Boat search is over...

[Vinsil]

It took some time, research and talking to those who know. I came to some concluions and made some changes to my needs and the reality of how I'll use the boat and where.

Deal is not complete but it should wrap up soon. Decided on going to an outboard on a off shore bracket. Found a 2008 Alumaweld Intruder, 20', 200 Merc Optimax and its clean. HOPING it will come in under 5500 lbs or so, guys best guess guess was 5000k wet.

Thanks for all the advice, we'll see if the truck handles it ok in a few weeks!

[Vinsil]

Area13 wrote:
Good choice. I love my Aluminum boat with offshore bracket and outboard. I pull tubes on the lake, fish the ocean, but it really shines in the Puget Sound fishing and crabbing. Nothing like buying new either. I have had a ton of boats over the years (mostly used) and breaking down isn't fun or safe for your family. It's nice knowing what you put in the tank (I use non ethanol only), knowing it isn't getting water logged foam from sitting nose down in the rain for years, maintained properly and just generally cared and rigged the way you want it. And don't forget about the new trailer, with new hubs, wheels, tires and brakes. It only hurts bad once buying new, then it's smooth sailing, IMO. Congrats on the new boat.

Yup! Looked at a lot of junk and over priced used boats. Great points and exactly my line of thinking.

[_DJ_1]

Vinsil wrote:

~DJ~ wrote:
Nice boat but why pay for a welded jet boat then put an outboard on it? I see a lot set up that way but fail to see the reasoning. Hope you can explain it to me. Congrats on the new toy!!!!

The hull on this is designed for the offshore bracket and outboard. It is not jet sled hull, this has a 16 degree dead rise, 72" bottom and 34" sides, it would not work well in skinny water. It is not an offshore hull, but close. Thunderjet started as a Snake River jet sled company and still offer boats setup that way.

This hull is designed for lakes, the Columbia and big water.

It is how I will use it, I have three lakes within 45 min of me, I'm an hour and a half from Newport and the same from the Columbia. Going to yank the kids around on toys, fish for salmon and halibut and crab.

I went with a welded boat for alot of reasons and mainly...they last, gives me the most versitility for my needs and resale. Sure I'll take a hit but when 10 year old boats are selling for 35k+...with over a 1000 hours, I'll take that hit anyday. Besides, I keep my stuff for a long time and take care of it too. Worth it to me!

OH, ok, looks like a jet boat but not really. But a good solid welded boat that will last you a life time!!

[Area13]

Good choice. I love my Aluminum boat with offshore bracket and outboard. I pull tubes on the lake, fish the ocean, but it really shines in the Puget Sound fishing and crabbing. Nothing like buying new either. I have had a ton of boats over the years (mostly used) and breaking down isn't fun or safe for your family. It's nice knowing what you put in the tank (I use non ethanol only), knowing it isn't getting water logged foam from sitting nose down in the rain for years, maintained properly and just generally cared and rigged the way you want it. And don't forget about the new trailer, with new hubs, wheels, tires and brakes. It only hurts bad once buying new, then it's smooth sailing, IMO. Congrats on the new boat.

[Vinsil]

Supposed to be the best, most have them up here and you see some Honda's too but not like the Yammies.

[TxGearhead]

We don't see any aluminum boats that size around coastal Texas. Or, I don't anyway. A lot of aluminum boats here used for rivers, lakes, and bays. Most are flat bottom, but a few mod-V's.
I've got 1 aluminum...18x44 GoDevil with B&S 23HP longtail, and one fiberglass...21ft NauticStar ShallowBay with 150 HP Yamaha 4 stroke..love that quiet Yamaha.

[Vinsil]

TxGearhead wrote:
You got the right motor!
Is this for salt water or rivers?

Both and lakes too.

[Vinsil]

~DJ~ wrote:
Nice boat but why pay for a welded jet boat then put an outboard on it? I see a lot set up that way but fail to see the reasoning. Hope you can explain it to me. Congrats on the new toy!!!!

The hull on this is designed for the offshore bracket and outboard. It is not jet sled hull, this has a 16 degree dead rise, 72" bottom and 34" sides, it would not work well in skinny water. It is not an offshore hull, but close. Thunderjet started as a Snake River jet sled company and still offer boats setup that way.

This hull is designed for lakes, the Columbia and big water.

It is how I will use it, I have three lakes within 45 min of me, I'm an hour and a half from Newport and the same from the Columbia. Going to yank the kids around on toys, fish for salmon and halibut and crab.

I went with a welded boat for alot of reasons and mainly...they last, gives me the most versitility for my needs and resale. Sure I'll take a hit but when 10 year old boats are selling for 35k+...with over a 1000 hours, I'll take that hit anyday. Besides, I keep my stuff for a long time and take care of it too. Worth it to me!

[ppine]

Thunder Jet makes great boats.
I really like welded boats with 4 stroke outboards.
They are much quieter and better with fuel than jets.
Perfect for lakes and big rivers. Not so good for the rocks.
I have a 2004 Jetcraft I bought used that is going up in value.
I would never buy a new boat because of the big depreciation hit the first few years. Boats are made to be used, and it is hard to take a new boat out and put it through its paces without cringing.
A new boat looks good on you though.

[_DJ_1]

Nice boat but why pay for a welded jet boat then put an outboard on it? I see a lot set up that way but fail to see the reasoning. Hope you can explain it to me. Congrats on the new toy!!!!

[TxGearhead]

You got the right motor!
Is this for salt water or rivers?

[Vinsil]

Well....the used boat did not work out.:(

So got fed up and went new. Pick it up next weekend, went with a 2016 Thunderjet 21', loaded it up with options and figured, buy once cry once. LOL!

I'll post pics next weekend.

here it is before it gets rigged up with options!



Kicker, tower, top end Lowrance GPS/Finder/Sonar...boy thought RV's cost a lot....sheesh!

[DOITHARD]

Congrats! Also looking for a 19 - 20 CC...Boston Whaler.

[SoCalDesertRid1]

I'm sure the Cummins truck will do just fine. Congrats on new boat 🙂

[Bionic_Man]

Sounds like a nice boat. Post up some photos when it happens.