I have a 19 ft northriver with a sportjet. It's my second sled, my first was an Almar lite with an outboard jet. I have to agree that the outboards are easier to clean out, and they do give more space in the boat. With my 19 footer, however, the space has not been an issue, fishing with up to 5 people in the boat. The Sportjet's engine house is pretty compact. Also, the swim platform over the pump gives you back space for a cooler that you don't get with an outboard, so I think the space issue is about a wash.

I have had problems with sucking weeds into the pump, and that is a serious problem. The boat loses about half of it's power, and you can't go fast enough to get on plane without cavitating and over revving the engine. I still had enough power to get around, and to trailer the boat. However, the only place I've had the weed problem is the hanford reach area, and the rivers I fish around here don't have weeds to speak of. You definitely don't want to run through weeds.

As to the other posters saying that the sportjet doesn't have power, however, I don't understand what they are talking about. My boat flies, as do the boats of the other folks that I know with the same power. I get up on plane in about two boat lengths, do about 45 mph top speed, cruise at 35 mph at 4000 rpm. When you push the throttle lever forward, it's liking setting the dial for a speed. The boat moves instantly, even with five people in it. This boat gets up much more immediately than any boat with an outboard I have seen.

The boat handles like it's on rails. I don't know how much is the boat and how much is the Sportjet, but I am much more confident in tight quarters than with my old boat.

I suspect that I could run 4 or 5 inches of water, but I avoid anything less than 10 inches deep. I don't think the risk is necessary, and I can get around on all the rivers I fish without taking that risk.

I also get much better fuel economy than I used to with my old 85 HP evinrude pump, though that was a pretty old boat.

I'm pretty happy with the Sportjet. Also with the North River.