Fishing with Rod Discussion Forum
Fishing in British Columbia => General Discussion => Topic started by: jettabambino on April 27, 2013, 07:46:55 PM
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So at first i really wanted a car topper.. But i have a 4 runner with no roof rack... So i statted thinking..maybe i should get a pontoon.... BUT i have float tube that i used half a dozen times and managed to lose a fin i the middle of ross lake... So after spending a good 3 hours bobbing..i swore on my life i would never do a tube agai
Thoughts? What do you like.. And why.. What are the pros and cons
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What are you using it for? Lakes and rivers? Are you open to a rack for your truck? A lil more info needed to answer your post
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Lakes..... No rivers. I would put a rack if needed
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10 or 12 Foot Zodiac . Just pump them up and away you go . My buddy had one we used all the time on the Fraser and lakes . We had a 25hp Mariner outboard . His Zodiac came in a heavy duty carrying bag we could throw in the trunk or the back of the truck .
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take a look at the products that Sea Eagle have. they have full out inflatable boats, frameless pontoons, etc. I think primarily for what you want an inflatable may be your best choice, just dont buy a super cheaper one or something just because its expensive. Do your homework on the boats your considering and when/if you can go and look at them with your own eyes not just online pics or at the very least look at something with comparable features
http://www.seaeagle.com
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I know lots of guys who own Aquamarines ( based out of Richmond ) and love them.
http://www.aquamarineboat.com/
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Its so interesting with all the inflatables getting recommended.. Over time do leaks not develop? I guess it would be as common as a pontoon leaking
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Get an inflatable for lake fishing....the type and size depends on where you'll fish (large, small, or pack-in remote) and if you'll fish alone or with a friend or two. Super safe and easy to transport and set up. Had a 11' Zodiac with 25hp that a buddy and I bought 15 years ago and we just sold. Never had a leak. You won't either unless there's a manufacturing flaw or you run it up on rocks or don't store it properly. I'm using a SeaEagle frameless pontoon 285FPB now http://www.wcboats.com/pontoon-boats/frameless-pontoon-boats/ (http://www.wcboats.com/pontoon-boats/frameless-pontoon-boats/) because I mostly fish alone in smaller lakes....love it. Built in rod holders and I have a small electric for it if I feel lazy. Keeps my feet dry and knees happy.
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everything "can" develop leaks over time even welded jon boats. You have to treat your toys with respect and they will last you many years. I have some fishing stuff that still look brand new after years and years of good use
whats easier to fix though, inflatable or a rivet in an aluminum ?? (my guess would be inflatable)
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Option 1 buy better quality fins. I use force fins and have finsavers. Force fins have replaceable straps so check them often. Float tubes are great for smaller lakes or if you can stay near where you launch. Best option if you want to keep it simple.
Pontoons are a step up but a lot more stuff to take and set up. Better for larger lakes but you can get stuck downwind. I had to be towed back once by my friends boat I got stuck at one end of Nimpo Lake. You get strong arms with a pontoon.
Boats rigid or inflatables are better for big lakes where you need to move. You will likely need a motor electric or gas otherwise you just row.I fish mostly in my 12ft aluminum flatbottom. Great for standing and if you are fishing with someone. Inflatables have advantages and so do aluminium. More weight carring capacity for inflatables but more of the boat is hull. I would think a better option for those that fish alone unless you get a large one. Big advantage of a boat is comfort. If you want to have a beer no problem having to run to shore and get out of you waders. Big disadvantage is now you have more stuff. Get a boat and I can guarantee you will buy more stuff. Rod holder, anchors, fishfinders, lifejackets etc. Oh and by the way now you may need to take a boating course.
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Over the years I've upgraded from a doughnut style bellyboat, to a fishcat 4, to an 8ft pontoon, to a 10ft pontoon to a 12 ft aluminum. I usually go on 10 day lake trips every year, by about day 5 you start to get picky about all the little things....
The number one reason for the change is mobility provided by an outboard or trolling motor. Nothing is worse than kicking or rowing all the way across the lake to where your buddies are only to get there and have them say "it sucks over here, we're going back to by the boat launch".
Another advantage to an aluminum boat is the superior boat control allowed by a double anchor system. Pontoons are ok, but you'll constantly be correcting yourself in the wind.
Comfort is another factor that cannot be overlooked. Having a roomy boat to stretch out in is by far more comfortable than being trapped in your seat for the day in your leaky waders.
Its also nice to be able to take out a fishing partner for the day.
With that being said, I would recommend something similar to a Lowe 1032 or equivalent. If you have the money go for something like a flyfisher.
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Forgot to mention...
Frog Boat WTF ??? ???
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As Stirling pointed out who you fish with is important. I started with a belly boat, then pontoon and went to a full size boat because the people I fish with use boats with gas motors. If you are fishing with others it is difficult is one person has different capabilities. The one with the slowest watercraft gets left behind or limits options for the others.
The size and area in which you fish has a big impact on the best alternative. How much time you wish to spend on setup is also a consideration.
A inflatable with an electric motor may be good if you do not want to buy a roof rack. I personally would not want to carry a gas in the interior of my vehicle.
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Go pick up a 1032 like sterling suggested. It will go on a roof rack no problem. When you get more cash to spend, get an electric or a small gas motor.
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I have both a float tube and a pram, and there is no comparison as to comfort levels, to the extent that I rarely ever use the tube unless the lake I'm going to is too difficult to get my pram into(ie, in the bush). I have talked to many other anglers that feel the same way. Many times I have pulled in to launch my pram and been in the water faster than people with assorted types of inflatables. If I could only have one, it would be the pram hands down.
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1032 is too narrow IMO and not fun to fish out of especially when any wind picks up. I recommended the inflatable because you said space was a concern. I personally would not want an inflatable and very happy with my Spratley.
If you really want an aluminum than buy a boat you wont be settling on. Get a 1036 or bigger and get a trailer. You can use a boat trailer or a utility trailer. Utility trailers are nice as you can also store a bunch of camping stuff in it.
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question for thw guys recommending the inflatable boats...
If they spring a leak can it be repaired or is it garbage?
also with a leak... Is it jusy a typical slow leak and you notice you lose a bit of air? Or am i gonna be scrambling to get back to shore?.
Looking for sonething i can also put my little kids in aswell
Also... Could i just put it into my suv and inflate it when i get there
Also Bobo... What boat is a sprately..
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Spratley is a brand of welded fishing boats made in BC for BC trout fishing.
http://www.spratleyboats.com/
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question for thw guys recommending the inflatable boats...
If they spring a leak can it be repaired or is it garbage?
also with a leak... Is it jusy a typical slow leak and you notice you lose a bit of air? Or am i gonna be scrambling to get back to shore?.
Looking for sonething i can also put my little kids in aswell
Also... Could i just put it into my suv and inflate it when i get there
Also Bobo... What boat is a sprately..
Some inflatables like the Aquamarine will roll up so that you inflate and assemble at shore side.
My Spratley
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/394355_10150472499161875_1817103494_n.jpg)
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What about the frog Boat Bryan?? ;D
I think one key information being missed in this discussion is where the OP wants to use the craft. Are we talking about lakes in the Lower Mainland, or lakes in the interior regions?
For lakes in the interior regions (Thomspon-Nicola, etc), I'd go with most of these recommendations (car topper, inflatable). You want to be comfortable if you are spending many hours fishing on a lake. You want a boat that can get you from point A to point B fast. You want a boat with a proper anchoring system so you don't end up spinning around when it is windy, and if often is at lakes in this region.
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I was mainly going to use it on lakes that are a hour or hour and a half away from vancouver.. I have some young kids to so it would be nice to troll also..
Maybe once in a while i am looking at doing a interior lake or thru the princeton region
.my main concern is the flat bottoms typically only do 500 pounds. I am not a small guy and fish with a ex bc lions player sometimes who is 320lbs
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There are a lot of factors to choosing a boat. The shoe has to fit to your needs! Tube = portable, light, cold water sucks. Pontoon = portable, carry heavy loads, couch like sitback, can leak, wind catcher. Aluminum = heavier, solid, can add mods, more power motors, lake drum if you drop something on the floor!
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Don't get an inflatable unless you have issues with storing a boat or handling a cartopper. Otherwise a cartopper of some sort is the best choice. The narrow 10 foot models of Jon boats are unstable. A wider model (most of wich tend to be heavy and expensive) is better. Best value will be the typical used aluminum boat of 12 feet or so.
Inflatables are far more likely to develop leaks than a tin boat. Repairs are a pain and should be done by a professional. Most field repairs are just for short term. Hypalon or polyurethane is better than PVC in these regards but both are heavier and significantly more expensive.
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If your going to have 320 lb guy in the boat, get a wide lightweight aluminum. I go fishing with a guy like that, and he has to bring the boat because mine are too tippy with him in it. I made an extension to my roof racks to fit his wide 12 foot on the vehicle.
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If two big men are fishing in a boat together your going to want a 12 foot boat. Anything smaller and you will regret your purchase.
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ya but 2 guys of 300+lbs exceed the total weight for a 12' riveted boat. Now your looking at a 14' and then if your going that route a 1448 is the perfect option. It will be incredibly stable but you will need a trailer as it will be to heavy for roof racks
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ya but 2 guys of 300+lbs exceed the total weight for a 12' riveted boat. Now your looking at a 14' and then if your going that route a 1448 is the perfect option. It will be incredibly stable but you will need a trailer as it will be to heavy for roof racks
If both guys are 300+ pounds they should be going to the gym, not to the lake. lol ;)
In all seriousness though, as others have said buy the boat that fits the situation. In your case - if you want stability, and the ability to get around, you're going to need a 12-14' aluminum I'd imagine. Anything smaller is asking for trouble.
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you will need a trailer as it will be to heavy for roof racks
Don't underestimate the power of roof racks.
(http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/01/04/article-2257030-16BBEDBC000005DC-376_964x522.jpg)
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If both guys are 300+ pounds they should be going to the gym, not to the lake. lol ;)
In all seriousness though, as others have said buy the boat that fits the situation. In your case - if you want stability, and the ability to get around, you're going to need a 12-14' aluminum I'd imagine. Anything smaller is asking for trouble.
Ummm. Both are not over 300..... Thank ou very much. Lol
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over 400 :o get a ferry :)
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Ummm. Both are not over 300..... Thank ou very much. Lol
Hahah... I was just joking, jettabambino - a tongue-in-cheek response to HOOK's reply. ;)
Hope you find the right boat!
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Rodney - the roof rack might be holding up but that car is falling apart, look how the back door is popped open as the frame is bending, not to mention the rear tires should blowout anytime LoL
what i meant is that a roof rack isnt designed for that much weight usually and the boat will be way to heavy to hoist up there alone.
Sorry for the assumption that your close or over the 300lb mark Jetta, You did say you were a big guy in an earlier post however :o
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Rodney - the roof rack might be holding up but that car is falling apart, look how the back door is popped open as the frame is bending, not to mention the rear tires should blowout anytime LoL
Come on now... I may be Chinese but I do have SOME basic vehicle knowledge... :o
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"my main concern is the flat bottoms typically only do 500 pounds. I am not a small guy and fish with a ex bc lions player sometimes who is 320lbs "
Those weight capacities are very conservative. They are for rougher water. My 12ft boat has a rating of 375lbs persons and gear. I am over 240lbs and I regularly have someone in my boat that is 300lbs along with 9.8hp gas motor and gear. I would not go for a cruise on the west coast but most lakes are fine The high sides on a 12ft Spratley would easily take you and your large friend.
I would get a 12 conventional boat and trailer in your case. By the time you put a 200lbs boat your 320lbs buddy and gear in your 4 Runner it may look like Rodney's pic.
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Come on now... I may be Chinese but I do have SOME basic vehicle knowledge... :o
BS. In Ucluelet you asked how to add air to your tires.
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BS. In Ucluelet you asked how to add air to your tires.
HA HA HA HA HA HA ;D
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Must... prove... my... driving competency... :P
(http://i217.photobucket.com/albums/cc90/fishingwithrod/2013/130501-1_zpsa98ed8bc.jpg)
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My pontoon boat is a compromise for sure, and as someone mentions, it's not convenient for group fishing. But that may be an advantage too. I voted with my wallet for a pontoon boat and haven't regretted it a bit.