Originally Posted by
tcorfey
Thanks for that guys your experiences are awesome to draw from. I do like the inflatable idea too, as I could occasionally forgo the trailer deflate it, then stick in the back of the truck and then put a crane in the bed of the truck to unload/load the motor (assuming avg weight of a 25hp jet at around 160 lbs) if I wanted to get in to more remote places. The oars don't look to strong though and rod storage might be more difficult.
Back in the 90's my friend and I used to run a 14' semi-rigid hull with a 40hp side console inflatable in the ocean for salmon. It was really fast but very wet and not the most comfortable way to travel. But it got you there and it was a very capable craft. My friend even took it down to Cabo and caught a 565lb black marlin out of it!
For the most part I will probably just have myself and one other person but there may be times I want up to three others to go on a joy ride with my family (very rare). I am no stranger to boats having multiple boats from age 7 and owning everything from canoes and small outboards to offshore sport fishing boat so I realize all boats are a compromise of sorts. I can also rebuild outboards having done so with many over the years. I do have some experience with jets from having jet ski's and for a short time a jet inboard runabout with dual motors.
I think I will be selling my Boston Whaler when I get the jet as I will not have time for two, the jet will probably see me selling my 10' pram and a couple of 8-9' pontoon boats along with my square stern canoe. Thin the herd ya know...
Getting excited about this as I narrow down my requirements. All people with experience running the major coastal rivers or the lower sac and it's tributaries I would love to hear your opinions.
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