Rinker Rocket Jet boat Good/bad?

[Whitetruck05]

Have been around and owned big block Chevy jet boats built in the 1970's for years. Thinking about something different. There are several Rinker Rocket boats (most 14 foot) for sale on line. I have not been around them. Prices are all over the map. Would other members of this forum be kind enough to tell me if these boats are decent, issues to look for, etc?
Thanks,
Bill.

 

[Scottintexas]

Glad you found us,
We only have one or two members that have them. I would say if you're mechanically inclined and enjoy working on your toys it might be worth it,
not because they're problematic but because it's hard to find a mechanic or a lot of info to work on them,

here's a link of a new member with a rinker,
https://jetboaters.net/threads/new-rinker-rocket-owner.15824/

@Ben Okopnik

 

[RedBarron55]

What matters is three things,
1. Condition
2. Condition
3. Condition.
The Rocket is propelled by a 120 hp Mercury (Force) 120 hp 4 cylinder engine driving the Sport jet pump.
Two things count there,
1. Condition of the pump impeller and wear ring
2. Condition of thee Force engine.
A test run or a very low price is in order.
I bought a Hobie Jet Fisherman because I wanted a shallow water fishing skiff and the one I bought fit the bill perfectly and the price was right.
Even with the price right I has an extra grand in the boat before I had it running correctly.
Many of my problems were induced by the previous owner and his installation of the wrong base gasket when he replaced the tree cylinder power head (90 hp) on the jet.
If you check my posts you will see what I had to do to get it running.
Fortunately the impeller and wear ring in my boat were perfect.
The engine problems were water getting into the cylinders and ignition along with cleaning the carbs and flushing out the gas tank.
If you buy a jet boat or for that matter any other with the oil injection make certain it is functioning properly or there goes your powerhead.
I believe the biggest problems with these Sport Jet boats is the electrical systems but I think that they can be updated to lateer model Mercury systems without breaking the bank and perhaps doing that is easier than extensive and serial troubleshooting and parts swapping of the older expensive pieces.
Do a search on Sport Jet here and look up the posts I made in getting my 3 cylinder engine running properly.
The only difference is an extra cylinder and associated pieces and 30 more horsepower.
Remember that the only source for parts in many cases is ebay or salvage, but parts are available still, but not as many from Mercury since many have been discontinued and unloved Rinkers and the others is one main source of pieces.
Impellers can be bought and rebuilt as the wear rings can be reworked as well.
If you are not handy and don't feel qualified to work on the boat yourself you probably cannot afford it.

If you are not handy and don't feel qualified to work on the boat yourself you probably cannot afford it.
I repeat that last sentence because it id very likely a true statement of fact.
Your mileage may vary