View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
mikey_d66
Joined: 21 Jun 2010 Posts: 3
|
Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 8:33 pm Post subject: Jet Sprint for River Running? |
|
|
I sorta stumbled on Eagle when Xerophobic posted a couple of his videos on Pirate 4x4. I just graduated from college, and am going back for a master's when I get back from basic and AIT this fall. Therefore, I really don't have $30k sitting around to spend on a boat, and I have no desire to borrow the $20k it would take to get there.
I live in southern Minnesota. There are quite a few rivers around here that would be fun to run, but I've never seen a jet boat here in the 23 years I've been on earth. Therefore, to minimize the cost and to find out if I really like it (since it's not feasible for me to go for a ride) I've been thinking about buying a used jet sprint.
It appears that I can probably purchase a boat and make the trip to pick it up for somewhere around $10k, then upgrade and "finish" it a bit as I see fit. I'm good with my hands, and work in a fabrication shop, so I'm not scared of any bracketry/fabrication work like replacing the seats or building an engine cover. I would assume a new/larger fuel tank would need to be fabricated as well.
So, is a sprint boat even viable as a pleasure cruiser? How shallow will they run? Will they handle mild (very mild by most of your standards) rapids pretty well? Is there somewhat of a "standard" amongst the different manufacturers as to what deadrise is used? Would I be better off installing a throttle stop before I take it for the first ride?
Thanks in advance. Hoping to get into jet-boating next year and it'll give me something to look forward to when drill sergeants are riding my ass this fall. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
bender
Joined: 03 May 2006 Posts: 50
|
Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 9:55 pm Post subject: |
|
|
the sprint wouldnt be my first choice they arent really for cruising ... there are some ali boats out there for cheaper though .... there is a 92 outlaw in the forsale section here for a good price but maybe to far for you and there is this one from the www.meanchicken forum for 11 000 looks like a cool boat to me and the price is right http://www.meanchicken.net/webmain/forum/viewtopic.php?f=39&t=2502 |
|
Back to top |
|
|
mikey_d66
Joined: 21 Jun 2010 Posts: 3
|
Posted: Tue Jun 22, 2010 10:47 pm Post subject: |
|
|
To be honest it really wouldn't be my first choice either if I had the coin, they just seem to be easier to find in the ~$10k range than anything that has some refinement to it. I'm not ready to buy just yet, and somehow I hadn't come across the Mean Chicken forums. I'll be sure to keep looking there as I get closer.
For the record, the lower 48 and most of Canada is close enough. My big-block tow-rig gets less than 10 miles per gallon no matter what, but I have access to a few different trucks that'll do high-teens unloaded and have plenty of power to get a boat back to the midwest. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
reeder
Joined: 14 Dec 2006 Posts: 177 Location: Grande Prairie, AB, Canada
|
Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 5:10 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I know of a bright yellow 14' sprint boat with complete engine cover, new seats, roll bar, 302 ford, hamilton jet, for around the $11,000 price range. I'll find pictures if your interested. Located in Southern Alberta area. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
mikey_d66
Joined: 21 Jun 2010 Posts: 3
|
Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 7:38 pm Post subject: |
|
|
Thanks for the offer Reeder. I'd love to but I'm not planning on purchasing a boat until late winter or next spring. I leave for Ft. Benning in a month and will be there until late November. I don't want to have to saddle my parents and friends with another vehicle to store. (I'm already at 4) Bring on the pics if you've got them though. I love to stare at good looking boats.
Anyone else have any insight as to how a sprint might handle running rivers? |
|
Back to top |
|
|
Vegas
Joined: 20 Mar 2009 Posts: 13
|
Posted: Thu Jun 24, 2010 11:29 pm Post subject: jetsprints on river. |
|
|
one thing about jet sprint boats is....there made for just that ,,jet sprint racing or back chanelling with your buddies :D . they are really rough in choppy water(i.e windy conditions,rollers) so you may want to consider that aswell. ime not knockin sprint boats ,but they do have a specific application and open rivers arent one of em. Just my oppinion. DONT FORGET THERE ISNT MUCH ROOM FOR A BEER COOLER IN THOSE EITHER! :idea: |
|
Back to top |
|
|
mohawk
Joined: 14 Jul 2010 Posts: 20
|
|
Back to top |
|
|
Guest
|
Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2010 11:08 pm Post subject: |
|
|
I had a 12.5 footer I ran for 3 years, it was fun on the Upper Red Deer river, but not a good cruiser, it's like 45mph to 75mph, you can't go slower than 45mph, or they come off plane. small fuel tanks, so if you have a skinny braided river there fun, but that's about it. My two cents. |
|
Back to top |
|
|
|