With our family growing larger . We needed more room for our children and grandchildren on our camping and fishing outings. We were looking for a jet boat that is extremely fuel efficient and have the power to handle the big water of Hells Canyon. After talking to Bryan Bentz we decided to go with a 26 ft. boat with an electronic Cummins (350 hp) matched to a Hamilton 274 pump.

The Cummins Diesel is very quiet and the fuel consumption is unbelievable at 5.5 to 6 gallons per hour. With the 274 pump and the hydraulic reverse the boat handles all water conditions excellent. One hundred thirty gallons of fuel capacity gives the boat a great range of travel.

After running our last jet boat 1700 hours we had an idea of how we wanted the floor plan in our new boat. Bryan and Darell Bentz were just great to work with. They never said we can't do that, they just made it work. The pilot sits on the right side of the aisle and steers with their left hand that way you can hang your right arm out the window. The full hardtop and the sliding glass side windows are very comfortable on rainy cold days.

Bentz Boats are truly a custom boat builder . From the engineering and the design that goes into every boat. The workmanship and finish work are perfect . We have 200 hour on our new Bentz without any problems .

We are proud to own a Bentz Boat.

KEITH AND RENE WHITTIG

The Bentz Bow is perfect beyond belief. The lift in big water simply makes it possible to go where others could not go before. I have hauled excessively large loads through big water when other boats were unable to travel and have never experienced the common problem of knifing.

The Hamilton pumps with perfectly matched Chevy Vortex engines allows me to run as low as 2800 RPM, burning around 12 gallons per hour average.

Visibility is crucial. The center operators station has got to be heaven sent. It not only allows for the best visibility, but also makes for easier judgment calls in big or shallow water when a few inches makes the difference in success or failure.

The left hand stick steering works really well. This enables throttle control with the dominant right hand and other functions. It takes a little getting used to, maybe a day in Hells Canyon, but the bell and crank system by Bentz is so smooth and effortless it soon becomes second nature with low driver fatigue on long runs.

Several jet boaters have commented on the hydraulic reverse gates. Boys, I have got to tell you it is the best thing since sliced cheese. Those manual handles and steering wheels went out with the 80’s. Don’t get me wrong, I had plenty of time on those too. Even a mature male can easily adopt to the stick steering and hydraulic reverse gates with little basic effort.

The other topic most jet boaters bring up is price. Well, you do have to step up a bit, but value also has to be a big part of the equation. In my book, I truly believe the Bentz Boat is a valuable investment, you simply get what you pay for.

My Bentz Boat is like my favorite saddle mule, “Well that’s my pony sir, and I say she ain’t for sale”.

Sincerely,

Gary Sparks
Nyssa, Oregon

We’ve been extremely satisfied with our boat. The quality, durability, and run-ability are fantastic. During our first year we put over 150 hours on the boat developing and practicing our river skills. We’ve found the 8.1 liter engine and the Hamilton 241 to have excellent power and control in all kinds of water. The reverse bucket shift will turn the boat completely around on a dime, stop the boat almost instantly, and get you in reverse motion very fast (that’s been important to us on several occasions). The length and hull design provides an outstanding ride whether we are crawling up the “Sluice Box” in the Salmon or cruising through a shorter turbulent rapid. The position of the driver’s seat and the windshield allow the operator to see and maneuver the boat easily in the toughest conditions. An added plus is that we can carry a load. Often times we have 4-6 people, full tanks, coolers and other gear.

In addition to building us a fantastic boat, Darell, Bryan and the crew at Bentz Boats have provided great service and tremendous support. These guys really know whitewater and really know jet boats. You can rely on them completely, just as we did.

Bob Mink & John Mink
Lewiston, Idaho

On Friday January 20th, 2006 I was in Hells Canyon with my 26 foot Bentz twin. I had 10 of my very good friends with me for the day fishing/sightseeing. Hells Canyon Dam was releasing around 25,000 cubic feet of water that day making the two largest rapids in Hells Canyon 1) Wild Sheep and 2) Granite creek rapids extremely difficult (white knuckles). Wild sheep and Granite creek are difficult regardless of the water flow, but every 1,000 cfs makes a huge difference in the outcome. That day, we had eleven grown men, coolers and stuff.... It amazed me to drive that boat up and down those extremely difficult rapids and feel like the boat was taming the rapids. A person would only understand if they've been there. I would have only attempted that with one of your boats. Thank you for providing my family, friends and self the great memories and safe trips.

I also want to thank you for pioneering so many things within the Jet Boat industry. Jet Boats in general are better today, because of your time tested creativity, attention to detail and leadership. Thank You!!!

Sincerely,
Paul Hanson

Any boat can put you on the water, Bentz boats have what it takes to get you there,... and bring you back. They're not the cheapest, just the best!

Fred Finlayson
Idaho Falls, Idaho