I also say to consider where you will get the boat serviced. My buddy has a Thunderjet, it's a really nice boat but he has taken it over to Idaho to the dealer probably 5 times in the 5 years he's had it. It's a 19 footer ib jet windshield boat, We took it up to Tahsis this summer, one day we were in 12'+ seas. Not real fun but the boat handled it fine.

From what I've seen you get more bang for your buck with north river. My next boat will be a north river. Right now I have a 19ft stryker sportjet. Overall its a good boat, but I find myself longing for more power and more room.

I did have to take it in to get fixed and ended up with a new motor. Now it seems slower than before. Actally according to the gps is it slower. I can't get over 40mph.

I would tell your friend to check out NR.

Just curious:

With a very finite area of sledable local river water and sleds selling like hot cakes, is there a point where saturation is reached?

Or do most people that buy sleds end up leaving them in the garage 99.9% of the time?

SlabQ,

I bought my sled this year, and I was amazed at how often I was the only boat fishing! I'd say that there is plenty of room, if you stay away from the very high traffic areas such as the cowlitz and wynoochee.

SA

Winterrun,It was all in good fun and I in no way am endorsing North River However I would recommend hanging a 4 stroke Yamaha off the a$$end.Heck any 4 stroke's worth it for the noise factor alone

No offense was taken with the comments LZ. My buddy has put a $20,000 limit on his purchase and the TJ and Stryker at show prices fall within that range. If it was me I'd look for something a couple years old with a 4 stroke outboard on it but that's me. He's dead set on a NEW boat.
What are the major issues with buying a 2 year old boat. I've owned a number of boats and know that the power plant is #1 on the list. As far as sleds are concerned, what would you look for to determine if you're buying something that has been taken care of.

I think the biggest problem with a 2 year old is that most warranties are not transferrable. So, if there is a problem, you are just out money. I think the chance is slim, but there is still a chance.

I doubt that you are going to find 2 year old boats of that size/configuration for much less than 20K.

I bought a Northriver 19ft mariner last September with a 90hp main and a 8hp kicker Yami 4 strokes with full canvas the deciding factor for me was beam width 95" I live in Westport no service depts near me So I went with the "best boat your money could buy". Boat price alittle over what your friend wants to spend but with out the kicker and few extras it could work E-mail me if you have any questions.

Why would someone put a sport jet with a POS pump on it when they could get at least a 5.0 ford with a Hamilton 212 for a couple thousand more dollars.... price it out.....

Don't get ripped off..... sport jets are crap

OK BRS, you made your point!!!!

Its nice to hear the confidence all of you have in 3rivers. That means alot to this potential new boat buyer. I talked with them briefly at the show and still debating weather to buy a new or used Super Vee.

AuntyM, what kind of performance do you get out of your boat. I'd rather hear it from an owner instead of a salesperson. Thanks

North Rivers are the CHIT!!! Or you could get a super vee and become a guide wanna be side drifter - fish flosser! J/K

Aunty POS= piece of shi*