jetcraft or duckworth?

[steeliebug]

im trying to decide which one to buy. im looking at the alluminum 18 footers. both have a life time warranty on the hull and are with in a thousand dollars of each other. jetcraft builds theres with pre-flex technology which they claim makes the boat lighter and stronger even though they use less braceing. does any one have any input on on who builds the better boat? any advise on any alluminum boat manufactuers would be great. thanks!

 

[Terry H]

Re: jetcraft or duckworth?

I don't think it really matters, both are built strong enough to take a beating. I would look at resale value to determine which one to buy. Duckworth will likely take the nod in my book...Chief

 

[Boatist]

Re: jetcraft or duckworth?

I also like Duckworth better.

 

[dajohnson53]

Re: jetcraft or duckworth?

I owned a Jetcraft from the early/mid 90s. Since then they've merged with Harborcraft - and now the Jetcraft boats look like Harborcraft boats. A differnt style for sure. With the old style, the Jetcraft were of the same general design type and quality of Duckworth. Both considered premium excellent hulls. I had two very embarassing episodes with my Jetcraft and the hull withstood a serious amount of abuse without any harm other than minor scratches. I was totally satisified with the hull. I really don't know about the new Harborcraft-type design. They do have that pre-flexed and/or stamped strucure in the sheet metal. Part of me thinks its a good idea - sort of like the strength differnce between a sheet of cardboard and corrogated cardboard. But I have no personal engineering knowledge or experience.