5 Best Welded Aluminum Jet Boats for Rivers, Fishing, and Power!
Success in fishing and other outdoor watersports is dependent mainly on personal skills. We all know that the equipment you use is plays a role as well. Plus, cool toys are always fun to have in the arsenal! There are so many choices on the market today.
So, how do you make the right choice when committing to a significant investment, like which welded aluminum jet boat is best for all of your river and fishing expedition? A boat is likely a piece of equipment you will enjoy for years to come. Let us take a look at a few.
5 of the Top Aluminum Jet Boats
Custom Weld
Custom Weld, out of Lewiston, Idaho, has a variety of models available, all built to your specifications. They produce everything from recreational to government boats, which speaks to their quality and reliability. They offer jet, inboard, and outboard options with 14’-34′ hulls in a variety of bottom thicknesses.
There are some hull length exceptions, such as their monster 26’-44′ Twin Series. Custom Weld claims this option is best for people who want a custom boat. The Twin Series boasts 660hp to 1100hp. However, it is a larger vessel and may not suit your needs in more shallow waters.
The lightweight and mobile Custom Weld Shallow Water is a killer for minimal water levels. According to their customer reviews, “The Custom Weld Shallow Water is the only boat I trust to get me there and back.”
A side view of this boat shows a sleek design, sure to quickly and safely get you where you’re going and most importantly back home safely. There are quite a few options between the Twin Series and Shallow Water.
It shouldn’t be challenging to find a suitable model for your needs. Custom Weld has over 30 years of boat crafting experience and has implemented many of the suggestions offered by customers.
King Fisher – River Jet Series
The King Fisher-River Jet Series has some impressive vessels. Built on their Pre-Flex race platform, all boats come standard with UHMW, or ultra-high molecular weight plastic, protection. King Fisher took what they learned from successful short-track boat racing and made it available to the average consumer.
According to their website, the River Jet Series has six different models to choose from. Each model has its own benefits and uses for the consumer. The 2175 Extreme Shallow is built exactly as it sounds for extremely shallow water.
This hull design allows this boat to thrive at high speeds in as little as four inches of water! If that’s not extremely shallow, then I don’t know what is. The 1975 Fastwater has a 2.3L EcoBoost engine for those that want a quieter ride without compromising speed and thrill.
With more drink holders then other models and the option for a sun lounger, the Fastwater is built for a family fun adventure. A quick look through the King Fisher website will show that their boats have good-looking color schemes.
When you are cruising down the river, there won’t be any doubt you’re in a King Fisher.
North River
The North River aluminum boats at least look like the Mercedes of riverboats. Their unlimited color selection and ultra-sleek design will turn heads. The Seahawk Fastback model has 21’-25′ hull options available. With ample storage space and seating, it is a good mix of duty and leisure.
The North River Seahawk Inboard jet boat is wildly different from the Fastback. The Seahawk is better for shallow water conditions and is available in 22’-25′ variations. The Seahawk will get the job done if you are looking for a reliable vessel to get you through rough waters.
Each hull length has a max horsepower output of 500hp. The dash features simple controls with single-lever throttle control. Ample storage space and cup holders make it a breeze to take a day on the water with a buddy or bring the wife and kids.
Their boats feature a welded, walk-through windshield with tempered glass, keeping you dry and warm without compromising access to the front of your new boat. North River offers standard, one-color full-side paint.
SJX Jet Boats
SJX Jet Boats, another Idaho boat maker, is a company that is proud and confident in its product and not in a bad way! Interestingly enough, their owner Steve Stajkowski, performs extensive testing on their boats himself.
SJX strives to constantly improve the product they are putting out. They do this by literally trying to break and beat up their vessels through extensive research and development procedures. Attention to detail is something SJX is no stranger to.
Their aluminum jet boats feature end-to-end continuous welds. They do not have any aluminum to aluminum contact anywhere between the subfloor and flooring, making for a smooth ride that will last the consumer years to come.
SJX provides four different models, ranging from smaller and faster models that will zip you around the river and larger models to haul equipment at slower speeds.
SJX boats are not painted. Instead, they are wrapped in high-quality vinyl that SJX claims are more durable. The interior is coated with a traditional bed liner providing long-lasting durability and ease of maintenance. SJX sells a bed liner kit for easy at-home repairs. SJX provides an all-around great boat, tried and trusted by the very people who produce them.
Thunder Jet
Thunder Jet makes a quality boat available to the buyer who may be nervous about breaking out the checkbook with six inboard jet aluminum boats to choose from.
The 180 Eco Jet says it all, a quality jet boat that won’t break the bank; this smaller boat has the same Thunder Jet guarantee. The Canyon Jet offers a degree up a step up from the Eco Jet. The aluminum vessel is comprised of a single formed side piece and a one-piece hull.
Both of these boats are on the smaller end. If you want something more significant, take a look at the Maxim Classic Jet. When choosing a boat for long trips requiring you to haul a lot of gear and fishing buddies, skip over to the Maxim Classic.
This 23′ aluminum boat is a heavy-duty option for the serious river boater. The thick aluminum hull ensures that you make it to and from your destination without having to use a paddle or swim. The snap-in carpet makes cleaning a breeze.
Depending on which model you choose, Thunder Jet offers different paint styles. Although the colors are overall the same handful of shades, they do provide variations in metallic versus gloss.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the choice comes down to you, the consumer. A jet boat is an investment that will serve you for years to come, and making the right choice is one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. First, evaluate your actual needs and then throw any ‘wants’ on top of that.
Make sure it fits your budget so you can enjoy the boat and not worry about the money you spent on it! If you are looking for a powerhouse aluminum boat, check out the Custom Weld Twin Series with its 1100hp output.
If that doesn’t suck you down in your seat, I don’t know what will. King Fisher offers high-performance, good-looking options for the serious boater. If you’re just dipping your toes in the water of the jet boat community, browse through the cost-effective options provided by Thunder Jet.
No choice is wrong; it’s just the right choice for you.