Sport Jet 120 info needed

[BoatnFevrAgan23]

Hey everyone.
I am currently looking at a 2000 Bass Tracker Pro Team 18', with a Merc Sport Jet 120 for power.
I'm looking for a good used boat suitable for fishing small shallow waters in/around Ontario.
My Q is:
Are these units reliable?
What's parts availability like if future maintenance is needed?
Is it Force engine? Parts?
In comparison with outboards, would this be a better choice in the long run?
I don't want to get something I can't use down the road because of lack of parts availability, as an outboard can be swapped out if it completely pukes.
Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.

 

[racerone]

It is a Force powerhead.----Most folks would say " take big steps in rapid succession " and look for a different style boat.

 

[BoatnFevrAgan23]

I guess it's not a good option.
Now I know why seller is highly motivated. Ok.
Thanks.

 

[briangcc]

Yeah I'd be running from that.

I fished Baptiste Lake, Bancroft ON for a number of years. Man made lake with lots of stumps. Outboards were fine, I/O's were rare.

If you're looking for a jet, how about a outboard one? Merc makes them although power is reduced over a traditional prop.

 

[BoatnFevrAgan23]

I'm not really looking for a jet boat, just thought it might have been a good option for shallow lakes and such.
If these jet drives are a huge PITA and cost big $$ to fix I will definitely avoid them. I read they are gas guzzlers for the power you get in comparison to an outboard.
I guess an outboard that is mounted high/adjusted properly is the way to go.
I'll keep looking. Lots around.
Thanks for your quick reply.

 

[briangcc]

My advice...check the lake you want to fish and see what they're using. My hunch is that you're in 14-16' aluminum tiller land if you're going shallow water.

For reference, I can when trimmed/loaded properly boat in about 2' of water with my current boat. Now that's at idle with the drive tilted up a fair amount but it can be done. An outboard would be easier - btdt with the Bayliner in my signature.

 

[QBhoy]

I’d say that if you don’t need a jet boat…then there is totally no reason to have one where you could use and have an outboard or outdrive boat instead. They are ridiculously inefficient, screaming noisy and poor on performance, like for like compared.

 

[BoatnFevrAgan23]

I was planning to fish various lakes in Ontario on multiple planned trips, and am looking for a decent platform that allows access to shallows, as quite a few yrs ago when I used to go up north there were constant issues with the outboards and thought maybe one of these would be a better option, but by the sounds of it there are serious negatives concerning reliability , future maintenance and efficiency with this particular older model Merc (Force) Sportjet 120 . It is over 20 yrs old at this point and I had my doubts about it.
I guess using an outboard and just paying proper attention to depth and objects in the water is the way to go.
Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it greatly.

 

[racerone]

A fish finder / chart plotter is not big $$$ these days.------Found one that has just about every lake on it.------You then become like the old timer on every lake.----You go where there are no rocks.

 

[BoatnFevrAgan23]

Good idea. Any specific brand you could recommend?
Thanks

 

[racerone]

Boat show is soon.----Chance to shop and compare.-----One I looked at had a small lake in Alberta on it.----It was around 3 square kilometers.