Thunder Jet VS Silver Streak

[Chris fish]

Hello,
I’m trying to decide between a TJ Lexus 21 Limited 3/4 hard top.
Vs a Silver Streak 21’ Renfrew hard top.
Ive had a TJ jet boat in the past and liked it and the look of the new Limited. The TJ is a little less expensive. The SS has a aluminum floor and I like the rear pod and walk through transom better. Any owners out there that can comment?
Thanks.

 

[hippaisland]

SS all day.

 

[RevyG]

TJ all night! Haha I really like my TJ and I like the wide beam. Big little boat. Definitely comes down to your needs, budget and lately availability.

 

[Chris fish]

Lol, we’re tied already!
which boat rides better and smoother?
Do they both bang like a River boat in waves?

 

[RevyG]

I think they all bang in the big chop but where I spend most my time it hasn’t been a big deal for me. Adjust my speed, pick my times for running and load it probably ( extra heavy things up front, especially when running) but the fuel savings and ease of transport have won me over from my Trophy(Sold it), I was worried about the ride.
I still say budget and availability are the two that are your decisions can’t really go wrong with either.
just don’t under power it hahahaha
PM me if you want any info on the TJ. I just got home from spending 8 days living out of mine and had a blast. Hit some big nasty on the way in no problem.
Gary

 

[Whole in the Water]

Go with the SS, it is a proven local design built for the west coast. The SS has welded AL floors, no cheap vinyl that wears out and rots. The SS has deeper gunnels, stronger, heavier built boat with a full hardtop.

The open bow on the TJ is a waste of useable dry storage space and makes the boat less sea worthy in rough water. The sharp rake on the TJ bow will also pound more in the chop and rough water. The TJ looks like more of a lake boat then a west coast ocean boat IMHO.

 

[Chris fish]

I should say I’m fishing in the Okanagan for the most part but want the ability to go to the Wwst coast with it. I’m planning on a 200 Merc. For power.

 

[Chris fish]

Is there any SS owners out there that can comment on their boats?
Ride, fit and finish layout.
Likes and dislikes, I’m going to place a order but with no stock and no boat shows it’s difficult to view or try boats.
Thanks chris.

 

[happy hooker]

SS no question, but ask @JAC he has had a brand new one of both. Jordan weigh in here!

 

[Chris fish]

 

[Thunder21]

If it’s between those two I’d go with the silver streak. I had a 21’ thunder jet and I’m pretty sure it’s a big reason why I have 3 really messed up discs and terrible sciatica at 36 years old. The 3/4 hardtop on the TJ may be the dumbest thing I’ve ever seen built on a boat meant for the coast but I think the hull shape has improved since I owned mine which should give a better ride. On the island we have a ton of good builders that may even be better than or on par with the SS. Eagle craft, Jaxoncraft, Wolf, Northwest, CME are other ones I personally like.

 

[happy hooker]

Agree the 3/4 hardtop on TJ and KF I dont really get it, just get a hard top.

 

[Cookie's Cutter]

Silver streak no question.
- Way higher resale.
- No Wood in their boats = less maint.
- Consider going with the cabin model with the locking door. So nice to keep your stuff safe and secure.

 

[Whole in the Water]

Is there any SS owners out there that can comment on their boats?
Ride, fit and finish layout.
Likes and dislikes, I’m going to place a order but with no stock and no boat shows it’s difficult to view or try boats.
Thanks chris.

I have a 2004, 18.5 ft. SS Challenger. Great boat, tough as nails, very seaworthy, low maintenance. After 17 years of use no major issues.

Things to order in your boat:
- windshield door if you plan to beach the boat a lot
- hardtop with locking cabin door to keep things dry, warm and safe
- extra rocket launchers for rods and nets
- dual batteries with ACR switch
- 40 gal fuel tank minimum
- don't skimp on main power, these are heavier built boats
- radar arch if you are going to use radar
- hydraulic seats (for captain bare minimum) you back will thank you as most small AL boats will pound in the rough chop
- trim tabs to smooth out the ride more
- hydraulic steering
- power trim on kicker - 9.9 high thrust
- Lastly IMHO DON'T paint your boat! It looks great at first but it does not stay looking good over time. Paint does not last very well on AL and re-painting is complicated and expensive. Learn to live with the slight oxidization on the AL because after couple years it will stabilize with good zincs - no paint needed.

 

[lemmy]

Kaelc posted a 2015 Ss renfrew on page 452 of the used boats thread.
And Ss all the way. TJ are just gussied up lake/river boats...

 

[hippaisland]

@tincan can probably chime in also. He’s got a 21’ TJ. It’s pretty hard on the back in any sort of chop.