why own a jet?

[dampainter]

why own a jet and not a prop? also, you guys running those in the ocean?

[Lured In]

I bought a jet (175 Sportjet) because I wanted a boat that could do 100% of the fishing I wanted to do, within reason. I have a 19' NR and love it. No I cannot use it in the "big blue" for halibut although I know some who do. Yes the ride is rough as most inboard jet owners will attest (11 degree deadrise on mine). Yes you can get stuff sucked into the pump, but if you are careful you can avoid it. I am sure other could say there are just as many drawbacks, but I believe it comes down to what do you do with you boat most of the time or would like to do?

Why I like my jet:
1. No outdrive to get lines caught in while anchor fishing.
2. Don't have to worry about sandbars on the Columbia that might otherwise bust a prop.
3. Being able to run the lower parts of most Columbia/Willamette tributaries.
4. Sportjet is a an outboard head so it gets great mileage and doesn't weigh that much.
5. I like to be able to do "cookies" with the tail end sliding. (the kids love that) :grin:
6. There is nothing that you could do in my boat if it had a prop that I can't due with a pump. I can; however, due things with my pump that you can't do with a prop given the same hull.

I am sure there are others, but that should cover it. :grin:

[crabbait]

Pumps are slower and use more fuel per mile than a prop. They suck up weeds and plastic bags (and neglected sea anchors).

They are also the only way to go if you intend to do shallow water or the Columbia when it is full of debris (all the time). I fish and duck hunt with my boats so that means running on the rivers before daylight. I would not be comfortable on-plane in a prop boat in the dark on any of the waters.

If you are only going to run your boat in full daylight on lakes and such that have no floating logs or shallow water then by all means get a prop. If you are going to use it in the rest of the northwest (most) then get the pump.

You can get both with an outboard and learn to switch back and forth but the prop will sit in the garage while you use the pump 90% of the time.

Running shallow, weedy water? Use the pump to get close and the kicker to get in. Pole the last little bit and put up the blind! Quack.....quack. :smile:

[ 05-17-2002, 03:46 PM: Message edited by: crabbait ]

[Tanner]

The best reason for having a jet is if someone low holes you, you can back up to them trim your motor up and jet wash them, thereby rapidly filling their boat with water. :grin: :shocked: :grin:

[DanS]

Because not everybody fishes the Columbia, Willamette, and other rivers you can't throw a rock across.

They're less efficient, but they allow you to fish a wide variety of water.

[Bob Barthlow]

Sure my super vee is slower with a pump, and uses a little more fuel, but it will work everywhere and you can't say that about a prop. :tongue:

[Rippenlips]

Have you ever hit a rock with an outdrive? It SU**S!!!
Jon T

[SLEDDER]

Because I wanted one!!! :grin:

[Clackman]

3 inches of water......

[Snapshot]

I have an 18' Boice at Stevens on consignment for sale. It's a 1973 v-bow inboard with a 170 volvo, center consol. they put $5995 on it. I'd sell it for $4500. Great hull and fishermans top too. Runs out good, it's a go anywhere boat. I bought a super vee and really need to move this one. Email me if interested. Time for the wana bees to be; got one....

[Thumper]

I not-so-fondly recall many years ago hitting a Columbia sinker log at about 30 mph with my 24-ft. Sea Ray. Took the whole IO off like a knife through hot butter. Never again. Besides, there a few fishy rivers around here that you can only get to with a jet.

[Mofish]

I have a jet Because, it give me about 99% cover where I what to go.

Slow??? No way 53mph is my top end.

Mofish

[Pete]

It's always a compromise, but a jet, particularly an inboard, gives good mobility and drivability in a variety of water. If I spent more time in the salt or the big C I'd seriously think about a deeper V and a prop.

Follow me up the river and find out!

[WaterDog]

Once you have a have a jet, you'll never go back. :grin:

I got one for some of the reasons mentioned. shallow rivers, I wanted one, no more prop, etc. I love the thing and wouldnt have it any other way.

Someone said something about jets not being efficient. :whazzup: I burn 3 to 6 gal/hr depending on where I am. I dont think that is bad for a 175sj. It's all about RPM's and I aint in a hurry.

[Vinny]

dp, Good post. So what's it gonna be, prop or Jet?

Why not buy a prop and then add a pump. Then you can have both with about 1/2 hr work. :smile: