SJX Jet boats

[CJ AK]

My hunting buddy and I are on the brink of ordering one of these. Anyone have experience in them? Things you like dislike? Information on the Indmar engine is really appreciated, little to no information is out there on them. FWIW, It would be used long range in the Alaska interior.

 

[Dust Rider]

Indmar has been making inboard boat motors for a while. They are used in Malibu ski/ surf boats, and others. The 2.3 EcoBoost came out in 19?
Not much info out there on them. Maybe on Jetboaters.net or IFish.com?

 

[CJ AK]

Thanks Dust Rider, I appreciate the input. I saw your references to the above mentioned sites and did look into them before posting. It seems that there is no discussion on the sport jon. Little exists about them. Alaska outdoor supersite has some dated info, but its very dated and no mention of the indmar engine. Initially I didn't think Rokslide was the best place to post, but figured there has to either be interest in the matter or experience so why not throw it out there.

 

[PNWGATOR]

What exactly is ‘long range in the interior’?

I‘m an outsider, but very interested in everything Alaska and truly wanting to understand opportunity.

Know guys run a LONG ways in vessels to chase opportunity for big game with challenging fuel caches and logistics.

What‘s your goal?

 

[CJ AK]

It would vary on hunt of course. 500 river miles plus or minus 100's of miles.

 

[carsonkeys]

My hunting buddy and I are on the brink of ordering one of these. Anyone have experience in them? Things you like dislike? Information on the Indmar engine is really appreciated, little to no information is out there on them. FWIW, It would be used long range in the Alaska interior.

I’ve got some experience. Not as long range as 500 river miles but that would be awesome!

Like any jet, if you find yourself in a weedy side channel your stomp grate (and leg) is going to get a work out. Absolutely bite for the UHMW bottom. They’re fantastic up here.

The biggest “con” in my eyes is that the engine compartment eats up a bunch of room.

You obviously know this already, but they will absolutely go through spots that it doesn’t look like they should be able to get through. With that power, comes great responsibility - it doesn’t take many mistakes to find yourself beached a LOOOONG ass way onto a gravel bar if you’re not careful. SJ-Screwed.

A come along with a lot of rope is a necessity.

 

[ozyclint]

I recently came across this tiller steer jetboat.

Zilla Jet Boats

www.zillajetboats.com.au

It uses a 90hp rotax 900 ACE engine. Apparently popular in ski doo's.

I reckon it would be an awesome fishing platform. the tiller steer allows way more deck space and a more functional layout than conventional jetboats. I can picture a moose rack and meat loaded on the deck.

The are expensive but that doesn't stop me wanting one though.

 

[derrick454@]

I see them in Alaska a lot and think there is a fishing/hunting forum up here. Not sure on the name anymore. I bet those folks would have info. You could try ifish but I haven’t seen a whole lot of those type of boats in lower 48 except a few around Idaho.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[CJ AK]

Carsonkeys, I like everything you said.

I'm all in on the factory UHMW full bottom, it makes sense, increase ability and durability. Solid for peace of mind.

Most that are in the jet boat world say you will get it stuck eventually. At a minimum a manual boat style crank seems like a good idea. Get one that is a two speed with synthetic rope instead of strap (for a snatch block if needed) mount it on a 2" towing insert. The boat has a 2" square hull extrusions so it would be easy on easy off, take little space, and never have a dead battery but more work when in use. Other considerations are Electric winch or chainsaw winch.

I agree with you, engine placement eats a ton of real estate. The two storage areas next to the engine and the placement of the fuel tank seem like it could be better, but maybe there is a method to the madness.

Stomp grate is standard. Windshield wipers and at least a half canvas top sound like a good idea.

As for the Indmar engine don't hear much about them so maybe no news is good news.

SJ-screwed, that's funny! Bummer if it comes true.

 

[carsonkeys]

Carsonkeys, I like everything you said.

I'm all in on the factory UHMW full bottom, it makes sense, increase ability and durability. Solid for peace of mind.

Most that are in the jet boat world say you will get it stuck eventually. At a minimum a manual boat style crank seems like a good idea. Get one that is a two speed with synthetic rope instead of strap (for a snatch block if needed) mount it on a 2" towing insert. The boat has a 2" square hull extrusions so it would be easy on easy off, take little space, and never have a dead battery but more work when in use. Other considerations are Electric winch or chainsaw winch.

I agree with you, engine placement eats a ton of real estate. The two storage areas next to the engine and the placement of the fuel tank seem like it could be better, but maybe there is a method to the madness.

Stomp grate is standard. Windshield wipers and at least a half canvas top sound like a good idea.

As for the Indmar engine don't hear much about them so maybe no news is good news.

SJ-screwed, that's funny! Bummer if it comes true.

Yes to the canvas top. I would get a custom made fully enclosed if possible, but that’s down the road.

No knowledge on that engine, friend. I’d call a few repair shops in the state and pick their brain. If they’re constantly having to fix a few specific (hopefully minor) things there’s your answer on what tools you need to bring for your long range trips.

 

[isItFallYet]

The Indmars are Ford long block engines with a few differences (brass freeze plugs, different style head gaskets). They’ve used a closed cooling system for the past 10 or so years. I guess it really comes down to determining if you’re a ford or chevy guy.