The Ultimate 2-3 Man Jet Boat

[Red Childress]

After clicking on the link, you will see an option to view the "slideshow" for better photo angles of the 18 ft. River Pro. If I were not guiding parties up to 4 persons, this is the rig I would own.


http://www.wiegelbrothersmarine.com/site_page_736/item_660108.html?listing_page=listing_sum_index_1. html

[lowbidder]

I had to cancel my order with Robbins because of an A-hole of a salesman and was seriously looking at the one you posted. I'm not sure about the DSC though...Would def have to take that for a ride first.
I really like the look of their 186 LoPro SCC. I talked to Kevin at RiverPro and he's still about 2-3 months out on production. Bummer.

[Red Childress]

I would go with Dual Center Console for sure and maximize my fishing space. I posted this link in haste....I really meant to say that I would own a River Pro boat, not necessarily the DSC.

I love the idea of having a beefed up engine. The OptiMax is great on gas too. The sides on my JetCraft are .025 thicker than the RPro but that is not a deal breaker at all. The .190 on the bottom is what matters, IMO.

Here is the one I really like:

http://www.riverpro-boats.com/186LoProDCC

[lowbidder]

Robbins has one of those, but after my recent experience I would rather order one and wait.
My favorite is the 186 SCC. I do most of my fishing alone and after a year of driving sitting down, I'm ready for a stand-up console (The DCC is a sit-down console). I find myself standing up driving my side console right now. That's hell on the back being slightly bent over.
I also like that the SCC has two pedestal seat bases behind the console. When it comes down to console, It's just a matter of personal preference.

Either way, the more I read about inboards, the more I like.

[Red Childress]

The inboard jets are the way to go, especially when you have the 200hp on a wider boat. The inboard will give you about 4 more inches of clearance compared to an outboard jet.

When the river is low and the outboard guys are stuck in the deeper pools, the inboards are still able to run normal routes. I also like the fact that the power loss with an inboard is about half as much as the normal 30 percent loss with an outboard.

If you have the money, the inboard OptiMax is the absolute best choice.

[muskie24/7]

Has anyone ever heard anything about the aluminum on the RiverPro's is so hard that it doesn't tear like normal aluminum? I heard that it actually knocks chunks out of it! This is only hear say, No facts!

Brian

[Red Childress]

It appears to be made the same way and with the same grade Aluminum as the JetCraft's. I am sure that Kneal would not be selling this rigs unless they were built solid. I have heard nothing but great things about RiverPro for several years now.

The bottom/center skid plate is made from Aircraft grade T6061 aluminum and that stuff is bullet proof. I slid across a rock last year going 40 mph with the 6061 and could barely find a scratch on the hull. That has been the only time I have hit/slid with this inboard rig. Any aluminum boat will tear or chunk-out depending on the severity of the collision. These hulls dish out the punishment cuz they have the PST and do not dent nearly as easily as regular jon-boat type hulls. (Plus, if you add on the performance strakes, the hull integrity is pretty well protected from large rocks.)


http://riverpro.goodbarry.com/construction

http://riverpro.goodbarry.com/mercurysportjet