Jet sled for fishing nw rivers

[JeffRaines]

So the other day me and the wife went on a fishing trip with a guide on one of the rivers here… needless to say I had a great time(better than the saltwater fishing I’ve done) and while I’m not looking to purchase something tomorrow I’m just browsing around and realize I know next to nothing about these things.

The guide had a 21’ I believe with a 225 outboard which is probably way overkill for me and my family.

I’d like to use it to run the rivers here locally(located in western Washington), and maybe a little bit of small lakes.

Anyone have any advice on looking used for something? Flat vs v vs mod v? Anything to watch out for(maybe makes/models to avoid)? Any other advice?

I trust most of y’all’s advice when it comes to gear, so I figured this would be the place to ask.

Thank you.

 

[roosiebull]

Sounds like an older sled with newer power is what you want unless money isn’t an option. Flat bottoms get blown around more while trolling (especially if you have a top on)

It depends on how skinny of water you want to run, unless you run a lot of skinny water, a flat bottom is a compromise in a few ways, but they do work

Another thing to figure out, is how many people are going to be on the boat at a given time? I am a smaller is better guy (within reason) i think for 3-4 people, usually 2 a 18’ sled is pretty versatile and not too cumbersome to fish solo, smaller is doable, but I would avoid smaller unless it’s fairly wide

I have a sled that can’t really be replaced without going full custom on dimensions, my sled is 14’x7’ and fishes 3 very easily, and 4 is not bad, but it’s mostly me, or my wife and I, and it’s such a perfect little sled for me

I have a 40/60hp pump and an 8hp Yamaha kicker. With the main power, it goes faster than I care to go and has plenty of power to plane with 4 people (or 2 people and a quartered roosie) my boat was a completely lucky find, the previous owner used it for the rogue river where it was made, and that’s an anchor up and fish fishery, so it had a canvas cover that the owner was proud of, so in the add, it looked really funky, but I saw what it was, called the seller to verify and took the next day off to go look at it

Mine is made of heavy gauge aluminum, full width sled, just short. Challenger marine is the make, it was a gold beach company and they made a lot of jet boats that do the charter trips they do running the river… they made really cool boats, and I think all of the mail boats were challengers, and mine was a 1995 and had a matching 50hp Yamaha pump of the same vintage and I paid 5500$ about 10yrs ago (which I still can’t believe) but probably have a little over 20k into it now.

Buying new, river wild would probably be the route I’d go because they make some nice boats and their shorter sleds are wide

If shopping used, set a budget, take your time and don’t make any big compromises, because that will end up costing a lot more

Your best deals will likely be an older boat with newer power, but there are plenty of nice older sleds. Cheapest new would probably be riverhawk boats

The old midjets are pretty cool boats and are made well, just not super easy to find

 

[JeffRaines]

Sounds like an older sled with newer power is what you want unless money isn’t an option. Flat bottoms get blown around more while trolling (especially if you have a top on)

It depends on how skinny of water you want to run, unless you run a lot of skinny water, a flat bottom is a compromise in a few ways, but they do work

Another thing to figure out, is how many people are going to be on the boat at a given time? I am a smaller is better guy (within reason) i think for 3-4 people, usually 2 a 18’ sled is pretty versatile and not too cumbersome to fish solo, smaller is doable, but I would avoid smaller unless it’s fairly wide

I have a sled that can’t really be replaced without going full custom on dimensions, my sled is 14’x7’ and fishes 3 very easily, and 4 is not bad, but it’s mostly me, or my wife and I, and it’s such a perfect little sled for me

I have a 40/60hp pump and an 8hp Yamaha kicker. With the main power, it goes faster than I care to go and has plenty of power to plane with 4 people (or 2 people and a quartered roosie) my boat was a completely lucky find, the previous owner used it for the rogue river where it was made, and that’s an anchor up and fish fishery, so it had a canvas cover that the owner was proud of, so in the add, it looked really funky, but I saw what it was, called the seller to verify and took the next day off to go look at it

Mine is made of heavy gauge aluminum, full width sled, just short. Challenger marine is the make, it was a gold beach company and they made a lot of jet boats that do the charter trips they do running the river… they made really cool boats, and I think all of the mail boats were challengers, and mine was a 1995 and had a matching 50hp Yamaha pump of the same vintage and I paid 5500$ about 10yrs ago (which I still can’t believe) but probably have a little over 20k into it now.

Buying new, river wild would probably be the route I’d go because they make some nice boats and their shorter sleds are wide

If shopping used, set a budget, take your time and don’t make any big compromises, because that will end up costing a lot more

Your best deals will likely be an older boat with newer power, but there are plenty of nice older sleds. Cheapest new would probably be riverhawk boats

The old midjets are pretty cool boats and are made well, just not super easy to find

Thanks for the response. Budget is big deal - its just hard to justify spending $$$$$$$ on what is essentially a toy - yes, it has a utility usage but at the end of the day its for pleasure. From my research so far I'd love to stay under $30k, and that's really the top end of the budget. Less is better. Significantly less is even better.

It would just be me, my wife and 2 younger kids tops. More often than not it would just be me... maybe the wife, or a friend. I'd like to run skinnier water. Honestly, most if not all of my fishing interest takes place in moving water of some sort. Not that lakes can't be good... but they just don't catch my interest. In fact, up until this trip the only salmon fishing I had done was on the sound(with the same guide). I had been interested in trying the rivers for salmon, but driving by some of the spots and seeing guys shoulder to shoulder fishing the same hole just gives me an ick. Thats not my idea of fishing. Out on the river in the boat, even though we seen other anglers there was plenty of room to get away.

I seen Smokercraft Sportsman get kicked around as a good entry level sled at an affordable price. Surely other manufacturers make something similar? I guess I need to understand what features make that and the alumawelds good for what I'm trying to do, so that I could apply that criteria to other options. I don't need anything fancy with covers and all that jazz(although the wife would probably appreciate it).

Speaking of the wife, she would like something to putz around in on smaller local lakes. I don't see why I couldn't use the same boat for that as well as it wouldn't be in bad weather or on massive lakes.

 

[full choke]

This looks like decent deal. Older motor, but a quality hull.

Willie Predator open sled - boats - by owner - marine sale - craigslist

Willie Predator open sled with 2005 2-stroke 90hp jet and 2005 9.9 kicker both motors are Mercury. Jet shoe and impeller are in good condition. All aluminum hull design made by one of the best...

seattle.craigslist.org

 

[madcalfe]

don't overlook a actual in board jet boat either. opens up a lot of opportunities and with you being in Washington you can shop north of the boarder.

 

[wyosam]

I’d look for older mod v. Welded hull, with newer power. Mine is a Lowe 16-55, with 65 merc jet (90 power head). Works great, though my next will probably be 20’+ and both jet and prop Lowe units, but that’s just to open up some longer trips on bigger rivers in interior AK.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Customweld]

don't overlook a actual in board jet boat either. opens up a lot of opportunities and with you being in Washington you can shop north of the boarder.

Heat is a huge plus with an inboard as well.

 

[Customweld]

1998 20' Wooldridge Alaskan II 200 HP Jet Boat - boats - by owner - marine sale - craigslist

1998 Wooldridge Alaskan II 200 HP Jet Boat. Suspension front seats. 15Hp Suzuki kicker. Lowrance fish finder GPS. New tires, new bearings, new steering cable, new bunks, new floor, new seat covers,...

seattle.craigslist.org

 

[madcalfe]

300hp Sea doo Powered Custom 13ft Jet Boat! | Powerboats & Motorboats | Victoria | Kijiji Classifieds

FINAL PRICE DROP FIRST PERSON SHOWS WITH DEPOSIT or $36k CASH TAKES IT AWAY! 2018 custom 13ft Alluminum jet boat 2016 superchargwd 300hp Seadoo motor approx 96hrs 3/8 bottom with 1/2 plastic Uhmw Sheeting stomp grate/ Minijet accessories BRAND NEW NEVER USED IMPELLER/LINER/HOUSING reverse/trim...

www.kijiji.ca

this would be such a wicked fishing/ hunting/ go anywhere boat. be perfect for 2 people.

 

[roosiebull]

Thanks for the response. Budget is big deal - its just hard to justify spending $$$$$$$ on what is essentially a toy - yes, it has a utility usage but at the end of the day its for pleasure. From my research so far I'd love to stay under $30k, and that's really the top end of the budget. Less is better. Significantly less is even better.

It would just be me, my wife and 2 younger kids tops. More often than not it would just be me... maybe the wife, or a friend. I'd like to run skinnier water. Honestly, most if not all of my fishing interest takes place in moving water of some sort. Not that lakes can't be good... but they just don't catch my interest. In fact, up until this trip the only salmon fishing I had done was on the sound(with the same guide). I had been interested in trying the rivers for salmon, but driving by some of the spots and seeing guys shoulder to shoulder fishing the same hole just gives me an ick. Thats not my idea of fishing. Out on the river in the boat, even though we seen other anglers there was plenty of room to get away.

I seen Smokercraft Sportsman get kicked around as a good entry level sled at an affordable price. Surely other manufacturers make something similar? I guess I need to understand what features make that and the alumawelds good for what I'm trying to do, so that I could apply that criteria to other options. I don't need anything fancy with covers and all that jazz(although the wife would probably appreciate it).

Speaking of the wife, she would like something to putz around in on smaller local lakes. I don't see why I couldn't use the same boat for that as well as it wouldn't be in bad weather or on massive lakes.

When you are ready, get something you like, and is reliable

I have had several boats that just sat, because I liked the idea of them, but they weren’t a valuable tool for what I like to do

I use the heck out of my little sled, it’s the perfect boat for what I do, it has reliable power, AND a very important thing that’s overlooked is, it has a reliable trailer under it

Take away any of those variables, and I wouldn’t use it as much… it’s also small enough, that everything is relatively cheap vs a big sled

You are better off waiting than buying a compromise, but with your budget, I assume you’ll have a lot of options

I would personally pick a river hawk over a smokercraft, my buddy got a 17’ last year, I’ll ask him how much he paid

If you plan on trolling a lot, I would avoid flat bottoms, because they suck in the wind, especially if you are around a lot of folks

I like a wide open floor with aluminum pedestal seats that keep the floor open and you can take seats out if you have less people on the boat.

It’s fun boat shopping, but also frustrating because you have to live with your decisions and it’s hard to find the perfect boat

But the biggest deal to me is reliability, every aspect of the boat needs to be reliable, because if it’s not, you will lose interest and not use it, that’s the worst place to compromise, you’ll dread using the boat thinking something is going to break if you use it

 

[thinhorn_AK]

I have a 16 foot sea ark, it’s solid. Much better than the Lowe’s.

 

[TheTone]

1998 20' Wooldridge Alaskan II 200 HP Jet Boat - boats - by owner - marine sale - craigslist

1998 Wooldridge Alaskan II 200 HP Jet Boat. Suspension front seats. 15Hp Suzuki kicker. Lowrance fish finder GPS. New tires, new bearings, new steering cable, new bunks, new floor, new seat covers,...

seattle.craigslist.org

This is a great boat from my experience; have a couple friends with them and they’re extremely happy. I would much, much rather have a traditional lay out boat with windshield and top over a sled. Just give you so much more versatility for weather and other conditions

 

[bowhuntercoop]

Rockproof and be done. I’ve had them all. Nothing compared to a rockproof. Sold my guide boat when I left pa and the Susquehanna moved south. Rockproofs are as bullet proof as a set up as you can find.

 

[slvrslngr]

https://m.facebook.com/marketplace/item/8818578594841336/?ref=newsfeed

Not mine and I have no affiliation with the seller. But, nice boat that would serve you well.

 

[Dust Rider]

1998 20' Wooldridge Alaskan II 200 HP Jet Boat - boats - by owner - marine sale - craigslist

1998 Wooldridge Alaskan II 200 HP Jet Boat. Suspension front seats. 15Hp Suzuki kicker. Lowrance fish finder GPS. New tires, new bearings, new steering cable, new bunks, new floor, new seat covers,...

seattle.craigslist.org

OP buy it now! That is a good deal.
@JeffRaines
Those two little kids will grow up to be teenagers. You can get away with a sub 18' boat now, but once the kids grow you will want a 20' boat. That Wooldridge AKII with 200hp will pull tubes and you can water ski/ wake board behind it. Great all around do anything family/hunting/fishing boat. Plus that Woolie with trailer is sub 3000 pounds and can be towed by mid sized SUV or small truck too. I own one and it is well spent money for fun and enjoyment. They are utilitarian, basic and no frills. Easy to work on, maintain and winterize.
Plus side is a Wooldridge can be sold for what you paid fairly quick. If you decide in one or two years to unload it you will get your money back. They tend to sell fairly quick on the used boat market.

 

[ozyclint]

This has to be the ultimate small fishing platform. A jet boat with a tiller steer that maximizes fishing space.
I want one! That rear deck looks perfect for my big pelican camping box. Lash it on there and I could disappear on a remote river for a week.

Australian company building jet boats.

 

[ozyclint]

300hp Sea doo Powered Custom 13ft Jet Boat! | Powerboats & Motorboats | Victoria | Kijiji Classifieds

FINAL PRICE DROP FIRST PERSON SHOWS WITH DEPOSIT or $36k CASH TAKES IT AWAY! 2018 custom 13ft Alluminum jet boat 2016 superchargwd 300hp Seadoo motor approx 96hrs 3/8 bottom with 1/2 plastic Uhmw Sheeting stomp grate/ Minijet accessories BRAND NEW NEVER USED IMPELLER/LINER/HOUSING reverse/trim...

www.kijiji.ca

this would be such a wicked fishing/ hunting/ go anywhere boat. be perfect for 2 people.

Not as good as as tiller steer IMO. The console takes up the whole front of the boat.

The tiller steer gives you 360 degree fishing.

 

[bowhuntercoop]

Not as good as as tiller steer IMO. The console takes up the whole front of the boat.

The tiller steer gives you 360 degree fishing.

Depends on the tiler and where the seat is at. I’ve had 2 stick steer jets, much prefer a forward center console for running shallow, rocky rivers and weight distribution.

 

[ozyclint]

Everything is a compromise.
I prefer the open layout.

 

[S.Clancy]

1998 20' Wooldridge Alaskan II 200 HP Jet Boat - boats - by owner - marine sale - craigslist

1998 Wooldridge Alaskan II 200 HP Jet Boat. Suspension front seats. 15Hp Suzuki kicker. Lowrance fish finder GPS. New tires, new bearings, new steering cable, new bunks, new floor, new seat covers,...

seattle.craigslist.org

I drove a similar setup back iny fisheries days. It rocked box