Jet drives do handle shallow water better than anything else but they
use a lot of gas.

Calif Bill wrote:
"Archie Bunker" wrote in message
oups.com...

jamesgangnc wrote:
Do you mean outboards verses inboard/outboards verses inboards?

Yes, I meant inboard/outboard....sorry. I would be scared to use a true
inboard around here because of all the stumps here in these East
Texas/West Louisiana lakes. I am also considering jet drive if anyone
has comments about that. Thanks for your responses so far guys. What
about fuel economy on 4 stroke vs. 2 stroke?


You might go to www.riverjetmagazine.com forums for jet drive questions.
These are mostly aluminum boats. More expensive than Mastercrafts in lots
of cases.

"jamesgangnc" wrote in message
ups.com...
Jet drives do handle shallow water better than anything else but they
use a lot of gas.

Calif Bill wrote:
"Archie Bunker" wrote in message
oups.com...

jamesgangnc wrote:
Do you mean outboards verses inboard/outboards verses inboards?

Yes, I meant inboard/outboard....sorry. I would be scared to use a true
inboard around here because of all the stumps here in these East
Texas/West Louisiana lakes. I am also considering jet drive if anyone
has comments about that. Thanks for your responses so far guys. What
about fuel economy on 4 stroke vs. 2 stroke?


You might go to www.riverjetmagazine.com forums for jet drive questions.
These are mostly aluminum boats. More expensive than Mastercrafts in
lots
of cases.


The newer Hamilton 212's are about 95% the efficiency of a prop boat. My
Kodiak 3 stage is about 85%. Overall in the total cost of a boat is
negligible.

Bottom line you will have, by far, the most choices in the category of
conventional trailer boats with i/os. If you do not want a real
inboard ski boat then I'd look in this category. If you are staying in
protected water I would also go with a bowrider.

Calif Bill wrote:
"jamesgangnc" wrote in message
ups.com...
Jet drives do handle shallow water better than anything else but they
use a lot of gas.

Calif Bill wrote:
"Archie Bunker" wrote in message
oups.com...

jamesgangnc wrote:
Do you mean outboards verses inboard/outboards verses inboards?

Yes, I meant inboard/outboard....sorry. I would be scared to use a true
inboard around here because of all the stumps here in these East
Texas/West Louisiana lakes. I am also considering jet drive if anyone
has comments about that. Thanks for your responses so far guys. What
about fuel economy on 4 stroke vs. 2 stroke?


You might go to www.riverjetmagazine.com forums for jet drive questions.
These are mostly aluminum boats. More expensive than Mastercrafts in
lots
of cases.


The newer Hamilton 212's are about 95% the efficiency of a prop boat. My
Kodiak 3 stage is about 85%. Overall in the total cost of a boat is
negligible.

Bottom line you will have, by far, the most choices in the category of
conventional trailer boats with i/os. If you do not want a real
inboard ski boat then I'd look in this category. If you are staying in
protected water I would also go with a bowrider.

If he's outgrowing the boat then a bowrider probably isn't what he's after.

What're the limiting factors of your current boat? What extras are you
looking for? That might help better determine what alternatives to
consider.

The usual issues apply, I/O and outboards can be trimmed up but I/O's have
maintenance issues if you're leaving them in the water. Inboards are the
best for maintenance if it's in the water all the time but don't have the
shallower drafts of I/O's. Jet drives have efficiency issues, especially as
you into larger boats.

But it raises the question of what is it you want out of the boat ABOVE the
waterline?

" If he's outgrowing the boat then a bowrider probably isn't what he's
after."

I'm not sure how you come to that conclusion? Sounds like he is
boating on local lakes and that probably means trailering. If he gets
a cuddy he's got no space forward of the driver for passengers. You
think people like to ride in the cabin of a cuddy day boating on a
lake?


Bill Kearney wrote:
Bottom line you will have, by far, the most choices in the category of
conventional trailer boats with i/os. If you do not want a real
inboard ski boat then I'd look in this category. If you are staying in
protected water I would also go with a bowrider.

If he's outgrowing the boat then a bowrider probably isn't what he's after.

What're the limiting factors of your current boat? What extras are you
looking for? That might help better determine what alternatives to
consider.

The usual issues apply, I/O and outboards can be trimmed up but I/O's have
maintenance issues if you're leaving them in the water. Inboards are the
best for maintenance if it's in the water all the time but don't have the
shallower drafts of I/O's. Jet drives have efficiency issues, especially as
you into larger boats.

But it raises the question of what is it you want out of the boat ABOVE the
waterline?

What're the limiting factors of your current boat?
Two small. I get me and three or four kids in it and we are crowded.
Its a 15 foot Lone Star with a 35 Evinrude. It will barely plain with
the kids on a tube(they are heavier than they were a few years ago!)

What extras are you
looking for?
Possibly a walkthrough windshield with room up front for people. Canvas
top. A head.
That might help better determine what alternatives to
consider.



But it raises the question of what is it you want out of the boat ABOVE the
waterline?

Room for people, beer and food!

Its a 15 foot Lone Star with a 35 Evinrude.

Oh. Well.

If that's what you're in then any of the 18 foot+ bowriders would be worth
considering. And if all you're concerned about (watersport-wise) is going
tubing then something with an outboard is likewise worth considering. Going
with a wakeboard or waterskiing inboard Mastercraft might be overkill.
What're other folks on the nearby waters using? Might want to consider
going along with whatever's popular locally, if just to have good dealer
support (if you're considering a new or recent boat).

Archie Bunker wrote:

What're the limiting factors of your current boat?
Two small. I get me and three or four kids in it and we are crowded.
Its a 15 foot Lone Star with a 35 Evinrude. It will barely plain with
the kids on a tube(they are heavier than they were a few years ago!)


Untill you have decided on what you are going to buy.
Get some pitch taken of your prop.
If you are looking at 18' go o/b
i/b take up to much room.