

I will have to disagree with this statement! I personally am very happy with mine. Going on 6 years now!

dinofun · 02-14-2009, 10:07 AM

Don't know about the 175 but the 200 Opti is a great option for me. We like to run rivers (sometimes only 6" deep), crabbing, wake boarding and tubing and this engine fits those situations pretty well. For about 30K new (with 9.9 kicker, full top, sides and back, Smartcraft, Lowrance GPS) you can have a boat that pretty much does it all. Unless you can afford multiple boats a jetboat is a great start. btw the Sportjet has 200 hp AT THE IMPELLAR which not bad for an engine/jet combo that 2 guys could lift -367lbs. Here's the specs for my boat.
http://www.mercurymarine.com/look_de...tin.php?ID=341

dinofun · 02-14-2009, 10:14 AM

So I wasn't paying attention and took wrong turn at high speed. Pushed it back in the water, spewed some gravel and kept on going. That yellow line marks 100+ yards. Glad I didn't have an outdrive here...

baitsauce · 02-14-2009, 03:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Turner

Opti Sport Jets are California certified.

That's nice to know. Has anyone heard if Merc is going to continue production of their 2 stokes in light of the emmission laws?

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kevin Turner

I've installed well over three hundred, 175 / 200 / 240 Sport Jets. Never had one hydrolic lock.

Excellent!! Proof they were installed correctly.

Kevin Turner · 02-14-2009, 04:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by baitsauce

That's nice to know. Has anyone heard if Merc is going to continue production of their 2 stokes in light of the emmission laws?

Merc had plans to drop the SJ at the end of '09. But, The US EPA gave them a pass on the 2010 inboard catylist exhaust regs. In light of the EPA ruling, Merc says it will continue production.

Twitchs_Tackle · 02-15-2009, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HOOKUP

Everyone I have known to have ever owned a SJ including myself has gotten rid of them. The Sj is the loudest most annoying boat on the river. I used to pull tubers with mine and it was disgusting smelling the fumes behind the engine, I felt like I was ready to pass out.

What ever you do go with an outboard prop or outboard jet. Inboards both SJ and the V8's are not suited for aluminum NW fishing boats, no matter how many people have them.

Do a search for "hydro lock"

Fossil · 02-17-2009, 07:41 AM

I've had our 2000 175 sport jet/18" Intruder for 8 years. Bought it new, about 150 hours, mostly the Columbia all below Bonneville. Never had a problem. Yes, the noise is an issue (my son wears ear plugs on long runs) and although the it takes a lot of cranking to get gas to the carbs after it's sat awhile it's been 100% predictable and consistent.
Knowing what I know now I wouldn't get a jet. But, it works for us and it's paid for.
Good luck. Ya got to have a boat next to the house.

Lured In · 02-22-2009, 09:07 AM

I have had my 175 SJ for 8 years and love it.

Its a 2 stroke boat motor and acts just like one.

Lurp · 02-22-2009, 09:53 AM

I have had my sj175 for 10 yrs
A bit smokey and cold blooded but very little problem
Started to over heat it has no thermostat just a restrictor
Looked in owner's manual it said to hook up hose to the hose on top of motor run at idle did that for about 10 minutes to flush problem solved
Other than that just plugs every 2 yrs and gear oil changes every 50 hrs (manual says 75 hrs)
Replaced starter last year found one on the net brand new $119
Very happy, not interested in a prop