Puget Sound has a lot of seaweed and debris unless it changed since I moved down to Vancouver 6 years ago. Not sure if I would want a jet IMO.

 

The Commander is a great boat for what it was built for. Operating in the Puget Sound was not it though. I think you would regret that choice (or any other jet) given how you are going to use it. A 20' boat with an offshore bracket should fit, double check before you purchase though. There are also plenty of non bracket boats in the 20-22" range that would be a more logical choice for what you want to do. Growing up around drag boats, I understand the appeal of the V8 sound. My 225 outboard misses the mark in the sound department.

 

Hey slm9s,

I'm a fellow South Sounder! I would opt for something with a bit for V. The narrows can get pretty choppy and there is pretty consistent boat wakes during the summer months.

You'll notice that allot of the Narrows & Pt. Defiance regulars run deep V fiberglass boats like Tiderunners. If I were you'd I'd try to find a ~19ft Aluminum with a 115 outboard and call it a day. I've been in a commander multiple times and I just don't think you'll be satisfied with the fit if you're going to be fishing the sound regularly.

Oliver

 

That would be one of the last boats I'd choose for the Puget Sound. There's days we get beat up in my boat. Look for more deadrise, and outboard power.

 

Might as well get the boat that's made up there. Arima. I've had mine in some rough stuff out of Newport.

 

I ran my 22 NR Commander with hardtop and HO 6.0 with 212. Yeah, there were very rare times when I needed to use the grate rack, mostly rocks (beaching) though. More importantly, when there was more than a ripple, it pounded! And, totally sucked not having neutral.

It when I put it in the river and 5-6” of water, those problems completely went away . Well, except still needing the grate rake for rocks...

 

I appreciate the quick replies guys. We definitely get boat waves on weekends that just don't end. But then I think of heading out as its just getting light and its flat calm going 50mph in a v8 jet would be pretty enjoyable. I guess it would be the same in an outboard boat, but I can't find the right one and there's jet boats for sale all over that would fit my locker at my marina.
My last boat was a 19' Formula Vee and it still seemed to pound pretty good, and i think that's considered a pretty deep V hull.
Part of me just wants to try out a jet boat so I'll know whether I like them or not, but the sensible part of me says wait for a deep, wide, 21' no OSB aluminum boat with a 200hp outboard. I've got til next summer for one to come along!

 

Have you considered a raider? The explorer/mariner are great boats and would fit for sure.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

Does it have to be a NR?

A Hewes ProV 200 with a splashwell would fit and they are nice all-purpose hulls. Had mine in some big stuff just yesterday. Plus............ might get eviscerated for this, haha, but get an outboard. Far superior in salt. We keep an inboard ‘glass boat in the Sound (Hood Canal) and the 4.3 Merc is just a PITA to keep running due to corrosion issues, plus the doghouse for the inboard eats a huge amount of space.

 

Does it have to be a NR?

No reason it has to be a north river, but I've always loved their lines. Lots of quality brands out there though.

Like I said, I've got all winter and spring.

 

A 21' jet boat is simply the wrong one. Get anything else brand wise with a outboard and splash well in 20' length or even a 18.

 

They’re sweet boats for sure. Have fun with your search!

 

Wow, just think of all the fun you are going to have having all winter to find the right boat! I agree with the thought of getting a non off shore bracket boat. Happy hunting, please let us know what you choose.

Dave

 

Check with a North River dealer, they used to offer a Seahawk Hull with a jet like a commander. Get the best of both worlds shallow draft and V to cut the chop. I believe it is called a Seahawk IB.

 

That's funny you say that. In my opening post, that's why I put the "(almost)" all Seahawks have OSBs. I have a very knowledgeable friend who says there are a few unicorn jet seahawks around.

 

We have the first inboard jet Seahawk made. I asked them to put a 6.0 and 212 in a 22’ /23’ Seahawk hull. That one had the doghouse pushed 12” forward to allow for a driveshaft between the motor and pump. That allows the pump to be pulled without pulling the motor. Then they bought another, but forgot that part.... We run them below several of the Columbia and Snake River dams. Certainly, a much better ride. But, they eat more gas and still, no neutral. If you don’t need a boat for 6” of water, or aren’t too worried about the rare chance of hitting floatsam, get an outboard. We have 2 with yamaha 200s that go faster and are much more fuel efficient.