Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: fishseeker on December 22, 2008, 10:33:45 AM
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The year before last I purchased and inflatable Sevylor Fishhunter boat (9ft model) and used it primarily for flyfishing on small lakes like Buntzen, Mill and Rolley Lake. It works but I was disapointed for a number of reasons : the main issue is it was pretty useless with more than one person and I would have been way better off with a pontoon. (Also, not a very comfortable platform to fish from - just too much of a compromise).
I have come to the reluctant conclusion that I should come up with something properly suited to the job. These are the general things I am looking for.
a) The primary purpose is to fish on local lakes and sloughs. (I will be flyfising and/or spincasting depending on whats more appropriate).
b) It should comfortably accomodate two people (..even better if it can accomodate two adults and my nephew who is 8 years old).
c) It should be easy to mount a small gas or electric motor.
d) Ideally it would be a stable platform so that I could stand up when fly fishing (I will likely be on my own a good deal of the time).
e) It should be easy to haul around on my own.
f) I would like to avoid the need for a trailer but I am thinking it probably won't be practical to go without one.
g) Looking for a second hand deal up to $1000 for boat/trailer/electric motor/oars. I think that is possible from what I have seen advertised on craigs list - I am prepared to spend quite a bit of time waiting for the right thing to come up.
If any of you have had experience with this and would love to hear some suggestions. I want to get it right this time :)
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I think for something that your looking for $1000 including the motor, trailer, and everything else is going to be VERY difficult to find. Here is cheap list of what to expect:
1. Boat 10-12 footer flat bottom ( no less than $750-$1000 )
2. Electric motor ( for a cheap one used $100, for a good one like the Maxuum no less than $225-$250 used )
3. Trailer ( used $500 )
Right there you are looking $1350 on the cheapest and thats a big maybe. More realistic as cheap as it will be is $1750 for everything. Just remember you get what you pay for. If you buy some cheap boat and it leaks in 6 months you got what you paid for, if you find some trailer for $300 and need to replace the wiring, and tires and such again you got what you paid for.......
If I were you I would wait until you have a budget of somewhere around $2000.
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I have a quicksilver 10.5 ft if you're interested let me know
Dan
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Have a look at the Seattle craigslist, boats are much cheaper down there. If you dont mind a short drive you could easily find a nice setup for around $1000.
One guy I know bought a boat down there and the fellow drove up to the border to make the transaction.
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If room for 2 adults and a child is a deal breaker then that means 12 feet.
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You are right. You should have no problem finding one for less than 1 k in Washington State.
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This is all good info. I think $2000 would definitely hurt my pocket book so maybe Washington State is a good option. Right now I am thinking more about the kind of boat that would be appropriate. If I can't get something within the $1000 price range then, so be it, at least I will know what to expect.
I have read that the so called "Jon boats" are pretty good for calm water fly fishing. Do any of you guys have opinions on boats like this one:
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/boa/946193839.html
(I suspect it might be a little small if 12 feet is the recommended lengh but the design seems to make sense). As mentioned earlier I would like it to be able to accomodate two people and, preferably, two adults and one kid (8 years old).
At this stage I am still in the research phase - not looking to buy anything this time until I am armed with a lot more knowledge. I don't want to get this wrong.
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John boats are very handy for what you're after-stable easy to handle no surprises-and that looks like a great deal-for two people not for three.
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all i can say is inflatable. 10' can hold over 1200lbs and can take up to a 15hp. most stable boat you can find period. I can jump up and down on the side of my boat without it dipping at all . these boats are alot tougher than people who don't own them think they are. multiple bladders so you just wount sink. You can find lots in your budget with a motor. no trailer needed. setup time is under 10 min. they now come with an inflatable floor for ultra fast setup time. very easy to fix if you have a problem. for comparison i have a 8.5 zodiac and a 14 aluminum. i wish i had tubes on the 14.
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The two best choices I would go for right now is either a jon boat, which for a new 14ft is about $1100 canadian, and then pick-up a new trailer for $395, whick like BB said by the time taxes get you will be around $2000 with motor and oars, or go with a new inflatable like the Aquamarines, you can buy them off Ebay or go to the store I believe. They have some deadly prices for inflatables. This would eliminate the need for the trailer, and they are the most stable craft out there. just not as tough as a jon boat.
The one problem with going to the states to buy a boat is the dollar trading price right now isn't so hot. I personally have had a couple of jon boats, and would go with either the 1236 if you need to keep it to a 12ft range or the 1436L, or 1436. I've gone up to the 1440M myself and love it. I also load it on the racks of my truck myself with no worries. If you need more info hit me up.
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Inflatable Zodiac style all the way. Massively stable, portable, easy to store, reasonably priced.
If you're casting with two people then 10' is a bit tight unless one is a lefty.
Aquamarine makes some good boats for the money. Lots of locals have them and are happy with the quality.
My inflatable is a 12' Achilles Hypalon boat. Much more rugged than PVC boats but more expensive as well.
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I have a 14ft aquamarine inflatable with aluminum floors. It is a good deal for the money but expect the seats to be flimsy (I support mine with a cooler that fits snug underneath, The rivets on the floorboards will probably fall out but replacing them is as easy as picking up a rivet gun and rivets for 30 bucks and the pump will probably wear out in a few outings. I just picked up a replacement from them albeit it was free past the warranty but on the second time using it I noticed the tube was cut, possibly due to how it was packed in the truck, don't know how else it could have got sliced but it is supposed to be better manufactured (made in Itlay not China) than the old one that just plain wore out after 3 uses > 10 holes! I guess that is the main difference between a $1300 dollar boat and a $2500 one (still a smoking deal). The downside of the inflatable is the set up and maintenance. I find it to be a real pain to set up in time for the morning bite and even more so when I have to dry it out after use so that it doesn't go moldy. Ideally it should be hosed out aswell after use to get rid of any rocks that may wear out the crevices. If space is not an issue and you intend on leaving it pumped up on a trailer than this doesn't matter. The upside is the boat is extremely stable and sits high in the water, and is therefore capable of going in very shallow water especially with the motor tilted to shallow water drive. The oars it comes with are really only good for emergency use only. Just thought I would share some of the things I found out after purchasing the boat, for me it is still the best option but may not be for everybody.
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Inflatables would be OK in the Lower Rainland because this isn't at all a windy place-sitting high out of the water can be a b*tch in some places.
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I have to admit - eliminating the need for a trailer is definitely a bonus. Just one more thing:
Is it possible to get the zodiac in the trunk of my car? I driver Toyota Corolla and I think that might be an issue if it takes a lot of space.
I already have an inflatable craft, albiet inadequate for more than one person, and I have to say I find it a real pain in the butt dealing with the setup before I go out and the clean up when I get home. It's one of a number of reasons I am thinking of going with solid bodied boat. Another thing I really don't like is the amount of floor space taken up by the inflatable.
I guess there is no perfect answer but this has certainly given me more to think about. Thanks a lot for all of the info.
(I will take BBronswyk's advice and wait till I have enough to put into this. In the meantime, I will be doing more research)
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Yes a Zodiac would fit. Don't buy one that has wooden floor, get one that's inflatable floor mat.
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I have to admit - eliminating the need for a trailer is definitely a bonus. Just one more thing:
Is it possible to get the zodiac in the trunk of my car? I driver Toyota Corolla and I think that might be an issue if it takes a lot of space.
I already have an inflatable craft, albiet inadequate for more than one person, and I have to say I find it a real pain in the butt dealing with the setup before I go out and the clean up when I get home. It's one of a number of reasons I am thinking of going with solid bodied boat. Another thing I really don't like is the amount of floor space taken up by the inflatable.
I guess there is no perfect answer but this has certainly given me more to think about. Thanks a lot for all of the info.
(I will take BBronswyk's advice and wait till I have enough to put into this. In the meantime, I will be doing more research)
Good decision, you wont regret it. When I decided to buy my dream boat for still waters I made sure I had the money to buy exactly what I wanted. I wanted the boat that would last me the rest of my life.
Here is my rig. Its a 10' medium Spratley
(http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y227/bbronswyk2000/Fishing/Fly%20Fishing/Boys%20Trips/IMGP1021.jpg)
The boat itself was a tad over $2000 after taxes. In total after everything ( including trailer ) I am in it for a tad over $4000. I installed wooden floors, added the electric motor ( Maxuum of course ) lots of scotty flush mounts and two side mounts, two quick release seat mounts ( use riv nuts to install them ) extended the cables on the motor so I could put two batteries up front so that it distributes the weight in the boat.
Than bought a trailer from Home Depot for $1000. It is a multi purpose trailer I can use to haul my boat or haul anything else I wanted to haul.
I didnt want to regret my purchase, have to sell it in 6 months, lose a bunch of money just to buy exactly what I wanted. Just remember I bought everything new. If you buy used you can save significantly. Its almost impossible to find a used Spratley but their are other boats out there that are nice as well.
I love my boat its like another kid to me ;)
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Fishseeker, what you might also want to do is try and find a few guys with the boat styles you're thinking of getting. Maybe someone with an inflatable, another with a v-hull, a Jon boat, and maybe a short wide boat like a spratley. Jon boats and prams get confused by some folks depending on definition. The factory jon boats in your range tend to be longer and skinnier than ones refered to as prams.
Hit me up if you're interested. I'm not selling any but I've got a 10ft cartopper, and 12ft one also. And a 14ft Jon boat. I use Gas and electric motors for all depending on needs.
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You guys have all been very helpful. All I can say is thanks a lot. I appreciate the feeback.
Bbronswyk, that looks like a terrific boat and I think that is likely the kind of thing I will ultimately be looking for. I would rather have exactly what I want rather than a compromise that half works. Some folks suggested a 12' or more might work best for me if I am thinking of taking more than two people out, something I need to think about because it will likely be just me 80% of the time. (Portability is a big consideration too - I may prefer a smaller boat that is comfortable with 2 people but no more than that if it means I can get out on my own more easily).
I will be looking for second hand deals and I am going to spend a lot of time figuring out whats right (Not to mention the job situation these days - I would hate to spend all this money and find the income drying out). By the way, I was looking on craigs list for deals in washington state just to see whats available. Not only is there more available on account of population but the prices seem more favorable too (even if I take the weaker Canadian dollar into account).
Thanks also for all your feedback Jay. I may well be getting back to you for more info if thats OK. As I read and learn more things I can see I might run into more questions.
Like I say, I am specifically interested in still water fishing in lakes so I would be looking for the kind of boat most appropriate for that purpose. My biggest challenge is convincing my wife who has been a bit alarmed by my headlong dive into this sport since I took it up two years ago :) [If I have a comfortable boat I may even be able to convince her to join me from time to time].
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A Zodiac can be transported in a car with no problems.
Air floor is a good way to go - they are very stable though you may want to get a high pressure pump since most air floors can take more pressure than the tubes. I have both the air and plywood floors for my 10' and I only use the air floor.
I do most of my fishing in the interior and my inflatable is no worse in the wind than an aluminum V bottom boat. They have an inflatable keel which helps to track straight. It is massively better than any flat bottomed boat.
It cannot get swamped.
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A Zodiac can be transported in a car with no problems.
Air floor is a good way to go - they are very stable though you may want to get a high pressure pump since most air floors can take more pressure than the tubes. I have both the air and plywood floors for my 10' and I only use the air floor.
I do most of my fishing in the interior and my inflatable is no worse in the wind than an aluminum V bottom boat. They have an inflatable keel which helps to track straight. It is massively better than any flat bottomed boat.
It cannot get swamped.
You really think the Spratley is getting swamped lol Not a chance. I have been in a 2 foot chop with it and their was not even a chance of any water getting in it.
I have a buddy with an inflatable. I get out on the water and about another 15 minutes he is finally launching. I usually back my trailer up right to the water. Although the Spratley is heavy about 160lbs I can slide it right off the trailer and in the water. I am also installing transom wheels to the boat. With the wheels I can launch in places where I cant back up the truck by just pulling the boat down to the water. Inflatables might be for some but one thing the welded aluminum is it will last a lifetime.
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You really think the Spratley is getting swamped lol Not a chance. I have been in a 2 foot chop with it and their was not even a chance of any water getting in it.
I have a buddy with an inflatable. I get out on the water and about another 15 minutes he is finally launching. I usually back my trailer up right to the water. Although the Spratley is heavy about 160lbs I can slide it right off the trailer and in the water. I am also installing transom wheels to the boat. With the wheels I can launch in places where I cant back up the truck by just pulling the boat down to the water. Inflatables might be for some but one thing the welded aluminum is it will last a lifetime.
There is no one best option. Just because it meets your requirements does not mean that it meets the original poster's.
Some people do not have room to store a boat or trailer so a Sprately is simply not an option.
Freeboard on a Spratley is fine, but most Jon boats are pitiful. They get loads of water in (you should know this from your frog boat experience :).
I've seen Jon boats running into the wind with their jon boats - I'm sure the chop is quite comfortable.
Also good luck getting your trailer into the lakes I fish.
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You really think the Spratley is getting swamped lol Not a chance. I have been in a 2 foot chop with it and their was not even a chance of any water getting in it.
I have a buddy with an inflatable. I get out on the water and about another 15 minutes he is finally launching. I usually back my trailer up right to the water. Although the Spratley is heavy about 160lbs I can slide it right off the trailer and in the water. I am also installing transom wheels to the boat. With the wheels I can launch in places where I cant back up the truck by just pulling the boat down to the water. Inflatables might be for some but one thing the welded aluminum is it will last a lifetime.
There is no one best option. Just because it meets your requirements does not mean that it meets the original poster's.
Some people do not have room to store a boat or trailer so a Sprately is simply not an option.
Freeboard on a Spratley is fine, but most Jon boats are pitiful. They get loads of water in (you should know this from your frog boat experience :).
I've seen Jon boats running into the wind with their jon boats - I'm sure the chop is quite comfortable.
Also good luck getting your trailer into the lakes I fish.
Thats why the frog boat is gone ;)
Once the wheels are installed on the transom I can get the Spratley in anywhere an inflatable can go. Also usually I am fishing with a buddy so we can also carry it in anywhere. The only places I cant get in is hike in lakes but than you wouldnt be able to get into those either. I do agree that their is no one best option. I have learned that with the 5 or 6 boats I have owned in my time.
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It really is interesting hearing all of your opinions because I can see there really is no one best option. I can also see that some of you have been through a few boats trying to find out - thats what I am trying to avoid because that gets to be expensive. (So far I have already been through one "experiment" myself :()
Fortunately I have another space for a boat with trailer so that is a possibility for me. Its all going to be a tradeoff between price, portability, stability and convenience. I just want to be able to get to the water with as little messing about as possible and to be comfortable when I am on it. Anything that will maximise the enjoyment of fishing for one or two people. Right now I am thinking a solid bodies boat will serve that purpose better but the price is a real factor for me unfortunately. (Thats why I will be seriously considering the zodiac option too).
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The Spratley is an awesome flyfishing platform for 1 or 2 people but if you want something for the family ie 2 adults 2 kids you would be better off with a conventional 12 foot Lund or similar.
A 9.9 and a 40 lb maxima for trolling.
There out there if you look hard enough.
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Thanks firstlight. I think its likely to be just me 80% of the time and me plus one other person the other 20% (The ability to take two adults and an 8 year old is a bonus for those odd occasions when that would occur but not essential).
Do any of you have opinions on boats like this one:
http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/boa/968657908.html
I have seen them in marine shops. Would this one be adequate for 2 people? They look pretty lightweight and portable.
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I have three boats that I use for fly fishing. A 12' Harbercraft, quite old but very good shape, great for just myself, good with two, will work with three people in, use either my 3hp Johnson or my Maxuum. An 8' fibreglass, rows good, use the maxuum, solo use only although it will hold three. These two have the advantage that they are very durable and not too heavy for one person to handle. Both have fittings for wheels to make them easy to move around. I carry either one on an overhead rack, on my utility trailer.
A 10' zodiac with inflatable keel and wooden floor. I have fiitted it with a pedestal seating arrangement and use either of the motors for power. I inflate/deflate it to travel and carry it in the trailer with my supplies. Although this is a sturdy boat, I always worry about hull/pontoon damage. As far as fishing, it is the most stable and nicest one of the three to fish with, but, there is the setup/take down hassle.
The result of all this is that I use the 8' fibreglass for the majority of my trips. I can load/unload easily by myself, the electric powers it around quite well, and being 'glass is nearly indestructable.
Apologies for being long winded,
Min
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Not long winded at all. Thank you Min.
It's interesting that you and a some others on this thread have more than one boat for different purposes. I think I am going to need something that is durable, easy for one person to handle, stable and good for at least two people. Something like your 12' Harbercraft would probably work really well for all of those purposes.[..and I know there is no best craft]
If the boat is light enough for an overhead rack so much the better - that way I could postpone purchasing a trailer until I have the funds.
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I use Zodiac Fish'n Hunt 11'. Can sit 5 people. But for fly casting you can have 2 casting, one front one back and 2 kids (mine is 8 and 7yrs old) in the middle jigging or float fishing. Even with the entire boat filled with water you won't sink. For large lakes I usually mount a 9.9hp gas motor and a Maxima 45lb electric motor. Works great.
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I use a square sterned canoe a regular one. A kayak and an assortment of inflatables to get around in.
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I'm in a similar 'boat'...lol.
I would have to agree with BB that you may want to save up abit more in order to get a setup that is more substantial and you won't have to think of upgrading.
The kind of setup even in Washington from my observations are going to run you $1000us - for older equipment, ie mid 80's boat and motor, conventional V hull. So adding the exchange rate, gst, pst + applicable duty (depending on running gear) + gas and time... you're not likely going to be within your $1000 budget.
BB... that's a nice setup you have!
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Yep. I can see now that the $1000 budget is not realistic if I want the boat, trailer, electric motor etc. All the same, I will be looking for a second hand deal as long as the boat conforms to all of the things I listed in this thread. Since I am only interested in still water fishing I believe my requirements are modest and I don't think I will need to go higher that $2000 to get what I need - is that a fair assessment? [ I have been looking at whats out there second hand and I think it's realistic]
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http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/boa/971713958.html
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I think $2000 you can do it if you buy everything used. You will have a hard time finding a Maxuum used though. A few times a year Canadian Tire puts them on sale so just be on the look out for the sale.
If your going to be mostly casting I would stay away from v hulls. Unless you build a casting platform up front.
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If your going to be mostly casting I would stay away from v hulls. Unless you build a casting platform up front.
Have you ever fly fished out of a V hull boat? I do the majority of my boat fly fishing out of a 12ft Lund V hull with modded plywood floors covered in carpet, I would personally recommend small V Hulls if you could only own one boat that`s relatively inexpensive, highly versatile and safe for different water conditions and are very easy to have two people fly fish out of.
Cheers
Nuggy
Yes for many years. Never beats a flat bottom boat. Have you ever fly fished out of a true flat bottom boat? Did you not read the part about building a casting platform to make it easier or did you miss that part? Casting out of a v hull without any mods would be a pain in the butt.
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http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/boa/971713958.html
Oh yes, I spotted that one. It looks perfect for what I am would want . The only thing that appears to lack is the motor which I could purchase separately - looks like that would bring me under $2000 for sure. The only reason I am not calling up and making enquiries is job and finances will only be certain after March. (Wouldn't want to waste anybodies time until I am fully committed to making a purchase) Very tempting but I am holding off for now - just doing the research. Thanks River Walker.
Am I correct thinking this kind of boat would make a nice stable flat bottommed profile for fly fishing? Apologies for all the questions, I don't have any experience with fishing boats and I can see there are a few different opinions out there.
Thanks also for the heads up on v hulled boats. I can see I will have to do some reading on the merits/drawbacks on that type of boat.