First boat advice

[Livefreeordrive]

Hi everyone, I'm currently in Florida and will be heading back home to Ontario Canada and I want to purchase our first boat on the way back up. Prices are much cheaper as well as the variety of used boats down here. I'm thinking about buying in the Ohio area to avoid the long tow from Florida and the potential salt water damage.

If anyone has tips on importing to Canada, I would appreciate it.

Were looking at a late 90s, single engine model but open to any brand that will fit those two stipulations.

What are the top choices as far as brand and models for single engine jet boats under 17ft?

I will be using it out on lake st Clair and up the Detroit River. I'd like to add trim tabs for the chop but can't find much info about what models have aftermarket tabs available. Do all tabs have to be modified to fit these little jet boats?

Thanks in advance for your time and I look forward to learning the ins and outs of jet boat life. Cheers.

 

[Dave burke]

Not sure you’re going find much under 17ft other than the first generation jets from about 15-20 years ago. As an example, I have a 15 ft Sea-Doo Speedster but it’s really more a toy than a serious boat. I wouldn’t want to take it on any lake or river with the potential for big chop. And trim tabs wouldn’t really help.

You’re right about new boats being way more expensive in Canada. I bought my 2017 212X for just under $50k US and the prices in Canada when I shopped around were closer to $90-100k. Can’t imagine it’s better now with Covid. I keep my boat in the US so never did pay to get it into Canada.

I did look into importing a used boat a few years ago and you have to pay taxes (federal and provincial) on the depreciated value. If the boat was made in the US pretty sure there’s no duty. I’d suggest you call Canada Customs and ask them directly. They’ve been pretty helpful in my experience.

 

[tdonoughue]

If anyone has tips on importing to Canada, I would appreciate it.

Don't do it. Too cold.

Ok, I didn't really expect that to work.

Agree with @Dave burke on the availability of under 17'. Why that limitation? Cost or storage or what? I think you will need a 19' before you start to really see some options. And if you are under 17' you can't bring as many friends...

You can put trim tabs on just about anything. The question is going to be whether you have enough mass in the boat to for them to make a difference. Tabs can push your bow down into the water and give you a smoother ride. But if your whole boat is being lifted, they are not going to do much for that.

Buying in Ohio (or somewhere with predominantly fresh water) does avoid the salt issues and sounds like a good idea to me. When you buy used, you don't always know how well the last person took care of the boat. In fresh there is more leeway, of course. If it was in salt and not properly cleaned and flushed... Yeah, that doesn't work out well.

 

[Livefreeordrive]

Don't do it. Too cold.

Ok, I didn't really expect that to work.

Agree with @Dave burke on the availability of under 17'. Why that limitation? Cost or storage or what? I think you will need a 19' before you start to really see some options. And if you are under 17' you can't bring as many friends...

You can put trim tabs on just about anything. The question is going to be whether you have enough mass in the boat to for them to make a difference. Tabs can push your bow down into the water and give you a smoother ride. But if your whole boat is being lifted, they are not going to do much for that.

Buying in Ohio (or somewhere with predominantly fresh water) does avoid the salt issues and sounds like a good idea to me. When you buy used, you don't always know how well the last person took care of the boat. In fresh there is more leeway, of course. If it was in salt and not properly cleaned and flushed... Yeah, that doesn't work out well.

I'm mainly looking for a small boat because it's easier to tow for a first time tower and lighter. I will be towing it with my fully loaded 3/4 ton camper van. I have rear air bags but I figured the lighter the better.
We want a boat that's fun. We're not fishing, or pulling tubes, just zipping around to beaches for camping and swimming. We were looking at sportster, speedster, sea ray rayders, and some challengers.

 

[Livefreeordrive]

Not sure you’re going find much under 17ft other than the first generation jets from about 15-20 years ago.

TThat's the age range I'm thinking.

 

[Dave burke]

Don't do it. Too cold.

Ok, I didn't really expect that to work.

Agree with @Dave burke on the availability of under 17'. Why that limitation? Cost or storage or what? I think you will need a 19' before you start to really see some options. And if you are under 17' you can't bring as many friends...

You can put trim tabs on just about anything. The question is going to be whether you have enough mass in the boat to for them to make a difference. Tabs can push your bow down into the water and give you a smoother ride. But if your whole boat is being lifted, they are not going to do much for that.

Buying in Ohio (or somewhere with predominantly fresh water) does avoid the salt issues and sounds like a good idea to me. When you buy used, you don't always know how well the last person took care of the boat. In fresh there is more leeway, of course. If it was in salt and not properly cleaned and flushed... Yeah, that doesn't work out well.

love your first line @tdonoughue! It almost 20 degrees in Montreal today...

 

[Dave burke]

just make sure the engines are 4-cycle. And if it’s a BRP product, not supercharged.

also, if you’re interested in something that old, I can’t imagine the import taxes will be very significant. But then again used boat prices seem to be crazy because of COVID. If you’re lucky, the depreciated value set by Customs might be below market.

 

[tdonoughue]

love your first line @tdonoughue! It almost 20 degrees in Montreal today...

Yeah, well, it is only 30 degrees here... so while we are doing better, it is not THAT much better.

@Livefreeordrive , good additional info. So then two more thoughts for you to consider:
1) On towing, I was similarly hesitant buying my AR240 (never significantly towed before). I learned a few things. First, brakes (if needed) and maintenance are important. Second, weight and balance is important. Many focus on overall weight, but then miss tongue weight. Tongue weight, though, will probably do more to add to/detract from your towing experience than the overall weight. Tongue weight is why you see some trailers swaying down the road and others lifting a vehicle's front wheels. Even if you go up to 19', making sure your total package meets specs will do much for you. I would rather tow a well-tuned 19' rig than a poorly balanced 17' any day.

2) On the age, with those ages, be prepared for many 2-stroke options (which means mixing oil, simpler engines) and sometimes having issues getting parts. We have folks come on here periodically with older boats like that. Sometimes they have trouble finding parts or have to repair parts (like the magnets on the flywheel) because new parts are not available.

All that said, I would still consider a 19'...

 

[tdonoughue]

Check out the Classifieds section here, too...

 

[Livefreeordrive]

just make sure the engines are 4-cycle. And if it’s a BRP product, not supercharged.

also, if you’re interested in something that old, I can’t imagine the import taxes will be very significant. But then again used boat prices seem to be crazy because of COVID. If you’re lucky, the depreciated value set by Customs might be below market.

Taxes and duty should be next to nothing if it's made in North America and older than 15 years,
I believe.

 

[Livefreeordrive]

just make sure the engines are 4-cycle. And if it’s a BRP product, not supercharged.

Good points. I'd definitely prefer a 4 stroke and supercharged just sound like more maintenance. Those 4 strokes demand a premium price tag that I'm not sure I want to partake in.
That said, I'm always open to spending a little more for a deal that offers more value so I'm gonna keep my eye out.
My only concern is not being able to go on a proper test drive being so cold. Is there a way to check the drive train systems without launching it?

 

[marcham]

You'll be on the hook for pst /gst/ hst at the border. The trailer may need an inspection (Canadian tire, they just check that the lights work and vin matches the paperwork), i believe the cost is $200.

You'll need to get license /insurance for the trailer in the US to bring it into Canada. (Make sure it has a vin and title. You may need a letter from the state for those that don't have paper titles).

Don't forget to check that there is no lien on the boat or trailer.

Boat trailer tongues are lightly loaded, you should be fine with up to 20ft with your van.

Old boat = old engine = repairs.... at least with an outboard you can swap out the engine easily with a newer one. I wouldn't look too hard for an out of production 20yr old jet boat... parts could be difficult to come by. Are you comfortable working on carbs?

Whatever you buy, make sure you do an in water test.

Buy your 2nd boat 1st!

 

[haknslash]

17’ boat? You‘ll be trying to sell that within a year IMO

 

[Crob83]

Ask @HangOutdoors, don't think you would want a 17 footer on lake St Clair

 

[HangOutdoors]

Hi everyone, I'm currently in Florida and will be heading back home to Ontario Canada and I want to purchase our first boat on the way back up. Prices are much cheaper as well as the variety of used boats down here. I'm thinking about buying in the Ohio area to avoid the long tow from Florida and the potential salt water damage.

If anyone has tips on importing to Canada, I would appreciate it.

Were looking at a late 90s, single engine model but open to any brand that will fit those two stipulations.

What are the top choices as far as brand and models for single engine jet boats under 17ft?

I will be using it out on lake st Clair and up the Detroit River. I'd like to add trim tabs for the chop but can't find much info about what models have aftermarket tabs available. Do all tabs have to be modified to fit these little jet boats?

Thanks in advance for your time and I look forward to learning the ins and outs of jet boat life. Cheers.

17' on Lake St. Clair and The Detroit River? Not good at all. I boat out there all the time and all over it. You would need a decent day during the week in Lake St. Clair, the weekend it is a bathtub and you won't be happy, and in some areas out right dangerous depending on how many of the flying bridges and large boats are churning it up where you are at.

Detroit River? Not safe in a 17' boat. I know, people do it all the time at least try to. With the freighters coming back on forth you will see 3-4' rollers easy. Only place you will be fine in the river is in the bay/cove at Belle Isle.

Trim tabs are not going to help you in a small boat and an average day when there are a lot of boats tearing it up. You won't be boing more then 25 or so in a smaller boat.

17' boat on inland waters not a problem for the most part.

I don't think you will be happy with anything less than a 19' footer Yamaha and preferably 21' + if you plan on playing in LSC and the Detroit river.

My recommendation, if you want a jet boat and can't swing a new one or find one, buy a used 19' or 21' yamaha. You will enjoy it. Bigger is better in those waters.

 

[Livefreeordrive]

Well that sounds concerning.
I remember cruising out to the lake on my buddies 16 foot aluminum with a 20hp merc to swim st the sandbar. Definitely choppy but once trimmed properly it ran nice. We did get a little sketchy in some big rollers crossing the river from Lakeview to peche Island one time, kinda freaked me out.
But one thing I didn't mention was that we're just using the boat in that region for the summer, then moving to interior British Columbia. Maybe we'll just head out on calm days in Ontario and save the fun for lakes and rivers in BC.
Thanks for the warning.

 

[Livefreeordrive]

You'll be on the hook for pst /gst/ hst at the border. The trailer may need an inspection (Canadian tire, they just check that the lights work and vin matches the paperwork), i believe the cost is $200.

You'll need to get license /insurance for the trailer in the US to bring it into Canada. (Make sure it has a vin and title. You may need a letter from the state for those that don't have paper titles).

Don't forget to check that there is no lien on the boat or trailer.

Boat trailer tongues are lightly loaded, you should be fine with up to 20ft with your van.

Old boat = old engine = repairs.... at least with an outboard you can swap out the engine easily with a newer one. I wouldn't look too hard for an out of production 20yr old jet boat... parts could be difficult to come by. Are you comfortable working on carbs?

Whatever you buy, make sure you do an in water test.

Buy your 2nd boat 1st!

Lot of great points here. Really has me questioning choosing a jet boat over a stern drive now.
I am comfortable doing all the mechanical work however I do like the option of tossing a new motor on if one fails rather than tinkering with an inboard.
How about an older Bayliner?
Usually they have an older v6, or v8 which I'm very familiar with working on. But how are the smaller capris in similar waters? Better handling?
There's no way I could afford a new jet boat so that's outta the question unfortunately.

 

[tdonoughue]

Well, normally there are many good used boats. Right now things are a little tight.

If you are comfortable with a v6 or v8, then there are few things in the jetboat realm that will be beyond you. Very simple engines, really. These days they are controlled by an ECU--that is probably the biggest item that you can't really wrench on. However, those going bad is rare. Most things we see are pump issues or general motor issues (bad plugs, overfilled oil, etc.). The big advantage of the jet is that you don't have any outdrive or anything. Basically the shaft comes right out of the engine, to a vibration isolator, to a seal, to the impeller. Not as much to go wrong there (not that it is impossible). Plus the benefits of which you are well aware: no prop to hit (or with which to hit someone), great hole shot, excellent maneuverability...

Were I you I would expand the range to a 19-21 foot. Set yourself a budget of how much to spend. One of two things happens: you find a boat or you don't. If you don't, you're no worse off than today and you can adjust your sights. If you do... bliss!

 

[Livefreeordrive]

Well, normally there are many good used boats. Right now things are a little tight.

If you are comfortable with a v6 or v8, then there are few things in the jetboat realm that will be beyond you. Very simple engines, really. These days they are controlled by an ECU--that is probably the biggest item that you can't really wrench on. However, those going bad is rare. Most things we see are pump issues or general motor issues (bad plugs, overfilled oil, etc.). The big advantage of the jet is that you don't have any outdrive or anything. Basically the shaft comes right out of the engine, to a vibration isolator, to a seal, to the impeller. Not as much to go wrong there (not that it is impossible). Plus the benefits of which you are well aware: no prop to hit (or with which to hit someone), great hole shot, excellent maneuverability...

Were I you I would expand the range to a 19-21 foot. Set yourself a budget of how much to spend. One of two things happens: you find a boat or you don't. If you don't, you're no worse off than today and you can adjust your sights. If you do... bliss!

I think that's a good plan.
I'm in no rush and I'm a sucker for a good deal so I'll keep watching and pounce when I find the right boat. I'm warming up to the idea of a bigger boat. My van is already 21ft and being over 40 ft total kinda scares me.

 

[HangOutdoors]

@Livefreeordrive Sounds like a good plan. Towing is not a big deal. Hell I forgot it is back there and I drive an Expedition. You may want to go look at copart and join, which you can buy a lot of things. Perhaps something that needs some work you can get on the very cheap, since you are handy, and fix it up. Maybe get parts from another.

Wrecked, Used & Salvage Yamaha boat for Auction at Copart Auto Auctions