Best Hull for jet boat

[09 arctic cat m8]

Hey guys seeing which is the best route for a jetboat hull, I want to run rivers in it as well as fish on lakes in some big rolling waves without it sinking, I’ve heard 12 degrees will work but I’d like to hear someone of your views, thanks

 

[NoBrakes!]

honestly, you need to ride in a few to know. they're all good but different. 8 degree seems to take a beating in the chop but run shallow and plane with heavy loads but turns like a wet mattress. 12 cuts a bit more and starts turning better, 16 goes fast and turns sharp then there's the step tech 16 and the 20 like my sport.. they haul the mail! Tunnels are really fun

 

[neilsleder]

That’s a pretty loaded question. You are going to get lots of different answers. Depends on what river you plan on running. But generally a 12deg is a happy medium. Will go shallow but also cuts waves decent.

 

[pfi572]

There is no perfect boat or hull IMO.
If you build a boat that’s heavier and 8 degree they aren’t to bad all around as long as you don’t put the drop chines .
Will get a lot closer to shore when parking .
Will pack a bigger load easier.
Won’t handle as well as a steeper degree going faster .
It still won’t run as smooth as a steeper degree or radius bottom but pretty good all around.

 

[Lund]

I have a 14deg variable hall on mine and i like it for what i use it for.
Its more of an SUV in boats then a specific function type boat. I use it on the Fraser and Thompson rivers and i also use it on the Ocean and any lakes i feel like going.
On a large body of water it's not my Trophy for comfort or in speed and economy but its not bad for a river style jet boat. The hall does a pretty good job at cutting as long as you keep the speed down. Cavitation can be a problem on big waves and swell's.
In the river's like the Fraser its at home and can skin over 6inches of water but its not a skinny water boat with that type of hall, you don't want to be doing alot of skinny stuff or your going to get into trouble.
On the Thompson there is a lot of white water, there you need to be more aware with this hall as it gets pulled around easier and you could end up where you don't want to be. Not the best for white water but will do it with a good pilot.
All and all, multi function hall that does it all in an OK manner.

BTW, i don't consider my self a boater. I strictly use the boat as a tool for fishing and not for recreational riding.

 

[catman1]

Like stated above , best to ride in a few. Because all the manufacturers can all be different with the same bottom degrees. I have a 12* 20ft that’s brutal in the waves. Feels like the motor is getting thrashed around so hard back there in medium size waves. That’s even going slow. But runs shallow no problem and gets on plain wicked fast. I’ve heard the bratt jets with 8* bottom cut the waves real nice.

 

[Chrisco]

I would have to say a 11, 12 degree would be ideal for what you are looking for. Will still run shallow and be ok in the big water. Eagle 16 19 degree step tec are all go fast hulls and turn on a dime.

 

[NoBrakes!]

I have one of the nicest 21' sports ever made for sale if you're interested but she's no fishing boat

 

[Chrisco]

I have one of the nicest 21' sports ever made for sale if you're interested but she's no fishing boat

Pics or not true...

 

[NoBrakes!]

Slowroll baby

 

[Chrisco]

I remember that bitch when it was for sale!!! super cool boat man.

 

[NoBrakes!]

Thank you sir. She's a rocket! I've had it for a few years now, want to finish my twin and mini projects but I'll keep her unless 70K comes floating my way. It's our family boat lol

 

[neilsleder]

Thank you sir. She's a rocket! I've had it for a few years now, want to finish my twin and mini projects but I'll keep her unless 70K comes floating my way. It's our family boat lol

I want the trailer.

 

[DRD]

If given the choice between a 175SJ vs a carb 350/212, is the 212 worth the 7K price difference for general fishing/boating? Both engines are in NR/CW/TJ type 19" boats.

 

[NoBrakes!]

carb 350 can be worked on by anyone, 212 has insane amount of thrust and can pump gravel...
175 SJ is loud, has a lot of electronics, but its super light. also, drains itself for winter!

 

[dixopr]

350 carb with 212 is a great combo. You can always ask for more hp but a newer engine or a used take out 6L or a custom 383 or bigger longblock isn't too expensive compared to a new hull. As for the best jetboat hull, as folks have said nothing is perfect for everything and different manufactures with basically the same hull perform differently. I've been in many and have owned a few, 19 foot eagle sport, 14 degree outlaw, 10 degree sidewinder (similar to a westcan), pretty big difference from all three, especially the eagle. I love the sport boats but they are not little kid friendly. The 14 is a nice boat, cuts big waves pretty decent but doesn't pack the load the sidewinder does. The sidewinder has a long keel and actually rides the bigger waves well. A friend has a 20 foot clearwater and the 36" sides makes big water nice when you are fishing. I'd love to try a radius hull. I wouldn't buy a sportjet unless you want to run really shallow and hull weight is your concern, pushing sucks regardless. I'm going to sell the 19 foot eagle and get one of those russian inflatables to pack along with my big boat to run the shallow stuff.

Hope that helps.

 

[neilsleder]

350 carb with 212 is a great combo. You can always ask for more hp but a newer engine or a used take out 6L or a custom 383 or bigger longblock isn't too expensive compared to a new hull. As for the best jetboat hull, as folks have said nothing is perfect for everything and different manufactures with basically the same hull perform differently. I've been in many and have owned a few, 19 foot eagle sport, 14 degree outlaw, 10 degree sidewinder (similar to a westcan), pretty big difference from all three, especially the eagle. I love the sport boats but they are not little kid friendly. The 14 is a nice boat, cuts big waves pretty decent but doesn't pack the load the sidewinder does. The sidewinder has a long keel and actually rides the bigger waves well. A friend has a 20 foot clearwater and the 36" sides makes big water nice when you are fishing. I'd love to try a radius hull. I wouldn't buy a sportjet unless you want to run really shallow and hull weight is your concern, pushing sucks regardless. I'm going to sell the 19 foot eagle and get one of those russian inflatables to pack along with my big boat to run the shallow stuff.

Hope that helps.

Those Russians are crazy!

 

[FastFarmer]

Step tech is the ticket..especially in a 23’. Slowroll and Miss Isle should go for a rip...

 

[Chrisco]

Step tech is the ticket..especially in a 23’. Slowroll and Miss Isle should go for a rip...

Do you even boat bro ???

 

[FastFarmer]

WHOA! You’re alive! So releaved I can now stop checking missing persons reports for you.