Very cool inflatable jetboat. The Solar 470

[Red Bullets]

A friend just ordered one of these jetboats. Perfect unit for skinny water, transporting and maneuverability. There's a few vids of the unit in action. Very reasonable price too.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_7dDbYBRgW0

[Positrac]

I've had a Solar 380 jet tunnel with a Merc 2-stroke 25/20hp factory jet on it for 2 years now. They are great little boats. I put 1300kms on my GPS odometer in it last year alone.

The bigger Solars are very nice but they move out of the portable range and require a trailer. You need a 40/30 jet on the 470 at a minimum, and that is 240lbs for a new Yammy, so heavy enough to be hard moving around. A Merc is heavier.

I have two friends I've got into 420's this year. One has the new light weight 25hp at the head Yammy 4-stroke on it. He had to buy the motor then the pump from California jets. Its light at less than 140lbs and pushed the 420 pretty good. The other buddy has a Yammy 40/30 on his and it flies as expected. Again, not really portable though.

A 420, Yammy 40/30 and a light trailer will run you around $18,000 all in give or take.

[Moosetalker]

C Mon 6/49... lol

[Positrac]

C Mon 6/49... lol

I bought mine (2019 boat/2004 Motor) used for $5,000. I had to drive 1,500 kms one way to pick it up but back then they all came through Alaska so getting a new one want easy or cheap.

[Positrac]

I wish I could post some video because where I’ve had it is amazing. Runs all day in 3” of water with boulders sticking out everywhere. I’ve had other boats that could do it but every once in a while you smacked a good rock and even with Teflon it cost you money…

[Tommy]

Just ordered my 420 Solar with top tubes, jet tunnel and extra bottom protection $5500 + tax + freight from BC. Already have a 2 stroke 20/25 outboard jet. Positrac how's the boat holding up after 2 years?

Tom

[Positrac]

My 380 is doing great with no signs of wear and I don’t have the extra bottom protection yours would come with.

You’ll be happy I’m thinking.

[Tommy]

Great to hear that. I am thinking of selling my flat bottom alum with 115/80 2 stroke, it's just getting to expensive to run. Looking forward to downsizing and not having to run full out all the time to stay shallow.

[tri777]

That is pretty awesome! Is as close to an airboat experience as you can get.

[Positrac]

I just sold my Solar 380 with the Merc 2-stroke 20hp factory jet to a member on here. I’m putting together a new 30hp at the head Tohatsu (Merc SeaPro) 2-stroke with a jet pump. It’s only 130lbs so 60lbs less that a 4-stroke 25hp at the pump Merc. I’m also in the process of ordering a new Solar 420 to go with it. That’s my wife’s 50th birthday present to me. It’s not the ‘63 split window I was hoping for but I’m still way to young to own a vette judging by the blue hairs I see driving them…

NR Motors in Prince George has moved their marine division over to Cycle North. Same sales people. Prices have gone up the better part of $2,000 in the last year though. I’m also talking with JETECH out of Alaska to see which option will be cheaper.

[Jayhad]

Man, those are cheap. I'm building an aluminum jet boat... those are cheap

[Positrac]

Man, those are cheap. I'm building an aluminum jet boat... those are cheap

In comparison they are for sure. It’s kind of like saying a new Echo is cheap when compared to top end Lexus though. It is cheap in comparison but that’s where the comparison ends.

At $7,000 for a new 13-1/2’ PVC inflatable I think they are starting to price themselves out of the market. Add on a new Merc 25hp 4-stroke at about $6,500 if you can find one and now you are upwards of $14,000 when done. That’s a fair bit for what your are actually getting.

Don’t get me wrong, they are well built little inflatables and truly portable. I’ve been in a lot of places an aluminum boat wouldn’t go without the risk of serious damage. I had one follow me in September and in the end it cost him a lot of wear on his Teflon bottom and he finally made it to a point he gave up after running dry.