Need help with buying jet boat

09 arctic cat m8

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Hey guys, well I’m looking into a jet boat, now I am gonna be on lakes more than rivers probably half and half, what should I go with for a hull!? And how often do you have to replace the wear ring and impeller!? Any kinds to stay away from!? And how are they on lake waves!??
 

neilsleder

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If on the lakes stick with a 12deg haul. Rides smooth but will run most rivers with ease. As far as what to go with that’s up to you and your budget and how fast you want to go. Lots of guys don’t like the 2 stroke sport jets I like mine though. Never owned a v8 to compare with. The sports jets are cheaper to buy v8’s get pricey fast. If you get a sport jet go a bit newer o e as most of the manufacturers put the mufflers out back and makes them way quieter. I would suggest doing your homework and really thinking what you are going to want to do with your boat might save you buying a new boat in the near future. But that’s not the worst thing
 

09 arctic cat m8

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Awesome thanks, ya I was looking at a king fisher or a thunder jet, speed doesn’t matter just want it to be alright on lakes
 

neilsleder

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Just like anything they all have good points and bad points. I have had 2 kingfisher boats now and really do think they are a great boat. Good haul designs and tough. They are cookie cutter boats so parts are easy to get and have dealers local. I wouldn’t be scared to buy either you mentioned. What models are you looking at?
 

Clode

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It never hurts to talk to builders, and get a boat built. Myself I prefer the V8 and I have a hamilton 212 pump. I made many phone calls before I pulled the trigger and ended up getting a boat built. Boat builders have hull options, and strength options to suite your needs. I run a 12 degree hull and it wrks great on lakes and quite well in the river. Just dont expect it to be a real shallow water boat.
 

NoBrakes!

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fall special... 70K and ill deliver to launch for test
 

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S.W.A.T.

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I can't stand sport jets. Yes cheaper off the start when buying new but far from cheap when it comes to fixing the damn thing. I'm a fan of a fuel injected 350. Cheap as borscht to fix or even replace if needed. If your looking for more power up to a 6L or 6.2

I found that a SJ is great until you fill the boat up with people and gear. That's where you will notice the v8 difference. Yes the SJ will run smaller water easier. But when it comes to big water you will notice the v8. If your on the lake pulling tubes again my argument for the v8, but would suggest a prop over a jet.

Impeller and wear rings will depend on how dirty the water is your in and how often your in the rocks and mud. Sky is the limit when it comes to boats. I suggest finding a design and budget you like and work with that. $250,000 doesn't last long with a jet boat but you can have just as much fun for $25,000
 

LennyR

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If you're sticking to lakes and bigger rivers a V8 is probably a better choice , if you intend to run skinny rivers and slide gravel bars and bounce off things , the SJ in a small lighter boats are a way better choice. You have said you will do mostly lakes, makes your choice easier. As has been said 12 degree probably best all around choice , with no plastic . If you have the option , go to a 6.2 at least , the 350's are fine but you'll very soon find yourself wanting more . I'm a Hamilton fan but again if you're mostly lakes and bigger rivers probably better to go to a pressure pump . I have both V8 and SJ and enjoy each of them , but for totally different reasons.
 

mur190

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Lake/ larger river, 19-21FT 12 degree, turbine 309 pump, small block chev, lots for sale on kijiji right now, If your budget is in the neighborhood of 30K there are some great looking boats out there.
I have a older (1997) 20ft outlaw nahanni, love the boat, had next to nothing for hours when I picked It up 5 years ago, they aren't a cheap toy but if you look after them they last a long time.
 

09 arctic cat m8

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Thanks fellas so I’m starting to get the point that a 12degree hull is the way to go, does it react like any other boat on bigger waves like I’ll run it in rivers to but lesser slave lake and Saskatchewan fishing, mostly lakes but yes it’ll be in rivers too, I have a 16ft Fiberglass outboard right now and it handles big water hoping a jet boat does the same
 

catman1

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Your going to get a hundred opinions, I was in your situation 4 years ago. Got tired of lake boats , bought a beautiful 12 degree Clearwater with big hp. I wanted a 12 for 50/50 river /lakes. Turns out it’s horrible in waves , very harsh pounding on even small waves. But on the positive side it runs extremely shallow water with no issues. I run rivers now 95% of the time because of the thrill and scenery, and almost never any boat launch line ups. Maybe a more narrow 12* or a different bottom design would ride better.

SJ are definitely a lighter engine for running shallows and cheaper. V8 will Pack more weight and generally less issues

Lots of info on the mean chicken jet boat forum
 

Lund

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I have a 14deg variable (progressive)hall on mine and it has been a great compromise. I use it 50/50, rivers, lakes and ocean, its definitely not like my old 24ft Trophy i had in big water or a SJ in the shallows but it will skim through ankle deep water on step and still handle 4ft roller's decently.
I use it regularly on the Fraser and North Thompson rivers and atleast once a year on the ocean northern tip of Vancouver island and Haida gwaii.
These are all about compromises, i'm not a boater so my boat is a simple setup a tool for fishing. My kicker has far more hours on it then the main motor, so first thing is knowing what you want out of the boat. For me number #1 was capability of fishing in all kinds of water.

12deg. hall's are most common but if you take your time there are options out there.
 
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NoBrakes!

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Cant go wrong with the E6 IMO. I'm going to look for an open bow 21 sport or E6 soon, need to sell my rocket first.
 

catalac

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My vote would say go for that e6, price is a bit high but buying a boat in the fall you might get a deal. I had the same boat in a delta pad ie no step was a great boat.
 

LennyR

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Nice boat but no way it's 50/50, sorry. That's basically a lake boat that can go in rivers if the water is deep. After late July/August you're gonna be restricted to large rivers only. And if that's ok , then great choice, but don't buy it thinking you're gonna be going with all the 8-10 and even 12 degree (with a good driver) boats are going later in the year or hunting season if that's your interest. Not being negative at all, just real, so many guys buy a 14 or 16 or higher degree and don't realize it won't do what they picture in their mind.
 

S.W.A.T.

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Nice boat but no way it's 50/50, sorry. That's basically a lake boat that can go in rivers if the water is deep. After late July/August you're gonna be restricted to large rivers only. And if that's ok , then great choice, but don't buy it thinking you're gonna be going with all the 8-10 and even 12 degree (with a good driver) boats are going later in the year or hunting season if that's your interest. Not being negative at all, just real, so many guys buy a 14 or 16 or higher degree and don't realize it won't do what they picture in their mind.

Umm isn't that boat a 12°
 

LennyR

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Umm isn't that boat a 12°



I may be mistaken but I believe this is the same boat ???? If not, then my mistake, and I'll modify my opinion a bit. I thought most of the Sabres that were 12 drpegree had Hamiltons, the ones with pressure pumps were usually 16's cause of the way they feed ? But still say , even if it's a 12, especially if you're a new driver, you're not gonna be going in the shallower rivers later in the year without a lot of pushing and dragging. For new drivers if you're gonna be going all year in all rivers, there is probably way better choices to learn in. A fact many guys have already learned. But yes , the Sabres are a comfortable good boat.
 
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Zrock

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Do your research especially when it comes to engines.. V8 is not always the way to go big heavy and a pic on fuel if your pushing it. The next boat a buddy is building will have a supercharged cobalt engine in it. Bullet proof performance parts are easy to find and will put out the same or more HP than a v8 at 1/2 the weight..
 

NoBrakes!

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ok

E6 Sabre has been made in Delta pad and step tech version. both can have a Hamilton if the customer ordered it like that, theres a few 16 degree step techs with race intakes even

if you think the Ecotec is an option talk to Roger Kehoe, he has twin N/A ecos in a boat and installed a few in Exporers. imagine a louder more annoying sport jet lol and the boosted ones didn't live long at 6000 rpm
 
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