Northwest Jet Boat Owners ?

[fishorgolf]

I would like to think I am not the only one out there the can see the reason to own a boat like this ,,,,,maybe you can tell me how your boat has worked out for you,,,,,,I hear / read a lot about the Nr and Tjs out there and think i know why, but like to think,,,,,they want to unsnap there top to open the door, Maybe its just me or some kinda style not shure but i think you might have it to,,,,, looking for others on the willy and columbia.... Have Fun and Be Safe

[huntorfish?]

I have a 2008 NW Jet. I love it. The walkthrough windshield is a great feature. I have the Signauture series. 24' 8.1 L with Honda 15 HPHT with TR-1. I had NW Jet move the motor ahead 12 inches and I can walk all the way around the box. I put the batteries on the opposite side of the kicker motor for balance. The kicker has a key start/kill at the helm and I can start the kicker at the motor too. I had them make it with multiple handhelds for the tr-1 and a wireless. I also have a boat like the brands you list in your post. The NW JEt is a different boat made for a different purpose so its hard for me to compare. I had NW Jet make my sig with 34 inch sides so I can reach the water easier and being short I can pee off the side. NW JEt is awesome to work with as they listened to what I wanted and built it accordingly. I ordered the boat from Clemens in Gladstone and they have been great to work with also.I find have found them very service oreinted. I highly reccomend them. I fish it in Hells canyon, up and down the columbia, Willamette, John Day Arm. It will do 46.8 mph Gps on flat water. Without any engine or pump mods but I think it will run over 50 when I'm done

Just my

[jet]

Love... Love mine, as pictured.

I have had a 21'TJ with a 1/2 hardtop a 19' Weldcraft all inboard with pumps white and black and way too many glass boats. My NW is a 22' Signature 1/2 step rear deck, 1/2 hardtop, 350 with a grey pump, tr-1 (a must) honda 9.9.

The NW is at home in the Ocean along with the tough stuff on the Snake.

I have had my boat for several years and have not felt that needed anything different, finally done buying boats.

Run everything down the river hopefully close to each other, that is the best way to tell what you want and what you don't want. Make sure you pick the day... you want nasty, windy the dealer will try to pick a bluebird day to give you the best ride.

Always buy bigger than you think you need, you'll need it later.

Jet~~~

[BalouSC]

I have had my NW Jet for around 3(?) years. It's a 2000 and I bought it used. I love the boat. Mine is a 21' Signature Series. I have a Mercury 350 MAG MPI with a Bravo 1 outdrive. It's kind of unconventional but it is what I wanted. My wife and I will never be selling this boat. It's at home on the ocean or in a lake. I don't run shallow rivers so the I/O has never been a problem for me. I have dealt with Clemens in Gladstone for any issues I have had (all my fault so far ) and have been very happy with them. Cheers! Balou

[fishorgolf]

Thanks for the reply from you all; I didn't think it was just me that saw the draw in Northwest Boats ,,,,,,I started with other boats and am down to three ( wish I only had two ) ,,,,, I looked at new and used, I stoped at a 05 Freedom. My house / parking was to small for a larger boat. It's my wife, and I with dog most of the time, Clemans Port, and Eugene all good people,,,, 30 hr boat with 14k in extras at 7k under new price. The Hondas 225 and 9.9 scoots along when needed. What can you say about the door other than nothing needs to be said there. There are cars and than there are cars, there are kitchen knives and than there are kitchen knives,,,,,, I'm looking out there every time for you all,,,, Have Fun and Be Safe

[swampy]

I don't own one but my They are great looking boats. Built tough. I've been in just one but he was one happy captain as are most Northwest boat owners.

[Irish Pennant]

I have a 1998 20 ft NW Jet, Northstar, Rag Top. I bought it new. She has a 350 Chev Vortec Engine, American Turbine SD309 Pump. The short comings on her was in the exhaust manifold but that has been taken care of. Last year I installed a new long block, blue print and balanced, new alt, starter and I rebuilt the carb. Very recently I rebuilt the pump. The total engine work cost me less than 3 grand and the pump rebuild including a new impeller cost me $ 600.00. The hull is still very tight. What's not to love.
I fish her from the 125 line to the Dalles from Neah Bay to Lake Shasta. I fish her year around.

[jfa686]

I do not own one but crawl around a lot of aluminum tubs...I agree with the above posts...solid boat. I do not think you will be disapointed

[iampapajack]

21' Sign . series, I fish for walleye, steelhead, bass, salmon, I pull tubers and waterskiers. I take my grandkids out in it, I feel safe and comfy even in nasty stuff. What more does one want....Jack

[Poindexter]

I have a new 218 Lightning with a 225 Honda prop on it. I traded in a similar NW Jet jet boat that I just couldn't get used to the ride (I've run props all my life and the ride is a lot different). I fish mostly lakes and the CR at times, so didn't need the jet. Fuel efficiency and engine noise level is better, too. Love the boat -- really love the walk through windshield without having to unsnap the top.

[flipperdog]

Crawl around under the gunnels and in areas that are not easily visible and look at weld quality. It don't change. Compare to other welded aluminum and you will see a glowing object. Love mine 2000 20' Northstar. Redline 351, SD-309. top end 54MPH - don't go there often. Closed bow . Green water through a wave - wow. NWJ is another great boat company. If your into rough water and snakey rivers, travel to Lewiston/Clarkston. Awesome boats built up there as well.

[1pump]

I'm looking for a boat this spring, and NW is at the top of my list. NW boats hold their value better than most boats (bummer for the buyer) and they're not as common as the other brands. Since I'm most likely buying used, I'll probably won't find one that's both affordable and set up like I want it.

I think I remember BalouSC's boat for sale here before he bought it (or one just like it). If I would've been able to back then I would've jumped all over it. Sweet boat. I/O's are hard to come by.

I had NW Jet make my sig with 34 inch sides so I can reach the water easier and being short I can pee off the side.

Now that's attention to detail.

[BalouSC]

Yep, it's the same boat. I couldn't be happier with my purchase. Thanks for the compliment! Balou

Originally Posted by 1pump

I'm looking for a boat this spring, and NW is at the top of my list. NW boats hold their value better than most boats (bummer for the buyer) and they're not as common as the other brands. Since I'm most likely buying used, I'll probably won't find one that's both affordable and set up like I want it.

I think I remember BalouSC's boat for sale here before he bought it (or one just like it). If I would've been able to back then I would've jumped all over it. Sweet boat. I/O's are hard to come by.



Now that's attention to detail.

[Jet Drifter]

OOOoohh ..... yeaaaaah
I love mine. I love all of your NW Jets too guys! Wow! Way to Represent!
2001 Northwest Jet Boats Competitor Series, 19 foot 6 inches,
351 Redline Ford, American Turbine SD-309 Old School, "Count Inches"
Here's some pictures from the maiden voyage to 2004

[task]

Would be very interested in hearing from any Northwest Jet Freedom 196 O/B or Seastar 208 O/B owners. What would you do the same and what would you change? What make and size main engine are you running? Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

[Starfish]

Originally Posted by task

Would be very interested in hearing from any Northwest Jet Freedom 196 O/B or Seastar 208 O/B owners. What would you do the same and what would you change? What make and size main engine are you running? Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

Not sure which exact model but I've fished a lot with my buddy in his 21' outboard. His is set up with a 225hp Honda. It's a great setup, fishes well all the way from past the CR buoy to our local waters in the Tri-Cities, for salmon or walleye.

[fishorgolf]

Well I was suprized to see a post from the past, now a few years later but all is good. I have a 05 196 freedom OB, Thats the 1st year with the door and 34" sides. I run with Honda's 225 hp and 9.9 hp motors. The main motor is a little overkill and a 150hp would make a nice package, the 225 burns so little fuel its hard to think a 150hp could be any better but it might and I guess less weight. The higher sides will block wind and push ( any boat ) . I run a prop and it's right for me, only minus would be ( 5 min pause ) none. Added crab davit, electric downriggers, The 196 is a nice size boat that I run by myself or with wife and dog and not so big that it will be oversized when I'm old and pruney. I hold a welders cert card and have seen good quailty built boats and some equal that of a NWJ. Good luck with you search, hope this helps. HAVE FUN AND BE SAFE

[kenzmad]

I have got a 2009 218 lighnting with a 150 yamaha on it. I am a bit underpowered but it is a really nice boat. fit and finish is miles above the others I looked at (alumaweld,northriver). the walk thru door was a huge selling point as was the full sized seat backs on the rear seats. I bought mine new but was a leftover in Aug 2010 and got a really good deal on it. I am still trying to get the steering right and because of that I only have 7.1 hrs on the boat.

kenzmad

[absolutefish]

I just bought a 2011 196 Freedom O/B with a Honda 150 and a honda kicker with TR-1. Should be ready for me to pick it up by the end of the month. Cant wait to take it out and catch some fish.

[fishingls]

About a year ago, Northwest sold their boat manufacturing operations to renaissance-marine-group. This company also markets Duckworth and Weldcraft. Duckworth is now an Ifish sponsor.

After Renaissance purchased Northwests boat manufacturing operations, they closed the Pasco faciiity.

I am not sure of the how the hulls have changed or the actual plants Renaissance is producing the hulls at. I do know the finishing of the boats takes place primarily in Lewiston.

[Crzy Hansen]

True, Pasco's manufacturing facilty is closing at some point, but has not yet. Just stopped by their shop this past weekend and visited with them at the Sportsman's show in Tri Cities at The Trac. My brother in-law has a NW Jet; very nice boat.

Originally Posted by fishingls

About a year ago, Northwest sold their boat manufacturing operations to renaissance-marine-group. This company also markets Duckworth and Weldcraft. Duckworth is now an Ifish sponsor.

After Renaissance purchased Northwests boat manufacturing operations, they closed the Pasco faciiity.

I am not sure of the how the hulls have changed or the actual plants Renaissance is producing the hulls at. I do know the finishing of the boats takes place primarily in Lewiston.

[task]

Anyone have any updates on what changes, if any, have been made at NW Jet? Are they still being manufactured in the Pasco factory? Same personnel?

Getting closer to purchasing a new boat, but want to ensure that I would be getting the same quality that they have been know for.

Anyone else have any first hand experience with the 196 Freedom O/B?

Thanks for your input.




QUOTE=Crzy Hansen;3494458]True, Pasco's manufacturing facilty is closing at some point, but has not yet. Just stopped by their shop this past weekend and visited with them at the Sportsman's show in Tri Cities at The Trac. My brother in-law has a NW Jet; very nice boat.[/QUOTE]

[Snowwolfe]

Originally Posted by huntorfish?

I have a 2008 NW Jet. I love it. The walkthrough windshield is a great feature. I have the Signauture series. 24' 8.1 L with Honda 15 HPHT with TR-1. I had NW Jet move the motor ahead 12 inches and I can walk all the way around the box. I put the batteries on the opposite side of the kicker motor for balance. The kicker has a key start/kill at the helm and I can start the kicker at the motor too. I had them make it with multiple handhelds for the tr-1 and a wireless. I also have a boat like the brands you list in your post. The NW JEt is a different boat made for a different purpose so its hard for me to compare. I had NW Jet make my sig with 34 inch sides so I can reach the water easier and being short I can pee off the side. NW JEt is awesome to work with as they listened to what I wanted and built it accordingly. I ordered the boat from Clemens in Gladstone and they have been great to work with also.I find have found them very service oreinted. I highly reccomend them. I fish it in Hells canyon, up and down the columbia, Willamette, John Day Arm. It will do 46.8 mph Gps on flat water. Without any engine or pump mods but I think it will run over 50 when I'm done

Just my

Sounds like a nice boat What are your fuel burn numbers? Is the 8.1 the regular or HO version?

[neelemac]

I just sold my NWjet Freedom. Great boat, the best I have had yet. My first NW Jet was the Signiture 22 foot with a 454/Hamalton. I downsized to a Freedom. I ordered it with the 135 Honda. After getting the right prop that boat would go 35mph and get incredible gas milage. It didn't snap your neck but it was very smooth and quite. The 135 was also less then the 150. With the 50 gal tank and running regular unleaded I could tuna fish 35 miles offshore and not empty my wallet. You are buying one of the best boats you can get. The finish and quality is 2nd to none. Great choice.

[flipperdog]

What I like the most is when I'm in underneath and look at the welds, they all look the same, inside and outside the boat. The finish is excellent. I have a Northstar that is 11yrs old and have many years left in that boat. Just having a fishing tower built for it. Good Luck

[Trout2Tuna]

I bought a 20' 92 NW Jet one year ago. I love the boat but it needs some work to get it to peak performance. I would really appreciate any advise you guys could give me.

I have a Berkeley 12JI Pump w/Hyraulic Place Diverter on my 20' NW Jet Boat. I just completed tuning up the Ford 351 Redline, including rebuilding the Holley 4010 carburetor. The boat now turns 3850 rpm's for only 30 mph, and 4500 rpm wot for only 39.3 mph. What would you recommend to get this Berkeley performing more like it should?

What are the performance specs on your boats, incuding mpg or gph at cruising speed?

[nwjetjoe]

Originally Posted by Trout2Tuna

I bought a 20' 92 NW Jet one year ago. I love the boat but it needs some work to get it to peak performance. I would really appreciate any advise you guys could give me.

I have a Berkeley 12JI Pump w/Hyraulic Place Diverter on my 20' NW Jet Boat. I just completed tuning up the Ford 351 Redline, including rebuilding the Holley 4010 carburetor. The boat now turns 3850 rpm's for only 30 mph, and 4500 rpm wot for only 39.3 mph. What would you recommend to get this Berkeley performing more like it should?

What are the performance specs on your boats, incuding mpg or gph at cruising speed?

I think I would have a look at my impeller. Make sure your leading edges are smooth or youll be cavitating.

[flipperdog]

3400rpm-30mph
3800rpm-42mph
4200rpm-48mph
4600rpm-53mph

351 Ford Redline, SD-309, holley carb, and I believe AA impellar.
Looking to upgrade to Stainless hihelix impellar and SDR bucket. Anybody have feedback on inducer impeller that AT is advertising. Feedback would be greatly appreciated and I apologize for hijjack, but you may find useful information on mean chicken, jetboat forum.

[Trout2Tuna]

Originally Posted by flipperdog

3400rpm-30mph
3800rpm-42mph
4200rpm-48mph
4600rpm-53mph

Wow!!! That's incredible!!! Is that GPS speed on a flat lake, no wind, no current???

Yesterday I spoke with a guy at the Pasco factory... he said the NW boats have the variable deadrise hull, so it has a smoother ride in rough water, but slower top end speed. He said I should expect my boat to max out around 43 mph at best. But it should only be turning 4200 rpm at max speed. He said it should do 30 mph around 3200 - 3400 rpm, so it probably needs the impeller and wear ring repaired or replaced.

[nwjetjoe]

43 is exactly what my 19 ft tops out at.

[sinkerhead]

42 was my max on my 2003 21' NWJ with EFI 351 Redline and Hamilton 212. It got there pretty quick though. Nice light powerful package.

[flipperdog]

GPS tach and speeds flat lake. Northstar's are lighter than signature series and the impeller tach speed varies with the size. But I am real interested in the inducer impeller for white water and also for hole shot with a lrger impeller bite of the water. Without losing my top end. Also, my son-in-law is an engineering student at OIT. For his senior project they have designed a tower for this boat. The tower is nearing completion with tow, fish, rod, lighting and speakers. I am looking forward to the finished product. Will post some if able of the build.

[flipperdog]

Trout2Tuna- Could you expand on your holley rebuild.
Thanks

[Trout2Tuna]

Originally Posted by flipperdog

Trout2Tuna- Could you expand on your holley rebuild.
Thanks

My 92 Signature Series is definitely a tank! Boat and Tricker Trailer weigh 5140 lbs. I've heard the Tricker Trailers weigh around 1100 lbs. I'd like to see your finished tower... sounds like a very cool project!

What would you like to know about my Holley rebuild? About all I can tell you is we took the Holley off, I gave it to my mechanic here in Olympia, and he gave it back the next day completely rebuilt, cleaned up, adjusted and ready to go back on the boat. The secondaries are fully functional now and the motor runs much smoother with way more power.

[flipperdog]

Originally Posted by Trout2Tuna

My 92 Signature Series is definitely a tank! Boat and Tricker Trailer weigh 5140 lbs. I've heard the Tricker Trailers weigh around 1100 lbs. I'd like to see your finished tower... sounds like a very cool project!

What would you like to know about my Holley rebuild? About all I can tell you is we took the Holley off, I gave it to my mechanic here in Olympia, and he gave it back the next day completely rebuilt, cleaned up, adjusted and ready to go back on the boat. The secondaries are fully functional now and the motor runs much smoother with way more power.

Thanks, what was the cost on the rebuild?

[Trout2Tuna]

Originally Posted by flipperdog

thanks, what was the cost on the rebuild?

$310