Inflatable Fishing Boats

Post by **troutnmuskiehunter** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 7:09 am

Does anyone have experience with or heard of a good, sturdy inflatable fishing boat for under $600? I have been looking for one that I can mount my Minn Kota to, has 2 seats, and can carry up to 800lbs...

I checked the Sevylor Fish Master 325 at Le Barons but it seems small and not too stable. When you sit in this thing your knees are halfway to your chin! I'm looking for something that I can pack on the back of my ATV and head into some trout lakes with. I tried hauling my bush trailer with 12' aluminum last year but the trails get too narrow and I had turn back.

Post by **YakAttack** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 10:18 am

I am very suspect of the inflatable types- especially the cheaper ones.

You should maybe consider a kayak though - sit on top kind - stable and probably thin enough to fit through the trails. I saw some at the Ottawa sportsman show for less than 600.

I myself have just landed a kayak (on long-term loan from a friend) - it's sitting on my back deck, covered in snow.

Can't wait to fish from it!!

Post by **troutnmuskiehunter** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 10:26 am

I've thought about a Kayak or canoe but then I'll have to rig up or buy some type of rack for my ATV....

Post by **mosquito** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 3:36 pm

Do you really want to spend every time about 1/2 hour inflating and rigging your boat and then another 1/2 hour deflating and packing?
And then you will need to unpack it again at home and get it dry and pack it again...

Post by **Fishboy** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 3:48 pm

Check out this link for inflatable pontoon boats:

www.flyboat.ca

Post by **troutnmuskiehunter** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 3:55 pm

....I have an AC/DC inverter that plugs into the lighter socket on my ATV..then I'll plug in my AC powered inflator/deflator....the whole process wouldn't take longer than 10min....

These are lakes that we found last year up in the Blind River area. We shore fished one of the lakes accessible only by ATV and pulled in a 7lb speckie.....we're going back again this year for a week and I want to be in a boat trolling with my wet flies...

Post by **joco** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:37 pm

there is some great inflatable boat on the market.

what do you looking for...?

a boat or those little skeeter boat little pontoon....those are great for fishing and very portable.

actualy right now in the news stand.there a magasine call...canoe/kayak buyers guide 2007.and there a section just for inflatable boat.

same for the paddler magasine march 2007 edition.

i did won a inflataboat before long time ago wit a electric motor..it was good for about 6 years and then the rubber was not as good anymore..etc air leak etc..but its was a 400$ boat.

you do have to pay a bit to have a boat that you want to keep 20 years.or more.

you could alway go for a canoe or a kayak.

some are small and not to heavy and dont need big rack etc.

jee i saw some kayak yesterday about 350$ in special at bushtaka..and good anaught for fishing and will be still good in 20 years .

but there is some great air boat in the market.

or build a canoe rack right over your atv.no trailer anymore.

hope you will find what you want.

joco

Post by **Eli** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:53 pm

the only experience i have with an inflatable boat is....DON'T DROP THE CATFISH! it WILL pierce your boat.
yeah...i no longer do inflatable!

Post by **troutnmuskiehunter** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:56 pm

how do I post a picture lads??

Post by **joco** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 4:59 pm

hi

go in the gallery then upload a picture in the gallery then take it frome there to here in your tread.that how i do it.

or go tru those pictures site.

joco

Post by **troutnmuskiehunter** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 5:10 pm

Thanks for the info Joco and Fishboy...I was wondering how long before they start leaking...hmmm 4 yrs is not a very long time...does anyone have any comments or have seen ATV's carrying a 12' aluminum on top?? My concern is that it's going to be "top heavy" and the last thing I need is to flip while gettin into these lakes..

http://www.fish-hawk.net/photogallery/d ... =160&pos=0

Post by **Fishboy** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 7:01 pm

I've been fishing from a float tube for over 10 years now without problems. Do they leak? Sometimes. Having said that, they are quick & easy to repair. They are light, very portable, quick to inflate (5 to 10 minutes tops), dependable, and quiet. All you need are some waders and fins and you're in business.

Post by **YakAttack** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 9:43 pm

I always wondered how mobile those float tubes are...how far can you travel? And stability?

Post by **snaulls** » Thu Apr 12, 2007 9:50 pm

Has anyone seen these?

http://bearclawtours.com/drifters/index.htm
Not $600.00 but think its the way I would like to go
Scott

Post by **Fishboy** » Fri Apr 13, 2007 6:43 am

If you want to cover lots of water in a short time, use a bas boat. However, in smaller lakes or in bays float tubes are excellent. They aren't fast, but how fast do you need to go to fish a small lake effectively?

The advantage of float tubes is evident in windier conditions. When the wind is around 25 - 30 kms/hr, you can maintain position because you are paddling with your feet....your hands are free to fish and you can turn on a dime. In a canoe or kayak, you have to anchor or have a partner paddle to maintain position.

As for stability, have you ever heard of one capsizing? Obviously, you don't go out when there are whitecaps. However, I often flyfish when most people say it's too windy. You just have to be able to adapt to the conditions.