steve1 5 #1 March 25, 2004 I'm thinking about buying a boat and don't know much about them. I'd rather spend the money on skydiving, but I'm unable to jump during most of the year and need something else to do during some of those months. I'm looking at a 16 1/2 foot Jon boat with a 40 horse jet conversion on it. It has high side walls and a pointed front, so it should work okay on a lot of lakes. I'll be using it about half the time on a fairly shallow river. I'm tired of paddling a canoe. I plan on fishing and hunting with it. Anyhow I can get this new for around $9,500. What do you think?.....Steve1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Ncrowe 0 #2 March 25, 2004 Sounds like a pretty good deal if the outboard/jet drive are fairly new. "Don't Mess Around With the Guy in Shades- Oh No!!! " Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
quade 3 #3 March 25, 2004 When I was a kid going through high-school, I worked on a dive boat that went from Long Beach, California to Catalina. I did this for a few summers and learned quite a bit. Here is the most important thing I learned. A boat is a big hole in the water you constantly throw money into. Not like skydiving is any better. Just be aware that $9,500 is only the start of it. The best boat in the world, is your friend's boat -- no payments.quade - The World's Most Boring Skydiver Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
b1jercat 0 #4 March 25, 2004 If it floats, fucks, or flys rent it. blues jerry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
WFFC 1 #5 March 25, 2004 QuoteThe best boat in the world, is your friend's boat -- no payments. This would explain why my brother keeps trying to convince me to buy one. So he can sell his...His evil plot has been uncovered. ----- ~~~Michael Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot90 0 #6 March 25, 2004 QuoteI'll be using it about half the time on a fairly shallow river hmmm I have heard shallow water and jetdrives don't mix. I fish shallow water here in florida. No one I know has a jet drive. I'll do some checking Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #7 March 25, 2004 Quotehmmm I have heard shallow water and jetdrives don't mix. I fish shallow water here in florida. No one I know has a jet drive. I'll do some checking Uh please do not bother... Jetboats are IDEAL for western rivers.. BIG ROCKS and LOGS do VERY nasty things to spinning props. Steve.. the higher the sides.. like an Alaskan... plenty of guys have them even down in the BIG Water at the mouth of the Columbia. http://www.hewescraft.com/ Or GO big http://www.motionmarine.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Zinger 0 #8 March 25, 2004 *** Uh please do not bother... Jetboats are IDEAL for rivers.. BIG ROCKS and LOGS do VERY nasty things to spinning props. Quote You got that right, Here in Pennsylvania we enjoy 100's (if not 1,000's) more miles of rivers/streams because of jet drive then do prop drive boats do. Only problem is that a jet uses more fuel to produce less thrust. I'll buy more gas then props and outdrive's any day. The very reason I own a 17 foot Baja jet boat with a built 454 Chevy big block. I like to squirt it hard and fast. ------Have a good one!-------- Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Nutz 0 #9 March 25, 2004 $9500 seems like alot to me for a used jon boat - no matter what kind of drive it has on it. Maybe I don't know what I am talking about, plus I do live in Alabama so maybe things are cheaper here. "Don't! Get! Eliminated!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites cruzlite 0 #10 March 25, 2004 Quote; "Uh please do not bother... Jetboats are IDEAL for western rivers.. BIG ROCKS and LOGS do VERY nasty things to spinning props." ------------------------------------------------------ I concur 100% --------------------------------- Would advise 100% welded, modified V hull (at least),.. full V would be better. The flat (Jon boat) hull will beat you to death in a chop. (If you should venture onto big water) I have used a Lowe, 16.5', mod/V for 8 yrs. & with this exception...would recommend 110% ------------------------------------------------------- You will loose some horse power (15-25% From memory) with a jet drive, so a 40/JD is minimum I would recommend. It should push a basically empty hull with one person up to 35mph+ max, but once you put weight in it, (ie; another person (or two)& or gear) your cruise speed will drop to; 20 - 25mph+, on flat water. Depending on your 'need for speed', you may want to go bigger. I believe in buying 'Made in USA' when possible... (Yes, I jump a canopy made in S. Africa - another story) That said; I would advise buying a Honda/1st, Yamaha/2nd. I would advise a 4-stroke...(40 will be as big as you can go here because of weight) You can go bigger with a Yamaha 2 stroke. ( & you can order w/JD from dealer)...a good option. I wish I had a twenty for every Merc/Evinrude & others I have towed off lakes. Hope this helps...(ff/to pm) Lu7k, D Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites koz2000 1 #11 March 25, 2004 A little different than what you're looking at but it's still pretty cool video. I'm really good friends with the driver. And it's a little more expensive than what you want to spend. KiloRun 2 And it's a little impractical to take the family on.______________________________________________ - Does this small canopy make my balls look big? - J. Hayes - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites INSANEDADDY 0 #12 March 25, 2004 B O A T Break Out Another Thousand You dont't get to choose how you're going to die. Or when.......You can only decide how you're going to live........NOW. -BASE 1605 Night BASE 227 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites happythoughts 0 #13 March 25, 2004 I agree with you. It depends on where you are. In Florida, there is no point to having a jet boat. I know people who have them, they just seem to burn more gas, but don't have any added advantages. However, if you are running in an area of clear water, lots of rocks and potentially a lot of shallows - the jet boat is a great option. I was in Oregon and took the "mail boat" ride up the Rogue River. I spent a good amount of time discussing the boat with the driver. It made sense for the above reasons. A welded aluminum jet boat is excellent for stream/river fishing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites b1jercat 0 #14 March 25, 2004 Steave around the northwest sleads are the way to go and considered the 4x4 of the boating seen. The rig you are looking at would be a great river boat and could go in as little as 4-6 inches of water at speed. In most cases prop boats are faster in outboard flavors, a 16 ft boat would be ok for two people. The statement made about chop is pretty much true, 1 ft of chop can equal a rough ride. OTOH a flat bottom boat is more stable when you are standing up and is more comfortable to fish out of. blue skies jerry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites steve1 5 #15 March 25, 2004 Quote$9500 seems like alot to me for a used jon boat - no matter what kind of drive it has on it. Maybe I don't know what I am talking about, plus I do live in Alabama so maybe things are cheaper here. Everything is new. (2004 model) The motor is a Mercury, 4 stroke I believe. Thanks for all the input! Jeane...I think I'll bring it to Lost Prairie, so when we finish jumping for the day we can race boats.....Steve1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites maxmadmax 8 #16 March 25, 2004 The Second Happiest day of my life is when I bought my boat..... The Happiest Day of my life is when I sold the Bastard! Use the money you don't spend and travel & jump! Yahoooooooo Don't go away mad....just go away! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites base311 0 #17 March 25, 2004 Probably worth it... how much water does she draw fully loaded? Not sure what type of jet conversion you're talking about - you talking about the converted outboard foot? or is it a true jet pump? Check out the jetboat my buddy and I built. Took forever to build, but it's exactly what we wanted. Gardner Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites steve1 5 #18 March 25, 2004 QuoteProbably worth it... how much water does she draw fully loaded? Not sure what type of jet conversion you're talking about - you talking about the converted outboard foot? or is it a true jet pump? Check out the jetboat my buddy and I built. Took forever to build, but it's exactly what we wanted. Gardner This boat has a converted outboard foot. I imagine that means it will hit bottom first and mean hanging up more often on sand bars etc. I'll ask the guy this weekend how far much water it will draw loaded. I admire your ingenuity. If I was handier and more knowlegeable, I think I'd try to build one also. I'm anxious to get a boat. With one I'll be able to access a lot of public land that others can't hunt along the river. I'm not an avid fisherman, but maybe I'll get hooked on that too. I need an outdoor pasttime that I can take the rest of the family along too. They get sick of waiting for me to make some jumps at the airport. I still plan to jump often and boat when I can't jump.....Steve1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites bodypilot1 0 #19 March 25, 2004 A boats just a hole in the water you keep throwing money intowww.WestCoastWingsuits.com www.PrecisionSkydiving.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Amazon 7 #20 March 25, 2004 QuoteJeane...I think I'll bring it to Lost Prairie, so when we finish jumping for the day we can race boats.....Steve1 Actually I am bringing my 25' Cabin Cruiser up... that lake is just too inviting..also it makes a hell of a camper...since I put a complete camper top on the back..I can even stand up back there anywhere ..BWAHAHAHAHA I plan on spending a couple nights in the early part of the week out on the lake.. UNDER that BIG SKY full of stars. I am also trying to set up some waterjumps with Fred.. I have a few old canopies.. and hopefully more before the boogie rolls around. NO WAY I am going to try to land them on Terra WAY TOO Firma... But water landings.. no problemo.. I make a BIG splashI would think the ideal boat that you could get would be welded plate aluminum... JET drive for all the rocks and forest junk...and a tunnel that allows for water to be forced up to the jet drive I saw a guy down at the mouth of the river last year with such a beast.IT was built more for a prop.. but he had a jet foot on it. The gunnels were high and allowed for some fairly good wave action. Rivers can change fairly quickly from docile calm beings to a raging beast... depending what the weather is doing somewhere up in the higher tributaries.... or traveling just short distance to a steeper grade in the rivers bed.... be carefull out there and get some GOOOD flotation devices and wear em. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JoeyRamone 0 #21 March 25, 2004 If it is a jet drive dont get it, a jet boat will pull all the sand and rocks into the port on the engin. go with an outboard Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites steve1 5 #22 March 25, 2004 QuoteA boats just a hole in the water you keep throwing money into I suppose that could be the case. I had a little 14 foot boat earlier, with a 15 horse outboard. I bow hunted elk with it at ft. Peck Lake, and whitetails on the river bottom, trapped beaver with it, and did some fishing with it. Pulled the kids on their knee board. It didn't cost much to run and I figure it paid for itself over and over again with the fun I had with it. But then again it wasn't worth a whole lot and was easy to fix when something did go wrong. I figure I deserve some knew toys to play with in my old age. So, in other words I'm trying to rationalize spending 10,000 bucks!.....Steve1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JoeyRamone 0 #23 March 25, 2004 check out boat trader online or ebay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0 Go To Topic Listing
Nutz 0 #9 March 25, 2004 $9500 seems like alot to me for a used jon boat - no matter what kind of drive it has on it. Maybe I don't know what I am talking about, plus I do live in Alabama so maybe things are cheaper here. "Don't! Get! Eliminated!" Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
cruzlite 0 #10 March 25, 2004 Quote; "Uh please do not bother... Jetboats are IDEAL for western rivers.. BIG ROCKS and LOGS do VERY nasty things to spinning props." ------------------------------------------------------ I concur 100% --------------------------------- Would advise 100% welded, modified V hull (at least),.. full V would be better. The flat (Jon boat) hull will beat you to death in a chop. (If you should venture onto big water) I have used a Lowe, 16.5', mod/V for 8 yrs. & with this exception...would recommend 110% ------------------------------------------------------- You will loose some horse power (15-25% From memory) with a jet drive, so a 40/JD is minimum I would recommend. It should push a basically empty hull with one person up to 35mph+ max, but once you put weight in it, (ie; another person (or two)& or gear) your cruise speed will drop to; 20 - 25mph+, on flat water. Depending on your 'need for speed', you may want to go bigger. I believe in buying 'Made in USA' when possible... (Yes, I jump a canopy made in S. Africa - another story) That said; I would advise buying a Honda/1st, Yamaha/2nd. I would advise a 4-stroke...(40 will be as big as you can go here because of weight) You can go bigger with a Yamaha 2 stroke. ( & you can order w/JD from dealer)...a good option. I wish I had a twenty for every Merc/Evinrude & others I have towed off lakes. Hope this helps...(ff/to pm) Lu7k, D Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
koz2000 1 #11 March 25, 2004 A little different than what you're looking at but it's still pretty cool video. I'm really good friends with the driver. And it's a little more expensive than what you want to spend. KiloRun 2 And it's a little impractical to take the family on.______________________________________________ - Does this small canopy make my balls look big? - J. Hayes - Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
INSANEDADDY 0 #12 March 25, 2004 B O A T Break Out Another Thousand You dont't get to choose how you're going to die. Or when.......You can only decide how you're going to live........NOW. -BASE 1605 Night BASE 227 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
happythoughts 0 #13 March 25, 2004 I agree with you. It depends on where you are. In Florida, there is no point to having a jet boat. I know people who have them, they just seem to burn more gas, but don't have any added advantages. However, if you are running in an area of clear water, lots of rocks and potentially a lot of shallows - the jet boat is a great option. I was in Oregon and took the "mail boat" ride up the Rogue River. I spent a good amount of time discussing the boat with the driver. It made sense for the above reasons. A welded aluminum jet boat is excellent for stream/river fishing. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
b1jercat 0 #14 March 25, 2004 Steave around the northwest sleads are the way to go and considered the 4x4 of the boating seen. The rig you are looking at would be a great river boat and could go in as little as 4-6 inches of water at speed. In most cases prop boats are faster in outboard flavors, a 16 ft boat would be ok for two people. The statement made about chop is pretty much true, 1 ft of chop can equal a rough ride. OTOH a flat bottom boat is more stable when you are standing up and is more comfortable to fish out of. blue skies jerry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve1 5 #15 March 25, 2004 Quote$9500 seems like alot to me for a used jon boat - no matter what kind of drive it has on it. Maybe I don't know what I am talking about, plus I do live in Alabama so maybe things are cheaper here. Everything is new. (2004 model) The motor is a Mercury, 4 stroke I believe. Thanks for all the input! Jeane...I think I'll bring it to Lost Prairie, so when we finish jumping for the day we can race boats.....Steve1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
maxmadmax 8 #16 March 25, 2004 The Second Happiest day of my life is when I bought my boat..... The Happiest Day of my life is when I sold the Bastard! Use the money you don't spend and travel & jump! Yahoooooooo Don't go away mad....just go away! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
base311 0 #17 March 25, 2004 Probably worth it... how much water does she draw fully loaded? Not sure what type of jet conversion you're talking about - you talking about the converted outboard foot? or is it a true jet pump? Check out the jetboat my buddy and I built. Took forever to build, but it's exactly what we wanted. Gardner Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve1 5 #18 March 25, 2004 QuoteProbably worth it... how much water does she draw fully loaded? Not sure what type of jet conversion you're talking about - you talking about the converted outboard foot? or is it a true jet pump? Check out the jetboat my buddy and I built. Took forever to build, but it's exactly what we wanted. Gardner This boat has a converted outboard foot. I imagine that means it will hit bottom first and mean hanging up more often on sand bars etc. I'll ask the guy this weekend how far much water it will draw loaded. I admire your ingenuity. If I was handier and more knowlegeable, I think I'd try to build one also. I'm anxious to get a boat. With one I'll be able to access a lot of public land that others can't hunt along the river. I'm not an avid fisherman, but maybe I'll get hooked on that too. I need an outdoor pasttime that I can take the rest of the family along too. They get sick of waiting for me to make some jumps at the airport. I still plan to jump often and boat when I can't jump.....Steve1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot1 0 #19 March 25, 2004 A boats just a hole in the water you keep throwing money intowww.WestCoastWingsuits.com www.PrecisionSkydiving.com Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Amazon 7 #20 March 25, 2004 QuoteJeane...I think I'll bring it to Lost Prairie, so when we finish jumping for the day we can race boats.....Steve1 Actually I am bringing my 25' Cabin Cruiser up... that lake is just too inviting..also it makes a hell of a camper...since I put a complete camper top on the back..I can even stand up back there anywhere ..BWAHAHAHAHA I plan on spending a couple nights in the early part of the week out on the lake.. UNDER that BIG SKY full of stars. I am also trying to set up some waterjumps with Fred.. I have a few old canopies.. and hopefully more before the boogie rolls around. NO WAY I am going to try to land them on Terra WAY TOO Firma... But water landings.. no problemo.. I make a BIG splashI would think the ideal boat that you could get would be welded plate aluminum... JET drive for all the rocks and forest junk...and a tunnel that allows for water to be forced up to the jet drive I saw a guy down at the mouth of the river last year with such a beast.IT was built more for a prop.. but he had a jet foot on it. The gunnels were high and allowed for some fairly good wave action. Rivers can change fairly quickly from docile calm beings to a raging beast... depending what the weather is doing somewhere up in the higher tributaries.... or traveling just short distance to a steeper grade in the rivers bed.... be carefull out there and get some GOOOD flotation devices and wear em. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JoeyRamone 0 #21 March 25, 2004 If it is a jet drive dont get it, a jet boat will pull all the sand and rocks into the port on the engin. go with an outboard Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites steve1 5 #22 March 25, 2004 QuoteA boats just a hole in the water you keep throwing money into I suppose that could be the case. I had a little 14 foot boat earlier, with a 15 horse outboard. I bow hunted elk with it at ft. Peck Lake, and whitetails on the river bottom, trapped beaver with it, and did some fishing with it. Pulled the kids on their knee board. It didn't cost much to run and I figure it paid for itself over and over again with the fun I had with it. But then again it wasn't worth a whole lot and was easy to fix when something did go wrong. I figure I deserve some knew toys to play with in my old age. So, in other words I'm trying to rationalize spending 10,000 bucks!.....Steve1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites JoeyRamone 0 #23 March 25, 2004 check out boat trader online or ebay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites Join the conversation You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account. Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible. Reply to this topic... × Pasted as rich text. Paste as plain text instead Only 75 emoji are allowed. × Your link has been automatically embedded. Display as a link instead × Your previous content has been restored. Clear editor × You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL. Insert image from URL × Desktop Tablet Phone Submit Reply 0
JoeyRamone 0 #21 March 25, 2004 If it is a jet drive dont get it, a jet boat will pull all the sand and rocks into the port on the engin. go with an outboard Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
steve1 5 #22 March 25, 2004 QuoteA boats just a hole in the water you keep throwing money into I suppose that could be the case. I had a little 14 foot boat earlier, with a 15 horse outboard. I bow hunted elk with it at ft. Peck Lake, and whitetails on the river bottom, trapped beaver with it, and did some fishing with it. Pulled the kids on their knee board. It didn't cost much to run and I figure it paid for itself over and over again with the fun I had with it. But then again it wasn't worth a whole lot and was easy to fix when something did go wrong. I figure I deserve some knew toys to play with in my old age. So, in other words I'm trying to rationalize spending 10,000 bucks!.....Steve1 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JoeyRamone 0 #23 March 25, 2004 check out boat trader online or ebay Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
