New Boat?

surfbum · 09-10-2002, 03:56 PM

Need a little advise!

I looking for a boat, something around 19', forward helm, with inboard jet (sportjet!). The boat will be split between occasional family outings, and lots of fishing!

What are the pros and cons of the different brands? Alumaweld, North River, Fish Rite, Willie etc. Money is an issue so bag the Duckworth.

What can I expect to pay new and used?
The MSRP are easy to come by, but is that they really sell for?

What options are a must?

Who makes the most affordable boats?

Thanks, for any advise in advance!

SURFBUM

TheRogue · 09-10-2002, 04:03 PM

Search button!!! Type in "SportJet" and you'll get 100x more information than you want to know.

PS (NR or Willie) :grin:

get hooked · 09-10-2002, 04:18 PM

I have a Northriver and my friend has a Duckworth. Between the two of us, we agree that all brands have there pluses and minuses. Just for instance my 19' Northriver rides drier than his 18' Duckworth, but his rides smoother than mine. I've got 4 swivel seats with arm rest, which are nice for fishing, but he has the seats that go down into a bed for sleeping if your staying on your boat over night. So my point is pick what you feel is the best overall fitted for your use. The only thing that steered me away from Hewes craft was that the trays and gunwale tie downs for the top were screwed on and not welded. I'm not saying that Hewes makes a bad boat as they ride nice. There are a lot of good brands and if it gets you on the water and where you want to go it will work. Listen to the many people who have smoker craft or valco or what ever. They all work. Good luck.

CATCH AND EAT · 09-10-2002, 04:20 PM

Don't ask ******. He is just a little biased. :grin:

MX man · 09-10-2002, 04:20 PM

If your looking for the boat that will do everything allaround and do it well, A sportjet is the boat that will give you the most bank for your buck. (good choice) Most all aluminum boat builders all build a great boat at reasonable prices. What i've found is that no one builds a better boat than North River. Performance, integrity,customer service and resale value are a big advantage to the N.R. brand. Not to mention compettitive prices. Be sure and compare boats...Good luck and let us all know what happens

get hooked · 09-10-2002, 04:23 PM

Good job Mx, I didn't want to sound bias myself, but I love my Northriver. Fit and finish and competitive pricing. :smile:

Dr Strangelove · 09-10-2002, 06:05 PM

OK consider this; if money an issue - try to get your hands on us slightly used boat. If can you afford $19-23,500 used or up to a decked out $29000 new, you can be into a NR Sportjet. Sex on rails. Handles like a sportscar. I have come the realization that men intially love their toys and spouses for the same reason. But don't tell this to your wives; only difference is the ********.

surfbum · 09-10-2002, 07:00 PM

Thanks for the advise guys, what about Alumaweld. A lot of people seem to have them, but you hear very little about their quality?

Surfbum [img]graemlins/program.gif[/img]

Keeper Reaper · 09-10-2002, 07:02 PM

If I were you I'd go look at the Northriver and find what you want , then go to Siglers Marine on Sandy Blv and look at a comparable Thunderjet. You will be surprized that the price will be right. And that you get more for less.

timinthegorge · 09-10-2002, 07:13 PM

Alumawelds?

That's cuz we're out fishin' in 'em......

It's my choice of boat, and I couldn't be happier......

I've got a 19' Stryker with a 90, and 9.9 kicker and it's mucho gusto......

Make your decision after drivin' 'em on the water you'll normally be fishin'/boatin'......

Got that advice on this board before I bought mine, and it was darned good advice........

Tim

not necessarily yours......

09-10-2002, 08:19 PM

Hehehehe [img]graemlins/lurk.gif[/img]

TheRogue · 09-11-2002, 05:05 AM

Were there just two people who posted here that haven't given an intro???

I think lots of people really like Alumaweld, and they build a great boat, just like most of them now. What turns a lot of people off is the horror stories from the local Alumaweld dictator(oops, I mean dealer).

TR

Mojo · 09-11-2002, 05:15 AM

You do not have to buy your Alumaweld in Tigard or Milwaukee. There are other dealers.

I love my Alumaweld. Wouldn't trade it for anything, 'cept another Alumaweld. Everyone is different. Everyone likes their boat for different reasons. DRIVE several different ones, see which fits you and your families needs, and buy based on that. You would be better off spending a little more, and getting something you'll like better, than spending less for a lifetime of regrets.

Spoiled Daddy · 09-11-2002, 06:00 AM

Surfbum,

To add to your new boat buying confusion, you should also take a close look at Hewes Craft.

We have the 18' Sea Runner model and have enjoyed every day we have spent in it (and that has been plenty). We powered it with the 90/8 Honda combination. I know you wanted a jet set up and they make them too which is the River Runner models.

I have never had a problem with mine and had a good experience with the dealer near Oregon City.

Just another suggestion... SD

WP · 09-11-2002, 08:08 AM

I love my Hewes 20' Searunner. Solid and outstanding ride. With the 130 honda, I get family cooperation (summer water play), great range, and almost no upkeep problems. Not a jet but for the CR, lakes, bays, and the blue, it is superb!
WP

ChinookSlayer · 09-11-2002, 09:59 AM

If you want a boat that rides better then any other brand :grin: , has the fit and finish of a Northriver, yet is less expensive than a Northriver/Duckworth/ThunderJet, then go to www.BoiceJet.com and see a real boat. They offer everything from a SportJet to a V6 to a V8 to DUAL SPORTJETS . :shocked:

You should also be aware that there are at least three, and maybe four different popular SportJet models. 175hp, 240hp, 200hp Optimax, and 210hp Optimax (?).

The SportJets take very little interior space, and weigh only around 300lbs, but they have no torque, and blow blue smoke (2 cycle).

BTW, I just happen to own a 20' BoiceJet with a V6 and a 9.9 Merc., brand new this year :grin:

Flatfish · 09-11-2002, 10:09 AM

I think that most folks here give good info.Only detail about the sportjets is they are too light and a fishbox(read 140 quart cooler)with something heavy in it(like water)is needed to keep the bow from plowing.Just clamp the thing on the swim platform and you are ready to go.But besides that they are a great jet engine.
Good Luck.
Mark.

chummer · 09-11-2002, 10:24 AM

If you are considering a thunderjet, and you shoul be! You might want to do some comparison pricing with the idaho dealers, you might find it WELL worth your time. I did'nt and paid top dollar, but it was still alot less than a North river and had better standard features ( wind curtain, bench seats, tricker trailor ) LOL :tongue:

WaterDog · 09-11-2002, 10:29 AM

Where is ******?

Flatfish, the boat your talking about needs to be trimmed properly. The SJ has a trim plate.

I�ll just say that I [img]graemlins/hearton.gif[/img] my MM outback. :grin:

Lured In · 09-11-2002, 12:16 PM

Getting back to the original question....

I picked up my BRAND NEW 2000 NR 175 SJ after the boat show and paid UNDER 20K! My advice, depending on what you want to spend is to look at new. Right now I think most of the 19' Sportjets run from around 19K (base Willie Predator) all the way up to over 30K for a fully loaded Motion Marine Outback. If you go with new you can get it made exactly how you want it and you will love it, no matter who builds it. Another advantage is that they do not depreciate very quickly as you will see when you price 2-5 year old (or more) boats that still cost from 15-25K! :shocked:

That was the kicker for me personallly. I looked at used and found one I liked for 15.9K. I decided that another 4-5K over 12 years was a drop in the bucket as far as difference in boat payment.

That aside....SHOP SHOP SHOP and test drive them all. You will feel and see the differences that each manufacturer puts in.

Good luck.

WaterDog · 09-11-2002, 12:31 PM

Flatfish, I agree with what your saying and I didn�t take you as bashing anything. :smile: Maybe you said it best, �I don't think the sportjet is the problem�.�. That only leaves one other conclusion as to the problem.

I too have ridden in a couple of other SJ boats and two other non-outback MM�s (one and 18� hardtop) and have never experienced what you describe. This makes for a good case as why a guy needs to go for a ride (many)and do some homework.

Used boats are a good options but Lured In hit right on the head. :smile: I am leery as to how the motor(s) were taken care of and that was a major factor in my decision to go new. Good luck!

TundraIII · 09-11-2002, 12:58 PM

I also own a MM and have never experienced what Flatfish is describing. Seems to me MM has it figured out. Some of these other manufacturers that Flatfish alluded to have some work to do. Drive all the boats you can, in your price range, then choose. Just spend some quality time in your research so you will be satisfied with your choice. A little bit of advice, avoid boats that incorporate wood in their construction (vinyl wrapped wood floors, carpeted or vinyl wrapped wood seat or storage boxes, carpeted wood dog houses, etc). You want your boat maintenance as care free as possible, keep rot out of the picture.

p.s. Some folks may take issue with the "no wood" suggestion, but given the choice between components that will rot and components that wont and cant rot......I splash the inside of my boat with pails of water (fresh and salt water) all the time to wash down fish blood etc. and I store my boat outside in our wet winter months and its just peace of mind for me. My doghouse is aluminum and quiet and my floor is vinyl covered aluminum and I love it.

[ 09-12-2002, 07:28 AM: Message edited by: TundraIII ]

Flatfish · 09-11-2002, 01:04 PM

Waterdog,
the water I am referring to is the lower Columbia.There it can get big andshort(short being the key word).The boats that I rode in would plow at low (trolling)to moderate speed if it sloppy out there.The water in the cooler solved the prob on every occasion and the boat handles a bit better with the extra weight bach there.Nothing life threatening here.Just shoveling when it should have rolled up the face of the wave.Please note that I am not naming names here.That would be bad. :shocked:
See you on the water.
Mark and the dog who only sleeps.

surfbum · 09-11-2002, 05:54 PM

Wow!!!

Lots of advise, on boats. But how about prices. Anyone know of any good deals/dealers? How much off MSRP have you guys been able to get? I have noticed, at least based on asking prices, this type of boats really don't depreciate too fast.

By the way Pete, thanks for the note. I might take you up on that boat ride.

Clearly nearly everyone loves their own boat the best, thats the way it should be!

Thanks,
Surfbum
CTC

Clackman · 09-11-2002, 06:14 PM

i disagree about the no wood isue i have had a aluminum floor i did not like @ all. very noisy, cold and slippery.I can replace a well built floor every 10 years plus it costs a lot less.alum. dog house was very noisy have fiberglass now much better.also have worn out all seats before the rot. some things should not be wood but some things are just as good but cheaper

boater · 09-11-2002, 06:17 PM

dont worry about me, i have plenty of popcorn lmao [img]graemlins/lurk.gif[/img]

Wright Angle · 09-11-2002, 08:56 PM

This is another vote for the Hewescraft Sea Runner powered by Honda.
I agree with Clackman on the aluminum floor issue, my boat has the vinyl wrapped wood floors, they are guaranteed for life , very quite and not slippery.

Flatfish · 09-11-2002, 11:44 PM

Motion marines outback puts the weight further to the rear.The one that I rode in was less bow heavy than some others (4 total sportjet inboards total.Different makes)I don't think the sportjet is the problem,it is the added weight up front from the windsheild.Besides that a jet can only trim so much.A prop yes,but a jet?If it gets designed as an "open guide style"boat with an outboard.Then we subtract some weight for the SJ,then we move the weight to the front of the boat(shorter fulcrum)and weld a dash and windshield up front.Then the gas tank is up front in some models.Now if the boat hull is designed from the get go for this application then a lot of this goes out the window.But if I can buy the exact same rig with either an inboard or a SJ you bet they handle differently.
Look I love the SJ thing.But nothing is perfect.If I had to get a SJ you have what I would get.So take it as input ment to help and not hinder or bash.There are enough peolpe here to smacktalk the SJ.I am not one of them.
See you on the water.
Mark and the dog.

TheRogue · 09-12-2002, 05:27 AM

3 weeks ago, I priced a 19x72 NR 175 SJ, on a welded aluminum NR trailer, against a 19x72 TJ 175 SJ on a welded galvanized Tricker trailer. NR with a Yamaha 9.9 kicker, TJ with a Mercury 9.9 kicker. Exact same set up, options, etc. Apples to Apples.

The NR came in at $26005, the TJ came in at $27275.

I plan on faxing that same spec sheet to Willie, and see where he comes in.

TR

Hanapa'a Time · 09-12-2002, 06:06 AM

Hi Surfbum,

I noticed your from Eugene also, I know several people in the area with various makes/models of sleds. E-mail me if you want to talk.

Kurt

ReelMcCoy · 09-12-2002, 06:18 AM

I bought a ThunderJet Envoy this year. I paid 19 for mine. With drop curtian two chairs with arm rest and two bench seats. It came with a tricker trailer.

The ride in mine is fine in rough water. You will find me in Astoria all summer. I never had one time that even made me nervous. That is not to say I am willing to take chances I'm not. It just has a good ride in bad water.

The one thing I would add is to pay attention to the bough constrution. If you get caught in rough water in can mean the differance between a dry ride and a wet one.

What I am reffering to is does it have a full door or is it short. If it is short then the waves you take over the bow can run right thru. If there are enough of them you will be bailing. There were several post this year from those that saw this happen and watched the coasties have to come get them.

That was one of the selling points of the TJ for me. The bow is a welded box with large scuppers and a full sealed door.

I looked at most of the sleds in the 19' range before I bought mine. They were all real nice boats. The prices only varied by about 3 thousand dollars. I just fell in love with the Enovy and I could not get anyone to come down to match the TJ price so I bought it.

The bottom line is to buy the one that feels right to you. They are all good.
Good luck.

surfbum · 09-16-2002, 02:13 PM

Thanks again for all the advise. I looked at boats this weekend out at the Portland Expo Cntr. I have not test driven one yet but the Duckworth Advantage sure (looks) heads above the rest. Anyone have any experience with these boats, any pricing you would want to share as well would be much appreciated!

Mahalo!

Surfbum
CTC

Drachir · 09-16-2002, 02:42 PM

I'll second the opinion of Reel McCoy, go look at the Thunder Jet Boats. They are really built!! I think their fit & finish is right there W/ North River, and price too. Great looking boat. I would love to drive one to compare my friends 19' North River w/ SJ. I'm not real impressed at it's ability in the rough stuff, ie Bouy 10!! :shocked:

Lund · 09-16-2002, 05:32 PM

Sea Peolple!

Mrdorkfish · 09-16-2002, 07:53 PM

I just got my Hewes craft info in the mail...oh my.... Very impressive. www.hewescraft.com

Looks like all the overpriced boats but cost a whole lot less.

Mrdorkfish

Louis

Doubletake · 09-16-2002, 08:23 PM

Surfbum, some of the options I found a must, are dual batteries with a switch, dual windshield wipers, I have an open bow with an anchor locker (the extra storage is great), if you have concerns about the intake on the SJ getting plugged ie kelp, etc. ask about a stomp grate (mine works great in keeping the intake clear, but I have not been in kelp yet), and of course vertical rod holders. Hope this helps. Good luck

Doubletake