Need advice on a skinny water boat

[snagger]

I'm considering selling my current boat (17-ft Lund Explorer SS with 90 hp Merc 4stroke) and getting something i can access the skinny water of the rivers (Mississippi and Croix). I've seen the DNR officers in john boats with jet motors in the upper stretches of the Croix and I'm thinking of getting a similar set up. Does anyone have experience with a rig like that? Will it allow me to get through shallow riffles, etc? Who makes a good jet motor? Anyone know an approximate cost for a 40 hp jet and a 16-ft john?

Thanks.

[magnum mike]

Jet outboards are designed for clean, shallow rocky rivers like those in Alaska. I have a friend that was an outfitter up there. They tried the jet outdrives but not for long. A 40hp jet performs like a 25hp prop motor. If you are looking for all around access to the shallows, look into the mud motors. They are improving every year and it's amazing where they will go. I heard one coming last fall while duck hunting. They have a very distinctive sound. "Who is running the lawn mower in the flowage?"

[Northlander]

Do a search for Beavertail. www.otter.com will get ya there too. If you call ask for Rick and tel him Big Steve sent ya.

[gigidy]

i have a 14 ft john with an old mariner short shaft that works good in skinny water ,ill trade for that old lund with the 90 if you dont want it any more

[fishfearme]

How well does that beaver tail troll down? Do you always have to stand when you run those? Is it a practical motor for fishing? I have never seen one other than out duck hunting.

[fishshooteat]

river pro boats are good. google them.alot of them in monticello on the river

[snagger]

I've fished out of a River Pro before and they are nice. But....too expensive for what I'm looking for. I was hoping to get a plain-jane 16-foot john boat with the jet motor for under $8,000.

[fishfearme]

You could get a brand new rig at that price! Jons are inexpensive. I would think the motor would be less than $5000 even for a 4-stroke.