Since we’re on a Jet Boat kick this week, we decided to roll with one that we think is the ultimate cruiser and party boat. We’ll admit, a pontoon boat makes a REALLY good play for the ultimate cruiser party boat, but there isn’t much about them that is cool. Then there are deck boats, some of which are ultra fast and bitchin cats that are nearly as killer as some of their big lake and off-shore brethren. But if you are looking for a more traditional boat, and a jet at that, then this Rogers 21 foot VIP Open Bow jet is the boat for you. We’d own it, that’s for sure.
What first caught my eye when viewing the ad was the insanely large Bimini top, especially once I realized it is actually two tops that connect in the middle. That’s good stuff when you are floating on the river in the hot Arizona sun. The color combo does it for us as well, and of course it is big block Chevrolet powered with a Berkeley Jet so we know it will go as fast as you like with all the available mods. In truth, we’d be happy with a boat like this doing 60 mph. 75 would be hauling ass. 100 would be nuts, but kinda fun too.
Here is all the info from the seller: Call Bruce for more information (951) 440-3880
1988 Rogers 21′ Open Bow (Rare “Original” open bow).
454 Chevy (4 Bolt Main)
Berkeley Jet
Hydraulic Place Diverter
Great Gel-Coat (stored indoors most of it’s life)
Original upholstery
Swim Steps
Engine rebuilt 3 years ago, has about 45 hours on it (as of July 7th, 2017).
Newer Dual Batteries
Alpine Six Speaker Bluetooth sound system with amp
Competitive – Triple axle trailer.
Brand New Disk Brakes. Updated Tow Tongue with Master Cylinder with reverse (back up) canceling solenoid.
U Joints just replaced.
New High Torque Starter.
New 140 Amp Alternator
Boat has recently been having professional upgrades.
While at home, my wife has suggested for us to seek a larger boat.
This is the only reason I’m considering selling it.
New Larger Bimini top, PLUS another separate Bimini for the Bow area (that zips together with the main).
A Marine Memphis 12″ Sub
Other than the above, all that’s needed is upholstery on the seat bottoms. If it’s not sold before winter, the upholstery will have a complete update (i.e. full engine cover & rear bench seat) including all new floor & carpet.
Again, Great Boat, just offering it….. to see if someone would like to own it, then I’ll step up to a larger 24 to 28′
Very pretty, the interior is a work of art and I like the split Bimini tops.
Jets are sure the thing for that part of the river but I’d urge some caution…seems to me in my limited experience w/ boats, that when you start getting into the heavier hulls jets are dogs…slow, difficult to maneuver and terrible fuel consumption, just blowing water out a hole in the back is not the most efficient way to move. One outing ‘way back with our heavy ugly little 18′ 305 Chevy I/O and an aquaintance’s sweet 22′ 351 jet left the big guy with the blues, we could nearly run circles around him. The most I’ve ever been impressed with a drive was a neighbor’s counter-rotating I/O, 60 mph with a stock 350, super-agile and you of-course just raise it to beach. Downside would be the repairs after hitting a rock in shallow water that wouldn’t have happened in a jet.
My next boat’s a (22’) v-drive made for rougher water but who knows, I’ve never had one. Might suck.