[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 141 (Thursday, August 23, 2018)]
[Senate]
[Pages S5912-S5913]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING SJX JET BOATS, INC.

 Mr. RISCH. Mr. President, my home State of Idaho is known for 
its beautiful landscapes, outdoor recreation, and protected wilderness. 
These natural wonders are enjoyed by native Idahoans and Americans from 
across the country. Today I would like to recognize an innovative small 
business that contributes to allowing further exploration of the 
beautiful, remote areas of our Nation. As chairman of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, it is my distinct 
pleasure to recognize SJX Jet Boats, Inc., as the Small Business of the 
Month for August 2018. SJX Jet Boat, Inc.'s commitment to the quality 
and performance of its shallow-water aluminum jet boat exemplifies 
Idaho's entrepreneurial spirit and appreciation for the outdoors.
  After several years of working in the aluminum jet boat building 
field, SJX Jet Boats owner, Steve Stajkowski, created a concept for a 
boat that could handle remote, shallow waters while maintaining a 
strong structural design and functionality. While on a hunting trip in 
Alaska, Stajkowski saw the need for a shallow-water boat that could 
navigate the small bodies of water found throughout the State. Inspired 
by the concept of combining high-speed performance with the offroading 
aspects of boating, the SJX boat design began to take shape. He began 
work on the very first inboard tunnel hull in 1998. Less than 10 years 
later, after years of experimenting with many different designs, Steve 
started SJX Jet Boats, Inc., in 2007. Located in Orofino, ID, SJX Jet 
Boats is

[[Page S5913]]

located in the midst of shallow bodies of water and what is known as 
the steelhead fishing capital of the world.
  Whether for a hunter, fisherman, or an adventurist, SJX Jet Boats, 
Inc., have honed their design through continuous research and 
development in order to provide the best possible product. One of the 
primary factors of boat design is the boat's durability. The make of an 
SJX Jet Boat consists of a continuous weld, which prevents cracks and 
creates a solid foundation. Because of this weld, along with the 
innovative inboard tunnel hull, these boats are able to traverse water 
as shallow as 4 inches. This inboard tunnel allows the jet to be 
elevated off of the surface of the boat; therefore, any debris 
potentially hitting the bottom of the boat is unable to reach the jet 
itself. Testing of any new features for the boat are carried out by 
Stajkowski himself, as a means of ensuring that new products will be 
crafted to exceed customer expectations.
  In addition to sport and leisure, the benefits of SJX Jet boats 
extend beyond the recreational user. SJX Jet boats are customizable for 
policing, search and rescue, fire, and other first responder 
operations. A number of communities within our Nation are adjacent to 
shallow waterways, streams, and rivers, and in these places, SJX Jet 
Boats are preferred by some emergency organizations since they allow 
for easier access to disaster victims in times of emergency. SJX Jet 
Boats have repeatedly proven to be capable of reaching these stranded 
residents. During a search and rescue mission during a flood in the 
Philippines, approximately 1,200 individuals were rescued due to the 
jet boat's capability to maneuver through large amounts of debris. 
Thanks to the unique innovation of SJX Jet Boats, rescue missions like 
these are much easier to carry out.
  The State of Idaho is proud to be home to small businesses like SJX 
Jet Boats. The ability of an SJX Jet Boat to operate in such remote 
locations is an innovative feat that makes these boats truly one of a 
kind. I would like to congratulate Steve Stajkowski and all of the 
employees at SJX Jet Boats, Inc., for being named the Small Business of 
the Month for August 2018. I look forward to watching your continued 
growth and success.

                          ____________________