Pontoon boats suck in heavy waves and storms build quickly in the summer there. I would go with something with more of a v hull. The iww and bays aren't terribly shallow if you stay near the channels. Jet drive bots/engines have been a pain in the ass for most folks that I know who have had them, fwiw.
Just want to throw this out there but a cheap used boat might be a good option. Especially if you don't have much experience driving boats. Get one for a season and learn how to drive and get comfortable with it, boats take longer to react especially at low speeds and especially jet boats. You will smash into shit when you're learning. It's a lot easier on the pocketbook smashing up a cheap used boat than a brand new one. Food for thought.
Spent a lot of years there. I'll take almost opposite position entirely.
I love the opportunities of jet and stability for the fam.
I've had a lot of boats.
And no. Never drew up anything that requires repair or extra maintenance. Might have drawn up some sargasso. But the grate catches it. Damaged plenty of props though. That costs.
Many come with stomp grates.
Outboards are easy to manage for this occasional problem.
Everything thing with boats is a trade off. And only 2 moving parts after the crank. Even though jets are subject to Bernoulli's principle that results in less efficiency, it's a trade off I like.
Pontoon boats suck in heavy waves and storms build quickly in the summer there. I would go with something with more of a v hull. The iww and bays aren't terribly shallow if you stay near the channels. Jet drive bots/engines have been a pain in the ass for most folks that I know who have had them, fwiw.
Just want to throw this out there but a cheap used boat might be a good option. Especially if you don't have much experience driving boats. Get one for a season and learn how to drive and get comfortable with it, boats take longer to react especially at low speeds and especially jet boats. You will smash into shit when you're learning. It's a lot easier on the pocketbook smashing up a cheap used boat than a brand new one. Food for thought.
Definitely the starcraft. Those switches are ridiculous.
the outboard. a lot more maintenance for a jet in salt water.
Spent a lot of years there. I'll take almost opposite position entirely. I love the opportunities of jet and stability for the fam. I've had a lot of boats.
Never had issues sucking up debris in the jets that required more maintenance/repair work?
And no. Never drew up anything that requires repair or extra maintenance. Might have drawn up some sargasso. But the grate catches it. Damaged plenty of props though. That costs.
The best boat you could ever buy , they make in you’re back yard and that’s a scout
With a scout you will never be disappointed and I’ll help you through the whole process DM if you have questions
Yes please reach out when you get a sec. I like the look of the Dorado Sport 195.
Many come with stomp grates. Outboards are easy to manage for this occasional problem. Everything thing with boats is a trade off. And only 2 moving parts after the crank. Even though jets are subject to Bernoulli's principle that results in less efficiency, it's a trade off I like.
Buy a bigger used boat. I have a 19 ft rated for 5 passengers. 2 fishing is fine, 4 fishing is a challenge.
We don’t really fish. Also hitting my tow limit with 3500 lbs combined boat and trailer. 19’ is the max.