Cory Crowdus asked:
In the Northwest, we love to fish for salmon, sturgeon and steelhead. We also have different types of Aluminum boats that we use, such as North River, Alumaweld, Boulton and NW Jet to name a few that range from 18-26′ in length. The two power options that are used is either an outboard or an inboard Jet pump. Which type of propulsion system do you like better and why?
In the Northwest, we love to fish for salmon, sturgeon and steelhead. We also have different types of Aluminum boats that we use, such as North River, Alumaweld, Boulton and NW Jet to name a few that range from 18-26′ in length. The two power options that are used is either an outboard or an inboard Jet pump. Which type of propulsion system do you like better and why?
Tough question.
For fishing?
Outboard.
For fun?
Jet.
Jet engines get on plane immediately with little to no bow lift, however they consume a lot more fuel IMO.
If I were trying to ski, tube, etc…a jetboat would be my pick.
but they are also higher maintenance, and can clog (just like waverunners)
I have a 200hp Outboard on my boat for offshore fishing, she does me right.
it depends where you want to fish. if you are running on shallow rivers then the jet is the way to go. for big lakes, sounds and ocean fishing the outboard(s) will do much better.
jets use a lot more fuel and you loose about 30% of your hp running the jet system.
most jet boats are flat bottomed or very shallow V for river running.
for ocean or open water a deep V outboard will handle the waves much better. outboard fishing boats can also be twin hull boats.
i personally prefer a modified deep V for fishing.
hope this helps