Highliner; If I had a dime for every time a V-8 jet boater bashed Sport-jets I might have the money to actually make the 6000$ step to get a "real" jetboat. Thats right, when I considered making the step to only a 20' North River Ranger, 350v8, Hamilton 212 it bumped the price up 6k! That and the overall floor/fishing space is less! Weighs 800# more! Then I figured that I really don't have any plans to do the toughest parts of the Snake, It was a no brainer. This boat cruises at 6gal/hour, is easy to tow, sits higher in the water off plane, it's a very versatile boat. If you just feel good just paying more be my guest. I'm afraid it just wasn't in my budget.