sounds familiar i just went throught the same process about 2 years ago. i found that northriver makes a nice boat, but they take 6-12 months to be built. i ended up with a 17 foot alumaweld stryker open with a 115 hp mariner jet. i have been happy with the boat and it does all that i want it too. i did have to have the transom upgraded recently, but other than that i have been happy. it seemed that this boat gave me the most bang for my buck. i dont know to much about the sportjet. i have also heard of quite a few recalls, but thats to be expected with a new set up. i would agree a 175 hp 2 stroke is gonna haul, butt, and suck the fuel. you can tell a sportjet coming a mile away, they just sound different. anyways good luck with the boat search.