I plan on buying a jet-sled this spring, does anyone have any recommendations on good options etc..(Note: I'm not getting a driftboat because I have unlimited access to my best friends - good friend huh!).

Check out Thor-Built in Chehalis. You can e-mail request info at thorbuilt@aol.com. At the ISE is Seattle this week they totally blew away alumaweld and koffler on price, quality and fishing features. In fact I saw Wooldridge's salesman actually get in the 17-foot Thor-Built sled and all he could say was WOW!

I've got one you'll be interestd in. I'm only selling it because I fish from a drift boat more often and can't justify having it sit. I saw the Thor-Built and it is a nice boat but if you don't want to pay for a new one e-mail me. mine is actually better than new because it already has all the options and is ready to fish any species, anywhere.

What type of sled you need depends on several parameters. Do you fish mostly alone or most often with one or more buds. The more people jthe bigger the boat and the bigger the motor. Do you fish a variety of water? The columbia for sturgeon and smaller rivers for salmon and steelhead.It tuff to manuever a 18-20 ft boat on small water. Do you want a little protection from the elements or strickly open and unprotected? As you can see its not a simple question.
I'll tell you my thoughts; I fish more often alone (I have a lot of weekdays off). I have a boat I can handle alone with ease.I fish all kinds of water from the columbia at bouy 10 to the fast water of Beacon Rock for sturgeon. I also fish smaller rivers like the Nooche and Hump. I have a sled that has a high front end that allows for rough - open water use without gettin beat to death running it. I have a windshield, since I am often alone and no other eyes to help see, which is very important runnin rivers. I have a canopy pullup top to keep the sun off me while hoglinin salmon or fish summer sturgeon, or the rain in winter. Nice option. It's 16ft so i can run the little rivers but built bigger for its size to handle the columbia. I fish a Wooldridge Alaskan. Plus the bottom is designed not to fishtale when making tight turns. I have never had it break loose. Figure out just how much and what types of fishing this boat will allow ya and have fun shoppin! More than likely though......you'll wish you had 3 or 4 different boat types and make sure you got plenty of power.

I to have a woldridge, but I have the 16 ft Extra plus and I love it. I can fish anywhere large or small water. spendy but the best always is.

I am very happy w/ my 20ft Boulton. It is very similar to a duckworth except in price. 330 HP chevy V-8 on a kodiak pump, fishwell w/ running water, jumpseats, airride main seats, wiper, heater, full top and drop, locking rod lockers etc. etc. 28k on a tandem trailer w/ custom paint. I shopped for over two months and this boat appeared to be the best bang for the buck. I agree that you must shop and perform due dilligence on the final 2 or 3. Also consider inboard vs outboard as the difference in passenger room is significant. Good luck and email if you would like a ride in mine to help w/ the decision.

Huntar,
Ahh, you have a fun time ahead of you!! I am guide here in Western Washington and am on the water between 220 and 240 days per year. I have owned and alumaweld, Woolridge and Duckworth. The absolutely best sled I have ever owned is the one I own now and that is a Thor-Built...I don't know what kind of fishing you are planning on doing primarily but for the sake of fishing ease nothing beats this boat. If you would like more details just email me at...runwildrivers@yahoo.com

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Jim Bain
Always have Fun while Fishing!!!

Before you buy anything, take a look at the boats manufactured by Motion Marine...there on the cutting edge when it comes to making boats. http://www.motionmarine.com

Sharp hooks,
Pat
Holdzit Products, Inc. http://www.holdzit.com

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Sharp hooks,
Pat
Holdzit Fishing Products
http://www.holdzit.com

Thanks for all the advice guys, I appreciate it. However I was looking more for advice on specific options (guards, rails, steps, water-pumps for wash downs, etc...) that you have found to be helpful/useful.
As for make/model I'm leaning toward Northwest Jet Boats out of Pasco (19 foot inboard pump, 10-12 degree bottom). Although I'll take a look at Thor and Motion Marine since your reviews have been so good.

Huntar, get a hold of me , I am the factory rep for thor-built boats, I have a 17 ft sled right now for sale, it is a demo with 18 hours on it. Thanks superfly

Northwest's sure are pretty, but they don't fish worth a s**t. It really depends on what you are looking for. Do you want something that is going to double duty for waterskiing? If you are just looking for a fishing boat you can do much better.

One option to think about is an auto pilot for the kicker. I have one on a 20' Customweld and like it with a couple of exceptions. The kicker is setup with remote start/controls which is great if you spend lots of time at the helm. I don't and wish that the controls were back st the motor. Also even with the autopipot on the kicker I want a tiller for quick responses on the river when pulling plugs or driftfishing. The auto pilot is a really nice option. Have fun shopping and ride before you buy.

Tite lines