North River Jetboat owners please.

Skinnywater

Commander
Joined
Mar 7, 2002
Messages
2,065
With the Sacramento River just down the road, I've been socking it away for a modest boat. Practicality, quality and dependability as well as staying within my means are my most important considerations.<br />I'm very close to placing an order for a North River Renegade http://www.northriverboats.com/models/all/defined.php?productid=5 <br />I want the center console option as well as the sport seats. The power will be a Jet ready BF50 Honda, rated 35 at the nozzle.<br />The payload will consist of my wife and I, our gear and a VERY large icechest full of Salmon, Steelhead,Trout, Strippers and a half tank of fuel by the end of the day.<br />The money is in the 12k range. <br />Have I done my homework??
 

crab bait

Captain
Joined
Feb 5, 2002
Messages
3,831
Re: North River Jetboat owners please.

a good fishin' of mine has that boat but it's a side console .. i call it ''the barge '' it's an 18 footer with a 1/4 plate bottom . he runs a prop engine now cause his jet got stolen.. an he still HOPS ROCKS on the SUSQUEHANNA RIVER. it's a good stable fishin' platform & can get you where you need to be.. good luck
 

Walter

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 3, 2001
Messages
787
Re: North River Jetboat owners please.

Yo Skinny...<br /><br />I think your boat will be grossly underpowered with a 50 hp jet. If you're adamant about staying in the 50 hp range, then you'd be wise to go a prop unit. If you insist on a jet, then I suggest doubling (at minimun) your h.p. You'll be running that 50 hp jet at w.o.t. ALL the time... I can't imagine it'll last very long...<br /><br /><br />MHO<br /><br />Walt
 

Terry H

Lieutenant Commander
Joined
Sep 25, 2001
Messages
1,862
Re: North River Jetboat owners please.

Skinnywater...that should be a sweet setup for the Sac...just a Thought
 

Skinnywater

Commander
Joined
Mar 7, 2002
Messages
2,065
Re: North River Jetboat owners please.

Thanks for your replies.<br />Last weekend at the Calexpo boat show we were able to take a test drive in the exact boat I described. It also had a built-in 14 gal tank, which I ended up getting. I got a Bimini top with the deal also.<br />Three adults and a full tank got 28-30mph @ 3700 RPM which was 75% throttle. This was cruising speed. At full throttle the RPM increased but the speed didn't. A decent (well... an O.K.) hole shot took full throttle. The power was smooth and quiet.<br />The craft turned and handled very well, especially for a jet. It can easily handle <br />inches of water. I simulated back trolling and it was like I'd owned the boat for years.<br /><br />I chose utility over speed and got a nice looking boat in the process.<br /><br />I'm in the 2 week wait while it is being rigged. The whole package will exceed my expectations, I can tell this already.
 

Walter

Senior Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jul 3, 2001
Messages
787
Re: North River Jetboat owners please.

What matters most is that YOU are happy with the boat. Sure sounds as though you are!<br /><br />Congrats!<br /><br />Walt
 

my new fishmaster

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 11, 2001
Messages
256
Re: North River Jetboat owners please.

I have been in many jet boats including jerrys jet boat and alumaweld. I would not buy that boat for 12k it does not have a windsheild!!!! I have seen the base model alumawleds with the windsheild for around $13k including a modest 75hphonda 4stroke which you need in CA. Far better package and would work great in the Rouge river in Oregon or? Alumaweld Stryker series!!!
 

Skinnywater

Commander
Joined
Mar 7, 2002
Messages
2,065
Re: North River Jetboat owners please.

Hello Fishmaster,<br />The base price for a Alumaweld Stryker is well over 18k and that is with a 65 Mercury 2stroke prop. <br />Using your math the Honda jetready 75 is in the 10k range. That would mean the the Stryker is $1995 and the windshield is $5.<br />Seriously, I had cash money at the boat show. I was one of the first people to visit Alumaweld that morning. I walked directly to the Stryker and started talking turkey. My wife and I are decently mannered, educated and groomed. When I started talking the money I wanted to spend, I was immediately treated like I drove a '81 Chev Citation to a Mercedes dealer. Who needs it? <br />Like I mentioned before. At North River we wanted their entry level boat and they went out of their way to get us an immediate ride on the American River in it.<br />Anyway.....Walt is most correct. It is to each their own. I could give up the chores on the farm, sell the horse and tack, forget the new carpet and tile for the house and buy the 35k Design Concepts jetboat, windshield and all. <br />As I mentioned before, the Sacramento River above Hyway 32 to Redding is skinnywater. There is at least ONE more boat on it now during the season and 40-50mph may be more of a liability then the expensive asset it might be. There will be a LOT of boats faster then mine out there (some with windshields).It doesn't rain very much (none)on the Sac during the season...a pair of eye protection glasses for the wife and I for the bugs.....<br />At this point, for every one reason not to buy the boat we did, I'll have three reasons why we did.<br />Thanks again. ;)
 

my new fishmaster

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 11, 2001
Messages
256
Re: North River Jetboat owners please.

Well you might be right if I remember correct the outboard was used. I found the 15foot Stryker to be a large wide boat and was originaly going with that. But I found a 170 Starcraft Fishmaster used twice for $6000 and could not pass that up. Good luck in your search. I stopped at a Alumaweld dealer in northern CA and I am almost certain they where around $13k. Boat trader has lots of used jetboats in OR WA areas.
 
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