And I thought the Ford verses Chevy controversy was intense. It really doesn’t compare to the difference of opinion between sled owners. From what I can tell everyone has the best boat.

I just wanted to provide an update to my quest. First and foremost, the guys at Three Rivers Marine in Woodinville are outstanding. Dave and Scott have done a fantastic job answering all questions and have been more than willing to spend the time necessary to explain all of the in’s and out’s. I am really looking forward to a little test run sometime next week in the Sky. Rumor has it they can really fish too! I’ll be sure to let you know. Since I live in Bellevue their location has significant weight to my decision.

I called North River to get an estimate and some updated photos. The estimate arrived in the mail, but failed to have prices for the options I had requested. The updated photos never arrived. I am still planning on looking at this boat at the Sportsman Show, but so far have not been impressed with their customer service.

I stopped by Doug’s boats, also in Woodinville, to get a quote for a Boulton. Really nice looking boat but very expensive and they really didn’t seem to be in touch with what I was looking for - definitely not fishermen.

I have not contacted Willie, Wooldridge, or Koffler. I have fished from a Predator and really liked the ride, but the distance thing removes them from the list. Same with Koffler (I own one of their aluminum drift boat trailers – Absolutely fantastic!) Wooldridge is local and I took a tour a couple of years ago. Just don’t picture myself behind the wheel of one.

So it looks like an 18 ft Super Vee with a SportJet from Three Rivers. Anyone living in western Washington that is interested in buying a sled should definitely make a trip to Woodinville…nuff said!!!

Well if you would like to try a koffler, give me a call. Not only will you get the opportunity to run a extreme boat but catch fish also. Email me.
stlhdr1@hotmail.com

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Highliner- If you happen to change your mind and would consider purchasing a slightly pre-owned vessel I could offer you a great deal on an outstanding fishing platform. I have in my possession a 1971 14' Hewscraft. Well, it used to be 14' prior to several transom modifications. It is a beauty, including new paint,....new...ugh.....Did I mention it had new paint?

You must be familiar with this type of craft. I think in some point in time everyone has either owned one or known someone who has. This sled coupled with a cherry 25 hp 1970 something Merc, cannot be outrun on the river(unless of course you run upstream, or should I say crawl upstream). Actually it works best to fire it up, point it upriver, jump out and run along side on the bank. I have circumnavigated many dangerous white witer rapids using this very technique.

This boat can be yours for only.....hey, wait a minute,....it WAS yours. Never mind, you have probably already made up your mind anyway.

Congradultions on your choice. Sounds like the Super Vee might even be a step up! I know how you are when researching a new toy. Educated, inquisitive, persistant, and frank with the dealers. I hope that the other potential boat shoppers on this board take the advice of a guy who really knows how to pursue the answers to all the right questions.

I for one appreciate the insight and look forward to a discussion in person...Real soon! (Hint).

I hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas!

Once again..."Nicely Done!"

Good luck with the sport-jet, make sure the boat carries a lot of fuel to feed it, and make sure merc. has a current address to send all the recall notices too. (a set of ear plugs for running would not hurt either.) Yes, I have a strong opinion on sport-jets, but I am not the only one, talk to some of the small manufactures who are dropping them because they make their boats look bad...

Godlike.......is that you? Sure sounds like it. Wait until you see this thing! They say it can do 55 mph. Leave that stainless steel impeller out your Duckworth and maybe we could race. I guess well have to wait until the summer when I can actually afford this new toy.

Was thinking about trying out some local river tomorrow with Patrick. I've been hitting fish in both the Sky and Snoqualmie. They have been a combination of summer, winter and native. This rain should put some fish on the move. Give me a call if you’re not busy and maybe we could hook-up.

Merry Christmas.

Your on! Boy, oh boy. Ya put something besides a pair of oars in a guys hands and now he has no boundries. 55mph..very, very fast! But remember hull design. Flat bottom..."exclusively side drifter"...ect.
Be carefull!....But anyway...My slab may not be the "fishing machine", may not be the perfect picture of finishing work, and sometimes may not start...but it goes!
When you figure out a way to squeeze 370 hp under the hood of that sporty of yours you come talk to me.

Big difference between Hell's Canyon and the local car body hole, cupcake!

Too busy to fish before Christmas...Have two weeks afterwards....Let's do it!.....Dan

sounds familiar i just went throught the same process about 2 years ago. i found that northriver makes a nice boat, but they take 6-12 months to be built. i ended up with a 17 foot alumaweld stryker open with a 115 hp mariner jet. i have been happy with the boat and it does all that i want it too. i did have to have the transom upgraded recently, but other than that i have been happy. it seemed that this boat gave me the most bang for my buck. i dont know to much about the sportjet. i have also heard of quite a few recalls, but thats to be expected with a new set up. i would agree a 175 hp 2 stroke is gonna haul, butt, and suck the fuel. you can tell a sportjet coming a mile away, they just sound different. anyways good luck with the boat search.