Sport Jet Powered Wooldridge Alaskan XL build thread

[tjm]

To bring everyone up to date.

When considering building a 20' AK XL SJ, I looked at the information and videos that are out there and Toshiro Morgan's (tjm) name kept coming up. So, I contacted him and asked him if he would be involved in this SJ project.

He said yes, and is enthused. The test will probably be in August due to our current lead time.

Glen Wooldridge

Many of you folks have been following the thread about the Alaskan XL load hauling test for a while now. I am quite familiar with what the Sport Jet’s can do. Seeing how well the XL performed with an outboard really got me thinking. Many guys (including myself) made the comment that Wooldridge should install a Sport Jet in the XL. Well, looks like that’s going to finally happen.

I’ve had the pleasure of talking with Glen Wooldridge about the boat for a few weeks now. Our early discussions were centered around how we thought the XL would perform with the Sport Jet. That has now evolved into Glen agreeing to build the boat. I've decided to purchase it and it looks like I’ll be taking delivery of the first Sport Jet Wooldridge Alaskan XL, sometime in August.

I’ll keep this thread updated for anyone who’s interested. Glen will provide pictures as the build comes along. When the boat is complete a load test will be performed. The data will be posted along with video. I will be there for the test running a video camera. Once I get the boat back to AK, I’ll probably resume making weekly boating videos. It is then you’ll be able to see how the boat handles and performs ...

This is my first time dealing with Wooldridge. I’ve read it many times and I’m going to sound like a broken record here, but Wooldridge is a pleasure to deal with. It’s only been a few weeks or so now, but if the process continues as it has thus far, Wooldridge is going to have another happy customer.

I have high hopes for this boat, we’ll see how it all pans out in 4 months or so....the wait is sure going to suck...

[akmike30]

Right on And I'm sure everyone is ready for some new video's from you. take care Mike

[skybust]

That should be one nice boat cant wait for the videos to start coming.

[LuJon]

Glen is a class act! I wonder what it would cost to get my old boat retrofitted....

[AKGR0WN]

What engine is going to be in it?

I'd imagine, more like hoping, that it turns out to be a great boat.

[Ellamar]

What engine is going to be in it?

200 Optimax

[Yukoner]

Glen is a class act! I wonder what it would cost to get my old boat retrofitted....

Check this out http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/va...642844161.html
I remember this being for sale last year, and I seem to recall the guy paid well over $20K for the work
Anyway, this is going to be a very cool project, that XL with the SJ will be a beast
The question is; to UHMW the bottom or not?

[AK Troutbum]

The question is; to UHMW the bottom or not?[/QUOTE]

I don't think tjm will run it in skinny enough water for that to be necessary.

[Yukoner]

I don't think tjm will run it in skinny enough water for that to be necessary.

Pretty much a lake/ocean boat eh?

[Crumm]

I've decided to purchase it and it looks like I’ll be taking delivery of the first Sport Jet Wooldridge Alaskan XL, sometime in August.

Purchase? I thought Glen was giving it to you in trade for the promotional video's?

[Music Man]

TJM will need to search the internet for horse tranquilizers to be able to wait till August!!!

[broncoformudv]

Its about time you got a new tub and started posting videos again! Not sure who is going to be having issues waiting till August all of us on here or you tjm?

[tjm]

Purchase? I thought Glen was giving it to you in trade for the promotional video's?

wouldn't that be nice ... unfortunately for me, the only thing that is going to get that boat in my driveway is some good 'ol cash, but I have a feeling that it'll be money well spent...

I have a feeling that boat is going to do a fine job of selling itself...Wooldridge doesn't need a goofball making home videos to convince anyone....but, whether they want it or not, they're going to get a goofball showing off their boat.......

TJM will need to search the internet for horse tranquilizers to be able to wait till August!!!

It's going to be rough, but it should be here just in time to pack a couple moose out and then off to chase rainbows until the rivers turn to slush....

Not sure who is going to be having issues waiting till August all of us on here or you tjm?

I have a feeling that it's going to be a bit harder on me....but if you're feeling sorry for me I'd happily let you take me fishing in your boat...lol

[c-bolt]

I am very interested in this boat Hmmm, maybe a fall downpayment will be in order.

Joe

[akriverunner]

whats the bottom width and thickness going to be on this boat?

[tjm]

whats the bottom width and thickness going to be on this boat?

the bottom will be 1/8", but Glen will be beefing up the middle section to at least 1/4".... Glen realizes that even though his boats aren't 'rock bashers' stuff happens...

I think 1/4" will be plenty for all but the worst hits, I don't plan on any of those big hits but stuff happens...

here's how the bottom of my last boat looked with 1/4" down the center....looks pretty good, 200+ hours of pretty shallow running...

[tjm]

Good news!...

Got word that they started building the boat today

Should start getting pictures within a couple weeks....

[skybust]

tjm did the bottom of your old boat come like that or is that something Gary added at Greatland?

[tjm]

tjm did the bottom of your old boat come like that or is that something Gary added at Greatland?

it came like that but I'm sure Greatland Welding could add something like that pretty easily...

[akmike30]

man these pic would have been nice 2 months ago I would have had that done to my boat when they put the new bottom on. Great idea

Good news!...

Got word that they started building the boat today

Should start getting pictures within a couple weeks....