THUNDER JET 185 EXPLORER FISHING BOAT TOUR / REVIEW
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ม.ค. 2020
- In this video I give you a tour/review of my boat the Reel Life, the upgrades I've done so far, and some I'll be doing in the near future! Please excuse the audio we had a couple issues during filming. Thanks for watching and don't forget to hit that like and subscribe button for more content like this!
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Filmed and edited by: Noctem Productions / @noctemproductions. - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
My dad is the production manager of the Thunder Jet boat plant, so cool to see how far these boats go!
Man that is awesome! I work on them as well as own one! I’m a mechanic at bass pro shops in California.. we used to sell them now we are selling the spartan line thunder Jet is making for us.. great boats! Built very well! The welding is beautiful! Thanks for watching
Im getting a 28 built rite now can you ask your dad to have main motors pre rig for second station. Thanks bigbites
I met Jason in person. I purchased a new boat and he was the technician who worked on my boat. He’s a really nice guy and is as genuine as they come. Thanks again Jason
Thank you! I appreciate it! Thanks for watching the channel.. what boat did you get?
Tracker V19 tournament
Great to see a working man out here with a nice boat making it happen!
Thanks man I appreciate it! Thanks for watching.. hope you like the channel.. tight lines!
Thanks man I appreciate it! Thanks for watching.. hope you like the channel.. tight lines!
I have a ulterra also, best boat purchase i ever made. Thanks for the tour beautiful boat!
socom smith absolutely the best! Especially love being able to leave the front all buttoned up and just hit deploy and start putting your lines out! Big difference fishing with my wife .. a lot less arguing! 😂 glad you liked the video and the boat.. thanks for watching! Tight lines!
Pretty nice boat. Lots of great upgrades, appreciate all the insight.
I have the same downriggers as you, they work well and don’t get stuck too often out in the ocean.
Scott Oleson thanks man! Yeah I’m always looking for ways to improve it .. love the cannons ..I haven’t used them in the salt yet but was wondering about that.. I’ve heard they do just fine .. thanks watching the video..
Beautiful Boat, The right boat with the right captain!
Thank you! Thanks for watching and commenting
Nice informative video. Glad you shared your boat. I see a lot of boats out there, but never get to see what's inside. Really cool.
Vanguard69 thanks! I’m glad you liked the video.. it’s a video ive been meaning to do for awhile now.. there are things I forgot to say or talk about.. but I wanted to go over the boat and things I’ve done to it and things I still want to do to it.. thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it! Tight lines
Great video and thanks for sharing your boat with us. The Panther T5 and troll master is the way to go. I use mine all the time when trolling and is the bomb. Thanks again.
JLAI724 thanks! Glad you like the video.. good to hear you like the panther set up! I’ve installed quite a few and hear good things about them.. but have never got to play with one on the water yet.. but that is the way I’m going.. I don’t need the kicker auto pilot set up.. cause i use the bow mount for that for the most part.. thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it.. tight lines!
Reel Life Fisherman
The Panther T5 with the troll master will do steering and throttle. No need to use your trolling motor for steering. One remote around your neck and one button to put the motor in idle if you have a big fish on. Thanks again.
Your boat is awesome, and so are you. Love the the way you not only show the work you have done, but the logic behind the decisions is very helpful. You deserve to be paid for your knowledge, and advice. I can tell it's a passion for you to share, and I appreciate your videos very much! I sold both my boats but will get another one soon, hope I see you on the water some day, so I can say hello in person.
Thank you I truly appreciate that! It would be awesome to run into you out on the water or even around town! I’m glad that guys are enjoying the channel and it helps people! There is no shortage of work in the marine industry.. at least right now anyway.. my shop stays at least a month or two out for appointments.. so if I can help some guys out that’s awesome! It’s about fishing and enjoying and tricking out your boat into the best fishing machine it can be! Thanks again for the awesome comment and great feedback! Tight lines!
Perfect bay and delta boat. Very nice.
Thank you it absolutely is a great all around boat.. just the ocean is where you have to pick your day.. thanks for watching and commenting..
Rockin’ channel man!
EDHoutcast thank you much appreciated!
Thanks for the video! I'm just now starting to shop around for one. I'll check out some more of your videos. Thanks.
Dude ! my kind of boat and downrigger fishing is #1 in my book. Definitely subscribed to your Chanel
Awesome! Thanks for subscribing and welcome to the channel!
That was a great boat review. Thank you.
Awesome! Glad you found it helpful! Thanks for watching and commenting..
Nice Walkaround boat video. Good channel. We like your philosophy.
Jason Oleson thanks for the awesome feedback I really appreciate it! Thanks for watching the channel.. tight lines!
Nice looking boat something I did I took my two onboard chargers and connected them together and I only use one receptacle at the rear of the boat
Love your boat there. I have been looking at the explorers and think they are a great sized boat. Really like how you have everything set up. I keep thinking of getting a new boat but every time go check the prices I decide my old boat is worth another year.
Shasta Steve lol! I get that! Thanks I love the boat .. it’s solid and will last a lifetime .. only time I wish I had a bigger boat is on the ocean or rough days on the bay.. but even then the bigger boat wouldn’t help much.. I would need a fiberglass boat.. might go in on a fixer upper with a buddy of mine for a bay and ocean boat..lol but this one works just fine really.. thanks for watching! Let me know if you have any questions about them if your about to buy one.. they are very well made! Tight lines!
Awesome boat
Great info on your boat! I have one friend with an 18’ Bayliner Trophy, and another with a 21’ North River Seahawk. The Trophy is definitely a better ride, but both boats are great.
Thanks ! Glad you liked the video.. heavy fiberglass do a lot better in the chop.. if I get another strictly saltwater boat it will be fiberglass.. but for an all around boat.. these style of boats are hard to beat! Thanks for watching
I just installed the iTroll for my Yami 9.9 kicker and it's very precise with some safety features TM doesn't have. It's made right there in Cali. It has hook up for someone's steering system, probably Panther. Have you looked into a battery combiner that would combine batteries while getting a charge voltage while running motor. Wouldn't need to move switch back and forth. Yandina is less than 100.00. Batteries remain separate when no charge is present. Can't wait for your trim tab install. My TJ came with prewire no not installed. Love the channel.
I plan on installing a battery isolator relay .. it would charge both cranking and house batteries no matter the battery switch position .. that will be nice! I’m going to be installing the trim tabs soon! I almost have everything.. that will make a huge difference! Only other thing they should have done from thunder jet is make the offshore bracket go to the bottom of the hull in the back.. it’s what causes the porpoise problem.. shops can cut it and weld one on! But I’m sure it’s spendy! Thanks for watching the channel and commenting
Awesome channel, Fantastic boat. If I did t just buy a truck I would finance one of those bad boys.
Thanks ! Glad you like the channel! It’s a great boat!! Thanks for watching and commenting!
great boat and nice video. you have it rigged up nice
Ken's Fishing Adventures thanks man! And glad you liked the video!
Sweet video!!
Marcus Zamora thanks man! Thanks for watching!
Great review. Thanks much
Thanks! Glad you liked it.. you thinking about getting one ? Or have one already ?
Reel Life Fisherman no just like your review
Great video!
Thanks for watching and commenting glad you liked it!
Pretty Awesome setup! I'm seriously looking at the Spartan 200 Astoria also made by Thunderjet. To be used mostly in the Puget Sound, WA area. Pretty similar to the San Francisco Bay. Since you work with these boats I would like your opinion of these boats, especially when it gets windy and choppy. I just want to make sure the wife and kids would love the ride, too.
They are great boats.. very well made obviously by thunder jet.. I’m a marine tech at bass pro shops and we sell them.. they are made for bass pro by thunder jet.. they are slightly thinner hulls and not as many bells and whistles.. but all in all the same .. kinda like a Toyota and a Lexus if you will.. they are solid and would handle the sound fine especially if you get the 200 they can be rough in the heavy chop.. so I would recommend the full suspension seats.. worth the money and something I really want too.. the fiberglass boats bigger and heavier would definitely be less rough on the chop.. but also have many downsides if you want to use it other places than just the sound.. let me know if you have any questions.. would love to help out.. thanks for watching!
I troll the same way with the bow mounted gps trolling motor. For weekend trips I bought myself a 2200 watt honda generator to charge my batteries when the day is done. I use my minnkota troller all the time. Minus the main motor its the most important to me.
Yep absolutely I love the bow mount! Gives you way more control over your boat.. last time I went out camping I tried to bring an older generator to do exactly that.. but the first day it quit putting out a charge.. I’ll have to buy a new one for sure! Thanks for watching and commenting! Tight lines! 🎣
Too much good stuff
Connected Fishing thanks man! It’s never enough!
Nice video man, wish I could have found one when I bought my boat which is a 2013 21' Luxor outboard limited edition. I got the soft top and wish I would have got the hard top but I live with what I got. I have been upgrading as I go. For my front seats I'm looking at getting the Smooth Move seat springs, the price is a lot better than any other I have found. I like your interior lights. Trying to figure out a way to mount something inside. I will be watching more of your videos, basically because there aren't a lot of Thunder Jet boat videos out there. As far as your Minn Kota, I'm looking into those. Trying to choose between the Teranova or the Ultera...Probably will come down to price. Anyways dude thanks!
Awesome! Thanks for watching! And checking out the channel! I wish I would have got the Luxor the extra deck space would be nice netting fish! Almost bought one that was new but a couple years old.. but a guy swooped it up just as I was ready to buy it! Thanks for watching and commenting I appreciate it! Tight lines!🎣
Nice vid. WHAT made you pick this particular boat. There is SOOOOOO many different boats in this category it makes my head spin!!!
Good video
reece adams thank you! And thanks for watching it..
Great videos...Very nice boat. So I've got a 2017 Blackhawk. Not sure if you're familiar with how the kicker is mounted but there isn't room for the reactor to be installed in the tube without some sort of bracket extension added. There is limited options that I've found to make this work. Any ideas would be awesome. Thanks. Gene
So I would suggest to get the factory kicker bracket that sets it back.. if not that I would recommend getting a low profile set back one I will find the link and post it in your comment later today.. those would be my suggestions.. thanks for watching the channel I appreciate it!
Great video Jason. Down to earth comments with clarity and succinctness. The only questions I would like to know are what is the beam and length and draught of your boat? It looks a beast and you've done a fantastic job on all of the extras. I have to sort my balance out though. Two batteries on one side and I notice the boat tilting more to one side. I removed the min kota riptide ( which came with the boat) and have not been out to see the difference yet. The min kota is on the same side as yours too, however, I think your boat is much larger. What is the people limit on it and what is the weight of one person allowance ( even though my boat is certified for 4 people . one person is classed at 74 kilos each. I am around 91 kilos and my wife is 2 ton. (lolol). Just kidding. she's 76 kilos. But 20 foot tall lol ( sorry bro couldn't help myself.) . But getting back to the running of the boat, do you wash the boat down at home or at the ramp? How often do you change the sacrificial anodes, It's a baut of a boat mostly because of the mods you have installed on it. Hat's off to you Jason and sorry about maybe too many questions. Tight lines bro.
Nomad thank you I appreciate that.. let me see if I can answer all your questions before I have to run to work.. if not I’ll finish my reply when I get back home.. the boat is 18.5 feet to the transom but with the offshore platform bracket it’s 20 feet 10 inches.. sorry I’m not sure the metric conversion.. damn Americans! 😂 the beam is 96 inches and it drafts pretty shallow.. I’ve had it in as shallow as 2.7 feet putting through with motor trimmed up some.. the max person capacity is 6 people.. I’ll get you the full weight capacity when I get home.. if I go to the salt water I wash down at the ramp.. haven’t had to chance the anodes yet they are still in good shape for now.. thanks for watching and the great comments as always! And you better not let your wife see that one!! You would be dead meat! 😂 thanks I have put a lot of work into the boat and I’m never done.. lol I’ll get you the weight capacity when I get home from work.. have a great day!
@@ReelLifeFisherman Awesome reply Jason, Thank you kindly for answering my questions.Regarding imperial and metric. I am nearly 70 yo and used imperial when younger. Being from the UK, we changed because of Europe, ( Damned Europeans lol ). I've only lived in Australia for 17 years. My workdays are done apart from the home and if my missus can find me when she gets home from work. she has a great sense of humour and I showed her what I had typed and as expected. laughed at it.Can't even get her to take me seriously any more lol. Again, thank you for replying and I look forward to the remaining answers. Have a great day at work.
So I just remembered my boat never came with a Capacity sticker or plate.. and they never sent me one.. i completely forgot about it.. thanks for reminding me! I need to call them ! I know it’s 6 people and 150hp max but the total capacity I’m not sure on.. like yours they expect you to be a tiny person.. I’m probably almost 2 people! Lol
Awesome boat I’m looking to get one soon love what you have done to it. How much does your set up cost now days?
Big smile. Every couple of months I will search for Thunderjet boats and see what is new to watch. I just found this video today! I bought a Thunderjet Hawk....aka Explorer brand new in 2011. Love the boat!! Interesting to hear your comments on electronics, hydraulic steering and porpoising. What kind of speed do you get with the 150? What is your fuel burn? Cheers
Awesome glad you found the video! Love the boat too! It gets about 42 mph without using much trim due to the Porpoising.. I’ve tried changing engine Heights but doesn’t help.. when I get the trim tabs on I’m sure too end will be about 50mph or so.. I can’t get the rpms above 5k much at all and I should be up around 5800 rpms.. not quite sure on the fuel economy but it does pretty good I’d say.. thanks for watching the video ! Always glad to talk to other thunder jet owners!
@@ReelLifeFisherman Nice to hear someone else has had the porpoising too. I tried contacting Thunderjet for ideas when it was new, DJ there was very helpful and sent some ideas but no luck. I have kicker but have not put it on yet because I didn't want to put anymore weight in the stern. I have a Yamaha 115 on mine so our engine weight is pretty close to the same. I have been looking at trim tabs, had Bennett before and really liked them. But I am worried about real estate in the back so you can bolt them one. There are those two "uprights" on the transom that may get in the way. On mine I put on hydraulic steering as an option when I bought it. Money very well spent!! Tried taking a pic of my sounder mount tonight but the light is not great. Tomorrow probably. Keep up the videos, I now have another channel to keep me busy for a while!! Cheers
Great video! Just picked up a 2019 yesterday and am so stoked! Really enjoyed your video, gonna watch the rest now, thanks.
Tight lines, Gary
Awesome! Congratulations on the boat! You’re gonna love it!! Let me know if you have any questions anytime! Thanks for watching and commenting.. tight lines! 🎣
I have the 2015 version without the hardtop. I have the same issue with porpoising that you do and I'd love to see the trim tab install when you're done. I'm curious how well they'll work.
Absolutely will be doing that video! I know it helps.. I’m a boat mechanic at a dealership and we sell them .. since I bought mine and told the bosses about the problem we always order the new ones with trim tabs ! Unless the customer orders the boat themselves .. sucks I was the Guinea pig! Because the trim tabs keep getting pushed down the list of Priorities! But they will be coming soon! Just about to install the passenger window wiper.. that just came in.. thanks for watching.. tight lines!
@@ReelLifeFisherman Maybe that answers the question I just posted above as to WHY you picked this particular boat....its the brand your boss sells!
I have the exact boat execpt it is a 2018 with a 115 merc..Is the ulterra 24 volt 80 lbs thrust sufficient with the 60" shaft ? Any issues or short comings? I am almost ready to commit to that set up how happy are you with the ulterra? What size 2 bank alternator charger did you use? The 20/40/ or 60 any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Rich
Watch all your vids. Was that BBQ something you bought that mounts to Scotty rod holders, or something you modified to fit? Thanks!
George
George Becerra thank you I appreciate you watching the videos! I did modify the bracket it came with to use a scotty post.. I basically swapped out the post in the bracket for one you can order from scotty.. I can take a picture for you so you can get a closer look at it.. I can email it to you if you leave me your email address.. not sure I can post a picture in the chat.. thanks for watching the channel.. tight lines
@@ReelLifeFisherman Thanks! That would be great.
lbs05@sbcglobal.net
Ok awesome I’ll get it to you when I get home tonight..
I sent some pictures in a email to you .. hopefully you get them and it helps.. the post I got for a scotty cup holder.. and when I got the bbq I thought this should work.. and it does works perfectly.. let me know if you have any questions..
I do own à Crestliner Super Hawk 1950. And i fish a lot with my wife and my two son’s and a whole week once a year, we are 6 in the boat. I’m looking for a luxor 21’. I just want to thank you for the review! Probably the best one i’ve seen on the Thunder jet boat!
Probably took my electronis 2 garmin 10" , ps 30 and livescope lsv34 on this boat could be the best way for me to have fun with the family!!!
But i have a question for you, what you think about a Garmin force on that kind of boat? Cause i think they only have 57" shaft and right now, i got a Ulterra 112 mouted 36 volts on my Crestliner
Thanks I’m glad you liked the video! They are really good boats! I would keep the trolling motor you have .. I don’t think it would be a good motor for the thunderjet and I’m not a big fan of them anyway.. love the fish finders and everything else.. just not the trolling motors .
Well done video and a very nice boat you have there. I'm currently thinking about buying a 185 explorer HHT and I'm a little worried about the porpoising problem you said it has. Do you think it's the hull design, or having the extra weight rearward of the half hard top that causes that?
acgmoulton it’s all of these boats really.. if you order one with or install trim tabs you will be fine.. they are great boats.. and I can get 42mph trimmed all the way down almost.. it’s when I try to max rpm and open the engine all the way up that it starts Porpoising.. I work on boats for a living and I wouldn’t buy anything I didn’t think was a great boat.. thanks for watching.. glad you liked the video.. let me know if I can answer any questions..
Thanks for the quick response Jason. I appreciate it, I currently have a fiberglass boat that porpoises like crazy and drives me nuts so that's why I was a little worried. I'm sure trim tabs will clean it up nice. Have you ever heard of anyone using a press brake to bend the rearward bottom plate down to create more downward pressure on the bow? In theory it seems like it may work similar to having a hydrofoil on the cav plate....
Yes that definitely helps if you can bend the the bottom edge.. but the trim tabs will give me the ability to level the boat out with different loads and in different conditions.. hydrofoils help too but I’m not a big fan of them .. but I have used them before on smaller boats help ..
Hey Jason I just put a deposit on a used 2015 thunderjet hawk 185 HHT (same as the explorer) it comes with a suzuki 115 main and 8hp merc kicker.. power might be a little low but I always just get on plane and cruise at 30mph anyway so I'm not worried too much... I am going to install some electric trim tabs to help get out of the hole a bit quicker and help balance loads like you suggested. Any advice on what size works best for this boat? I'm thinking of going with the Bennett bolt 1212 right now but open to suggestions. Thanks and good job on the channel👍
So a 9x12 or a 12x12 would be perfect I would think.. lenco or Bennett
Great video! I’m setting up my explorer in the garage while waiting for the ice to melt. I have a question, did you just drill a hole in the transom and put a clamshell over it to run the transducer wires for your sonar? I’m about to do this, but it looks like I could probably sneak them out the steering cable or motor hose ports. Any thoughts? Another thunderjet owner let me know that the TM batteries can be mounted up under the bow leaving the step box empty for more storage. He said moving them forward solved his porpoising problem. That might be something to look into. I mounted them there, and haven’t had the boat out yet, so I don’t have a baseline of how much it helped but it sure gave me more room for stuff. Thanks!
Thanks for watching the video glad you liked it.. I did run the transducer wire along the bottom lip and up the side of the offshore bracket and through a clamshell.. I can show you some pictures if you send me your email.. and I don’t see how he could have mounted them up there .. there is no room for them in the bow.. once you pull the board out you will see for yourself.. that was my original plan.. the only way to help the Porpoising is going to be trim tabs or a stupid hydrofoil on the anti Cavitation plate.. thanks again for watching and let me know how everything goes.. and great choice in boat sir!
I mounted them up there using two 6x6 pieces of 1/2 inch 90 degree aluminum angle mounted to the console wall w/ aluminum plate as a backer and with a piece of marine plywood as a shelf. Two group 31’s fit but there’s not a whole bunch of room otherwise. I found this video from your Twitter and will send you a picture through that since it’s way easier. Thanks for the tips, and keep the vids coming! This is going to be the longest winter ever.
Awesome! that would be the only way to do it for sure! That turned out pretty good! I may have to try that one day if I want my storage back that bad.. there is never enough storage on a boat! Lol.. but I don’t think that moving them another foot forward would help my Porpoising I’ve even had a buddy set in the bow and it will still do it.. thanks for sharing that with me.. I work on boats for a living and may put that to use next time I’m do a install on a Thunderjet.. hopefully you get out on the water soon.. the ONLY REASON I stay in California is our great year round fishing in Northern California.. tight lines!
Gents, I will make a post a video on how I did my transducer mount. May give you a good idea. Cheers
Hey Jason,
Like the video of your boat!! I have a question I bought flush mount plug for a Scotty pot puller, question is what size of whole drill bit do you use to drill the perfect hole for the flush mount. It is a flush mount for Scotty products? I seen the ISE video seen you gave out some stickers how could I get a couple for my boat? I could PayPal you money for the stickers! As always thanks you and tight lines!!🎣🎣🎣
Daniel Ramos awesome! I want a pot puller myself soon! But most scotty plugs are a 1-1/8” hole saw I believe.. if you send me your address in Facebook messenger I’ll send you a couple.. no problem! Thanks for watching the channel! Glad you liked this video! Tight lines bro!
Thanks for the quick response as always. I will DM you with my address I’m very Grateful for the stickers!!
Did you do a video of your trolling motor install? I have the same boat but mines a jet!. When you installed the trolling motor did you have to modify the bow to make it flat at the mounting bracket?
No I installed it before I started making TH-cam videos unfortunately.. but i do have a video of me installing one on a north river.. I would use the metal slide bracket if I did it again.. I used the composite bracket and due to the angle on the bow I had to drill the holes for the lock bar out a bit.. the metal mount you can use the rubber spacers that come with the trolling motor to help with the angle but you probably won’t need them.. let me know if you have any questions about it .. I’d be happy to help.. thanks for watching!
Thank you for your response! I enjoy your videos, wish I had the #%@ to make videos!
Oh one more question, what length is the shaft on your minn Kota! My understanding about shaft length is measure from your mounting point to the water and add 22”! Does that sound reasonable?
Mine is a 60” shaft.. they only come in a 45” 60” or 72” hear they might make a longer one.. but not sure yet.. 60” is perfect for a boat our size
I was thinking of adding lithium batteries to my boat and I was wondering what Specifically the 24 V lithium pro single battery for my ulterra. I'm trying to save some weight on my 1989 ragin cajun bass boat. I will appreciate any advice you have to offer thanks!
socom smith so lithium batteries are very nice but very expensive.. and requires a special charger.. the advantage to lithium is it runs like a full charge till they die.. and lighter weight.. but a single 24v battery i don’t see running as long as 2 flooded lead acid or AGM batteries.. but lithium is fairly new in the marine industry.. so I don’t have a lot of experience with them yet.. hopefully that helps a little.. thanks for the question..
@@ReelLifeFisherman Minn Kota precision owner's manual says I can charge lithium on AGM mode , still A lot of money for a battery Yikes!
I did not know that about the Precision charger.. that is good to know! I haven’t seen many of the batteries yet.. just due to the cost.. but if I could afford 2 I would get them..
@@ReelLifeFisherman Yeah the price is the main thing lol also the digital chargers on AGM can charge lithium as well
Did your boat come with the lower rod holders? The one behind your seats?
Yes it did it was an option.. everything is an option.. lol thanks for watching ! And let me know if you have any questions
@@ReelLifeFisherman sweet. Love the channel. I have an almost identical Thunderjet with a couple less options. I’m upgrading as I go. Keep up the great videos. Oh did you put your trim tabs on yet? And if you did, do you have a video of that? Definitely want to do that as well.
Does the alternator charger work with a 2 stroke evinrude
It depends on how many amps the stator puts out and how many banks you need .. the smaller hp motors don’t put out enough.. there is a list in the manual you can download for pdf to see.. let me know if you have any questions.. and thanks for watching
@@ReelLifeFisherman I have a 90hp evinrude with a rectify and on a meter when running it shows 13.8 to 14.1 volts. I am not quite sure that would be enough. I hope you you do.
Nice boat I’m in thoughts of buying one like this too but I wanna do a lot of salt water fishing would you recommend me this boat for that purpose, and also how far have you gone out fishing if you ever gone in the San Francisco Bay or Bay Area
It’s a great boat! We take it to the salt water a lot.. just have to watch the weather and swells like any boat really.. but that being said if you want a boat for mostly saltwater fishing.. I would recommend a fiberglass one.. or an offshore model aluminum boat.. this boat is a great all around boat.. I fish mostly river ,delta , bay and ocean.. I typically hit the ocean from bodega and go north or south maybe 20 miles or so.. long trips offshore for tuna you would need a bigger fuel tank to get the range you would need.. and you would need a bigger boat for that.. also I would recommend a 3/4 hardtop instead of the half like I have.. all that being said.. I do plan on putting mine up for sale soon as I’m moving to Florida as soon as possible.. and I’ll be buying a different boat for out there.. let me know if you have any questions.. I love to talk boats! Thanks for watching the channel
@@ReelLifeFisherman let me know I’ll be interested in it if I can save me thousands then lmk I’ll be interested in buying yours
@@ReelLifeFisherman and thanks 🙏 a lot for your knowledge your giving me you have a great channel as well 👍
Thanks I really appreciate it!
Any feedback on the boat after having it this long? Might pull the trigger on one here shortly!
Still love the boat it’s a great all around boat for lakes rivers the delta and even the bay and ocean when the winds are calm only a couple things .. get the trim tabs and hydraulic steering and passenger wiper.. it’s worth the money.. let me know if you have any questions about it .. and thanks for watching I appreciate it.. it’s a very well built and solid boat
@@ReelLifeFisherman Are there any Thunder Jet owners groups you have found? Picking mine up today!
I haven’t looked for a just thunder jet group... I’m in an aluminum boat group.. that is mostly boats like this.. and as a joke i call any fellow thunder jet owner a thunder buddy! 🤣 if there isn’t one.. maybe I should start one..🤔
@@ReelLifeFisherman Do it!! I'd join for sure
@@ReelLifeFisherman how did you fit group 31 batteries in the front step? Having issues fitting two group 27s
I’m Looking for a new boat mechanic. Where are u located
Elsancho 1 I’m from Sacramento California.. and work at the Bass pro shops in rocklin..we work on all makes and models but only work on mercury engines .. thanks for watching the video..
Reel Life Fisherman-have a north river with a 502 kodiak inboard-Hamilton 212 jet pump. Do u know anyone in the Sacramento area u can recommend.
What are you looking to get done? We do work on kodiak but I think we no longer have the Diagnostic cable to hook our computer up.. I believe another shop borrowed it and hasn’t returned it.. but we do work on the engine and definitely anything on your boat or trailer..
Reel Life Fisherman thankfully everything is running great on the boat, but my old mechanic moved. I am however needing to get the rubber seals around the front windows replaced or refitted there’s about a 1 inch gap at the joint.
Hello! Is that carpet I see?
The floor is vinyl the sides and tray are carpet so are the seat boxes.. if that is what you are asking?
Reel Life Fisherman Yes exactly. Is there wood under the vinyl and behind the carpet?
There is wood under the floor vinyl and wood behind the panels where I have the chargers mounted under the dash and under the live well in the back.. the rest of it is aluminum underneath
Reel Life Fisherman Thank you for your replies. Does that bother you at all or do you think it will last? I am looking at the exact same boat but I’m afraid of that wood and carpet.
These boats use wood. No thanks
On the floor and front under helm panels and rear access panel yes..
@@ReelLifeFisherman No reason any new boat should have wood in them in 2021, just a cheap way to keep cost down and profit margins higher, all wood rots.
A lot of them have options to swap out the deck material but you will definitely pay for it.. lol even higher end brands come with wood deck unless you upgrade it.. and I’ve worked on many older boats with solid wood floors .. and replacing decks in these boats is as easy as can be.. but yes.. if you have the option to change the deck and can afford it.. then do it.. especially if you think it’s your forever boat.. (they never are.. that’s just what !we tell the wife! )😆 thanks for watching and commenting..