Boat for the sound/snohomish,cowlitz rivers

[Thenewguy]

The title says it all- what would a good boat be some medium to large rivers but could still handle the sound? I don't think I am up for tuna any time soon but like to hit port Townsend and maybe make a run to orcas? I have a small jet boat and a crestliner super hawk right now, but would love to end up with just one boat. Thought about an outboard jet,  and I could replace the foot... any wisdom out there?

Thanks

[dscubame]

http://www.wooldridgeboats.com

[Stein]

What's your budget?

[thegeneral]

http://www.wooldridgeboats.com
Tell them what you want to use it for and they will build it for you.

[2MANY]

Talk to Danny.

[Swatson]

+1 for Wooldridge.  Here's my 17' Alaskan XL that I had built last year and I've pretty much fished every fishery around with it except the really big open water.

[Swatson]

Yes, talk to Danny at Wooldridge!  He's the man!

[bullfisher]

X2 for Wooldridge. They've been doing it for over 100 years now and they're right in your backyard. Grant and Glenn will be honest and tell you what works and whats a gimmick.

[Antlershed]

Wooldridge boats are very nice, and the Alaskan is a great tributary sled. If you plan to be on the sound when the wind kicks up, you will get pounded in an Alaskan. I've had my Willie Raptor in the Satsop, Chehalis, Cowlitz, Columbia, Nootka Sound, and off the coast at Westport.

[Mfowl]

A 20+ ft Alumaweld Super Vee with a 150-200hp jet on it would handle your needs as well. You could find a used one easier than having a boat built for you. Theres a reason its the #1 guide boat in this region.

[bullfisher]

Wooldridge boats are very nice, and the Alaskan is a great tributary sled. If you plan to be on the sound when the wind kicks up, you will get pounded in an Alaskan. I've had my Willie Raptor in the Satsop, Chehalis, Cowlitz, Columbia, Nootka Sound, and off the coast at Westport.

Agreed.
 As good as the alaskans are in skinny water I couldn't own one. A sport or super sport like this is supreme! 

[Stein]

The main problem you are going to face is that what makes a good river boat and what makes a good sound big water boat are opposites in several areas - most importantly the hull design and protection from the elements.  I think you have to figure out what water is most important and then try to get by in the other.

It's probably easier to get a river boat in the salt on the right days then to get a salt boat up the river.  Either way, you are going to have to make some substantial sacrifices.

[Pnwrider]

Keep the small jet for the rivers and get a bigger deep v for the sound. Two boats is a reality my wife had to learn to come to grips with...


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[Antlershed]

Keep the small jet for the rivers and get a bigger deep v for the sound. Two boats is a reality my wife had to learn to come to grips with...


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I second this if it's a possibility. All depends on how much bigger water you want to fish.

[Thenewguy]

Is there much of a big water benefit to an outboard and swapping the prop and jet?

Thanks for all the information so far