Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: Spawn Sack on August 23, 2014, 09:41:14 PM
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The misses and I have wanted a jet boat for some time and this coming winter/spring we hope to buy one. I'm hoping ya'll can give us some tips in buying the "right" boat.
First off we are not looking to buy new. 10 years old or so would be about the oldest I'd like to go, preferably newer. Price range would be $25,00ish max but somewhere in the $20,000 range would be nice. We like the Harbercrafts, North Rivers, Thunderjets, etc. 16, 18 or 19 feet would all be good sizes. We would take the boat mainly in the Fraser but would also want a kicker to use for lake trolling.
A few random questions/thoughts:
-Do we really NEED a jet driven motor??? Is having a propellor asking for trouble??? Considering we will be beaching it on bars, zipping through shallow water etc I would much prefer to have a jet motor and we have pretty much ruled out buying a motor with a propellor. But I'm interested in any dissenting opinions on jet vs propellor for out type of fishing.
-Out board vs. inboard? Pro vs cons??? Is one more costly to maintain than the other??? I like the room at the stern of the boat with an inboard, but the bonnet takes up a lot of room inside the boat. On the flipside I like the room inside the baot that an outboard frees up, but it you cant confortably net a fish off the back of the boat etc.
-If possible, we would like something that is not too insane on fuel. We want to have enough power to zip from spot to spot at a reasonable speed, and get off the water at a reasonable speed if the weather gets ugly. However, the boat does not need to be much faster than that.
-Generally it would just be the two of us on the boat. But we would like enough room/motor power to carry 4-5 adults on occasion.
For kicks we looked at new boats at Cascade in Chilliwack (where we live). We REALLY liked on 16 foot they had. Forget the brand it may have been a Kingfisher. Came with a 110 Merc outboard jet if I remember correctly. Cost was $25,000ish which is more than we would like to spend as the boat is "naked" and still needs electronics, kicker, etc.
It seems that all the 16 footers have an outboard in the 100hp range, no inboards. I'm guessing a 16 footer would be too tight for space inside the boat with an inboard?
So far, based on just looking online and at Cascade, we like the 16footer with the outboard jet the most. This boat seems more than roomy enough inside. Also, if POSSIBLE we would like a boat/trailer that will fit in our garage that is 21feet long. Yes we can park it in the driveway but it would be nice to kep it in our garage when not in use.
This boat on Cascad's website is similar to the one we were looking at but not the one.
http://www.cascademarine.com/Page.aspx/diid/7633944/list/InventoryList/pageId/123713/view/Details/2013-Lowe-Deep-V-Fish-FM165-Pro-WT.aspx
Any tips on the above thoughts would be much appreciated. Also any tips on buying a used jet boat would also be appreciated. Our plan is to (hopefully) find one we like used and pay to have it inspected by a marine mechanic. If nothing major comes up in the inspection and the price is right - buy it.
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i would buy the used north river that cascade has , bet you get it in your price range , i own a TJ and love it but i really like the north rivers to
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i would go with an 18 minimum. i have a 16 and i feel i could use the extra footage especially if you want to have four people. i kind of like this boat but never heard of river hawk. the price is right anyway.
http://portland.craigslist.org/clc/bod/4633479307.html
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I have heard that an inboard jet will have a typical lifespan of 400 hours. A friend recently hit that mark and now the engine is in the shop getting $8000 worth of repairs. Something to consider if buying used.
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I have heard that an inboard jet will have a typical lifespan of 400 hours. A friend recently hit that mark and now the engine is in the shop getting $8000 worth of repairs. Something to consider if buying used.
400 hours is nothing, 2 stroke should get 2500hours and 4 stroke should get 4000hours if maintained properly.
$8000 is more then a new inboard motor installed
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I have heard that an inboard jet will have a typical lifespan of 400 hours. A friend recently hit that mark and now the engine is in the shop getting $8000 worth of repairs. Something to consider if buying used.
That's cause people are idiots. Would you jump in your car and take it to 4000 rpm cold? Closing in on 600 hrs on my inboard with nothing but routine maitnence.
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Thanks for the tips guys. The main question I am still struggling with is.....should I narrow my search only to boats that are jet driven? My father in law runs a 14 foot deep V on the fraser with a 25hp outboard. He has damaged his propellor MANY times and had to replace it more than once. However I reckon it it rather difficult to quickly heave the motor up a notch or two to bring the prop up if you are in shallow water; whereas if you had hydraulic power tilt or whatever it's called you could do it quickly with a control while at the steering wheel.
We are fairly conservative fishermen. No plans to roar up the Vedder during high water and try to reach the Tamahai bridge or anything insane like that. We would just be going out on the fraser, anchoring up here and there, beaching the boat here and there on bars, etc. No "hot dogging" etc...
I like that propellor driven motors don't lose the 30% power that the jets do, so it makes sense to me that one can get away with a smaller motor, burining less gas each trip, etc. Also from what I have heard there is more $ in maintenance with a jet motor (impellor, etc).
I like the "added security" of the jet, I think I would feel more confident having one fishing various rivers. However I'm still not sure for the type/style of fishing we plan to do if a jet is the best choice. I would like to hear from anyone who runs a smaller boat like a 16 footer with an outboard propellor in the 90hp range. Do you wish you had/bought a jet motor instead?
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Good to hear about the hours. I thought 400 seemed strangely low!
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The Fraser below Mission a jet is not needed, if you know nothing about the river above mission and start exploring, the jet will be less stressful.
Shimming an impeller is easy and I do it once a year, but not necessary inless you suck up pebbles and sand.
My 2 stroke 60/40 jet seems under powered but I can get away with 3 big guys a cooler full of fish and gear for the day. My friend has a similar boat but a 4 stroke and he can only have 2 people and gear.
My 60/40 burns lots of fuel, considering the size. For round trips from Fort langley to mission it burns $80
I love my jet, and wouldn't change a thing, except more hp. lol
You need an 18' boat with a minimum 12 deg. Bottom for comfort in rough water and a 200 sport jet with a stomp grate. Get it with a windshield, standup top and drop curtains, the slope back cover option is nice when left outside or at a dock for the night. Also a swing away tongue on the trailer for your garage
If you don't like the sport jet idea, you could get an outboard jet 130+hp for cheaper alternative or minimum 115hp prop. on a jack plate.
Good luck in the search
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Thanks for the tips guys. The main question I am still struggling with is.....should I narrow my search only to boats that are jet driven? My father in law runs a 14 foot deep V on the fraser with a 25hp outboard. He has damaged his propellor MANY times and had to replace it more than once. However I reckon it it rather difficult to quickly heave the motor up a notch or two to bring the prop up if you are in shallow water; whereas if you had hydraulic power tilt or whatever it's called you could do it quickly with a control while at the steering wheel.
We are fairly conservative fishermen. No plans to roar up the Vedder during high water and try to reach the Tamahai bridge or anything insane like that. We would just be going out on the fraser, anchoring up here and there, beaching the boat here and there on bars, etc. No "hot dogging" etc...
I like that propellor driven motors don't lose the 30% power that the jets do, so it makes sense to me that one can get away with a smaller motor, burining less gas each trip, etc. Also from what I have heard there is more $ in maintenance with a jet motor (impellor, etc).
I like the "added security" of the jet, I think I would feel more confident having one fishing various rivers. However I'm still not sure for the type/style of fishing we plan to do if a jet is the best choice. I would like to hear from anyone who runs a smaller boat like a 16 footer with an outboard propellor in the 90hp range. Do you wish you had/bought a jet motor instead?
I had a 16 footer with a 90 and I went past Mission once with it and managed to hit the prop.
Like already said,if you plan on fishing above the mouth of the Vedder or other skinny water a jet is the way to go.
If you plan on mostly fishing lakes and the ocean then a jet isn't the best option.
There is no one boat that can do it all.
PS the bottom comes up quicker than any power tilt. :o
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"You need an 18' boat with a minimum 12 deg. Bottom for comfort in rough water and a 200 sport jet with a stomp grate. Get it with a windshield, standup top and drop curtains, the slope back cover option is nice when left outside or at a dock for the night. Also a swing away tongue on the trailer for your garage"
I agree with Canso.
I just bought a 2002 18 foot weldcraft, V8, 50 hours for substantially less than what you've indicated as budget. It is a great boat for application described. Very comfortable for trolling Allouette Kokanee or Sheridan rainbows and rips around the Fraser worry free. It is 12 degrees, so the ride is pretty decent, but will plane slightly deeper. I'm hesitant to explore the real skinny stuff (but sounds like that's not your intention anyway).
The V8 is pretty thirsty, about 1L per 1.5km. I imagine a smaller V6 sportjet would be a little more economical to run.
Personally I am glad I didn't go with a smaller "sled" the 18 inboard is so much more versatile. Sweet for camping trips, swimming off the platform, tubing etc etc.
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Just for a comparison , I run a 2014 Thunder jet 21 foot with fuel injected Kodiak 350 and Hamilton 212 pump with full hardtop and high deck so its not a light unit . On average burning 7.5 gallons an hour i like to cruise at 30 mph at 3400 rpm =7 .5 gallons per hour .
A good friend is running 2010 115 outboard merc jet on a 16ft harbercraft with a canvas top . He is getting 6.5 gph plus 2 stroke oil on top of that and cruising at 28mph at 4800rpm, all in all at the end of the day not much difference in running costs .
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Here's my 2bits worth from 10 years of jetting the Fraser.
- inboard jets are more efficient, water-in water-out no swirling it around a venturi to get thrust
- inboard jets don't have that big machine hanging on the stern to fight around when you've got a big Spring on
- inboards keep weight closer to front and load better on the trailer.
- had stomp gate & no grate. you do lose thrust with a grate but they do cut down the rock damage
- if you're jetting in a lake, buy a jet weed rake
- I've had 16' and 18' and the extra floor space in the 18 is WELL WORTH the investment (the bow & stern are already built, so all the extra is in the middle of the boat - 1' wider x 2' longer = about 18 sq. ft. more room)
- have owned Alumaweld and North RIver Sportster/Trapper The Alumaweld handled chop better and tracked more positively.
Personally had a regular outboard for one year and with props constantly in shop quickly change to jet.
Best friend has 15' with outboard - on Fraser in the areas of Grassy to Harrison every day from Spring opening to Sockeye close and he's had no prop damage. (he's way more cautious than me )
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Thanks for all the replies guys :D I just read through them all again and have a few more questions. Oh and I should mention that we've decided based on the areas we plan to venture in the river, our level of confidence etc, that we are going to go with a jet not a propellor. Anyways...
-If we find a boat we really like but the motor is equipped with a propellor...is it a huge expense to have it converted to a jet? About how much $ are we taking roughly?
-If a motor has a jet on it, how do I know if the horsepower indicated on it is its power with the jet in place, or do I need to subtract the 30%? For example, I know a 90 outboard with a propellor on it is putting out 90hp. But what if I go to look at a used boat with a 90hp outboard equipped with a jet? If the jet was installed after market it would really be more like a 60hp now. I think my question makes sense. I guess what I am wondering is can I find somewhere other than the bonnet what the rated hp is of the motor?
-As far as the min 12 degree hull thing...does it say anywhere (transom stamp etc) these specs? What's the big deal with the hull degree anyway? Is there a point where too much becomes a bad thing? For instance 12 degrees = good. 14 degrees = bad?
If money were not an issue I'd just go to a dealer and help me pick the custom boat of my dreams. Unfortunaely we are only looking at used boats and there is never a garuntee that the seller will know what he's talking about or be honest, so I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible.
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Found this boat on Craigslist Oregon. Has a 6 degree hull. 6 degrees = bad? If so can someone explain why? In previous comments it has been suggested to go with at least a 12 degree hull.
http://portland.craigslist.org/grg/boa/4637940266.html
This boat is not really what I'm looking for, but I'd appreciate some feedback on why it may not be that suitable for out rivers.
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that's a wooldridge boat. i prob will be buying a wooldridge Alaskan as my next boat but the 17'8 model.
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-If we find a boat we really like but the motor is equipped with a propellor...is it a huge expense to have it converted to a jet? About how much $ are we taking roughly?
converting to a jet could be expensive I would call Cascade marine. The motor will need to be raised and not all motors are compatible with the jet heads
-If a motor has a jet on it, how do I know if the horsepower indicated on it is its power with the jet in place, or do I need to subtract the 30%? For example, I know a 90 outboard with a propellor on it is putting out 90hp. But what if I go to look at a used boat with a 90hp outboard equipped with a jet? If the jet was installed after market it would really be more like a 60hp now. I think my question makes sense. I guess what I am wondering is can I find somewhere other than the bonnet what the rated hp is of the motor?
The model number should indicate the power head hp at least in mercury it does not sure of others. Here is a serial number brakedown
http://www.boats.net/parts/search/Merc/Mercury/2009/parts.html (http://www.boats.net/parts/search/Merc/Mercury/2009/parts.html)
-As far as the min 12 degree hull thing...does it say anywhere (transom stamp etc) these specs? What's the big deal with the hull degree anyway? Is there a point where too much becomes a bad thing? For instance 12 degrees = good. 14 degrees = bad?
Hull degree is comfort in rough water, higher degree will cut threw waves, low degree or flat bottom will pound. With a jet boat, flat bottom boats need less water to run on step (up on plane). Since you don't sound like your ripping threw 6" of water I thought comfort was more important. 10degree Will be fine, but 12 and 14deg. Would make your wife happy on a rough ride home. 18+degree hulls are ocean boats to cut threw waves.
Flat bottom, modified and 6 degree hulls are more extream shallow type boats. Some have tunnels to raise the engine even higher but that's another thread.
Also flat bottom and wider bottom widths are more stable at rest, I like wide boats.
Other then looking at the shape of the hull by the drain plug, not sure about degree markings on the hull. But you will see a distinct v shape at the rear of the boat. Maybe a protractor to give you an idea of shape. after looking at hulls over time you will see the difference.
If money were not an issue I'd just go to a dealer and help me pick the custom boat of my dreams. Unfortunaely we are only looking at used boats and there is never a garuntee that the seller will know what he's talking about or be honest, so I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible.
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Found this boat on Craigslist Oregon. Has a 6 degree hull. 6 degrees = bad? If so can someone explain why? In previous comments it has been suggested to go with at least a 12 degree hull.
http://portland.craigslist.org/grg/boa/4637940266.html
This boat is not really what I'm looking for, but I'd appreciate some feedback on why it may not be that suitable for out rivers.
Nice boat, a little bumpy in rough water that's why he has air ride seats. That mercury looks old mid. 90's maybe
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Does any one have an opinion on the Lowe or G3 john boats for Fraser use? A guy on my street has a 17-56 Lowe Roughneck with a 60/40 Yamaha outboard jet. I had a good chat with him one day while walking my dog past his house and he was outside. He says he uses it all the time on the Fraser and absolutley LOVES it. I've never been on a boat like this. It looks like it sits pretty low to the water, I think my wife and I would feel more comfortable on a "real" jet boat like a Harbercraft, North River, etc. Although I've heard these johns are super stable.
I'm sure they would be fine on lakes to anchor up and cast, but I wonder how they would do with a kicker and trolling? According to the guy with the boat, the previous owner had a 55lb thrust electric on it and trolled with it all the time. This boat has the modified V nose, not all flat. I'm guessing it would cut water fairly well for trolling but would get pretty slappy if the waves picked up.
We still like the "real" jet boats best but we are starting to think that we want some other toys too (quad, etc) and maybe buying a boat in the $20,000 range with comparatively high operating costs isn't the best way to go. The guy with the Lowe offered to take us out for a day on the Fraser this fall so we can experience what it is like to fish off it, drive it, etc.
He says the 60/40 is adaquet power for 3 adults but starts to suck a bit with 4 guys.
If anyone has any experience with these boats and would like to share their thoughts I'm all ears ;D
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I have a 1648AW (all weld) Fisher Jon boat with a modified V front. Very similar you're neighbour's roughneck (just smaller). It's a great boat for getting out and about on the Fraser, Harrison and other smaller rivers. However it is not meant for heavy swells or waves, and you really have to slow down and approach waves from tugboats and barges with caution. I've also used my boat on a number of lakes big and small, and had no issues. I don't run the jet unless it's a really big lake; instead I use my Minn Kota 55lb thrust electric to push me around.
I love my little jet, but my next boat will be a larger 18-20' welded aluminum boat with an outboard prop. Something that I can use in the ocean, or fish comfortably with 4 people under a bimini top.
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60/40 is not enough power in my opinion. my 50/35 feels like a dog with three adults. heres another boat i would strongly consider. i think its a good compromise between shallow running and being able to go in the ocean to drop some downriggers if you wanted too. also if could handle 4 adults easily.
http://seattle.craigslist.org/sno/boa/4669435886.html
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Ive got a 1660 sportsman with a 60/40 and it is low on power with 3people.
also wish I had a windshield
http://www.americananglerboats.com/showroom/boats/fishing/sportsman
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Thanks for the links guys. Bigblockfox, I did check out that link a week or so ago and the boat looked AWESOME! I forget the price 25,000 USD I think. That price range is a bit too high for us esp with the crappy exchange rate right now. I think we'd like to be "all in" (incl taxes and exchange rate if applicable) at somewhere around 20,000 CAD max. Less is always better! :D
Found these two boats recently. Does anyone have an opinion on them? With the 16ft Klamath a 40hp jet seems a bit underpowered? No? I'm assuming this motor is a 60/40, in other words it is putting out 40hp with the jet.
The 1652 G3 looks nice too. However we'd really like to be able to get the boat we buy in our garage and this funky covered top will never clear the overhang. Also the boat has pretty minimal weight capacity. Probably alright for 2 ppl but 3 or 4 looks like it would be well baove the rated weight. All opinions appreciated.
http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/van/boa/4697303731.html
http://skagit.craigslist.org/boa/4668035293.html
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Was checking out Bridgeview's boats at the Tradex boat show the other day. We quite liked the 15 foot aluminum with the center (well, on the right side) console. One we were looking at had a 50 Merc prop but talking with the guys it wouldnt be much more to swap it out to a 90/65 jet. $16G ish incl trailer. Not planning to buy one but we did really like it and are doing more research on them and who knows, maybe buy one. Interested in what ya'll think of them, if anyone has one and what they think of it, etc.
Here is the plain boat:
http://bridgeviewmarine.com/boat-shop/marlon-boats/marlon-svw15-welded-utility-boat/
Combo is simialr to this. Cant find the exact one we were looking at on their site.
http://bridgeviewmarine.com/boat-shop/marlon-boats/marlon-svw17%e2%80%b2-welded-utility-boat-with-center-console/
Plan to use boat for zipping around the Fraser, larger lakes, etc.
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Anyone have thought(s)/opinion(s) on the Marlins for Fraser use?
Anyone...? Bueller?...
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For the Fraser any deeper v boat with a prop is at risk for hitting stuff under the water like dead heads and such . You do a lot of damage to your out board hitting things like dead heads , which is why people use jet-boats for the rivers . I myself would not invest in an expensive non jet-boat for river usage . That boat looks more like it would be suited for taking out fishing in the salt from what I can see . I'm sure it would do fine on a lake as long as you are able to launch it . But YOU need to decide or yourself what you want . That boat would probably be okay with a jet drive , rather than a prop . Why don't you just talk to the dealer ?
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If your familiar with harrison and fraser navigation then a outboard with a leg is totally fine. Its when you want to explore new spots and don't pay attention to water levels is when you get in trouble. Those marlon boats are the same as the river hawk boats and i think they're a great value but i would go 17 cause you can never have enough space. Marine one in langley has the river hawk models but they are 16-18'.
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If your familiar with harrison and fraser navigation then a outboard with a leg is totally fine. Its when you want to explore new spots and don't pay attention to water levels is when you get in trouble. Those marlon boats are the same as the river hawk boats and i think they're a great value but i would go 17 cause you can never have enough space. Marine one in langley has the river hawk models but they are 16-18'.
Yes you can get by with a regular outboard if you know the area , most of the time . I used to do it myself a fair bit and only hit stuff under water two times . Once shearing the splines in the prop and the other time , bending the prop shaft. Neither time was I able to see what it was I hit even though I stopped to see what it was . I presume it was a piece of wood under the water . I was still able to move along though both times , the sheared splines were still able to hold at lower speed and the bent shaft still worked enough for me to get back but did shake badly .
But the rest of the times I was out I was okay :). If you want to take the risk that's up to you , you may never hit anything, but there is always a risk factor . I always tried to avoid going downstream from where I launched so at least I would be able to drift back to my start point If I had a problem .
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Well...we didn't find a jet boat last year that we liked enough to buy so we are looking hard this spring/summer to find one we like enough to purchase. We spent a bit of money on this and that over the winter and right now the top end of our budget would be $17000ish but would like to find something morein the 12-15K range so we have a couple grand left over if we need to have mods made, buy stuff for the boat, etc. Right now we're looking at 3 boats and have emailed the sellers for more info. I'd like to hear any feedback from ya'll regarding asking price or anything else good/bad you can think of about the boats.
Boat #1. 60-50 Lowe Roughneck with 60/40 Merc jet.
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-powerboat-motorboat/vanderhoof/jet-boat-15-000-firm/1076789017?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
Only a year old. Pretty straight forward here. Asking price seems about right considering it's only a year old. People have said the 60/40 on this boat is a bit of a dog with more than 2 ppl on board. Also, I don't really like on these boats how the bow and stern are raised up close to the level of the gunwale. Why is this??? I'm guessing the fuel tanks, batteries, storage etc are underneath? For lakes I would not be so worried, but in bigger rivers like the Fraser I don't know if I want to be up that high above the floor of the boat trying to pull in a monster sturgeon or whatever! One move and it could be in the drink ???
Boat #2. 16 foot Harbercraft with 90/65 Yamaha jet.
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-powerboat-motorboat/terrace/16-foot-harbercraft-jet-boat/1071167150?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
I like this boat the most of all that is currently for sale in our price range. I've been in contact with the seller through email and it seems like it has been well kept, guy says he has all service records, etc.
Boat #3. 16 foot Smokercraft with 90/65 Merc jet.
http://redding.craigslist.org/boa/5063643453.html
Love this boat too, but it's in California and I'm not really up for buying a boat from the US (esp that far) unless it is a super sweet boat and acceptable price after the exchange rate. I relaly like the floor plan on this boat. Like how the stern is at floor level and the two benches perpendicular to the driver would function well as extra seating. If this boat were local-ish we would already have gone to check it out.
Another thing, all of these boats are far away! If the boats in Vanderhoof and Terrace are still for sale in a month we are going to see them when we go to Smithers for 2 weeks. As far as the Smokercraft in California...I dunno...I contacted the seller by email with several questions, if all goes well we may drive down. I kind of ruled out buying a US baot with the exchange rate so crappy, but this one does look pretty sweet.
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Boat 1 is under powered
Boat 2 I like, you pay more for quality and this boat is quality. I don't like carpet in a sled.
Boat 3 is my exact boat, except for the railing and mine has a 40 jet which is under powered. I love the layout. It's econo but the price reflects that. I've used it in the ocean but it "oil cans" in rough water. Boat 2 shouldn't do that.
My vote is boat 2
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Thanks Canso. So the Harbercraft definitely has a carpeted floor? I asked the guy to send me some interior picks and he has not yet.
Any tips for buying a used jet boat like this? Basicially my plan was to treat it much like buying a house. Give it a good look over myself, ask all questions I can think of. If all goes well i want to go for a test ride in the river. Make sure everything seems in check. Lastly I would want it inspected by a local marine place (Id pay of course). If its going to be up for a big repair soon I want that reflected in the purchase price.
Do you think 17.5k is a fair price? Sounds like he wont take a dime less...
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Thanks Canso. So the Harbercraft definitely has a carpeted floor? I asked the guy to send me some interior picks and he has not yet.
Any tips for buying a used jet boat like this? Basicially my plan was to treat it much like buying a house. Give it a good look over myself, ask all questions I can think of. If all goes well i want to go for a test ride in the river. Make sure everything seems in check. Lastly I would want it inspected by a local marine place (Id pay of course). If its going to be up for a big repair soon I want that reflected in the purchase price.
Do you think 17.5k is a fair price? Sounds like he wont take a dime less...
I just bought my boat February 2014. I was looking for about 1.5 years. I think I lucked out pretty good. Got a nice 2001 18 alumaweld intruder with Johnson 105 at the pump for $15000. I took it to Joe at Haney's Marine. Super nice guy! Got him to inspect the boat and then took it out for a run(he has a launch on the Fraser River). He said everything was mint and running strong on it.
Make sure you check liens as well.
I've done quite a bit of upgrades this year on it though and put some good coin to get it to what I want. Check it out and good luck on your boat choice.
1. Suspension seats
2. New stereo
3. New navi/depth finder
4. Re weather stripped the boat
5. Swim grid
6. Dual battery set up
7. Wash down kit
8. Re packed trailer bearings
9. New trailer wheels and tires
10. Polished the whole damn boat(never again)
11. Shimmed the impeller of the jet engine
12. Greased the whole engine and leg
13. Swing tongue trailer
14. New anchor and anchor mount
Coming this month
15.Still need to put metal protectant
16. Winch mount
17. Electrical for windlass
(http://s13.postimg.org/7liy3n64z/slaycee_copy.jpg) (http://postimg.org/image/7liy3n64z/)
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Steel_Mo_Head, sounds like a sweet boat and you've upgraded it nicely! We are looking for something a bit newer but are open to "older" boats if they're in good condition.
Found this one on Craig's list today. Due to the horrible exchange rate and hassle of buying a boat from the US I had pretty much dropped the idea of buying a boat from the US, but I do still search for them for kicks, and can't help but start to think prices (after exchange rate), purchases logistics, etc.
Any opinions on this boat? I like the hull a lot but not terribly keen on the older main motor.
http://spokane.craigslist.org/boa/5082869778.html
Also, the other day we went out with our neighbour on the Fraser in his Roughneck 17-56 with 60/40 Yamaha jet (center console). Both the wife and I liked the boat. 60/40 seemed adequete power with 3 adults. We burned around for about 2 hours up river, down river, across river, ect. The boat seemed to handle mild/moderate chop alright. Quite stable at rest. I also like that it's light enough to shove off a bar, easy to load/unload from the trailer, etc.
However didn't really like the low sides. Don't know if I'd want to be standing up on the back reeling in a big spring or sturgeon. Also we like to lake troll in addition to river fish and I don't think they would be great boats for trolling lakes for sockeye and trout ect. Any one disagree???
We would rather have a Harbercraft, Hewes or something similar but by and large the price exceeds our budget. We are looking to spend 15K or so tops and whatever we buy should be "reasonably well equipped" (fishfinder, anchor, ect)...if it needs another few K invested just to get it "fishable" it would put us over budget. Most of the time it will just be us 2 in the boat but from time to time it would be nice to be able to fish with 4 adults on board. Thinking the 16 foot johns are too small, 17-56 could work, still in contact with the seller in Terrace with the 16 foot Harbercraft but he is firm on 18K which is more than we want to spend.
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I'm no expert, but that price seems a little high for a 1984 boat with a mid 90's motor. Wooldridge is a good boat overall though.
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For that age of Wooly it is very high
Bought my 17ft 2001 center console, 115 Evinrude, 8 yami kicker & bow trolling motor for 12,800 usd, last year
Make sure ya have the motors checked out, and have the seller send ya pics of the hull, this will indicate if the boat was abused.
I was fortunate when I bought my, because the previous owner had upgraded to a new & bigger wooly so the old one had to go. Being a Columbia river boat set up the motors only had 68 hours and launching near the dams only required tolling hours on the kicker to pull plugs
Good luck on the search.........they are out there, but the deals go fast
If I did'n have mine I'd consider this project, from the hull style seems early 2000
http://juneau.craigslist.org/boa/5011275395.html
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Flytech and kanuckle head, thanks for the feedback.
K/h, is that price in CAD or USD? Seems like a pretty sweet price for that boat - wow! In your opinion, what is this boat worth (ballpark) in USD?
My plan is if I do decide to buy a boat from far away, assuming all negotiations go well and the price is right, is to have the seller bring it to a local marine shop and get the boat completely looked over. Of course I would have to arrange the appointment and pay for it.
I would rather do it this way than go through all the hassle of driving far away, converting CAD to USD if it was a US boat, and then finding out when i get there and have it in for an inspection that there are "deal breaker" issues with the boat and I dont want it.
Or how would you guys go about it if you were thinking of buying a boat "far away." Unfortunatley all the boats we like right now in our price range are too far away to drive to just for a look at.
PS. That hull looks nice but that's about our overall price range and it has no motor, lol!
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The link in Juneau Alaska is in USD
As for buying so far away, as not to waste your time driving all that way. Ask the seller to send detail pics, then upon your approval if it had a motor ask the seller to take the boat to a local marine service area on your COIN to have that company send the status of the survey
This way any problems can be a bargaining chip to lower the asking price
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Found another CL add may be worth trying, in your price range
http://anchorage.craigslist.org/boa/5063006918.html
http://anchorage.craigslist.org/boa/5085459485.html
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Thanks kanuckle head, nice looking boats but Alaska is just too far to even consider driving to look and potentially buy unless it was exacly THE boat we've been looking high and low for. Whereas all we really want a a nice, well kept and maintained, 16-18 foot jet boat in the 15K range.
Still currently following the following boats:
Lowe Roughneck 1650 SC with 60/40 Yamaha. Nice boat and in our price range. Motivated seller. Could probably get a "good deal" on it. Just not super crazy nor totally sold on getting a sled boat with this floor plan. Don't like how the front and back (especially) are raised up so close to the gunwale. I think it would be a great boat to zoom around from bar to bar, anchor up and fly or spin cast, but we want something we can also troll from and sturgeon fish out of. Do I really want to be battling a monster sturgeon and standing up on the stern? Probably not. One wrong move and sploosh!
http://www.kijiji.ca/v-powerboat-motorboat/vanderhoof/jet-boat-15-000-firm/1076789017?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
17 foot Woolridge with 115 evinrude
I like the hull - a lot!! Not the greatest history. Seller says he bought from an "older gentelmen" a few years ago. No maintenance records. No hour meter although aparently both motors run well. Could be a good boat if passed a thorough inspection and for a much better price than 13k (maybe 10ish). Not getting the best vibe from the seller. My gut says if I drove all the way down there prepared to buy it I would be in for several "surprises." Following this boat and keeping emails from seller.
http://spokane.craigslist.org/boa/5082869778.html
1648 Smokercraft with 65 Merc jet (2 stroke).
I still like this boat's floor plann a lot. Much more than the ubiqitous 16-18ft Lowe Roughnecks. 48" wide seems a little on the narrow side. If anyone happens to have a boat with this same hull I'd love to come look at it! Willing to bring beer or whatever to compensate for the hassle. I quite like this boat but it's a long ways across the border. Will probbaly pass up as it would be way too huge of an investment in time and $ to go even look at it. But you never know. Good vibes from the seller. Seems like he takes good care of it and it's been serviced recently.
http://redding.craigslist.org/boa/5063643453.html
The last boat is a 1625 (66" wide) Harbercraft with a 90/65 merc. 2007 boat/motor I think. Great vibes from the seller the boat seems very well kept. Low hours (100 I think). Looks fantastic in pics. Guy pulled his add from kijiji as he put 1000 bucks into it recently (new inpellor etc) and decided, meh, I kind of want to keep it unless someone offers me full asking price (18k). This boat is my #1 right now with what is for sale that I have found (check almost daily). Talking to "boat guys" I know or work with consensus is he asking too much and a fair price would be 16k or so. However it is a quality boat and ones like this do not come up often if you like it. Sometimes you get a sweet deal and sometime you need to overpay a bit to get what you want. Personally I would overpay a bit if I liked it, the probelm will be convincing the wife as the same people have been telling her it is overpriced and she wants to sepnd 15K tops.
Plan is 3rd week of July we are going on holidays for 2 weeks. Will be passing through PG and will look at th 1650 Lowe. Will carry on to Smithers to visit family and at some point drive to Terrace and see the Harbercraft. If we don't buy either of these boats keep an eye on the US boats and keep checking for new BC boats.
Any thoughts/opinions?
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Well the Wooldridge is gone.
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1648 Smokercraft with 65 Merc jet (2 stroke).
I still like this boat's floor plann a lot. Much more than the ubiqitous 16-18ft Lowe Roughnecks. 48" wide seems a little on the narrow side. If anyone happens to have a boat with this same hull I'd love to come look at it! Willing to bring beer or whatever to compensate for the hassle. I quite like this boat but it's a long ways across the border. Will probbaly pass up as it would be way too huge of an investment in time and $ to go even look at it. But you never know. Good vibes from the seller. Seems like he takes good care of it and it's been serviced recently.
http://redding.craigslist.org/boa/5063643453.html
This boat is a 1660 not 1648 it's listed wrong, you are welcome to look at mine it's the same boat but a 40 jet. And it's not for sale lol but will give you an idea of side hight and width. It is very wide and stable.
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Canso if you don't mind fire me off an email at kcp@alumni.sfu.ca
I wouldn't mind coming to check out the boat if you are not terribly far away. We live in Chilliwack.
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If your considering a Smokercraft, in a bass boat platform maybe these could intrest ya. Close by to boot
http://seattle.craigslist.org/tac/boa/5096962643.html
http://seattle.craigslist.org/est/boa/5092939666.html
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I apologize if I'm pointing out so many boats.........just love shopping for someone ELSE :P
Found this Harbercraft, motor a little week for an 18 ft'r imo but future upgrades is what makes it your own
http://portland.craigslist.org/mlt/boa/5094599613.html
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Well, the 16ft Smokercraft in Redden, CA sold. Didn't really want to drive that far anyway and take the risk of the boat not being to my liking. With gas, hotel for a couple nights ect would be $750-1000 in just pick up costs. We are still looking at US boats but one would have to be one hell of a good deal to buy with the exchange rate the way it is plus importation fees, ect.
kanuckle head:
I emailed the guy with the Fisher a couple days ago. Awaiting reply.
The 18ft Basstracker looks decent but honestly unless it is a real gem I wouldn't drive as far as CA for a boat.
Checking CL and kijiji daily for BC boats.
Just a thought...what do ya'll think of jet sleds with tiller steering instead of center or side console. Before I had told my wife NO, there will be no tiller steering! However now I'm at least considering the option. Several decent one for sale right now and it DOES open up a lot of floor space on the "smallish" 16-18 foot Rouchnecks, G3, ect.
I am used to steering a tiller, we have had a 12foot lake boat with outboard for many moons. Would definitley prefer console steering for our river bpat but just wondering if I'm being stupid not considering a nice tiller steer. Nice on for sale on the buy-n-sell on this site actually.
http://vancouver.craigslist.ca/pml/boa/5095261851.html
Just wondering if one can actually see well over the bow for obstructions in the river, if it's easy/comfortable to pull up on a bar and get the motor raised up in time (do the tiller's have power tilt?) and so on.
In a few weeks we will be on holidays and will be stopping in PG to check out the 1652 Rouchneck (guy is asking 15k), and the 16ft Harbercraft in Terrace (guy is asking 18k).
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http://www.kijiji.ca/v-powerboat-motorboat/delta-surrey-langley/neid-river-jet-boat/1085047095?enableSearchNavigationFlag=true
This one just came up on kijiji. The hull looks rock solid and I'm guessing is pricey and part of the reason why the seller is asking (IMO) a lot for a boat with an older motor that has not been started in 8 years! What the hell?! Emailed seller with questions.
Would ya'll be concerned about this motor? Okay if set up properly for storage after last use? What would ya'll ask or look for on a motor like this that has not been turned over in so long? I am not a huge engibe buff, but on my 4 stroke motors the manuals say to oil/fog the cyclinder before storgae so I've always done that. I'm pretty sure my 2-stroke motors (chain saw, weedeater) do not say anything about fogging the motor, just to run the motor dry (what I do) or add fuel stabilizer and leave gas in it.
Any thoughts on if this boat looks like a good-er?
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Any luck on the Neid jet??
For a little more work getting, just outside of Portland & around the same coin
A 2008 G3 1860 CCJ DLX jet with many extras & around 50 hrs on the 90/65 yammy with a 9.9 kicker
I believe these retail 24000 USD
http://portland.craigslist.org/nco/boa/5098088268.html
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Hey k/h thanks for that link! That is a solid looking setup!
Unfortunately not even going to look at Neid boat. Info from seller is that nothing was done to motor (8 years ago!) before it was put into storage. I feel the motor would be nothing but issues if it even starts at all!
We are leaaving on holidays in a week and will not be back until mid-August. Dude with the 16 foot Harbercraft in Terrace says he's no longer insterested in selling the boat and this was the one we were hoping we'd buy. Oh well! Gotta be patient. Ideally I'd like to see something like a Hewes 16 foot with a 90/65 or even 60/40 come up for sale, preferably in BC! Something 7-10 years old in the 15-17.5k range would be nice.
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http://www.kijiji.ca/v-powerboat-motorboat/edmonton/16-harbercraft-falcon-jet/1091297449
This one just came up. Contacted seller. From what I can tell the boat is in great condition and is priced about right. Just got back from a long road trip holiday and the last thing I want to do is drive to Alberta to look at and hopefully from there buy a boat, but I like this boat a lot.
Any thoughts? I would prefer a 4 stroke outboard but I don't have a problem with the 2 stroke.
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Anyone ever buy a boat from Alberta and bring back to BC? From what I read online not a big deal. Nothing like bringing a US boat back to BC!! Think I'll drop by my local ICBC office and double check if I've overlooked anything. Seems pretty straight forward.
Any tips would be appreciated :)
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One thing from what i have seen being up in the prince george area and over into northern Alberta the jets up there are used hard and seem to be beat up on the bottoms as most rivers are skinny water I went for a ride with a friend a few years back up there and we spent just as much time sliding across the rocks as we did in the water so if you do go that route make sure you see the boat in person and look for bottom damage , check all the stringer welds for cracks , check the pump over for damge and inspect the intrenals of the pump. My buddy also said that most guys up that way buy used boat from down here as they are in way better shape Just my 2 bits of info but if i was looking for a boat from up there
Pete
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Update! Emailed back and forth throughout the day with the seller. Guy ended up sending me about 35 pictures. Then had a good chat on the phone about the boat. All seems to check out. He's the original owner and seems to have kept very good care of the boat. We made him an offer we thought was fair and he accepted! ;D Unless some deal breaker comes up when we go to buy the boat (of course gonna go out for a test drive and so on) we will be coming back to Chilliwack with it. Kind of sucks the boat is near Edmonton but we have been looking for a boat like this for the right price for almost a year so we are jumping on this one.
Tomorrow when I have time I am going to research "buying a boat in Alberta and bringing back to BC" as well as stopping into an ICBC office and seeing what they have to say. Between the two I think I should get enough info and be fine.
If anyone has some words to the wise for buying a boat from Alberta and registering in BC I'm all ears :)