Who has a River jet boat?

[Sokyangler]

I'm in the market for a jet boat and wanted to hear feedback. I'm leaning towards a Southfork, Lowe or SeaArk because I want something I can duck hunt and fish out of.

[adchunts]

Marty at Rothwell Marine (board sponsor) is a jet boat guru. He can probably answer any question you might have.

http://www.bbcboards.net/member.php?u=2963

[Sokyangler]

Marty at Rothwell Marine (board sponsor) is a jet boat guru. He can probably answer any question you might have.

http://www.bbcboards.net/member.php?u=2963

thanks for the connection!

[Whitaker201]

I have a Tracker that has a jet on it. My buddy just got a Legend SS this year and that thing is SWEET! But his is not setup for hunting like you want.

[zelmo]

What is the river like that you will use it in?

[Brady bass]

What is the river like that you will use it in?

This!!! This is what will be the deciding factor. I have a 18ft polarkraft sled with a 115 (80hp at the jet) Yamaha for steelhead fishing, works great for what I do. Fishes well with 3, NOT a rough water boat however. I think if I gave you any suggestions I would tell you to lean toward the four stroke Yamaha jet. They are a very nice motor they start in the cold weather, purr like a kitten and barely sip the fuel. On Michigan rivers they are on probably 8 out of 10 sleds you see.

[zelmo]

Yes. If you have some depth with rocks that will stear you in one direction. If you need to run through shallows that only have a couple of inches that is a different direction. Current is another variable to consider.

[Brady bass]

The boats we run in AK are built totally different than the sleds I run in Michigan. Just make sure you have enough HP. Nothing worse in a jet boat than being underpowered. Getting on step fast is crucial at times.

[The Mountain Man]

Take a look at River Rocket.

[chris c]

I am building a blazer ss 1856, with a 150efi. I have a 225 pro max I’m eventually going to put on it. A lot of dealers are shying away from south fork because of a decline in quality. Legend ss are extremely nice but pricey. I bought mine bare hull and built it out like I wanted. Biggest problem I see with most factory jetboats is they are underpowered because of max hp, and the fuel tanks are too little to do any serious running. Not too mention they are too dang heavy to push when stuck lol. Do yourself a favor and join some jetboat groups on Facebook. Lot of good dealers out near Missouri that can build you whatever you want

[Rude196]

What is the river like that you will use it in?

[ford36cab]

I have a 1660 Seaark with tunnel and pods wit 60/40 4 stroke Merc. love my river jet

[96MrBass]

Have you checked out Havoc Boat's. I've been researching myself and they look very sweet.

[Finchdude]

Take a look at AlumaRyder custom welded jet boats. These guys are building pure works of art to run our Susquehanna River in PA. They are duck hunters too, and will build it to your likings.

[mas6r]

Check out James River Jets in Virginia. Can build anyway you want and one fine gentleman

[Sokyangler]

What is the river like that you will use it in?

I live on a gravel bar. The river is shallow, current isn't incredibly swift, but I do need to get through some ankle deep spots on the summer.

[bassboy1]

Check out James River Jets in Virginia. Can build anyway you want and one fine gentleman

I run an aluminum boat fabrication shop (accessories and repairs, not hull builds) and James River has multiple entries into my top 5 worst pieces of shit to ever come in the shop.

PM me an email address if you want some pics.


To the OP, listen to the guys that are asking about what type of rivers you run.

Where I run, you'd beat a Blazer to pieces. In the areas that the blazers are popular, my boat would be really less than ideal. Figure out what type of water you've got, and then you'll be able to get much better feedback.

[Rude196]

I live on a gravel bar. The river is shallow, current isn't incredibly swift, but I do need to get through some ankle deep spots on the summer.

[STEVE81]

I think I have learned more about river jets in this one thread than I have ever known. Who would have thought that there are so many variables to picking a tin rig for running a jet motor in a river?

[wolfman051]

http://www.gatorjetboats.com/Fish-N-Sport.html

These run in about 6 inches of water