I am currently looking at buying an 18ft. jetcraft yukon with the 115 hp inboard jet. I have been told that this is not enough power to run 2 men when fully rigged up the lower deschutes. I am thinking of running a smaller kicker like a 6 hp for the weight issue. My plan is to keep this boat as light as possible. only riggin it with things I truly need, FF,GPS,CB,Kicker,anchor,etc. Any ideas on how to avoid weight issuse or solve them them would be really appreciated. A bigger more powerful boat is out of the question. I will be spending most of my time in the upper columbia but want the capability to run the lower deschutes or at least to the first very large rapid. Any inof on the boat or my questions would be mostly appreciated,

I'm not familiar with the boat in question. However, most inboard jets are more efficient than outboard jets. If that is true for this boat, 115 should be enough power.

The best way to find out is to take the boat out for a test drive, with 2 or three large buddies. If the boat gets up on plane quickly, it's enough power.

The Deschutes is big, rough water. You need power and plenty of boat to run it. 18 feet is marginal, in my view, regardless of the power.

Its sold, thanks anyways

Well turns out that It is still for sale. I now have a dilema. I am also looking at an 1988 whitewater jet boat with a 302 with only 100 hours. the boats are the same size but the newer one has twice as many hours. To those that know do you sacrifice power for room. I want to be able to fish 3 men comfortably but 115 Hp isnt enough I think. they are the same price and I dont know weather to go with more room and less power or more power and less room. The 88 has many extras 2 trollin motors f.f. etc. the 95 doesnt.

Which one

Let's see if I have this right. Both are the same length, but one has more room? Is the 115 a sportjet, or is it open and the 88 has a windshield?

My first thought is go with the older boat with the bigger engine.

They are both inboards and are both windshields.

Ok, go with the bigger engine.

Anyone else

cant go wrong with more horse power. its better to have to much than not enough. just my opinion

Does anyone know who actually makes the boat whitewater marine, the only fact I know is that they were built in Oregon city.

Whitewater Marine Works has been out of bussiness for 10 or so years.....did make a pretty good boat in their day..... most I've seen were inboards.

Dose the one you're lookin @ have a squared off bow?

thanks for all the help. My father and I are going boat shopping this weekend I will let you know how it goes.