How to decide, 21' Jet or 23-25' I/O

[Titan7]

Well boat fever is running high again, but I keep getting stuck between going with a 21' Jet and a 23-25' deep V lake boat. We get beat up on Havasu on big weekends in the 21, but the 23-25 can't go to the lower river (Blythe) or North of Needles. I lean towards the jet due to it's go anywhere ability, I know the gas milage will suck with the jet at I will only get about 50-55mph with it. I have to go used due to budget.
I must say it's hard finding 4-5 yr old boats that have been taken care of. I am finding cig burns, scars in the gel, tears in seats:mad: I don't expect new but there has got to be a middle ground, my sister's Ultra 23xs is an 2002 and looks new.
So far the contenders are:
2004 Eliminator 230 Eagle XP with a 350 mag about $44k
2002 Ultra 247XS with a 496 Mag about $43k
2002 Ultra 21 Stealth Jet, MP 454, $30k, (this one has a 2"x1/8" scratch in the color stripe on the nose) and needs some internal work)
Oh well back to looking ; )

[Jbb]

Titan....have you given any thought to a Daytona Jet?.......:D
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35007&stc=1&d=1184548636

[2Driver]

Pick up a slightly deeper V 21' Jet. We did havasu and parker in jets for 15 years. Nothing beats the peace of mind when you are on the "river" sections.

[shueman]

Yamaha 230...best bang for the buck. Look for an '06 HO....

[MBlaster]

Well boat fever is running high again, but I keep getting stuck between going with a 21' Jet and a 23-25' deep V lake boat. We get beat up on Havasu on big weekends in the 21, but the 23-25 can't go to the lower river (Blythe) or North of Needles. I lean towards the jet due to it's go anywhere ability, I know the gas milage will suck with the jet at I will only get about 50-55mph with it.
I can relate,
and ended up with the Carrera Elite jet.
Plus chicks dig jets.

[3 daytona`s]

Titan....have you given any thought to a Daytona Jet?.......:D
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35007&stc=1&d=1184548636
For sale? please PM with price specs. etc.

[ThongMagnet]

I can relate,
and ended up with the Carrera Elite jet.
Plus chicks dig jets.
Chicks dig all ***boats:D :D

[455Rocket]

Plus chicks dig jets.
Oh, come on! You're married...
Take it from a single guy... it's true. :D
You can find real gems out there... Don't limit yourself to newer stuff. For less than $20, you can get a sano 21' Cruser, and it'll be reliable as hell.

[yopengo]

For sale? please PM with price specs. etc.
What now you want 4 daytonas? :eek: :D

[Titan7]

I think Shockwave and Essex are the only two deeper V 21's but I never see them with a Jet. Plus, I am just love the Ultra 21 Stealth. I think used is a great way to go for the first boat and the Jet may be the best route for it's ability to cruise from the sandbar to Laughlin. The wife and I keep going back and forth on River "i.e. Jet or a Havasu only boat. We have friends with a place in Blythe so I would be nice to boat down there.

[beaverretriever]

Sorry that you missed ours. It was by one day too.
We loved our 23. I would buy our boat again.
Good luck.

[yopengo]

An Ultra 21 jet is a little to flat and small for Havasu. I just sold mine and I sure miss it. We are at Havasu 99% now so it had to go. :(

[Titan7]

beaverretriever,
I am still kicking myself over that. Your 23xs was the only used boat I have seen in a year of looking that I would have changed nothing, that's how I would have ordered it and I would have saved a ton!!
I think it's going to come down to finding a used 21-24 in excellent condition with gel and options I would want. If it's an i/o or a jet it will be fine. I know I am asking for a lot.
Beaveretriever, you sure you don't want to buy a new Ultra and sell it to me in a year:D
You seem to be about as obsessive compusive as I am about things, that boat was spotless. I was SO hoping they would back out of the deal so I could get it.

[3queens]

my nieghbor has a ultra 21-22 jet 200? very clean sitting in his garage
never uses it low hours
pm me if you want info

[396_WAYS_TO_SPIT]

The 21 above in the pic is SICK!!!!!!!!!! YOu can run 100mph all day long in big chop and they handle like a dream. There was a clean blown 21ft daytona in the spam section that just sold for 25K. If you can find one that would be your best bet.

[dunaholic]

Schiada V drive...There's my public service for the day.

[ultrascott]

I have a 2003 ultra 21 stealth jet for sale boat is like new only has 32 hours on it.

[beaverretriever]

Schiada V drive...There's my public service for the day.
Honestly Titan7, if I were to by a small V 20-22, it would be a used Schiada as well.
2Forcefulls is not a Vdrive, but it is super clean and runs about 80, handles rough water. I am not sure if it is still for sale. There are some other ones on here as well that are pretty bitchen.

[jbone]

I have a 2003 ultra 21 stealth jet for sale boat is like new only has 32 hours on it.
Wow, thats less than 7 hours per year!
Lets assume it has only depreciated 15k from the original price, it cost about $468per hour, plus gas to operated. Ouch!

[Titan7]

Ultrascott,
Can you give me more details on your 21 stealth?

[pw_Tony]

As much as I like I/Os, it's just too reassuring to have a Jet.
Been back and forth between the two. But when you're boating sooner or later you will scrape the bottom. Most drives seem to be decent, but after enough times, replacing the drive for $4000 gets pricey:jawdrop:
Jets are just to simple and have great longevity I always thought it was worth it for the costless repair of a jet, even though they get bad efficency...
And another for the Jet cause they Pick up Chicks:D

[Titan7]

Good points. I think I could go either way depending on the boat, price, condition, etc. When the right one comes by I will snag it. I learned two weeks ago to move quickly.

[Dan Lorenze]

I am just love the Ultra 21 Stealth. I think used is a great way to go for the first boat and the Jet may be the best route for it's ability to cruise from the sandbar to Laughlin. The wife and I keep going back and forth on River "i.e. Jet or a Havasu only boat. We have friends with a place in Blythe so I would be nice to boat down there.
You sound like us, Laughlin, Blythe and sometimes Havasu. I've done the cruise from Laughlin to the Sandbar in our little jet with no complaints on board. I didn't buy my boat for Havasu, more for the ability to go to our families place north of Blythe but take it everywhere (execpt the ocean). If you do decide on a Jet I would suggest getting either a 502 or 496ho..

[Tunnel Vision]

Titan7, I have DCB Mach 22 w/twin Drags for sale in the spam section that would fit your bill nicely.:D
Show room condition, no scares, no burns and a very shallow draft:idea:
Danno

[rivercrazy]

Been there on both fronts.
Had a Shockwave 21LS jet. After 5 years upsized to a 25 Shockwave Tremor.
Don't miss the jet boat much. Efficiency is not that great. With most jet boats this size, your crusing at 30-35mph spinning between 3200-4000 rpm depending on the impeller motor combo. With a 496 in the 25'er, 4,000rpm gets me 55mph. And the ride difference is night and day.
To me my 25'er is much more versitle than the 21'er ever was. I regularly boat from Laughlin south. The key is knowledge of the water releases later in the season. And its nice to boat Mead, Mohave, Havasu, and the ocean. Been to Catalina many times and that ride is pretty hard to beat. All of the larger lakes and the ocean is not doable with a 21 jet.

[ultrascott]

Titan7 give me a call at 951 377-7114 and I can give you all the details.

[RiverFF]

Titan, I need to sell my boat. Its in the HB classifies. 2002 23' Renegade 37K...Open Bow, mid cuddy, 468, bravo 1x drive, Absolute turn key...Very clean boat.. call 714-329-4151. I have many more photos..

[HammerDown]

The 21 above in the pic is SICK!!!!!!!!!! YOu can run 100mph all day long in big chop and they handle like a dream. There was a clean blown 21ft daytona in the spam section that just sold for 25K. If you can find one that would be your best bet.
100-mph "all day long in Big chop"...really? Define "Big Chop"
I have a 21 for 9 years now, and true they are great boats very well made and can handle a nice 2 foot (tight)chop at safe speeds, but even then it's limited. And no way could that hull do it all day @ 100 mph it would have cracks all over the place.
More often then not I wish I had a 25-28 IO Daytona. Tons more room and ya don't need to run away from Tug Boat wakes like I do at the River!:D
PS* the 22-Daytona offers a nice chunk of real estate inside vs the 21' ;) But no Jet:(

[thumbs]

So far the contenders are:
2004 Eliminator 230 Eagle XP with a 350 mag about $44k
Is this boat blue and white with about 86 hours? If so send me a PM if you are interested in the boat. I can probably save you a few grand.

[BADBLOWN572]

I am looking for someone to step up into one of our boats with a jet in it. I already have a 588 motor ready to go into the boat (right at 800h.p. w/ a 6 month warranty). Turn key brand new you are looking around $65K fully loaded in a brand new boat. There will be only one at this price!!! Come pick your graphics!!! :)
It is also a deep entry boat that will run through the chop very well. :)
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35023&stc=1&d=1184602803
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35024&stc=1&d=1184602803

[thumbs]

http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35024&stc=1&d=1184602803
I think I saw this boat somewhere between the sandbar and Needles this past weekend. Great looking boat.

[BADBLOWN572]

I think I saw this boat somewhere between the sandbar and Needles this past weekend. Great looking boat.
It was not this boat. This boat has yet to hit the water yet. Should be up and running by the weekend of the 28th. :)

[pw_Tony]

I am looking for someone to step up into one of our boats with a jet in it. I already have a 588 motor ready to go into the boat (right at 800h.p. w/ a 6 month warranty). Turn key brand new you are looking around $65K fully loaded in a brand new boat. There will be only one at this price!!! Come pick your graphics!!! :)
It is also a deep entry boat that will run through the chop very well. :)
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35023&stc=1&d=1184602803
http://www.***boat.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=35024&stc=1&d=1184602803
That's a DEAL! That much power with warranty. And I have a Spectra which I believe has the same bottom as these boats, and I can plow through some waves great for what size boat it is!
And comparing a 21' Jet to a 25' I/O is night and day, not that comparable really. I'd like to see that I/O in martinez!:eek: