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Boat

Started by Fishbug, September 27, 2018, 12:45:10 PM

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Fishbug

Thinking of getting a boat—-

Had my eye on the small framed rafts for a while—

Flycraft
Smithfly
Stealthcraft

Like the portability/abusability/go anywhereness

Of those leaning towards the flycraft even though its a two person—-rarely fish w 2 people let alone 3 and its more compact. The others almost need a trailer to function.
Floating the smith would be a big plus regarding ease of access.

BUT also got eye on a Gheenoe LT10 and throw a motor on it as needed—-which would open up lakes/larger rivers/striper fishing. Access would be more limited but not horrible. The hard bottom may not like some of the rivers. Would probably be cheaper than a raft without motor etc but more expensive fully loaded.

Would be hitting up James, New, Smith, Jackson, Roanoke possible some lakes.

Any experience w above?
Thoughts?


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Michael Toris

There is no single "do it all" boat.

Are you more interested in floating rivers or fishing lakes?

driver

Here is your do it all boat.
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Onslow

Perhaps I need to do a demonstration on how to run Eggleston Falls with a 1969 Sears jon boat.

driver

I have actually see in done. It was held together with duct tape as well.

Fishbug

Quote from: DAYUMson on September 27, 2018, 14:57:53 PM
There is no single "do it all" boat.

Are you more interested in floating rivers or fishing lakes?

I fish mostly rivers

Then again i dont have a boat to fish a lake.


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Michael Toris

The only do all boat would be a 16' Jon. Need a fairly narrow one for rivers.

If you want to really float a river, get a raft. There is a lot to be said about an inflatable and not worrying about rocks
Quote from: Fishbug on September 28, 2018, 13:48:56 PM
Quote from: DAYUMson on September 27, 2018, 14:57:53 PM
There is no single "do it all" boat.

Are you more interested in floating rivers or fishing lakes?

I fish mostly rivers

Then again i dont have a boat to fish a lake.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

streamereater_101691

Flycraft has small tubes and narrow. Not something you want if you hit some bigger water. Also being that its a multiple piece frame, it will flex. Period.  Smithfly is ok, but I was not impressed with the white water ability being it has very little dead rise. It will take on water on a class I-II rapid easy. Hooligan and hooligan xl are heavier, but a longer lasting/better built boat. Trying to dodge a trailer is nonsense. You need one. Breaking down a raft every time you want to float will get old and time consuming.


Dougfish

Go big or go home.
Hooligan or a larger beast.
Durability beats manueverability?
Get a canoe for stillwater.Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login


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"Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here?
 Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change? "
Kelly's Heroes,1970

"I don't wanna go to hell,
But if I do,
It'll be 'cause of you..."
Strange Desire, The Black Keys, 2006

Fishbug

Quote from: streamereater_101691 on September 28, 2018, 17:07:51 PM
Flycraft has small tubes and narrow. Not something you want if you hit some bigger water. Also being that its a multiple piece frame, it will flex. Period.  Smithfly is ok, but I was not impressed with the white water ability being it has very little dead rise. It will take on water on a class I-II rapid easy. Hooligan and hooligan xl are heavier, but a longer lasting/better built boat. Trying to dodge a trailer is nonsense. You need one. Breaking down a raft every time you want to float will get old and time consuming.

What white water are you hitting?

Good call about the trailer...


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Fishbug

Quote from: Dougfish on September 28, 2018, 17:16:47 PM
Go big or go home.
Hooligan or a larger beast.
Durability beats manueverability?
Get a canoe for stillwater.Guests are not allowed to view images in posts, please Register or Login


Sent from my LG-US998 using Tapatalk

Maneuverability is a perk...

What you estimate your raft cost to build—-

I looked a piecing together a hooligan equivalent and i only saved ~$800. Lacked some finished features etc so decided to abort that plan



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Michael Toris

I have a two man too (Creek company). Pull it on a utility trailer (8X14). Fits great and you still have a utility trailer when you need to haul a load of wood.

For me, inflatables are the way to go. I fish bony rivers (the new primarily) and have fished it out of a 16' Jon most of my life. Knowing when you hit a rock, you simply slide off is a great ease of mind. Also, I have personally ran class iii's in mine, and had zero issues.

If you're interested in fishing rivers, an inflatable allows you to fish any river (no matter the water level). A Jon, under a skilled boatsman, allows the same, but the situation is much more tense.

Dougfish

Quote from: Fishbug on October 02, 2018, 20:51:28 PM


Maneuverability is a perk...

What you estimate your raft cost to build—-

I looked a piecing together a hooligan equivalent and i only saved ~$800. Lacked some finished features etc so decided to abort that plan



Mine is complicated. Blew up an existing bote and built this from old and new components. Did I save some monet? Sure.
Is it as refined as a mass produced, professionally engineered bote? No. Can I modify it and move oar towers and seats around, for example? Yes.
I'm a tinkerer. I'm happy.
"Why don't you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don't you dig how beautiful it is out here?
 Why don't you say something righteous and hopeful for a change? "
Kelly's Heroes,1970

"I don't wanna go to hell,
But if I do,
It'll be 'cause of you..."
Strange Desire, The Black Keys, 2006

streamereater_101691

Quote from: Fishbug on October 02, 2018, 20:49:33 PM
Quote from: streamereater_101691 on September 28, 2018, 17:07:51 PM
Flycraft has small tubes and narrow. Not something you want if you hit some bigger water. Also being that its a multiple piece frame, it will flex. Period.  Smithfly is ok, but I was not impressed with the white water ability being it has very little dead rise. It will take on water on a class I-II rapid easy. Hooligan and hooligan xl are heavier, but a longer lasting/better built boat. Trying to dodge a trailer is nonsense. You need one. Breaking down a raft every time you want to float will get old and time consuming.

What white water are you hitting?

Good call about the trailer...



Smith, watauga, soho, new. There is a nice wave train on the soho at generation.

DRIFTS

l><))))))))))))))))),/*>~----------------------dave