I will never buy a Northriver sled

[Mr. Shannon O'Brien]

I've been looking into sleds over the past few months. I asked Northriver to send me a price list for options. The sales guy thought he was cute and covered the prices as he photo copied them off. We all know why!

SSOOOOOO I flashed an e-mail to corporate asking them to send me a price list and explained what had happened before. Well they forwarded to the people up out of Portland. This was the same people who tried to work with me prior.

I specifically told the dude what I was looking for and I also wanted a price list for options just in case I decided to alter my spending. He said he would fax it to me. I went today to pick up my fax and it was the list of options available on a standard 20x72 scout with no prices [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img]

You've got to be kidding me!

Last week Willies dropped me everything I needed and have sent me digital pics of all the specific things I was inquiring about.

Needless to say I wish some of these sales people would get it out of there heads that placing a tight sqeeze on a customer every bit of the way is not the way to go. I guess they think some of us are easily manipulated.

Fine with me. There is plenty of competition between cure makers, guides and boat manufacturers down in the Pacific Northwest and feel confident I need to look no longer.

[Jennie@ifish]

I think your real name is your moniker, but I'm not sure.
Ifish has a policy that if you complain about a company, you need to sign your real name.
This is it, right?
Thanks,
Jen

[Mr. Shannon O'Brien]

Sure you can hold me accountable. I have no need to hide behind a fabricated name. I am Shannon O'Brien in the flesh.

Thanks for allowing the board for the oppourtunity to complain about companies. It is only right to inform. I'm not one to pursued.

[Fast Water]

Bummer that you had a bad start with NR.

My Father and I just picked up his new 19 footer today and I must say my Dad was treated openly and fairly thoughout the process.

Best of luck to you where ever get your boat. :smile:

:smile:

[Jettin' Fool]

The less people that buy North Rivers the better!! That way I wont have to wait so long for the production of my next one!

Jfool

[Reel Fun Fish'n]

Mr O'Brien I too had a simular experience with north river. It too altered my boat buying decision. They build a great product but it's my experience they are way to arrogant for my taste.

And yes this is signed with my real name and north river has been advised of my decision. I even took my new boat by for them to see I was serious about purchasing a new vessel. and to show them how much I spent... but it doesn't seem to have made an impact on them as per your post.

[justcastn]

I agree with you Jett'in Fool! Nobody buy one cause I just ordered my 21/78 today Sorry about your guys bad luck I didn't have a problem at all.I guess ya just gotta work'em for awhile.
You agree with that Scott? :tongue: :grin: :grin:

[Lockjaw]

I bought an 18ft Norht River Scout in Corvallis last may. My wife talk me in to it :smile: . That's a long story, but its a great boat! I am one happy guy. I've put many many fish in the boat this fall . And it should be a great winter :grin: Any way its a well built boat, and I got a good buy on it, and so far good service. :smile:

LJ

[cannonball]

I think North River is just used to working in the flesh with folks. They kinda blew me off as well. They make a great product, but so do many others. Give the boys over in Lewiston and Clarkston a try as well as Northwest Jet in Pasco.

Isnt living in the U.S.A. great!!!!

Dave Harvey

[metalhead madness]

:grin: thunderjet :grin: good boat for the price and straight up dealing. check them out as well

[SturgeonKing50]

I have NEVER,and I repeat NEVER have had a problem with anyone at North River Boats.This would include the guys at the Clackamas Store and also at the Roseburg showroom.If you have a problem with one salesman call down and talk to the owners of North River.Or YOU can settle for something less than the best boat built, PERIOD. I have a 21' commander and it is a dream. Sure I spent ALOT of money, but I got what I paid for.I also had to wait 7 months to get my boat,but they will not cut corners or sacrifice quality at any price.Arrogant, no way. When you are GOOD you are GOOD!!!!!!!! So buy another boat, the people waiting for their North River won't mind at all. As for myself and my boat we are going back to the Columbia to catch some more Sturgeon tomorrow.I love my boat almost as much as I do fishing.And I would be Sturgeon King 50 of Forest Grove, Oregon also known as John Barth Jr. I am also proud to be known as the Fishin Magician's old man.One last thing. The only way I would sell or trade my North River Boat would be to buy another one.Good luck fishing and buying your boat.

[ANDYCOHO]

And that is EXACTLY why I have a Alumaweld.

I was opened minded when I was looking for a 20' sled this spring and looked at many boats. I liked the Scout and the Super Vee, both about the same price and options, but the sales person at North River wouldn't give me a price on a Hull and Trailer only (I had my own outboard pump) I don't know why

It's their loss Shannon O'Brien...

Andy Schneider

[KingCap]

I couldn`t agree more than with Sturgeonking50 about calling down to Roseburg and talking to Brian, This may be some kind of policy at some stores but I found this was not the case at the Tacoma store where I bought my 22` Scout.In fact when I had a question about a price on something that was custom these guys would call down on their nextel phones to get an immediate answer while I was waiting .I had nothing less than a great experience with North River in Tacoma,Wa.I do think that Brian needs to know about this unfortunate situation anytime it happens.

[Twitchs_Tackle]

I would be more than happy to critique any boat on the market. Simply PM me, and I'll send you my address for delivery! :grin:

I start with: floats... can only get better from there!

[LuckySteelhead]

These boats are not worth the extra money you pay. Kind of like the difference between Remington and Weatherby, G-loomis and Berkley, But if you got a lot money and you don’t care and you want every one to know you don’t care, then you buy the best, which maybe North River. I work an honest day and earn an honest dollar, I don’t buy North River.

[TheRogue]

:grin: :grin: :grin:

TR

[NR scout 22]

Yove got to love the quality,and service that north river has.I have been treated excellent.They make a good product,look in the boat trader how may scouts do you see(none)How may super vees?

[SturgeonKing50]

That is a beautiful boat tr. Even though I own a North River I have to admire a thing of beauty.Does it catch fish!!!!!!!!!!? Just kidding, Very nice.SK 50

[TheRogue]

Originally posted by NR scout 22:
Yove got to love the quality,and service that north river has.I have been treated excellent.They make a good product,look in the boat trader how may scouts do you see(none)How may super vees?

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Not even a close comparison. There's at least 20 times more SV's out there in circulation than there are NR's

TR

[Jettin' Fool]

Hey TR, where is the wakeboard rack and speakers?? :tongue:

Jfool

[Thunder jet]

Time to forget Northriver and get a Thunderjet you won't be disappointed!1

[Steelie King]

Ahhh, the NorthWest boat. That should be the first on your list. Next is the Willies. If you stick with those two your life will be good.

[NR scout 22]

Hey I really like the thunder jet, but have you ever priced one for a open boat? Kind od scared me when I did

[Fishin Magician]

Rouge, exactly what NR Scout 22 is saying.....you dont see many NR boats for sale in the Trader....but you see lots of other sleds. As far as the comment about being overpriced.....whatever !!!! Dont knock it just cause you cant afford to have one, I would like to have an H2 but cant afford it, It doesnt mean that the rig isnt worth what the asking price is. I own Loomis, Lamiglas , Berkley, Okuma and so on......I like each for a specific reason and thats why I bought them , they were what I wanted. I personally dont have a north river but my pops does and it is worth every cent that he paid for it . The boat is a year old and he can easily sell it for as much if not more than he paid for it. Thats my .02.....

Oh yeah I love my Fishrite...... :grin:


JB3

[Born to be Wild]

Well, I'm just a bank magot and I love my Duck's Unlimited waders and Pro-Line shoes. :grin:

Dano

[Dave's not here]

check out Trimuph! I have a 19' and have been out 39 miles for tuna.

[boater]

Originally posted by SturgeonKing50:
Or YOU can settle for something less than the best boat built, PERIOD.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">[img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img]

[Mikeymoto]

I can possibly help. If interested email me and I can give you a # for Scott @ Northriver, I've known him for 15+ years. Its true NR is a people dealership, if you show up all the prices are there on paper, but seeing your location is a little distant they may (or should) be a little more flexible on this. Before we got our NR we looked around a lot and Willie was VERY helpful, answered all questions fast and accuratly and did provide all option prices right away. We bought our boat in Corvallis, after a friend bought a Scout there. We did save some money and have been really happy with the after purchase service so far. But if have made up your mind not to buy one thats ok, Willie makes a fine machine too.
MM

[Salmonator]

Originally posted by SturgeonKing50:
Or YOU can settle for something less than the best boat built, PERIOD.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Perfectly good example of an OPINION :tongue: So I suppose that everyone that bought a new TJ, alumaweld, willie ect... didn't buy a northriver soley because they couldn't afford one???

[Salmon Hot Shot]

I ordered a new North River in sept. I dont have a lot of money. They dealt with me in Roseburg pretty well. I had to go up there two times but i got a good deal. I also shoped around alot and found they want about the same for almost every brand of sled i looked at. I will pick mine up in February i hope. Give them another chance. I did and it payed off.

[Hogback]

I own a NR and agree that they need a lot of help in the customer service area. If you want to talk to someone who will not jack you around deal with Scott.
Randy
MSO In my opinion when buying anything the best course is to compare the specs vs. price and forget personalities. If I turned away every time I ran into a mutt I probably would not even fish. Unfortunately boat buying can be alot like buying a car and we all know how much fun that is! Go down to NR and tell them of your experience. Help them cure a bad case of rectal cranial infusion.

[ 11-29-2003, 07:41 AM: Message edited by: Hogback ]

[Mr. Shannon O'Brien]

Thanks all for the input. I thought about having my post erased because I did not want to see any division amongst board members. After reading all of these posts, sometimes twice, I have found the opinions to be valid and sincere.

Thanks to all to not "go overboard." on wanting to bash. I have seen that occur on this board awhile back, but the moderators do an excellent job of monitoring.

I spoke with Northriver about this issue. They claim they do not want the price list floating around. I didn't realize that was such a problem especially up here.

I see some of the posts above stating that some members couldn't afford a Northriver boat. That is rather rhetorical. Willies boats are actually more expensive when it came to my comparison.

Regardless of the brand I will most likely tear the sticker off Well then again who wants to pay me for advertising? :smile:

Thanks all!

[jimh]

Labor + materials + design + markup + desirability = Cost

We could go on and on on that one. My point is that just because you pay more doesn't mean it is better. In fact, just the term better is debatable with regard to sleds. The design of the hull, engine, pump, where it is designed to run (skinny, open water, big rivers), top, scuppers, engine location, and features that you want are huge factors that seem to be forgotten by some. These factors eliminate many brands unless you think only the welds, quality of components, finish, and the type of aluminum are the only factors.

I'd like to take the best of all of the manufacturers and put them together, but since I can't do that, I'll just take my Custom Weld. I just can't believe there isn't any boat better for me.

[puffins crew]

I have found that the most cost effective boat is an "OPB". Only costs are for fuel and bait, a lot of labor cleaning up. A little bit for food, and it's all good!!

By the way, I have used an "OPB" for years. Absolutely the best bang for the buck!!

Peace, Tom

(ps) "OPB" is "other peoples boat" :grin:

One day soon,

[joliver]

I have had the great opportunity to have taught whitewater boating skills to many individuals over the last 8 years. In this time I have spent literally thousands of hours running welded aluminum boats on waters like the Deschutes, Snake and Rogue Rivers. Retrospectively I have had the opportunity to operate and ride in almost every manufacture of aluminum jet sled on the market. This time on the water was in some of the most demanding situations these boats were designed for. I can say that when you really put them through there paces in skinny and heavy whitewater water there is a difference in design or “lofting”. Some of the boats are sluggish off plane, some are light in the rear while turning, some shear, some drop out, some counter steer and so on and so on. Having run these various boats each one of the companies has a boat that rises above the others in specific applications. Unfortunately these specific applications of the Northwest are as varied as you can count rocks on the river. With that said, unless you have operated every type and style of jet sled (which I have not) in several kinds of water, then it almost impossible to theorize the best boat. Trust me I have tried and they all have there pluses and minuses.

[ANDYCOHO]

Originally posted by Jennie@ifish:
Just remove the sticker and put on an ifish decal. :smile:

That'll make people happy!

Jen

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Sounds pretty resonable to me :grin:

Hmmmmm.....An Ifish Edition sponsored by North River, you may have something there Jen....

[justcastn]

It all comes down to what you like,not what every one else likes.It's your opinion.And with that being said it's all your personal preference what sled your gonna buy.Everybody has there like's and dislikes about sleds.
In my case I'm only 24 years old and I talked to every place I could before I ordered my NR,(just ask Scott and Dave that) :grin: But when your as young as me they all look at you like your not serious.It took NR awhile before they caught on to that.But to me It did'nt matter I just made the decision on what I wanted.Not how there customer service is.But I guess that's just me.But all I'm saying is find the boat you like,who cares how the customer service is, all I wanna do is catch fish and have a good time doing it in something I like. In my opinion I think they build a great boat but so do alot of other people.It all comes down to your preference on a boat,I say who cares about the salesman if I like it I'm gonna buy it.Just my 2cents

Joliver,
Well said!
All boat manufacturers designs have their strong points as well as week points.
The market is also highly competitive.

[boater]

Originally posted by Jennie@ifish:
Another thought:

Oh no! Another 300 page NR thread!

Jen

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">yup , looks like it, you better put on a pot of coffee, looks like it may be a long night....

[finclipped]

You won't be disappointed by the service. NR has a good service group and take care of your problems. I have had very good luck.

[drhall99]

You know, it's funny, I've seen at least three "I'll never buy NR again" threads in the last two years but I've never read ANY complaints about Willie boats on this board. If that's not enough for you, what is?

JMO,
D.

[onstep]

Mr. O'Brien,
You will find that in fact that most of the large aluminum boat manufacturers will be more than North River. Since Brian purchased the company it has been this way.
I understand your position of frustration completely. Imagine trying to buy a new tow rig and not being able to see how much the MSRP and options are. Without that info you in eccence have no idea if you are getting a good deal or not based on what other dealers are marketing the same rig for or what the next guy is paying for the same set up. Good luck in your shopping.

[TH]

There is some great info in this thread
and i hope those who have concerns contact NR and Brain and let them in onthe experiences.
I ended up ordering a NR in Oct. for several reason... one is that I got more boat for my $$$$.
I shopped around and had it narrowed down to three boats.
Sea People, Willie Raptor and the NR Commander.

Willie was great to work with... Wayne at SP had work lined out all year and was not really pressing to add to that list. Through a mutual friend I got hooked up with Brain and Jay (after see/speaking to them on the Coos River several times) I gave Jay a call and he put together a great custom package for me!
It goes into production next week!

On a side note..
have you guys seen those custom trailers NR builds! Wow!

I'm sure they'd both like to hear some concerns you guys have!

[Jennie@ifish]

Just remove the sticker and put on an ifish decal. :smile:

That'll make people happy!

Another thought:

Oh no! Another 300 page NR thread!

Jen

[Hookset]

I see some of the posts above stating that some members couldn't afford a Northriver boat. That is rather rhetorical. Willies boats are actually more expensive when it came to my comparison.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Labor + materials = Cost

Takes longer (more welds) to buld a quality product plus more materials (aluminum) equals higher cost. Simply said, you get what you pay for. Willie produces a better product then NR.

[Jettin' Fool]

[MarlinMark]

I second drhall99. I have never read a negative thing on this board about Willie Boats.

Mark

[ 11-30-2003, 08:25 PM: Message edited by: MarlinMark ]

[freespool]

How about,I wish I could afford a new one? That's kinda negitive isn't it?


free

[justcastn]

Freespool,I wish i had your motor to throw on the back of my new NR :grin: :tongue:

[SOL]

The boat is a year old and he can easily sell it for as much if not more than he paid for it.

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">Geez, tell me where I can pick up an appreciating North River....Im sold...

[seeseered]

I wonder where some people get their information on this web site and before you spout off maybe you should confirm what ya heard.
Gun Rod, Eric Linde, who works for North River, sold his less than a year old North River, to upgrade, wider, bigger North River Scout. Seems this web site has become nothing more than a vehicle for the uniformed to bash something that they cannot understand...... success.

I am not trading for or buying a North River, but I would, :shocked: if it was from either Dave or Scott here locally. They are a couple of the finest, honest and most knowledgeable "North River Guys" around. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] Most boats are personal choices anyway, like cars and trucks. If they float and catch fish, they are the best. :smile:

Kinda' kneejerk reaction all the way from Alaska? [img]graemlins/eek13.gif[/img]

[ 12-01-2003, 10:25 PM: Message edited by: ****** ]

[cosmo]

******, I don't know you, but I do like you. [img]graemlins/applause.gif[/img] The best boat is always the one that's in your own driveway.

It's starting to grate on me how many in this community treat local NW manufacturers--not only North River on this one. These people bust their butt to bring quality products to market and at the drop of a hat so many will skewer them online. These aren't distant people from some unappraochable conglomerate. These are Oregonians and Washingtonians. If treating people the way you want to be treated means anything, if someone did this stuff to me, I'd give 'em the finger and slam the door.

Ifish has become a powerful place.......too bad many wield that power like children.

And while the garbage is flying....

Hookset, why is a Raptor 600+ lbs lighter than a comparable sized Scout? Where are those extra materials?
Don't you think building 8-10X as many powerboats a year might positively effect final price? Efficiencies? Economy of scale?

Gun Rod Bow, Since you obviously have not talked with Eric Linde, when you actually do, please post the truth. But I'll help---he's trying to order the WIDER 7' BOTTOM SCOUT!!!

A little accountability for your actions, or at least some smidgeon of fact, would be grand.

As for North River as a company. They've taken their success and turned quite a bit back to the fisheries. Friends of the Cowlitz, Tillamook Guides, NSIA, Umpqua Fisheries Enhancement, NW Steelheaders---many boat companies "support", few write checks and even fewer write big ones. North River is out there trying to make a future for itself and that means keeping fish in the rivers. Because they support an event I put on, I'm happy to say thank you.

Working closely with many manufacturers, (and yes, I do work with, not for, North River) that's my $.02
:grin:

[Get Bent]

****** AND COSMO

grb [img]graemlins/dork.gif[/img]

[willametteriveroutlaw]

Cosmo,
Lighter = Quicker to get on plane, faster, and more fuel efficient (comparatively speaking).. I believe they are one of the lightest sleds on the market.

[BrokeItOff]

Gosh,this is a tough one, there is lot of bitterness and posturing here. Chevy or Ford? We all have a preference for products we buy.

Service often dictates where we buy from and many of us have different experiences even from the same company. Personally there is one place that I cannot stand the sale manager, but the owner and mechanics are great so I will keep using them.

I have never been on a NR boat nor have I seen the specs but they look great and people swear by them. There is a lot of classism(probably not a real word) is this argument,"You don't like NR boats because YOU can't afford them and I can, neener neener neener!" Kinda the old bank fisher versus boat argument moved up a level. Who cares, these arguments are old and tired.

What I do know is that ****** has it right, the best boat is the one in the driveway, the boat that you can use with your kids, and friends to have wonderful experiences. The kind memories that, they and you will never forget. It is the people that are key to enjoyment.

[boater]

Originally posted by cosmo:
And while the garbage is flying....

Hookset, why is a Raptor 600+ lbs lighter than a comparable sized Scout? Where are those extra materials?

<font size="2" face="verdana,arial,helvetica">check the spec`s of the boats and you will see where the extra weight is comming from :smile:

[Gun Rod Bow]

Wow, Look what happened while I was working.

Hey boys, I DID talk to Eric. I won't go any further on this subject, let me just say; A sponsorship has a lot more to do with business decisions.

I know plenty of guides who are sponsored by products that they don't personally prefer.

Whatever boys. Willie envy is an ugly emotion. :blush: [img]graemlins/berry.gif[/img]

[cosmo]

WRO, I didn't mean to start a performance comparison (it's all based on the application) and I will never say anything negative about Willie-- Jim Bittle is a friend and one of the single greatest people around. I only posted that because Hookset seemed to say there was more welding and materials in a Willie---when you add materials and build a stout hull, you add weight, no way around it.

Boater--the specs will tell a lot. .25" bottoms, large beam bracing, large chine extrusions---bad to da bone.

And now back to our regularly scheduled programming... :grin: