Fisher_King:

Unless the river you intend to fish has LOTS of obstructions and has major issue’s with fluctuations in the water level, in my opinion, I’d stay away from a jet style outboard/inboard.

Most jet-prop engines are more inclined to have mechanical problems than regular motors.

And jet-props have major issues with “handling” and “cornering” at higher speeds VS a regular prop engine.

HOWEVER, if the closest water you can recreate on is an extremely “fast flowing, rocky river” you may want to get a jet-prop, (because you have too!).

Before you make a decision, investigate the local rivers and creeks in your area and find out if there is navigable channels on them. Most regular propped outboards can navigate very shallow waterways with the addition of a “jack-plate”- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_1148____SearchResults

If you do go the jet-prop route, (and the area you want to fish ends up being that dangerously shallow) you will also probably want to get an aluminum hull such as- http://www.seaarkboats.com/boat.php?measure=Standard&boat=1872MVJT

In my opinion, I’d get a cheaper prop boat with more length than a jet-prop boat that isn’t as long or nice.

Here are some ideas on a shallow draft boat, that with a jack-plate you could use a regular prop outboard-

1. http://www.carolinaskiff.com/listman/listings/l0014.html

2. http://www.sundanceboats.com/submodel.php?submodel_id=MTU4%20&model_id=Nzg=

3. http://www.iboats.com/boats/marine–1/boats–10/power_boats–100/flats_boats–1017/344943.html

4. http://www.iboats.com/boats/marine–1/boats–10/power_boats–100/flats_boats–1017/453782.html

The above flats-style boats can generally plane in less than 2 FT of water. Unless the river your fishing on is VERY hazardous (if it is, you won’t want to be boating on it with your family anyway), the above boats should work fine. (Although, I’m partial to Sea Ark-if you can afford them.)

River fishing can be just as productive and fun as lake fishing. The only major difference is “continuous current” and rockier bottom.

Hope this helps ya? Good luck.

skiingted:

All I could add to FK’s answer is the O.B is much more economical then a jet.