Prop versus Jet

[Terry Imai]

I totally understand that there's no perfect fly fishing boat but I'm looking for either the Lowe or G3 16' boat to fish:

1. Stillwater (50% of the time)

2. Delta (35% of the time) and

3. Shallow rivers with obstacles (15%)

I currently own a driftboat with an 8 hp to putt around along with a 10' pram but I'll be shopping next spring for an additional boat for the above conditions. I understand the pluses and minuses with determining between a prop versus jet. Given the type of fishing I'll be doing, it appears a prop makes the most sense but I'm just checking to see if I'm not considering something else to influence my decision to go "jet".

Thanks in advance...

[shawn kempkes]

I would reccomend you buy a jet with a bay kit. That way you have both. Several of my friends have them. The bay kit allows you to change between a prop and a jet in about an hour. http://www.baymfg.com/

[Terry Imai]

Thanks for the info. I didn't know this particular OEM existed but I can see this being a situation of "having my cake and eat it too"....

Wonderful solution...

[Jim May]

Hi Terry
You should check Sutter Marine they can set you up with the G3 with a prop. and a jack plate for a jet pump best of both worlds.I have had boats set up this way it takes about 1/2 an hour to change it over from prop. to pump if your handy with tools.
Jim May

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Terry,

Lots of good info here.....

Go see Brian @ Sutter Marine.

He has set up dozens or our friends with nice boats, mostly jet outboards.

Having one go from jet to prop is the way to go.

The Lowe and G3 all welded aluminum boats are very similar but Brian can get better pricing on the G3 because it is owned by Yamaha and the package prices are better.

Be sure Brian will be there when you go to check them out.

[TaylerW]

i ran a g3 1652 vbw with a 40/30 yamaha jet all summer in alaska. amazing boat. AMAZING.

[RobK.]

Hi Terry
You should check Sutter Marine they can set you up with the G3 with a prop. and a jack plate for a jet pump best of both worlds.I have had boats set up this way it takes about 1/2 an hour to change it over from prop. to pump if your handy with tools.
Jim May

G3 's by Yamaha are a great boat . i have a 1442 with a 8 hp 2 stroke prop , even though its a prop i can get into some of the darnedest places . Plus you need way less weight and HP with a prop .


http://s365.photobucket.com/albums/o...oG3Jonboat.jpg

[JAWallace]

From Craigslist: Near new Tracker 1654 Honda 50/35 jet with warranty 'til 2014. Center console, Minn Kota, looks really nice and clean. Asking $11K. Not bad for an opener. The only thing better IMO would be a Lowe vs. Tracker and etec power, but this is a nice package. http://sacramento.craigslist.org/boa/2624382201.html

[Frank Alessio]

The only down side of the jet is in a weedy area you are done as soon as you suck that stuff into your pump.... a prop will chop its way thru some of it....

[Hogan Brown]

Prop. with a tunnel hull set the cavitation plate even with the top of the tunnel so there is no prop below the bottom of the main hull. Done.

There a few welders in chico, ca that will but a tunnel hull on any boat for about 6-800$ depending on the boat.