We found the BEST place to see jet boats was that PORTLAND sportsman's show, not the Seattle boat/sportsman's shows. Seems like more shallow-river fishermen down there than the more sound-based Seattle boaters? Seattle shows are great if you want to buy a 70' Grand Banks yacht....

Also grab that Boat Trader magazine at convenience stores, to get an idea about used boats, and/or resale value.

Jet-boat sites from my computer's "favorite places":
http://www.alumaweldboats.com
http://www.boicejet.com
http://www.boultonpowerboats.com
http://www.duckworthboats.com
http://www.fish-rite.com
http://www.hewescraft.com
http://www.harbercrafteagle.com
http://www.nwjetboats.com
http://www.willieboats.com
http://www.wooldridgeboats.com
http://www.northriverboats.com
http://www.thunderjet.com
http://www.bentzboats.com
http://www.kofflerboats.com
http://www.outlawmarinejets.com

We visited the Wooldridge factory in Seattle, they gladly gave us the whole tour, and you can see how jet boats are built. Learned a lot.

If you are doing only LIMITED sound boating, then the 10 degree V would probably be the best choice if you do want to go as shallow as possible in rivers, yet still not get too terribly pounded by the waves in the sound.

My guess is that a 12 degree is about 2-3" deeper than the 10 degree, but I'm not real sure. The 14 degree is another 2-3".

I've heard that if you want to run potentially-dangerous WHITEWATER, DON'T get an outboard, don't get 9 degree V or less, don't get 17 degree or more, don't get a sportjet, don't get a tiller-steering model, don't not get a windshield, don't not get a self-bailing bow, and don't underpower it!

We were tempted to save money by buying the Alumaweld Stryker model. But their Intruder model was more money, but, for us at least, well worth it.

Jet boat = fun!